Fuji X-E1 with a Leica 35mm Summicron

[Range-rover]

Hi all,

Been thinking of getting a 35mm f2 summicron but wondering how
it will work with the Fuji X-E1. I'm thinking of the version 3, any info
would be great.

Thanks

 

[oltimer]

I have that lens and the XE-2. Remember it will become a 50. I sure love the 23 1.4 Fuji put out as a 35mm; as it is tack sharp through out.

 

[rybolt]

Try it before you buy. The XE1 is not as easy to focus manually as the XE2 and XT1.

 

[geertvn]

I wouldn't buy it specifically to use with a Fuji.

I have the lens and only used it for a couple of frames wide open, but the image quality suffered so much already around the edges of the frame that it became really really difficult even to focus the lens with the outer focusing points (with evf highest magnification). The results might be doable after after correcting fringing and lens aberrations in post, but I don't know. Closing down the aperture will probably yield better results, but then the question remains whether there are no better and/or cheaper alternatives.

Quite surprising actually on an APS-C sensor.

 

[Range-rover]

That's what I was thinking the focusing might be a problem with the X-E1 the
focus peaking is not the best.

Range

 

[geertvn]

I never use peaking on Fujis, it's just not precise enough. Too many things are showed being in focus while they can't be because they're in different planes. You can see the amount of peaking augment or diminish, so practise will help eventually, but it doesn't work for me.

(Although the resolution of the evf is lower, I find it a lot easier to manually focus lenses on the X-pro1 than on the X-e1. Moreso when I can maintain a relativele fast shutter speed, 1/125 or faster.)

 

[sebastel]

i tried both a v.2 and a n asph summicron on the X-T1, and found the asph to show a lot of smearing off-center. not so the v2, which was only a bit "glowy" wide open.

all in all, the fuji 35mm f/1.4 simply is a better choice.

 

[raid]

I would not buy a Summicron with the main goal to be used on a Fuji. Buy the Fuji lenses instead. I use the Summicron on the M3 for film, and on the M8 and M9 for digital.

 

[Pablito]

I do own two XT1's but I only use the Leica lenses on the Sony NEX series (and a6000). Even then, I find anything shorter than a 50 does not give great results.

 

[Jim Evidon]

Hi all,

Been thinking of getting a 35mm f2 summicron but wondering how
it will work with the Fuji X-E1. I'm thinking of the version 3, any info
would be great.

Thanks

I've had the 35mm Summicron on my Leica M9-P. Nice lens, but I think the Zeiss 35mm Biogon is a better lens for a lot less money. That is what I use, but only on my Leica. Less flare, better contrast and tack sharp. But, better than either on your FujiX is the 35mm f1.4 FujiX lens which I use on my Fuji XPro-1.
Why give up the advantage of autofocus + manual focus, if you prefer, with the Fuji f1.4 for an old design Summicron? You may have Leica bragging rights if anyone else cares, but the Fuji X 35mm is truly a fine lens. If your aim is a compact manual RF lens, then go with the Zeiss Biogon instead of the Summicron as it is a lot less money and, IMO, a better lens.

 

[SixtiesM2]

If you want a Summicron, the v3 is excellent. You can get essentially the sam e lens in the 40mm Summicron-C lens, or the Minolta successor, for far less.

If you already have any of these, you are in good shape!

If you need to buy something in that focal length, the Fuji 35mm or the Touit 32 are at least as good, just different, maybe better, maybe not, depending on taste. Both have the added value of a functioning f-stop ring, to go with autofocus.

At the price, the recent AF lenses are clear winners. The Touit is now $499, at your favorite internet retail outlets.

 

[Jim Evidon]

If you want a Summicron, the v3 is excellent. You can get essentially the sam e lens in the 40mm Summicron-C lens, or the Minolta successor, for far less.

If you already have any of these, you are in good shape!

If you need to buy something in that focal length, the Fuji 35mm or the Touit 32 are at least as good, just different, maybe better, maybe not, depending on taste. Both have the added value of a functioning f-stop ring, to go with autofocus.

At the price, the recent AF lenses are clear winners. The Touit is now $499, at your favorite internet retail outlets.

The Summicron C is a not as good a lens as the Leica Summicron. It was made to go with the Minolta-Leica compact film camera. It is 40mm; an odd focal length. I know because I had one and I know that, while it is says Summicron and is pretty good, it is not as good as the Summicron v.3. I got rid of mine and bought a Zeiss 35mm Biogon and a 50mm Planar. Those two lenses cost less than a used Ex++ Summicron v.3 and are at least as good if not better lenses.

 

[goamules]

It depends on what you want in a lens. If you want character, and manual focus, get the Leica. If you want "cell phone perfect" get a modern Fuji. Honestly, I can't understand why people think there is only one answer in a small format lens. That it must be the ultimate in sharp, flat, contrasty. I like personality, personally. You can take fascinating photos with any lens. And yes, if you photograph enough, you can focus a manual lens on a lowly XE-1. I have only shot legacy lenses on my XE-1 for 2 years - I don't have a single auto focus lens. Nether did generations of photographers before me.

 

[DwF]

The Fuji 35 1.4

The Fuji 35 1.4

FWIW I love the Summicron lenses and have owned versions 1, 4 and asph. All wonderful lenses. I tried (informal test but it makes my point here) the version 4 that I own currently on my XE 2 side by side with Fuji 35mm 1.4

I have to disagree that the Fuji is "cellphone" perfect (not sure what is meant there) as the Fuji lens does beautifully in bringing all the qualities I've known and loved about 35mm Summicrons to life on the XE2 and would imagine the XT1 to be similar.

And as mentioned here in a previous post or two, the auto focus and handling on a Fuji body is an added bonus. I think the Fuji 35mm 1.4 even has the edge over the 35 Summicron on a Fuji camera body.

The 50mm Summicron, that's another story!

David

 

[leica M2 fan]

It would be great to see posts of pictures with this lens (Fuji 35/1.4).

 

[willie_901]

It would be great to see posts of pictures with this lens (Fuji 35/1.4).

This is a starting point for your request.

 

[xtrac1]

...but I think the Zeiss 35mm Biogon is a better lens for a lot less money.

I agree.

I use the ZM 2/35 on my X-E1 quite often, I'm a 50mm FOV kind of guy. I'm very pleased with the size, weight and image quality.

Bought it used on Ebay for $5XX and it's a decent value IMO.

I only use manual focus lenses on my X-E1 so I can't comment on how it compares to the Fuji X lens line up.

The new ZM 1,4/35 Distagon is a very nice lens but the price is a bit too high. I'll wait a few years for used copies on Ebay 😀

 

[Range-rover]

I didn't go for a Summicron I picked up a Minolta 28mm f2.8 M really nice
lens.

Range

 

[Darthfeeble]

My only Leica glass is a 50mm Summicron and I don't see any improvement or even difference over the native glass from Fuji. I confess that I find the autofocus function is to my liking.

 

[Range-rover]

My next lens is going to be a Fuji either a 18mm or 23mm lens.

Range