Help me to understand the price of 35/2 summicron.

A

AutismKid

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New to this stuff. Among all the 35/2 lenses made 20 or more years ago, why are some priced at $1500 or higher, and some priced at $900 range, given they are all cosmetically excellent?

Thanks.
 
simple answer

simple answer

Yes they are worth it and then some. Depending on which version you choose, you will get different results. Some swear by v1, others prefer the 3 or asph. I like them all but only have the 1 & 3 pre asph.
The choices are varied as well as the prices. Check Fliker for the different lenses, and choose the one you want/can afford and buy it.
Don't overlook Zeiss or CV lenses. Good glass and prices are much less than Leica.
 
The summicron 35 IV is a little gem of a lens; I have it and use it as my go-to around town lens. I think the 3rd version is less costly but is optically similar.
 
I have the version 3, picked it up for about 800 dollars, it certainly renders a more classic looking image, very ideal for black and white photos actually, the negatives are easy to work with in the darkroom, also the scans are nice too. If you go for a modern ASPH version you will get a lens that is probably as sharp as sharp can be with this focal length and with a lot of contrast too. Overall a more modern tone/color in the picture. Most people prefer the version 4 pre asph lens which is legendary in is reprodution of out of focus shapes and has greatly added to its price as people are willing to pay a premium for such a lens. I was happy with my version 3 though, much cheaper and a classic lens for black and white, when I want those modern qualities, especially for color, I use my Zeiss 28mm Biogon which is a cracker of an optic.
 
Lens reputations from internet chit-chat and collectors. Some made in Canada, some in Germany. Take a look on flickr and see which version you like the look of then get that one. They are all good in their different ways.
 
Types 1 & 4 are regarded by the image cognoscenti as "special". Especially the lenses made in Germany. ;)
 
The V4 is a different optical formula from the 2 and 3, with 7 elements rather than 6. It also has allegedly superior bokeh, hence its 'bokeh king' title.

I had a V3, since sold it for I find the Summicron C as good, if not better. The V4 has a great look, but I actually think if you're a OOF fiend the Zeiss Biogon 35/2 looks terrific (altho it isn't as enticingly compact as the V4) - I remember reading one guru describing how she's sold the former for the latter.

The V4 (like the V1) is relatively rare, and there has been an economic boom. Is there still one now?
 
Peter - nailed it. Version one is out of sight in pricing and I believe much of the value is due to Tom A.'s comments years back that it was/is the finest version of the 35 Summicron's.... and Version IV is the "King of Bokeh."

Dan
 
The OP seems interested in accounting for differenes in price. Things that are insignificant performance-wise affect price a lot, such as whether the lens is chrome, black, or black paint.... Black paint is more expensive generally, apparently few Summicron IV were made in chrome, then there's the titanium finishes....
 
I doubt that I said it was the best 35 Summicron. I like the 35 version 1, but only for flashbacks to the 60's. By todays standard it is not the sharpest, not the highest resolving one either. However, coupled with tri X and D76 - Man, what a trip!
The version 2 with the tabbed aperure control is actually a very good lens and though the tab takes a while to get used to - it is quite a good performer. Some people feels it is not as good as the Version III, but I have never seen that much difference.
I like the version III personally. I kept knocking the tab loose on my Version 2 and between them I cant see much difference, if any between the II and III.
The version IV is one of those lenses that has gotten some weird "mystical" quality to it. It is good overall, but wide open performance is just middle of the road today. The bokeh, or "fuzzy stuff" is less harsh than the Asph Summicron, but as to why they are so expensive, I dont know, but then who can explain Leica pricing!
Mechanical quality is better on the early ones! The version IV can suffer from aperture rings failing and also from the front element pack coming loose (not falling off, just rattling a bit). The "no plastic part" version III
feels more solid.
If you are looking for a "shooter" - look out for a version III (and get the hood with it) or even consider the VC 35f2.5II or, if you can handle the size, the ZM 35f2.0. I havent had much experience with the UC Hexanon, but the few rolls I shot with one looked fine.
You will have trouble finding a bad 35 for a M-mount. Any manufacturer knows that this is one of the prime lenses for Rf's and is going to make sure that whatever they make is going to be as good as the price allows for.
 
Summicron 35's

Summicron 35's

Tom has nailed it perfectly. Read and be advised, I've read loads of rubbish on this subject over many years.

Cheers,

normclarke
 
I bought the version 2 with the tabbed aperture ring. At first the tab was annoying, but once you get used to it, it's fine. The lens is more low profile than the other versions, so I can slip an M6 with the version 2 into a coat pocket with no problem. The optical quality is excellent, I suppose the other versions are just better from what people say.
 
I have the v1 and the v4. The v1 is of awesome build and construction and a wonderful lens optically too. The v4 is a minimal (as in tiny) monster (as in awesome) but it doesn't have the build of the early v1. If you want a slightly slower (2.8) v1-like build 35mm at less than half the price of the 8-element v1, try a Summaron. I just put one of the two I have in the Classifieds ;)
 
In general it's a great lens. Perfect mix of speed, size, handling and most importantly image quality. Some might be sharper or faster or cheaper but the Summicron is the perfect mix.

I've only used the v3 which I picked up for $700 something dollars and I use it 95% of the time. I could live with it as my only lens and pretty much do. I love the focus tab, build quality and rendition. Can't imagine needing or wanting another lens in this focal length.

Prior to it I had the 40mm Summicron which had the same excellent rendition but I disliked the focal length, too in between. I find 35mm to be able to look "regular" or "wide" depending on how it's used. So it feels incredibly versatile to me.

Don't worry too much about this version or that version just find one in user condition for a decent price, buy it and use it. If you buy another 35mm lens you'll always be wanting one so in effect it's cheaper than buying two non summicrons.
 
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