4th gen 35 summicron v. 35 Biogon

[HAnkg]

The 4th generation 35mm summicron has always been a favorite of mine. I like the signature of the preASPH lenses, specifically the sharp to soft transition and the soft OOF areas. Now that the M8 has brought me back to Leica I have been looking for one.

I am wondering though if I should'nt consider the Zeiss 35mm Biogon ZM. It seems to have similar sort of Bokeh but with maybe a bit more resolution corner to corner. Plus the new price of the Biogon is the same or less then a used 4th gen 35. I've never seen these lenses compared head to head anyone have experience with both care to comment or offer examples?

 

[back alley]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14227

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32974

 

[HAnkg]

Thanks... next time I'll try search first.

 

[x-ray]

Now after shooting the Zeiss 35 for some months now i still feel it's the top 35mm in M mount. I recently won a asph summicron 35 but like the Biogon better. The Summicron is plenty sharp but it tends to be a bit harsh and will flare easier than the Biogon which I haven't been able to get to flare yet. Sharpness, contrast, smooth creamy tonality and smooth boke are characterisitc of the Biogon. As a matter of fact I'm really fallingin love with my Zeiss lenses over my Leica. I first purchased a 25 Biogon late last summer. The 25 is truly amazing in every respect. Then I purchased a 35 shortly after the 25. In the past month I purchased a Planar 50 and can't say enough good about the Planar. As to the treo that I own I like them better than any6 equivalent that I've owned in Leica glass. I am even beginning to think I like the planar over my 50 asph summilux. I sold my 35 v4 with no regrets and have kept my 21 non asph, 35 asph summicron, 50 asph summilux, 75 summilux, 90 apo asph summicron and 90 elmarit v1. Overall I feel the New generation of Leica glass is extremely sharp but trading smooth rendering for sharpness. The Zeiss glass has that smooth rendition with the sharpness of the new generation glass and extremely low flare without getting harsh. I don't know that I will be selling off my asph Leica glass but will probably retain both sets. Theres a place for both looks. I'm also waitiong for the new 85 sonnar, I think this lens will prove to outperform my apo asph 90.

 

[HAnkg]

X-ray thanks for the update. From what I've seen on Sean Reids site in the A-B comparisons between the ASPH and the ZM's - I am likeing the Zeiss look. Modern lenses, sharp edge to edge, super flair resistence but still managing to maintain some old school character.

I always gravitate to lenses that have that smooth transition from sharp to soft, dreamy OOF areas. The Canon 135/2 L, Rodenstock 150/5.6 Sironar-S, Zeiss 150/2.8 FE and the Nikkor 2.8 on the Plaubel 670 where some that come to mind. I'm looking for the same character for the M. I've just gotten a 21/2.8 preASPH (I'll use the lens at either f/2.8-3.5 or f/11-16 at those apertures it doesn't give up anything to the ASPH), a Leica 50/1.4 preASPH and the 90/4 MACRO (I have a special application in mind for this lens, we'll see how it works out). I'll add the 35 biogon and i'm done. I like to keep it simple. Although the 85/2 Sonnar may get me to add one more lens.

 

[x-ray]

HAnkg:

You like your 135 F2 L? Love mine too and the 85 f1.2 and 200 f1.8 also. Canon has some very sharp and smooth lenses. Don't have much experience with the Rodenstock view lenses but do have a great deal with Schneider and Goertz. Both the Symmar and S models have outstanding resolution and smooth transitions. Also can say the same for the Dagors and Artars from Goertz which I've used on my 8x10 for 35 years. In recent years I've had a great deal of experience with Fujinons for the LF cameras and can say they are equally outstanding. Many great lenses available and many to be discovered.

 

[Turtle]

Yes, my 135 L also made my eyeballs pop!

I also own a 35 biogon ZM and it is truly wonderful. I do not have experience os the cron IV. The Zm 35 is an incredible performer and offers all I need and want.

 

[HAnkg]

Well I ordered the 35 Biogon from Tony Rose. Thanks all for the info.

X-Ray re: the Rodenstock lenses. If I had FU money I'd get me a Littman 45s with a Rodenstock 60 mm f/4 Apo-Sironar digital HR and Leaf Aptus 33 MP back. Now that would be the ultimate digital RF.

 

[x-ray]

Well I ordered the 35 Biogon from Tony Rose. Thanks all for the info.

X-Ray re: the Rodenstock lenses. If I had FU money I'd get me a Littman 45s with a Rodenstock 60 mm f/4 Apo-Sironar digital HR and Leaf Aptus 33 MP back. Now that would be the ultimate digital RF.

Excellent! You'll love the lens.

I'd love to try the Littman with the Aptus and 60 combo. There's been something tugging at me recently and the high MP backs are beginning to look interesting. I think I would look into one for my Hasselblads though.

 

[HAnkg]

With Canon supposedly bringing a 22MP 1Ds III to market this year, I'm not so sure there will be a market niche left for $30,000 backs. Well, you can always get the Littman 45s with a 150 Sironar-S and an old grafmatic back loaded with 4x5 TriX 🙂