35mm Summicron IV vs. 35mm Summilux Pre-ASPH vs. Zeiss Biogon f2 vs. VC Nokton f1.2

I had a V1 pre-asph summilux with goggles and no haze. It didn't resolve any better than my late V2 and the V1 flared worse with bright lights. Maybe it was sample variation, but I didn't see any reason to keep it over the V2 (especially with the goggles on the V1).
 
MikeL said:
I had a V1 pre-asph summilux with goggles and no haze. It didn't resolve any better than my late V2 and the V1 flared worse with bright lights. Maybe it was sample variation, but I didn't see any reason to keep it over the V2 (especially with the goggles on the V1).
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Yes, the late V2's are improved - especially when Made in Germany - but I was talking about the early ones, those with a number beginning with "222...." and an "infinity stop". These lenses are usually more expensive than the later ones, but I can't recommend them.

Erik.
 
Erik van Straten said:
Can you show that with examples? I would very much like to see them.

I have both lenses too, right on this moment. I see a huge difference, urban myth or not.

Erik.
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Can you show me the vast difference? If there is one, it's likely to be down to variation in individual samples.

It's a myth and I'm not alone in holding that view. The steel rim had cosmetic differences only. Technically it was the same lens until the formula was recomputed and improved from around serial number 216 xxxx, So, anything after 216 xxxx is the better lens.

Ernst
 
ernstk said:
It's a myth and I'm not alone in holding that view. The steel rim had cosmetic differences only. Technically it was the same lens until the formula was recomputed and improved from around serial number 216 xxxx, So, anything after 216 xxxx is the better lens.

Ernst
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I would like to know what your source is of this information.

OK, I'll show you some samples. Actually I have 3 lenses: 177xxxx, 206xxxx and 222xxxx. First 177xxxx:

Leica M5, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 pre asph steel rim 177xxxx, Tmax400. (Extreme sharpness over the whole field.)

25481041072_4006eec1e1_c.jpg


Leica M5, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 pre asph steel rim 206xxxx (full aperture), Tmax400

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Leica MP, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 pre asph 222xxxx, Tmax400. (Medium f/stop, only central part of the image is sharp.)

23332267214_08704ff764_c.jpg


Erik.
 
Thanks for all the posts, really helpful and continues to be an interesting discussion on the merits of all the options, all of which are pretty damn great really.

Yes, 'piece of junk' is overstating things, but (subjectively, imho, with the copies I had etc...) the 35 v4s I had always felt a little too fragile for my own personal liking - but of course ymmv and variation in condition is extremely high in all of these lenses that can be 30+ years old.

A quick look at ebay shows me the 'steel rim' now commands a price between $7000 and $20,000 US Dollars!! (potentially the same cost as 25 x 40-Summicron-Cs!!)
That closes the door very firmly on that option unfortunately!

I'll have another review of this thread - thanks for the images Erik - and reconsider what it is I really want.
 
coogee said:
Any original posters from the thread still around and have updated opinions?
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Yes, actually! I said I hated the Biogon, and I did. However, I ended up with another Biogon recently, not expecting to keep it, and to my surprise it's much much better than I remember. Either this is a better copy, or my opinion has shifted.
 
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