New CLE -> 40mm Summicron-C or 35mm Ultron

SergioGuerra

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Hi there!

I have made a cheap business with a Minolta CLE + 90mm Rokkor (still waiting for the combo to arrive). After I sell the 90mm Rokkor (I am a wide lenses kind of guy), I am thinking of buying a 35mm/40mm lens for it.
I really like to do available light shots, and these lenses can be found for similar prices.
I might miss the 5mm, but would I go better with the summicron-C?
Can it be used with my M2 (focusing cam is a bit different?)?
Is a 35/1.7 lens sharper?

In real time usage, is the aperture difference 1.7 / 2.0 really something to mind of?

Hope that those who used one or both of these lenses might help me out doing a hard choice :) My only 35 right now is a Jupiter-12, I like it, but sometimes it is not that user-friendly with it's aperture ring inside hood, and it's incompatibilities with some cameras (bessa).

Regards,

Sergio
 
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Definitely the 40mm Summicron. The best value Leica lens out there. Its way more compact than the Ultron and the CLE doesnt have 35mm framelines so without doubt go with the 40.
 
The Jupiter 12 will not be compatible with the CLE either. In practical terms, there's little difference between f/1.7 and f/2. A Summicron C will exactly match the frame lines of the CLE. I understand that the Ultron is a good bit larger too.

[edit] There's a Summicron C in the classifieds right now.
 
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I have the 40/2 and agree with the others that it is really nice. It is really compact. To the point where if you have big hands it might be too tiny, but great for travel.
 
Go for the M-Rokkor 40/2. Nice glass, nice construction, easy handling, moderate price. It takes 40.5mm filters which are easier to find now than the Series filters the 'crons require.

Unless you have a specific need for a faster lens, the 40/2 works nicely on the body.

Here are some M-Rokkor 40/2 phiotos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74312783@N00/tags/minoltarokkor40mmf20cle/
 
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Either of the 40s mentioned ('cron, Rokkor or Nokton) would be a great match. I'd go for whichever of the three you come across first within budget and in best condition.

I had the same call to make a few months ago and ended up with a near-mint 40mm Nokton MC and it's a great match. But in truth all three are excellent optics so you won't go wrong with whatever you buy, as long as the condition is good.
 
I guess that the 40mm options are all good :)
I just thought of the 35mm ultron, because I was thinking about buying one before I got the CLE. I have a 15mm super heliar and love the colour rendition and sharpness I get with it, I am waiting for a 28mm ultron and thought that with the 35 ultron my gas would be completely over.
I have decided to sell most my 35mm non-interchangeable lens cameras and extra lenses to focus on LTM/M-mount system and have a pretty decent setup.
The 40mm Rokkor or the summicron just would not work with the Bessa-R and the fed-2/3 that I got, but maybe I can live without that.

The problem is:

The set I plan to use more is carrying two cameras, probably one with a 35/40mm and the 28mm (15mm can go on the bag), one body with BW the other colour.
Since CLE has 28mm framelines, I should use it with the ultron. Now I am out of 40mm framelines bodies :p

Am I making any sense here? ehehe ohh decisions are so hard to take!
 
I use a 35 Ultron on my CLE. I just frame a little wider. The lens is bigger than the 40/2, true. But I like the lower contrast a lot. Take the different filter sizes in account if you want to use filters with black and white. It's way more handy to have the same filter size on more lenses. Or use step rings.
And take in account the choice you've got when using screwmount lenses. I ended up with only screwmount lenses! So I can use them all on the IIf if I want to.
 
Hmm. Both Ultrons are great lenses of course. But 35 is very close to 28 ...

There are three screw mount 40s, the Sonnar, the Pentax and an old Zuiko... The Bessa 35mm framelines are very close to 40 anyways :)

Or a screw mount 50 ? Like a collapsible Summicron ?

Cheers,

Roland.
 
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Hi Sergio,

I agree with all those who suggest the 40. I've got a Summicron C-40 with my CL and I love the results I get from it, and from what I've read I think the Rokkor-40 is optically identical. (Actually, I seem to remember reading that the later Rokkor-40 from the time of the CLE was multi-coated with the earlier version and the Summicron being single coated - can anyone confirm?).

If you're waiting on a 28mm lens, I think that makes a 40 an even better choice than a 35.

And yes, the Summicron or Rokkor 40 will work fine with your M2 (I've used mine on an M2), but if unmodified it will bring up the 50 frameline - mine is modified (one of the bayonet tabs is filed down a little) and brings up the 35mm frame instead.
 
Ok, I am sorry for this thread, because what I was really looking for was not a lense for the CLE, but for the M2 or Bessa R. Of my bodies I only have one with a 28mm frame, the CLE, so it makes more sense to buy a 35mm...
The idea (and excitement) of getting Leitz glass (would be my first) just made be creat this thread. I would also prefer a LTM lense so that I could use on the Bessa and eventualy on the FSU bodies...

Meanwhile I just bought a 35mm ultron (lol...) because of the nice reviews and the price factor (100 euros less than a similar condition 40mm rokkor / summicron-c).

Anyway, thanks for all the comments and help, maybe in the future, if I get some extra cash, I might buy the Summicron-C/40mm Rokkor... right now, my gas is over.

Regards,

Sergio
 
Dont tell anyone, but I received yesterday the Ultron, and am waiting for a summicron-C. After testing I'll decide if I keep both or not ehehe ;)
 
It's here:

2489617127_e1e5ab7b0d.jpg


The first body was not working, so I had to sell it (for parts) to fund this one. Although I had some problems with the seller (didnt respond to emails, bad comunication and lots of delays on payment info and shipping), he had reason about one thing: the camera was/is new! No original box, but she doesnt have a single scratch, original neck strap untouched, everything perfect!

Regardering my original question on this thread, I think I will forget about the f1.7 of the 35mm Ultron, and just keep the Summicron-C. It is a perfect match (in size and look) for this camera... I almost feel bad to use the 28mm Ultron (chrome) on this body ehehe

Best regards,

Sergio
 
Gotta keep the 40-C. It is a great length and matches framelines. The equivalent Rokkor might be easier to fit with a filter or hood though. This is now my only remaining 35mm camera/lens combo.
 
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