How to spend $1000 on glass

[capitalK]

Essentially I have nothing for my Bessa R2A, the lenses I am using are on loan.

I really want a nice 35mm and I am thinking about the Biogons. I don't want to collect a bunch of lenses, I pretty much want to buy one lens. My first choice is a 35mm Cron but I haven't seen them quite that cheap since I started looking.

Anything else I should be considering?

 

[ferider]

Get a v3 cron. Best of the pre-asph anyways 🙂

 

[Rafael]

Get a v3 cron. Best of the pre-asph anyways 🙂

Agreed 100%.

 

[Don Parsons]

Forgive me if I ask a noob question, but how do you tell which version you're looking at, by serial #?

 

[thomasw_]

I agree with Roland and Rafael.

 

[ferider]

Forgive me if I ask a noob question, but how do you tell which version you're looking at, by serial #?

I was referring to the E39 version with serial somewhere between 2,646,001 - 2,874,000. No "wings" on the aperture ring. Should run around US 800 in good used condition. The 2nd version is optically identical but less nice to handle, IMO.

From our bartender:

35/2 Summicron. This is a fine lens in all versions, but is a bit confusing with five optical versions and many variations. Considered sharper than either version of the Summarons. Generally the later the version, the better. All versions have a convenient focusing lever.

* First version 1958-1969 chrome, Two versions, with "eyes" and without. "Eyes" were a viewfinder attachment built into the lens which converted the 50 frame on the M3 to a 35 viewing field. The exact same idea used on the later 135/2.8 Elmarit to give it a larger frameline. The M2 version slightly outnumbers the M3 "eyes" version. 8 elements. Likely to be acquired fogged from original owner, see Fogging. The M3 version focused to 26," the M2 and later versions focused to 28."
* Second version 1969-1973 chrome from 2316001, has a little aperture control lever rather than traditional aperture control ring, 6 elements
* Third version 1973-1979 black only from 2646001, E39 filter or Series VII/hood 6 elements
* Fourth version 1980 to 1998. Sadly discontinued with intro of 35/2 ASPH lens. black and chrome E39 filters. Recognizable by aperture control ring's oval shape. The portion with F/stops is smaller and of a smaller diameter. The gripping portion of the aperture control ring has a larger diameter with serrations. This set up is VERY easy to use. Chrome versions are handsome, but significantly heavier than the black. Earlier lenses have "LEITZ LENS MADE IN CANADA" on filter ring while serial number is on the BACK edge of the aperture control ring. Later variation has "LEICA" on filter ring along with the serial number. A lot of these very fine lenses are on the market now, being traded in on the 35 ASP lenses. Lower prices make them great buys. Sure, the 35ASP is slightly better wide open, but at smaller apertures you will be hard pressed to tell the difference. My own favorite. 7 elements

 

[Atom]

This is what it looks like.

It has a focusing "tab" on the bottom, and has a distinctive look compared to the v4. I like this lens for the price. I paid $1000 for this one 6 months ago. (image from my flickr)

 

[capitalK]

Point is I haven't seen a Cron for under $1200. $1000 is what I have to spend max so is there anything I should be looking at other than the Biogon and C Biogon?

I want to buy one lens in 35mm. I'd like a f/1.2 Nokton because of the speed but I don't think I want it as an all-around 35mm.

 

[capitalK]

Also I don't have the money at the moment, Paypal has it on hold for the new 21-day policy. So please no more PM's because I won't be in a position to buy for a few weeks.

 

[yanidel]

It's funny how trends are created on these forums ... one thread will start saying version 3 is best than another one says version 4 😉 ....who knows ?
What is sure is that version 4 is named the "Bokeh King" and I find it amazing ! Is it the best? I don't know and would not arbitrarly say so, but I recommend it based on my experience with that lens.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Also I don't have the money at the moment, Paypal has it on hold for the new 21-day policy. So please no more PM's because I won't be in a position to buy for a few weeks.

If money's tight....why not get a Voigtlander 35, they are exellent, and you would have plenty left over for film? 🙂

 

[capitalK]

If money's tight....why not get a Voigtlander 35, they are exellent, and you would have plenty left over for film? 🙂

Money's not necessarily tight, $1000 is what I have set aside for the lens. My film comes out of other money.

Which CV 35 are you recommending?

 

[HuubL]

...or you could buy the Summaron F/2.8, A classic performer with the superb build of the legendary v1. Summicron... at a much lower pricepoint.

 

[ferider]

KEH has two Summicrons in BGN condition below US 1000. Likely v2 or v3 but one cann't tell unless they give you the serial nr on the phone. There is also a Biogon in LN condition, for US 725.

The CV 35/2.5 PII is just as good. But half stop slower, of course.

Best,

Roland.

 

[maddoc]

Having owned all, the 35mm Summicron-M IV, 35mm Summaron-M 3.5, 35mm Summaron-M 2.8, 35mm Color-Skopar 2.5 PII, and 40mm Summicron-C 2.0 I would get the 40mm Summicron-C 🙂 That lens cost 1/3 of the 35mm Summicron-M IV is better build and an equivalent performer.

Just my 0.02 cent of course.

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[capitalK]

Noted. I certainly have liked some of the recent shots I have seen with this lens.

I would get the 40mm Summicron-C 🙂 That lens cost 1/3 of the 35mm Summicron-M IV is better build and an equivalent performer.

 

[capitalK]

Thanks Roland. I had forgotten about KEH. My afternoon will probably be spent browsing 😀

KEH has two Summicrons in BGN condition below US 1000. Likely v2 or v3 but one cann't tell unless they give you the serial nr on the phone. There is also a Biogon in LN condition, for US 725.

The CV 35/2.5 PII is just as good. But half stop slower, of course.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Rayt]

Another vote for Summicron version 3. It is better built and handles better than v4. The tab on v3 is farther away from the body than v4 when mounted so feels better ergonomically. Summicron 40mm is a real deal but handling wise I would pay the extra for a real tab on the 35mm. Also finding filters for the 40-c is a real pain.

 

[tbarker13]

Easy to find the V.3 for $800 or so. Another neat lens in your range is the 35 UC Hexanon. Very small and very well built.

I came across one on ebay last night at $1,000. So it could actually be had for $800, if you used the LIVE shopping discount.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Actually, the other (non UC) Hexanon 35/f2 is very good as well. I have one, and will never part with it. But they're for sale often at eBay. Have fun shopping! 🙂