Leica 35/3.5 summaron vs. Canon 35/2.8

[David Murphy]

I've owned and used the Summaron 3.5cm F3.5 and I was happy with it. It is not the sharpest 35mm lens out there, but pretty decent and very compact and well made too. I have not used the Canon 35/2.8, but my experience with other Canon LTM lenses is that the "black" models have better optics (sharper and more contrast) which I am sure is a consequence of tighter construction tolerances, better optical glass, better coatings, and perhaps in some cases recalculated designs. The Canon 35/2.8 is usually a little less expensive than the Summaron on the used market.

 

[David Murphy]

Oh yes, I've also owned and used the Summaron 35mm F2.8 which seems to have crept into this discussion. I think this lens is in a higher class performance-wise. The price on the used market well reflects this too. It is a killer optic, but not an economy lens. Expect to pay double the cost of a Summaron 3.5cm/3.5 or triple the cost of a Canon 35mm F2.8 (I just wish it were not so!!)

 

[Erik van Straten]

the Summaron 3.5cm F3.5 is not the sharpest 35mm lens out there.

It is one of the sharpest 35mm lenses I know ...

Erik.

 

[yossarian123]

I bought a summaron/3.5 from the classifieds recently ($90!!). I immediately sent it to Youxin for a CLA, but there is a decent amount of internal haze and the focus isn't 100% smooth. But despite all that, I still LOVE this lens and the way it draws. For B&W work, the hazy glow really can't be beat.


M5_20110829_fuji200_05bw by SL_Photos, on Flickr


M3_20110822_07_01 by SL_Photos, on Flickr


M5_20110826_CN400BW_12 by SL_Photos, on Flickr

 

[BTMarcais]

Glad it's working out for you Sam- looks great!

-Brian

 

[yossarian123]

Glad it's working out for you Sam- looks great!

-Brian

Love this lens Brian. Not only the image quality, it's built like a little jewel.

 

[Summicronj]

Love my summaron f28 with goggles on my m3.

Love my summaron f28 with goggles on my m3.

[/url] Mossy limb by Analogick, on Flickr[/IMG]


Plan on keeping it when I get the m10

 

[el fotografo]

Two other options are the W-Nikkor 35mm f3.5 and f2.5 lenses in LTM.
I have a f2.5 version and its a great lens, sharp stopped down and dreamy wide open with old time color rendering.

 

[loneranger]

So I ended up getting both a canon 35/2.8 and a Leica 35/3.5, the canon is very sharp , probably a little sharper than the summaron, but the summaron has this beautiful vintage draw, it is hard to describe, anyways, I sold the canon and am keeping the Leica.

 

[raid]

I still have both lenses. The Canon was cheap,and the Leica appreciates in value each year.

 

[yossarian123]

Summaron 3.5 :