M9 with Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM

[raid]

The ltm version is very special with the M cameras. I wonder if the 240 accepts the Nikon mount version. The SONY cameras should also be OK with the Nikkor. 35mm is manageable on the A7 and A7r.

Still, for that special color magic, the M9 is hard to match.

 

[furcafe]

The M 240 is no different from the M9 or M8 as to the Nikon RF version w/a RF-coupled adapter. The 240 does provide the option of using a non-coupled adapter & focusing via live view using the EVF or rear-screen.

I wonder if the 240 accepts the Nikon mount version.

 

[Calzone]

Ari,

The 35/1.8 Nikkor in LTM is also magical on a Monochrom. I found that nuclear hardening provides about a half stop of yellow filter, and that in combination with a Heliopan 3X yellow filter I get really nice broad histograms with minimal or no clipping.

Cal

 

[kermaier]

Ari,

The 35/1.8 Nikkor in LTM is also magical on a Monochrom. I found that nuclear hardening provides about a half stop of yellow filter, and that in combination with a Heliopan 3X yellow filter I get really nice broad histograms with minimal or no clipping.

Cal

Hmm, interesting. In 35mm, I have a Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM, Canon 35/1.5, UC-Hex 35/2 and Summaron 35/2.8. One will probably have to go to help fund the M9. Which would you part with?

 

[Calzone]

Hmm, interesting. In 35mm, I have a Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM, Canon 35/1.5, UC-Hex 35/2 and Summaron 35/2.8. One will probably have to go to help fund the M9. Which would you part with?

Ari,

Only last week I owned a 35/2.8 Summaron, and I may have to buy another one.

This particular Summaron was sold to me at an insider price, I sold it to another friend at the same insider price, and later bought it back, but most recently I sold it back to the original owner as part of a camera deal. Yeah, I'm known to day-trade cameras an lenses. LOL.

Because I own a Monochrom it became very easy to perform lens testing between the 35/1.8 Nikkor, the 35/2.8 Summaron and my 35 Lux ASPH Pre-FLE.

As you know the Nikkor has this special rendering and glow to the highlights wide open and at F2, but at F5.6 the Summaron has this center sharpness that is as sharp as any modern Leica ASPH lens, but don't expect sharp corners like a modern lens.

On my Monochrom the lower contrast of the single coated lenses is a great asset that provides enhanced midrange, and I have found that the use of yellow filters can tame or eliminate clipping on the Monochrom so that almost no post processing is required. As a result there is a more organic quality and I think better highlight detail as well as less digital artifact because contrast and exposure is not amped up electronically bringing up the noise.

The Nikkor has a very special rendering that is truely magical on the Monochrom, but because the slow Summaron has less need of optical corrections it rivals any modern ASPH lens except in the corners.

For me the 35 Lux compresses the contrast too much in that it lacks the 120 like midrange of the single coated glass, and this modern glass does not make as wide/broad a histogram.

The problem I have with my black Canon 28/3.5 or other retro LTM Canon glass is the lack of and hard to find filters. It seems that those 40mm filters are a hassle to find. From what I know the UC-Hex is almost a clone of the Nikkor, and it might have better ergonomics or a closer focus.

Of course my advice is strictly limited to the lenses I own or have owned and how they relate specifically to the Monochrom. Also be aware that the 0.68 VF'er on digital M-bodies seems to favor 35mm FOV, but I also find that the 28 Cron is an exceptional lens on the Monochrome. Very different than a 35 Lux ASPH Pre-FLE.

Raid,

Sorry for going off topic.

Cal

 

[raid]

Thank you for the information, Cal. I love reading about such lens info.

 

[raid]

Hmm, interesting. In 35mm, I have a Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM, Canon 35/1.5, UC-Hex 35/2 and Summaron 35/2.8. One will probably have to go to help fund the M9. Which would you part with?

I would keep only one lens, Ari.

 

[zleica]

Hmm, interesting. In 35mm, I have a Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM, Canon 35/1.5, UC-Hex 35/2 and Summaron 35/2.8. One will probably have to go to help fund the M9. Which would you part with?

I think that the UC-Hex 35/2 is based on Nikkor 35/1,8 design. I will never sell the UC-Hex 35/2. It's such a wonderful lens!

 

[raid]

In 35mm I have a Nikkor 35/1.8, a first version Summicron, Summaron 3.5, Canon 35/1.5. 1.8 2.8. The Canon 35/2 was traded off.

 

[kermaier]

I think that the UC-Hex 35/2 is based on Nikkor 35/1,8 design. I will never sell the UC-Hex 35/2. It's such a wonderful lens!

Yes, that's my understanding as well. The UC-Hex is a really fine lens, and even harder to come by than the Nikkor these days. Makes for a tough choice.

 

[kermaier]

The problem I have with my black Canon 28/3.5 or other retro LTM Canon glass is the lack of and hard to find filters. It seems that those 40mm filters are a hassle to find. From what I know the UC-Hex is almost a clone of the Nikkor, and it might have better ergonomics or a closer focus.

The Canon 35/1.5 uses 48mm filters, so not a problem. But the 40mm filter size is a pain for the 28/2.8 and 25/3.5 -- I'm hoping not to need UV/IR filters on the M9.

The UC-Hex has great ergonomics, in terms of a focus tab, shorter focus throw and a really nice aperture ring. It focuses a little closer (0.9m) and it has a gorgeous black paint finish. Not to mention lens coatings about 40 years newer, so much more contrasty -- good or bad, depending.

 

[Calzone]

The Canon 35/1.5 uses 48mm filters, so not a problem. But the 40mm filter size is a pain for the 28/2.8 and 25/3.5 -- I'm hoping not to need UV/IR filters on the M9.

The UC-Hex has great ergonomics, in terms of a focus tab, shorter focus throw and a really nice aperture ring. It focuses a little closer (0.9m) and it has a gorgeous black paint finish. Not to mention lens coatings about 40 years newer, so much more contrasty -- good or bad, depending.

Ari,

There is another poster named Dirk who owns both the 35UC-Hex and a 35/1.8 Nikkor. In use Dirk mostly uses the Hex, but also states that he will never sell the Nikkor. Hmmm. Dirk BTW also is a Monochrom owner.

If you are considering a Monochrom consider that I could sell all my other gear and do mucho shooting with just a Monochrom and just two lenses, and for me those two lenses are a 28 Cron and the 35/1.8 Nikkor.

Out of all the glass I own and have tried it seems that these two lenses offer the widest/broadest histograms with the punchy midrange like in medium format. While the Nikkor is not as sharp as the modern Leica ASPH lens it offers a very detailed range of contrast that somehow is very organic, but the 28 Cron for some reason has a superior range of contrast than my 35 Lux ASPH Pre-FLE. I think what raid suggests that somehow contrast is somewhat a function of focal length.

BTW understand that Erwin Putz stated in a pamphlet that he found out from Leica engineers that for a panochromatic response from the Monochrom's sensor that they suggest the use of a light yellow filter if a panochromatic response is desired. In other words the Monochrom's sensor has a bump in sensitivity to yellow light.

I took this a step further and optimized the use of exposure in combination with yellow filters to discover the sweet spot of the Monochrom's sensor that either minimizes or eliminates clipping in both the shadows and highlights.

Sounds like you are a very lucky man with a lot of killer glass.

Cal

 

[kermaier]

Cal, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It sounds like I really need to try the Nikkor on an M9 and gauge it's performance for my own pictures.

And, yes, I'm fortunate enough to have accumulated a lot of really good lenses - though none so fine as your 28mm Summicron, which I once used for a couple weeks on an M7, and still remember. (My favorite 28mm that's within reach for me is the M-Rokkor 28/2.8 -- I hope it will mate well with an M9.) It will be hard to part with most of my collection, but I'm determined to keep this upgrade from increasing my gear balance sheet. 🙂

 

[Calzone]

Cal, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It sounds like I really need to try the Nikkor on an M9 and gauge it's performance for my own pictures.

And, yes, I'm fortunate enough to have accumulated a lot of really good lenses - though none so fine as your 28mm Summicron, which I once used for a couple weeks on an M7, and still remember. (My favorite 28mm that's within reach for me is the M-Rokkor 28/2.8 -- I hope it will mate well with an M9.) It will be hard to part with most of my collection, but I'm determined to keep this upgrade from increasing my gear balance sheet. 🙂

Ari,

The 28 Cron is my most used lens, and I feel it is highly under rated.

I looked into the 35/2.0 UC-Hex. I can see why people like/love it. While the 35/1.8 Nikkor is not as sharp as the modern Leica ASPH glass the rendering on my Monochrom very closely resembles medium format in contrast and detail. Not sure the advantages of the UC-Hex works for me in B&W.

The 28 Cron allows me to make prints mucho big.

Cal

 

[furcafe]

I opted for the 35/2 UC Hexanon because right now they're going for about the same price as the LTM version of the 3.5cm/1.8 w-Nikkor in nice condition w/accessories, etc. I also already had 2 versions of the w-Nikkor in Nikon RF mount (1950s & SP 2005). In my experience the Hexanon is indistinguishable from the 2005 w-Nikkor. Both are significantly more flare-resistant than my vintage w-Nikkor, which isn't bad for an oldie, but can be a PITA when shooting shows, etc. I don't think either is so contrasty or whatever as to present a problem when shooting digital (that's my guess, obviously, on the 2005 w-Nikkor, though jonmanjiro does have 1 that's adapted to M mount, IIRC).

Other than the crappy original hood & iffy build quality on the front ring, my only complaint about the 28 'cron ASPH is that it's a stop too slow. 😉

Ari,

The 28 Cron is my most used lens, and I feel it is highly under rated.

I looked into the 35/2.0 UC-Hex. I can see why people like/love it. While the 35/1.8 Nikkor is not as sharp as the modern Leica ASPH glass the rendering on my Monochrom very closely resembles medium format in contrast and detail. Not sure the advantages of the UC-Hex works for me in B&W.

The 28 Cron allows me to make prints mucho big.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Other than the crappy original hood & iffy build quality on the front ring, my only complaint about the 28 'cron ASPH is that it's a stop too slow. 😉

LOL. I agree the hood for the 28 Cron is a big ugly monster. Could Leica build a hood that blocks more of the VF'er???

Anyways a while back Pop Flash offered a Leica "scalloped" clip on hood that was a limited offering that fit the 28 Cron and 35 Lux Pre-FLE for the discounted price of $359.00. I know its crazy, call me vain, but I bought one, and I'm glad I did. Not only were other dealers at that tiime selling the same hood for $500.00, but today Pop Flash now sells that same hood for $600.00.

At this pricing I kinda justified getting specifically a 35 Lux ASPH Pre-FLE so the hood could be shared. The scalloped hood not only offers less VF'er blockage, but also looks very cool. I really like the secure attachment and how it remains locked onto the lens. Unfortunately the 35 Lux Pre-FLE hood is not as secure as it never remains locked.

Sorry for the rant. LOL.

Anyways the Cron is still a great-great lens, but a 28 Lux would mean I would have to buy one. Hopefully it does not get bigger than a 35 Lux. Leica are you listening???

Cal

 

[furcafe]

Ha, I did the same thing & got the 12466 during the Popflash sale. I didn't have a big beef w/the size of the stock hood, more w/the build quality--it's not only plastic, but weak plastic that literally snaps together.

In contrast, I have no problem w/the hood on my pre-FLE 35 'lux ASPH; it's been solid since day one (e.g., no cracks in the vent area) & always locked securely despite getting seriously banged up over the years. Mine's from '97, so maybe build quality dipped on yours.

We know there's already a 6-bit code for a 28 'lux, so it's just a matter of time . . .

LOL. I agree the hood for the 28 Cron is a big ugly monster. Could Leica build a hood that blocks more of the VF'er???

Anyways a while back Pop Flash offered a Leica "scalloped" clip on hood that was a limited offering that fit the 28 Cron and 35 Lux Pre-FLE for the discounted price of $359.00. I know its crazy, call me vain, but I bought one, and I'm glad I did. Not only were other dealers at that tiime selling the same hood for $500.00, but today Pop Flash now sells that same hood for $600.00.

At this pricing I kinda justified getting specifically a 35 Lux ASPH Pre-FLE so the hood could be shared. The scalloped hood not only offers less VF'er blockage, but also looks very cool. I really like the secure attachment and how it remains locked onto the lens. Unfortunately the 35 Lux Pre-FLE hood is not as secure as it never remains locked.

Sorry for the rant. LOL.

Anyways the Cron is still a great-great lens, but a 28 Lux would mean I would have to buy one. Hopefully it does not get bigger than a 35 Lux. Leica are you listening???

Cal

 

[Calzone]

We know there's already a 6-bit code for a 28 'lux, so it's just a matter of time . . .

Thanks for this info. I'll be very happy if I can get this lens. Hmmm... I'm a 28mm FOV maniac.

Cal