35mm lenses, f2 or f1.4

[leica M2 fan]

I've become very interested in obtaining a quality lens for the M2. Either f2 or 1.4 is ok, I don't do a lot of wide open shooting but it would be nice. Am mainly interested in sharpness and would like something with contrast. If any lenses fit the bill that are a little soft as far as contrast that is ok. I presently have a Jup-8 that is very nice but I want something faster but it is a great lens. Any comments are welcomed.Used preferred with a budget of around $1600 USD. Thanks.

 

[Xmas]

J12 is ok but only f2.8, spend money on 28mm cv.

Noel

 

[furcafe]

Lot of opinions on this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35652

 

[RF-Addict]

I have the CV 35 f/1.9 and it is a great lens - small and very sharp and very reasonably priced.

 

[M4streetshooter]

I hate to say this...I have a few Summilux's and a few Summicrons...but now I'm just loving the Ziess 35mm 2.0 Biogon....I'm using it mainly on my Rd but even on my M's...it shines above the other 2...did I say that?

 

[RF-Addict]

Sorry, I meant the 35 f/1.7 - time for a drink, I guess!

 

[venchka]

Two for one

Two for one

...Used preferred with a budget of around $1600 USD. Thanks.

Pick two from this list. Even new, you'll have some or a lot of change left over.

Zeiss 35mm 2.0 Biogon, as mentioned above.
C/V 35mm 1.7 Ultron, as mentioned above.
C/V 35mm 1.2 Nokton
C/V 28mm 1.9 Ultron

Good luck!

 

[BillBingham2]

For what it's worth, take a look at the CV 40/1.4. I had mine tweaked to bring up the 35mm frame lines on my M6 and it's great. I have a 35/1.7, like it, but love the new 40. I also have a 'cron 35/2 that I love it, but use the 40 because the replacement cost is much less if it gets trashed.

B2 (;->

 

[back alley]

I hate to say this...I have a few Summilux's and a few Summicrons...but now I'm just loving the Ziess 35mm 2.0 Biogon....I'm using it mainly on my Rd but even on my M's...it shines above the other 2...did I say that?

no need to hate to say it.

the truth will set you free!

😉

 

[M4streetshooter]

no need to hate to say it.

the truth will set you free!

😉

Ain't that the truth brother....and that thruth is that the Biogon is a great lens...not so cheap either.....but definately worth every $

besides, he's lloking at spending around $1600.00...that get's a 35 Biogon and even a 28mm Ultron...plus money for a few nice day trips....later don

 

[venchka]

2 is better than 1

2 is better than 1

...
$1600.00...that get's a 35 Biogon and even a 28mm Ultron...plus money for a few nice day trips....later don

That's what I said. 😀

 

[Kyle]

$1600 will get you pretty much any normal production 35mm lens out there (used), except for the 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH, which will run you $1900-ish. Pretty much any modern lens will have good contrast and sharpness. So go ahead and take your pick.

If f/2 is all you need, then get the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon. Its a real winner. Plus, you can get it new for $500 less than you'd pay for a 35/2 Summicron ASPH used!

If you want f/1.4 then as far as I know, your only choices are the 35/1.4 Summilux and the 35/1.2 Nokton. The Nokton is huge, the pre-ASPH Summilux is tiny, and the ASPH Summilux is average sized (and still MUCH smaller than the Nokton). The problem with the pre-ASPH 'lux is it only focuses to 1m, whereas the ASPH 'lux and the Nokton focus to .7m (the minimum focus was an issue for me when picking a fast 35). There is also the 40/1.4 Nokton which is a great lens and is probably the best choice in terms of size, speed, and price.

 

[Shac]

Isn't this (35's) where size might be a factor in the decision? As you all probably know, among the 35/2's the preAsph and one before that are all v. small and first rate performers.
Shac

 

[sepiareverb]

I'd look at the zeiss, but don't rule out the summicron asph used- super sharp and very compact. I've been using mine more and more.

 

[venchka]

Isn't this (35's) where size might be a factor in the decision? As you all probably know, among the 35/2's the preAsph and one before that are all v. small and first rate performers.
Shac

True enough. With $1,600 a fellow could get a v. 3 Summicron and 28mm Ultron and some change for film and road trips. 😀

 

[colinh]

And another vote for the Zeiss Biogon 35/2.

While you're at it, you could get the Biogon 25/2.8 as well....


I'm not fussed about f/1.4, f/2 or f/2.8 on wide angles since for me, fast lenses are for getting narrow DOF. Which you don't get on wide angles anyway.

colin

 

[leica M2 fan]

Huge Thanks To ALL !

Huge Thanks To ALL !

Thanks for all the responses, it is truly great to hear everyone's ideas, I'll be posting what I decide in the future. There is a wealth of information and knowledge here at RFF. Wonderful. 🙂 🙂

 

[peter_n]

I'm late, but here's another thought: the Konica Hexanon-M 35/2. You can only buy this lens used but it is very highly thought of.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Re: Hexanon lens

Re: Hexanon lens

I have considered this lens from all the write ups on this forum, thanks.
I would certainly buy used Leica or Zeiss glass if I could get a like-new or excellent, I'm looking out on the FS sites for the Hex. I've seen several at the KEH site like this. 😀