Examples of the King of Bokeh (4th 35pre-asph cron)?

Flyfisher Tom

Flyfisher Tom

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I've always been curious about the moniker this lens has earned, the King of Bokeh. Can members who own this lens post some examples of what they love most about the bokeh of this lens? What apertures create the most pleasing bokeh in your experience? thanks
 
very nice shots, Peter.. that bokeh is very much like my Sonnar 50/1.5 (which I also consider a bokeh diety)
 
Man.. the fall off from that lens is beautiful.

I hate you guys for doing this to me.. (yet again) :D

Cheers
Dave
 
My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said "a 4th version 35mm Summicron with clean glass". She said "I wouldn't have a clue as to how to find one, so if you don't mind not being surprised, you can buy it for yourself". I said, "OK honey, if you insist!".

I have only had time to run 3 rolls of Tri-X through it. I have souped the first in 1:1 XTOL, and will soup the 2nd when I finish typing this. The negs look very promising. I will scan when I get home tonight and post some results.

- robert
 
Comparison: 4th 'Cron vs. Lux ASPH

Comparison: 4th 'Cron vs. Lux ASPH

Here are two shots taken just minutes apart. This one is with the 35/2 Summicron Ver 4 at f/2:
http://users.2alpha.com/~pklein/currentpics/PaulChun03.htm

And this one is with the 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH at f/1.4:
http://users.2alpha.com/~pklein/currentpics/PaulChun00.htm

This pair of shots really give a feeling for the difference between the "classic" and modern Leica lens look. Of course the difference is exaggerated, as the 'Cron is at f/2 and 1/30, and the Lux ASPH is f/1.4 at 1/60th.

These shots cost me a *lot* of money. The Lux ASPH belonged to my friend. After seeing how good it was wide open, I bought one for myself. But I like the 'Cron so much that I could not bear to sell it. So I use both. The Lux ASPH when I know I'll need all the speed I can get, and the 'Cron for everywhere else.

I really prefer the 'Cron's look, but sometimes I like to play in the dark.

--Peter
 
here's one from my 35 summicron 4th version, stolen a few years back :(
 
Peter Klein said:
I really prefer the 'Cron's look ...

--Peter
Click to expand...

Peter,

It is a close call, but from those two photos, I'd have to agree with you. There is something more pleasing about the Cron's look over the Lux (with your noted caveat that the Lux was shot at 1.4).
 
I like a lot this lense, but Is the only M mount I own by the minute.
The other lenses I own are very good but what I like most is the high contrast and the long throw of the focus tab that would be the secret of the nice boke?
Here is a sample taken at a guitar concert.
1/30 f/2
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=21926&cat=500&ppuser=805
This other one shot at a friend place, very low light
1/30 F/2
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=22065&cat=500&ppuser=805

The real dilema is if to take pictures with a vintage look (low contrast) not to sharp, or High Contrast sharp mordern lenses.
 
Very nice images. Backgrounds are soooooo smooth.
How does one tell if they have one of these lenses (if you don't already know)? Serial number?
 
I think matu's right. The question is vintage vs modern. Forgiving for aging faces vs harshly sharp. Lower contrast vs high. Bokeh is lovely but it's the rendition of the eyes and face that draw me in, and I need a pleasing softness. Know where to find both? I don't, so I'm looking, looking.
 
For comparison, here's a shot with the ASPH version.

U1665I1131273045.SEQ.0.jpg
 
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Matu: I really like that second shot. OT, but I keep the corks from winebottles as well. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but it is sort of like a scrapbook for me... the corks remind me of each bottle consumed. Some day I'll use the corks to make something. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Earl
 
Although I do not like put the adjectives best/worst/king... to photographs, lens... I have seen almost always the description of this lens like the best bokeh 35mm lens.

Well, I like the photos that the members post. Have a great sharp and contrast at full aperture but I cant appreciate well the bokeh qualities at this size...

I felt curiosity about the other great 35 mm lens of leica apart the summilux: the summaron...

Since I use the Olympus Xa, I have no doubts about the lens that I prefer when I shoot in the street: the 50 mm. The 35 mm is wide for me... I prefer the 50 mm view because you concrete more the perspective... But this is other subject... :)
 
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