Pondering 35mm v. 1 Summicron

[drewbarb]

My v1 35mm 'cron (goggled) is a very nice lens. Like Raid, it's my only 35mm Leica lens, and I keep it partly for sentimental reasons. I also keep it because it does all I could want it to; and I use it alongside my 50mm DR 'cron, which it compliments in terms of image quality.

I haven't uesd the UC Hexanon (though I'd LOVE to get my hands on one) but the prints I've seen from them compare well with results from the Summicron. If you have one, I wouldn't think image quality would give you an argument to need to pick up a v1 'cron. If you just want it, and can afford it, go for it. You'll probably like it. But if you just want a 35mm lens to shoot with, you have plenty. I'd let something else occupy your time and money.

 

[Blank288]

I would consider a 1:2,8/35 Summaron instead. It is a lot cheaper, certainly if you can live with the M3-goggles.
Puts claims that it is better at 2,8 than the contemporary (v1) Summicron, and given the MTF-graphs in his booklet both lenses should behave more or less the same at 5,6.
Besides the Summaron looks like a carbon copy of the v1 Summicron.

Some Summaron-examples are on my weblog and right now I'm scanning a new batch of photo's, partly taken in Oxford (GB) and partly with red filter in the surrounding of where I live. Results are sharp and pleasant to look at.

 

[Doug]

The goggled Sumaron is an attractive idea for sure. The effective lowering of the VF magnification would give more "air" around the framelines, good because I do have trouble seeing the whole 35 frame on my M2.

 

[Nokton48]

Twenty years ago I wanted a V.1 35mm F2 Leitz Summicron, and was invited to the local dealers house. He slid open his chest of goodies, he had eight of them, my choice @ $450. Walked out with the best of the lot. Regretted selling it, and I'd like to find one now that needs some work.

 

[raid]

My Summicron V.1 is like new in appearance. I have had it for over 20 years now. In fact, all three version 1 summicrons [35-50-90] look like new. Selling is not an option.

 

[venchka]

A nice trio

A nice trio

My Summicron V.1 is like new in appearance. I have had it for over 20 years now. In fact, all three version 1 summicrons [35-50-90] look like new. Selling is not an option.

That trio sounds very nice. You are fortunate!

Enjoy!

Wayne

 

[Erik L]

Wayne, i have one id like you to try out and see if you like.
pics from it http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/erty0/Peoria auto SHO/
mostly wide open. send me a PM and ill mail it to you and if you like it you can pay me. its NOT mint shape so thats why i want you to see it first.

 

[raid]

That trio sounds very nice. You are fortunate!

Enjoy!

Wayne

Thank you, Wayne.

I am glad that I got the trio because I really don't feel the need for any other Leica lenses.

 

[Srono]

i have both UC-hex and cron v1. I haven't done any proper test and don't know how to do either. But from my untrained eyes, i think cron v1 is able to bring more details, while uc-hex is better in flare handling (v1 is not bad here either).

 

[venchka]

Thanks Srono. Sometimes doing nothing is the correct thing to do.

 

[kermaier]

I have the UC-Hex and the Canon 35/2.8 as well -- and the Summaron 35/2.8.

My favorite is the Summaron. I mostly shoot B&W, and the Summaron is perfect -- very sharp, not too contrasty, not too flat. Colors are warm-ish, but pleasing and rich. Probably very similar character to the Summicron v1, but more consistent performance across apertures, and at least as sharp. Exactly the same form factor (caps, filters, hoods). Also, 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the Summicron -- and, if that matters to you, the Summaron is somewhat more readily available in LTM than the Summicron.

If I need the speed, or I'll be shooting color and seeking a more modern look, the UC-Hex comes out. I find it's very nice and smooth wide open, and extremely sharp stopped down (but the bokeh gets a bit harsh around f/4-f/5.6). What's your impression?

The Canon 35/2.8, as I'm sure you know, is much lower contrast, but beautiful in B&W, and quite sharp. But with the Summaron and the UC-Hex around, it doesn't see as much action.

::Ari

 

[venchka]

Sounds like my Canon-Konica pair aren't far off the Summicron-Summaron team. Funny how these things work. I bought the Canon 35/2.8 ages ago. I added the Konica lens a couple years ago because it cost less than a Summicron. Looks like I have a nice old/new pair.

Time to use these two lenses. Did I mention that they are tiny?

 

[bob338]

i did a very unscientific lens test of a V1 summicron, a 2.8 summaron and an ASPH summicron last year. you can look at the results at the link below. give the pictures a nice long look before you scroll down to post #13 to see which lens was used for each picture, you'll be surprised by the winner.

bob

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60487

 

[bob338]

there is a V1 summicron on the tamarkin site for $995...

http://www.tamarkin.com/catalog/products/leica/leicamlens.html

bob

 

[venchka]

Ouch!

Ouch!

Thanks. Serious budget buster. I think I'll spend my money on an 8x10 camera and remove any temptation to buy a 3rd 35mm lens. 😉 🙂 😀 😎

 

[venchka]

After attempting to deal with a novice online seller, and learning that the v.1 35mm Summicron #167xxxx offered at $425 had some visible element seperation, and the seller's refusal to offer a 7 day return, I reduced my offer by half. She found another buyer who paid slightly more cash in person.

The lens will probably be on ebay, "in mint condition", $1,000 minimum bid, by the weekend.

 

[Srono]

im still not good in scanning, but here are some recent photos with v1, for ur reference:



fp4+ @ 400



fp4+ @ 400



fp4+

 

[wjlapier]

I'm looking for a 35mm Summicron too.

So, are there goggled and non-goggled 35/2 ver I's?

Originally, I was interested in the Ver III as you can see in my sig, but to complete the trinity, I might seek out a ver I.

I'd prefer the non-goggled to use on a camera that might arrive today 😉, and keep the DR 'cron on my M3.

 

[venchka]

All goggled 35/2 Summicrons are v. 1s. A non-goggled version of the v. 1 was made for the M2 and all subsequent M mount bodies.

The v. II & III are probably the most affordable.

Srono: Nice work!