ASPH or Aspherical 35 Summilux

[findwolfhard]

Hello!
Maybe this has been discussed elsewhere,- is there a significant distinction ("signature") between early "Aspherical" and later and current "Asph" ?
Or is it just a collector`s concern because of different production method?
best regards Wolfhard

 

[pfoto]

It has been discussed here and it is claimed that the aspherical (with two ground & polished aspherical surfaces) is a "better" lens than the ASPH. Only 2000 were made. It is a collector's lens I suppose so is probably very expensive. The ASPH is a fantastic lens and sharp at 1.4, you only need a smaller aperture for DOF purposes.

 

[dreamsandart]

Had an ASPH and now the aspherical. Can't say you will see any differences in real world photography. The lens seems a bit better with flare control. Both lenses are sharp with good contrast at 1.4 and good even in the close range without any noticeable light fall off, unlike the pre-ASPH version lens. Super lenses!

I feel the aspherical version is the better made lens, aperture mechanics use the older two pins instead of the now common 1, and 10 blades for a more round opening than the currant 9.

The 1st version aspherical does handle differently; a ridged focus ring to put my thumb on and smaller/softer tab for a finger which I really like together, a few mm shorter and 15grms lighter, and I much prefer the clip-on hood that goes with it rather than the newer locking hood of the ASPH version (which you can replace with a 28 Elmarit 4th version hood, basically the same as the 1st version's hood).

Is the aspherical version (if you can find one) worth the price compared to the ASPH? Well...

 

[dreamsandart]

BTW: Although 2000 of the 35 Summilux aspherical lenses were to be produced, its actual production was in the neighborhood of 700. Original cost was $4,000 back in 1988 which at the time made it way out of my hands no matter how much I wanted one. Lucky for me I got one for a few hundred dollar more than the ASPH I sold to replace it. At the price I see these going for now I still wonder if I should just sell it and buy an ASPH with some extra cash in my pocket. But its kind of fun having a piece of Leica history and this lens has gotten used to my fingers work 😉

 

[findwolfhard]

Thank you for your detailed and very interesting reply, that`s the info I hoped for! Wish me luck, maybe I can get one!
bet regards Wolfhard

 

[findwolfhard]

Hello! I closed in on a German Ebay deal! Seems to be a nice price compared to recent results. Hope its is as described! Will let you all know!
Best regs Wolf

 

[pfoto]

Congratulations Wolf! Looking forward to the feedback. 🙂

 

[Kevin]

Hello!
Maybe this has been discussed elsewhere,- is there a significant distinction ("signature") between early "Aspherical" and later and current "Asph" ?
Or is it just a collector`s concern because of different production method?
best regards Wolfhard

I have and use both lenses on different bodies and personally cannot see any difference in contrast or sharpness.

 

[findwolfhard]

I have and use both lenses on different bodies and personally cannot see any difference in contrast or sharpness.

Ok! I believe 1st version will keep its value, when used cautiously!
best regards Wolfhard

 

[findwolfhard]

aspherical

aspherical

Hello everyone! I have received it, but deal is not completed yet!
Best regards Wolfhard

 

[Kevin]

And are you enjoying your new aspherical lens, Wolfhard?
I love mine ;-)

 

[awilder]

How did you receive it without completing the deal?

 

[findwolfhard]

Asphärical

Asphärical

Hello everyone!
Sorry for being late!
So far test shots came out very nice, just as expected. Of course the lens needs to be "explored"!
Well, "not yet completed" means that the final word has not been spoken. The description was basically correct, nice cosmetics, glass clean and unmarked. But I will have to deal with the seller again, because there is a certain matter, she hasn`t mentioned in description, I will ask my lawyer for help and so no details here.
I have already filed a complaint with Ebay.
Best regards Wolfhard

 

[Hacker]

At the price I see these going for now I still wonder if I should just sell it and buy an ASPH with some extra cash in my pocket.

You should be trading it with me 😀.

 

[Kevin]

...But I will have to deal with the seller again, because there is a certain matter, she hasn`t mentioned in description, I will ask my lawyer for help and so no details here...

Would that matter involve the focus mechanism? Mine has a very slight glitch (for lack of a better word to describe the feeling) that happens when I focus at certain distances.

 

[anoldsock]

I always thought Asph was short for Aspherical...am I missing something here?

 

[furcafe]

ASPH is short for aspherical, but the 1st version was hand-ground to shape & had 2 aspherical surfaces, whereas the later (current) version is pressed into shape & has only 1 aspherical surface.

I always thought Asph was short for Aspherical...am I missing something here?

 

[pfoto]

I always thought Asph was short for Aspherical...am I missing something here?

No you're not missing anything (well, maybe you are 😉 ...). The first version of the lens has the word "Aspherical" scripted on the front rim and the second (current) version has the acronym "ASPH." there. That's how the two versions are described in common parlance so it is a bit confusing. 🙂

 

[anoldsock]

Ahhh...confusing, yes. Thanks for clearing that up. I now see the light.