35mm lens for under $1000?

[Dunn]

Hey y'all,
I just purchased a Leica M-P type 240 and loving it so far.
Currently, I have two lenses a Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 PII and a Leica 50mm summicron v3 (although I'm a little confused because it looks like a v3 but the serial number says it was made in 1968 but I didn't think v3 came until 1969).
Anyway, I'm mainly looking to get a faster 35mm, at least f2.
Trying to keep it under $1000.
Thinking of these:
The new Voitglander f2 ultron
Canon f2 LTM (no experience with screw mounts but I like the price)
Konica m-hexanon (top end of my budget, is it too big?)
Or I could maybe swing an old version summicron if I sell some things and find one for a good price.
Not really a fan of the photos I've seen from the nokton
Any other lenses I should be looking at?
Cheers!
Ben

 

[Bill Blackwell]

If I were in the market for a 35mm f/2 M mount lens today - at any price - I would most likely buy the Ultron; its performance seems to rival the Asph Summicron. But if your PII works for you I'd say don't change it. You'd only be gaining about half-a-stop!

 

[newst]

There is the M mount 7Artisans 2/35, and TTArtisans 1.4/35. In LTM there are the Voigtlander 1.7/35 Ultron and Canon 1.8/35.

 

[Beemermark]

I have a 35mm Summicron & a Canon LTM 35mm/2. Go for the Canon. Just make sure you get a good copy.

 

[jsrockit]

Zeiss Biogon 35mm F2 and F2.8 ZM lenses are both great. That new CV 35mm Ultron is nice too. I would avoid the Canon 35mm F2... It was a good alternative to Leica before Zeiss and Voigtlander made their lenses, but I feel it’s overrated vs. what we have available these days under $1000...especially on digital. It is small though!

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Color Skopar 35mm f/1.7 LTM is very good if you can get a copy with good glass.


Erik.

 

[raid]

If China starts again exporting stuff, I would get a Summicron-Replica 35/2. It seems to be a perfect copy of the 8 element Summicron.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

At that price point (or any price point really) I can’t recommend the Voigt 35/f2 highly enough. It’s really that good.

 

[dourbalistar]

I have the Canon 35/2, and it's a really compact lens. Compared to the Voigtlander, the Canon is cheaper and probably has a more "classic" rendering, whatever that means. If it's helpful to see image samples, there's a few threads here on the forum:

Canon 35/2:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111014

Voigtlander 35/2 Ultron
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167453

 

[philosli]

The Zeiss ZM 35mm F/2 is within your price range, brand new:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Carl-Z...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

The optical performance is on par with Leica Summicron 35mm ASPH (based on the published MTF charts from Zeiss and Leica, and also from some online comparisons.)

 

[Huss]

Get the all new Voigtlander 35 1.2 VIII from the head bartender.

https://shop.cameraquest.com/voigtl...voigtlander-35mm-f/1.2-nokton-iii-aspherical/

 

[aizan]

There aren't many options so it should be an easy choice!


Under $1000, compact, at least f/2, modern rendition:

- 35mm f/2 Voigtlander Ultron


A bit larger, but has everything else:

- 35mm f/1.7 Voigtlander Ultron
- 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss Biogon ZM

 

[Ko.Fe.]

35 1.4 Nokton II VM. If you are not afraid of fast lenses. Otherwise what is the point in f2 lens if you already have good on digital 2.5?

 

[Beemermark]

The Summicron and Canon are very small, excellent performers. The Zeiss and VC 35/1.4 are huge in comparison, blocking part of the VF even without a hood.

 

[Brian Legge]

The VC 35/1.4 is relatively small. Closer to pre-asph summilux size.

The VC 35/1.2 is the big one. Its closer in size to the Zeiss 35/1.4

 

[leicapixie]

If it was my decision, why bother?
You have 2 good lenses, why bother?
I use an old 35mm f2.8 Summaron with goggles.
It's a stunning lens, way better than my previous goggles Summicron..stolen.
We are point of entering a new era in the world.
Make images, use your ISO higher, digital ain't film.
"It" sees in the dark!

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

The Summicron and Canon are very small, excellent performers. The Zeiss and VC 35/1.4 are huge in comparison, blocking part of the VF even without a hood.

I think you may have your Voigtlander's mixed up. The 35/f1.4 Nokton is tiny, especially for an f1.4...

 

[Ko.Fe.]

And VM 35 1.2 latest version is not big anymore.

 

[jsrockit]

Be careful of focus shift on the CV 35mm 1.4 Nokton on digital...

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Version II of this lens was tested by real users. They reported focus shift to be within DOF on digital M.
Focus shift is not rare on digital M. All 50 Crons I have tested on digital M had focus shift.