Leica LTM Best 3.5cm lens for my Leica IIIc/IIIf?

[doitashimash1te]

I have two Leica III bodies: a IIIc and a IIIf.
But only one lens, which is a Summitar 1:2/50.
I want to buy a wider lens.

What would be the best (in terms of image quality) 3.5cm lens around?
(I guess that would be a Leitz, but which one?)
And what should I expect to pay for it?

Also, I don't have an external viewfinder. What would be the best pick (no matter what brand) with framelines for (at least) 3.5 and 5.0cm?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[FrankS]

I suggest a CV35f2.5 ($175 used) for a modern contrasty result, and a Summaronf3.5 (about $225 used depending on condition) for a more vintage look.

 

[Dralowid]

I'd recommend the Summaron for LTM and M use. It's a great little lens and not one of the most expensive. Beautifully made.

The 35mm Elmar has never done it for me and doesn't seem to be on a par with it's 50mm and 90mm cousins.

Having said all that I suspect this is one of the focal lengths where the CV lenses excel.



Michael

 

[payasam]

Having had two examples of the Summaron 35/3.5, I can testify to the image quality of the lens. Just do not use it without a hood. Thinking that Daniel and many others are right, I shall probably look for a Jupiter 12 to use on my Zorki.

The Leica finder for 35 mm is insanely expensive. The CV one is said to be good.

 

[laptoprob]

How about the Canon/Serenar 35/2,8? Especially the first generation is quite small.

 

[Krosya]

Ultron 35/1.7 - hard to beat

 

[FrankS]

I forgot about the J12 f2.8 and the Canon f2.8. They would be good too, and the J12 can be had for $50 or so.

 

[OldNick]

I agree with Daniel. I use a 1987 Jupiter 12 and a CV finder on my Leica IIIf RD. It makes a very well balanced kit that suits my style of shooting.

Jim N.

 

[jkelly]

I bought a Canon Serenar 35/3.2 with finder and box in perfect condition for under $70 about 6 months ago. I think the seller had listed it under "lenses to fit Canon" and neglected to include a listing under "lenses to fit Leica," which probably cost him. Anyway, I don't think its anywhere near the highest quality, but its good quality, and you can't beat the price.

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

After trying a 35mm Summaron F3.5, a few years ago, I bought a 35mm F2.5 Nikkor for about $300. The lens is the same physical size as the Summaron, has a hard coating and none of the problems associated with earlier Leica glass....hazing, cleaning marks.

Because the glass is so recessed in the lens mount a shade is mostly unnecessary. The lens is very sharp and has excellent tone and contrast qualities......plus it does have the speed. Quality of construction and materials is unsurpassed...by any lens, new or old.

 

[raid]

My current testing of 35mm lenses offers many choices based on the results. Take a look ...

Raid

 

[Xmas]

I use a J12 in a LTM to M adapter on my M.

Noel

 

[John Elder]

There always seem to be 1 or 2 canon 35/2.8 serenars with finder(parallax corrected) with leather case on the bay. High resolution lens with moderate contrast. I like it more than the CV35/2.5 which is also good. You should be able to pick up the Canon with finder for less than 200. I did and I am very pleased with it.

 

[SDK]

Also the Nikkor LTM 35mm/1.8 RF lens is supposed to be great. But they are rare, so good ones will sell now for over $1,000-1,300 US.

 

[raid]

There always seem to be 1 or 2 canon 35/2.8 serenars with finder(parallax corrected) with leather case on the bay. High resolution lens with moderate contrast. I like it more than the CV35/2.5 which is also good. You should be able to pick up the Canon with finder for less than 200. I did and I am very pleased with it.

I also think that the Canon 35mm/2.8 is a great little lens at an excellent price.

Raid

 

[NIKON KIU]

Get a Nikkor 3.5cm f2.5 in Screw-mount. Tom A. thinks very highly of this lens and he is been shooting Leica for 50 years.

Kiu

 

[richard_l]

I plan on using my 35mm f/3.5 Summaron and a metal CV 35mm finder with my IIf. Lenses that old should always be checked for haze, but a clear Summaron can be a marvelous lens, with excellent contrast and definition.

 

[Rico]

After hearing "Everyone should experience a Barnack before they die" for the hundredth time, I begin to believe it. 🙂 I think a IIIc is about my speed, although I noticed the chrome problem on several eBay samples. Is this affliction widespread?

In answer to the OP, I have the Summaron 35/2.8 and it performs like a dream. With its sharpness and personality, it can compete with the Summicron 35 Version 1 and ASPH. It is quite inexpensive, too. All of these are uncommon in LTM.

I would certainly add the C/V 35 metal finder to my shopping basket.

 

[doitashimash1te]

Thank you all for your valuable input!

I was lucky and found a Summaron 3.5/35 in nice condition for 150 euro ($200). The seller lives in Belgium, and I will pick it up later this week.

Now all I need is an adapter so I can use it on my M6 as well (different thread) and the C/V 35 metal viewfinder.

Edit: oh, and a lens hood of course!

 

[doitashimash1te]

Got it! Here's a shot (with M2), taken this morning in Belgium when I picked up the lens.