Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
I recently read Steven Gandy's comments (on CameraQuest.com) about the old Summar 50/2 lens. He says "These lenses give a wonderful semi-soft focus effect when shot at wide apertures with color film. Very beautiful, great for scenics, women, nudes, romantic images."
I'm wondering if there are 28mm or 35mm LTM lenses that have these characteristics. Can anyone here point toward any?
I'm wondering if there are 28mm or 35mm LTM lenses that have these characteristics. Can anyone here point toward any?
hans voralberg
Veteran
Canon 35/2.8 ? I dont think it would be as soft as the Summar, but certainly very smooth rendition IMO. Or the Summaron 35/3.5 ?
ferider
Veteran
The Canon 35/1.8 wide open, Jamie. I have a "spare" one if you'd like to play with it.
Best,
Roland.
Best,
Roland.
raid
Dad Photographer
Yes, the 35/1,8 Canon would be useful here.
If Roland has two of them, better get one.
If Roland has two of them, better get one.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'm going to have a look at the Canon. 
the first place to look is uncoated 35mm of the 1930's, including the pre-war Leica lenses, classic Zeiss Contax lenses, Exakta lenses, and even the Argus A.
The uncoated lenses give a refreshing change from today's ultra sharp lenses. None are likely to be as soft as the Summar, but they are interesting.
Stephen
The uncoated lenses give a refreshing change from today's ultra sharp lenses. None are likely to be as soft as the Summar, but they are interesting.
Stephen
raid
Dad Photographer
Stephen,
My Summarit is out of whack [or something], and it appears to be softer than the Summar.
The Tessar 5cm/2.8 for the Contax I is also soft.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Thanks... I'll keep an eye out for these older 35s.