Leica M39 fast 35mm, what's to choose?

[johannielscom]

Currently shooting a W-Nikkor 1.8/35mm, I find its contrast in wider apertures too low on my Ricoh GXR-Mount.

Same time, I'm loving my Heliar 2.0/50mm nickel in M39. It's nice on the little (much-loved) Leica II I own, but stellar on the GXR-Mount.

Thinking of letting the W-Nikkor go and getting myself a 2.0 or faster 35mm lens in Leica screw mount.

I need something with enough contrast wide open. What are my options...? Post me some examples of your suggestion? Thanks!

 

[Livesteamer]

There is the Canon 35 f1.5 and I think they also made a 35 f1.8 and an f2.0 lens. I have the 35 f1.5 and it's a nice lens. I would use it more but I like my 1969 35 Summilux a little more. Joe

 

[lonemantis]

A good modern option is the CV 35mm F1.7 ASPH. It has a pretty good reputation generally, and definitely has a modern level of contrast.

 

[roundg]

maybe the 35/2 canon is the best you can get in optical performance in a compact size body. CV35/1.7 too long for me.

canon 35/1.5 is a big and good lens, but u'd better check whether you are fine with the low resolution when wide open.

 

[raid]

Canon 35/2 or 35/2.8 are the best Canon 35mm lenses, in my opinion. I also have the Canon 35/1.5 and the 35/1.8. These two lenses can flare.

A modern VC 35 may be a good choice.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

hang on...dun forget the CV Nokton 35 f1.4, you have the choice higher
contrast version or the single-coated lower contrast version. Plus you get a
shorter minimum focus distance of 0.7m.

raytoei

 

[johannielscom]

Yeah but apart from the Ultron, the Voigtlanders all are Leica M, not LTM...

And the Canons are low contrast, so they're out too.

The Ultron might be the viable alternative, I was afraid it might come down to a modern Summicron in LTM, or a UC-Hex. Both are expensive alternatives...

 

[JohnTF]

Well, I have CV 12, 28, 35mm classic, 50, 75 all in LTM, my 35 Nokton is in M mount.

Regards, John

 

[truefriendship]

You could up the contrast in post....or am I missing something?

~Rif

 

[k__43]

I think you can only pick the Ultron for a reasonable price.

Beside that you have a rare Hexanon 35/2 and the rare Summicron 35/2 LTM to choose from. I had the Canon 35/1.8 before and I'd say you should definitely skip that one

EDIT: I just saw you said exactly that before! 😀
The Ultron is a good lens .. you should get one. If you really want a Summicron you should just get the M-mount version and a M2 for it, should be cheaper.

 

[philipus]

Hi Johan

I just learnt yesterday that there are Summarons and Summicrons with factory-fitted but removable M-adapters. This may be old hat to most of you but was news to me - this thread was the one I read.

How badly do you need the fast aperture, bearing in mind ability to change ISO and ND filters? The 2.8 (perhaps even the 3.5) Summarons could be fast enough, depending on your needs.

Then there's of course the exorbitantly expensive 35 Summicron LTM special edition from the late 1990s...

Edit: Leicashop has a 2.8 dual mount Summaron in stock.

Cheers
Philip

 

[ruby.monkey]

How much speed do you need? The older screw-mount VC 35mm f/2.5 Color-Skopar is small, sharp, and offers good contrast wide open.

 

[Robert Lai]

I have the 35mm Summicron ASPH in LTM. Yes, it was extraordinarily expensive. It was made for the Japanese market in 1999, and even in Japan it's not easy to find for sale now. Minimum focus is 1 metre for these LTM lenses. Oh, there was also a 50mm Summicron and 50mm Summilux (pre-ASPH) in LTM.

Yet, the Summaron 35 2.8 in LTM is almost as good. And the 35 3.5 is readily available.

 

[furcafe]

The closest match would be the Konica 35/2 UC Hexanon or L-Hexanon. My understanding is that both have optical formulas that are essentially modernized versions of the 3.5cm/1.8 W-Nikkor, w/the L-Hexanon being pretty close to a straight port of the lens used in the Hexar AF & the UC being a tweaked successor w/improved "UC" coatings.

Currently shooting a W-Nikkor 1.8/35mm, I find its contrast in wider apertures too low on my Ricoh GXR-Mount.

Same time, I'm loving my Heliar 2.0/50mm nickel in M39. It's nice on the little (much-loved) Leica II I own, but stellar on the GXR-Mount.

Thinking of letting the W-Nikkor go and getting myself a 2.0 or faster 35mm lens in Leica screw mount.

I need something with enough contrast wide open. What are my options...? Post me some examples of your suggestion? Thanks!

 

[ferider]

Hi Johan,

The Canons are similar or lower contrast compared to your Nikkor at the same f-stop, also the 35/2. The best of the bunch is the 35/1.5, IMO.

Other choices: 35/1.7 Ultron (although at f1.7, it's not exactly high contrast), 35/2 Hex (but you know that one ....). Some very expensive LTM Summicrons.

I thought the Nikkor's contrast nicely tighten'ed up at f2, and in particular f2.8 and up ? Maybe your lens is yellow'ed (like mine), and can be improved under a UV lamp ?

If none of this works, maybe contend yourself with f2.5 and use the Color Skopar ?

Roland.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

A good modern option is the CV 35mm F1.7 ASPH. It has a pretty good reputation generally, and definitely has a modern level of contrast.

Quoted for truth! and a +1!

 

[johannielscom]

The L-Hexanon 2.0/35mm was a fine lens when I owned it, but I found the focus shift when shot wide open to be unpleasantly surprising at times. Plus, it's a 46mm front. And expensive too...

The Ultron is likely the best choice, although I gotta say I hate it for size on a Barnack, it is a screwmount lens of bayonet dimensions. 😱

The UC-Hex would be my choice, if only I could exchange my W-Nikkor for one easily!

 

[johannielscom]

Or, get a W-Nikkor with coating damage, and have John van Stelten at Focal Point re-coat it...😎

Hm. Interesting idea. 🙄

 

[Jacques M.]

Or a Jupiter 12/Biogon 2,8/3,5cm...

I have one of them and I find it excellent. But the protruding back lens is very fragile and changing the lens needs much care...
I am OK with you , Johan, about the Ultron: too big for a LTM body. I tried one on my IIIg and resold it.

Amitiés.

 

[f16sunshine]

I think you should stay with your Nikkor. I deeply regret having sold mine.
For digital you can work PP to bring about bolder contrast. For B+W film I believe it was perfect.
Please drop me a line if you decide in the end to sell 😛

One final thought. Since the concern is primarily when using your digital sensor.
Why not just go with the tiny color Skopar. Fantastic contrast and lovely rendering.
The 1/2 stop is easy to overcome if you shoot raw. It's cheap enough to keep both the Nikkor on your Barnack and Skopar on the Ricoh!
The nikkor is a valuable lens and solid piece to hang on to.
It's not however an easy lens to sell or find the right buyer for without resorting to ebay. (yukky)

Cheers Johan!