Price check: 35 Summilux (non ASPH versions)

K

Kyle

Guest
I've realized I really want a faster 35 (I'd like to say need, but none of this camera stuff is a need). I've been shooting in a lot of situations where my Canon 35/2 just doesn't cut it and I've been using my 50/1.5 ZM Sonnar, but I'm usually itching to go wider.

Anyways, can't afford an ASPH version, so what do some of the earlier versions go for? Can I realistically find one for under $1000? Also, how do these perform in comparison to the 35 Summicron at f/2 and higher?

Thanks!
 
Kyle,

I've seen these go for $1200 to $1300 in good condition.

J. Borger, Simon and x-ray (Don) all have extensive experience with it. They would be able to give you the best advice on it.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info guys. I know the lens exceeds my abilities, so in all honesty I'm not too worried about it, I just know that people rant and rave about the 35 Summicron (espeically the pre-ASPH version) and was just wondering how it compares.
 
venchka said:
Surely you followed this discussion recently........

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31905&highlight=summilux


35mm Nokton 1.2 + 28mm Ultron 1.9 = 35mm Summilux

Or..............

35mm Biogon + faster film + Change left over = 35mm Summilux
Click to expand...

Actually, no I didn't, but thank you for reposting it because its very helpful.

First off, I found out that the 35 Summilux's close focusing distance is 1 metre, which is my biggest complaint with the Canon 35/2.

Anyways, I'm already pushing my film to 1250 and 1600 in many situations, so I was hoping to gain an extra stop in the lens. Maybe I'll reconsider now that I won't even get the advantage of closer focusing.
 
rool said:
Fuji 800asa or pushed Tri-X.
Pretty affordable...
Click to expand...

I posted right after this post, so I know you didn't see the reply, but I'm already pushing TriX up to 1600. Last night I was stuck with one roll of film in my bag, XP2, and I had to push it to 1250 in order to get a decent reading (1/60 at f/2). I don't even know how good XP2 is when pushed that much. Guess I'll find out when I get the roll back from the lab.

Anyways, if I couldn't afford it I wouldn't even be asking, but I see where you're coming from.
 
Flyfisher Tom said:
Kyle,

Not to make you hijack your own thread, but how are you liking the sonnar-c, particularly at 1.5?
Click to expand...

I've only shot with it in absolute garbage lighting, usually pushing the film a stop or two, but given the adverse situations I really like it. 95% of my shots with it are wide open and I really like its bokeh (whether or not thats important to you, I don't know). The new Zeiss lenses are all great, and I'd probably get the 35/2 if it weren't for the size.
 
Well, I'm just suggesting, I did not know you where shooting this high asa... sorry dude.

btw, you post a lot here but I think I've never seen your pics. I live in CA (Los Angeles) too and would be interested in seeing them. Is there a place on the net where I can see what kind of stuff you shoot?
 
The early Summilux 35 for the M3 with the goggles focuses down to .65m. I had it for a while and I used it with both the M3 and the M2, no probs. But the optical recipe predates even the one we are often discussing in here (and which so often polarises users between those who love it and those who find it hopelessly antiquated).

In the ultra-fast 35 category there are I think only two more options that focus as close to .7m: the Nokton 35 f1.2 and of course the Summilux 35 Asph.
 
Kyle said:
...Anyways, if I couldn't afford it I wouldn't even be asking, but I see where you're coming from.
Click to expand...

We all understand Lens Lust. Sometimes what we want may not be what we need. 😀

Lens Lust usually trumps sensible.
 
rool said:
Well, I'm just suggesting, I did not know you where shooting this high asa... sorry dude.

btw, you post a lot here but I think I've never seen your pics. I live in CA (Los Angeles) too and would be interested in seeing them. Is there a place on the net where I can see what kind of stuff you shoot?
Click to expand...

No need for apologies. I hope my response to your suggestion didn't sound like I was being a jerk. That certainly wasn't my intention, sorry about that. I appreciate all input.

Anyways, unfortunately, I absolutely despise scanning, so I rarely do so and have nothing posted on the net (short of a few frames attatched in threads here and there). I much prefer to just do my own printing at school (and once I get around to getting the last few pieces I need for my own darkroom, I'll be printing at home). One day I'll get around to putting up stuff in my gallery.

Edit: Not that any of these shots are winners, but you can get an idea for the type of situations I typically shoot in here (scroll down to find my reply)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31531

I had so many of my friends demanding they see pictures of themselves, that I had to scan those.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
telenous said:
...

In the ultra-fast 35 category there are I think only two more options that focus as close to .7m: the Nokton 35 f1.2 and of course the Summilux 35 Asph.
Click to expand...

There you go.
 
In general you can find a 35 Summilux in the $1,000 range, early chrome versions a bit more or a lot more depending on the M3 or M2 versions, and the early change over black mount design [in 1966] lenses had a locking focus tab and are in the $1,300 range and sometime more for collector's.

I still like this lens and have used one for 30+ years. It may be hopelessly outdated [especially] in comparison to new lens designs, can flare unpredictably, but it still can make wonderful images. Its not 'unusable' at f1.4 as some folks would have you believe, but if you need the extra speed can 'pull the rabbit out of the hat' - as long as you understand the 'rabbit' is sometimes a bit on the scruffy side. On overcast days (less challenging light) the lens can make 'beautiful' images, and when stopped down to the midrange apertures is very good by even modern standards. Photographer's skills 'make' more images than lenses 'ruin'.

If you do get one its worth a try. If you find its not working out you can always sell it. There are other fast 35s, but they cost more, are not even up to the Summilux standard (Canon 1.5/35), or like the well regarded Voigtlander 1.2/35 are huge. For a compact speedy 35 the Summilux could be just what you need. Other lens to look at may be the new Voigtlander 1.4/40, and if you really need a bit closer focus, sorry its ASPH-time.
 
Kyle i use this lens a lot in fact i'm currently scanning negs shot with it as i write this.
It is commonly said this lens suffers from flare - this is something i've not really had problems with and shot in the same situations as the VC 35/2.5 and Nikkor 3.5/ 2.5 and it has perfomed better. I like the low contrast and softness at 1.4 its one of the reason's i use it.

I paid $1300 USD from Kevin Camera's a couple of years ago. I've had the 35/2 version 4 in the ealry 90's which i really liked and stupidly sold it when i worked less with 35mm. Sizewise the 35/1.4 pre ASPH is almost the same if not a bit smaller. You need the special lens hood and is the only way of using the series Vii filters. You might want to look at the VC 35/1.2 which will cost you less for a new lens if size is no problem i know Don (X-ray) swears by this.
 
Simon Larby said:
Kyle i use this lens a lot in fact i'm currently scanning negs shot with it as i write this.
It is commonly said this lens suffers from flare - this is something i've not really had problems with and shot in the same situations as the VC 35/2.5 and Nikkor 3.5/ 2.5 and it has perfomed better. I like the low contrast and softness at 1.4 its one of the reason's i use it.

I paid $1300 USD from Kevin Camera's a couple of years ago. I've had the 35/2 version 4 in the ealry 90's which i really liked and stupidly sold it when i worked less with 35mm. Sizewise the 35/1.4 pre ASPH is almost the same if not a bit smaller. You need the special lens hood and is the only way of using the series Vii filters. You might want to look at the VC 35/1.2 which will cost you less for a new lens if size is no problem i know Don (X-ray) swears by this.
Click to expand...

Simon, thank you very much for your input. I am considering the 35/1.2, but geeze its HUGE! I'd like to just have one 35 to use in all situations, and I can't see myself wanting to keep the 35/1.2 on me for regular use. Of course, for the cost of a used 35 Summilux I can get both the CV 35/1.2 plus CV 35/2.5 for regular use (or just keep my Canon).

Decisions... 🙄
 
Both Simon and I have made excellent images with the v1 Summilux. I used it for many years under tough conditions and produced hundreds of fine images. Certainly it's capable as Simons work shows. I guess I used this lens for atleast twelve years or more and later purchased the v1 summicron. The v1 just wasn't what I expected in F2 performance so I purchased a v4. The v4 has served me well and I still own it but rarely use it after purchasing a 35 Biogon. Earlier this year i purchased and also carry when needed the 1.2 Nocton. What a fantastic lens. Large and solit for shure but very well made and really really fast. Virtually no flare even shooting extremely bright sources during the night and shooting into windows with 8 stops greater light than my subject. Very few lwnses can handle this. The resolution even at 1.2 is quite good and stopped down a couple of stops it's really superb. The 1.2 is large but not as large as the 50 Noctilux F1 or my old 50 Noctilux 1.2. The price is right and there's no competition in gathering light. I'm not certain you can beat the performance even at twice the price or even three times the price.
 
I'm following this post with interest because I also want a fast 35mm. I was also thinking about a summilux however it may be a little out of my price range.
How about the CV Ultron 35 1.7? I know people like this lens and its under $400.00 new.
Is it as large as, say, a 50mm summicron? or smaller? How is it wide open?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Beemermark
35mm/1.4 Nokton VII compared to 35 Summilux (not the ASPH)
2
Replies
21
Views
5K
Archiver
A
D
Summilux 35mm Pre-ASPH V2 close focus mod
Replies
0
Views
1K
danielcai
D
lxforrest
A DIY retro digital camera project - Blog #3 Prototype V -1
Replies
3
Views
286
lxforrest
lxforrest
J
  • Article Article
Compact Fast Lensed Scale Focusing 35mm Cameras
2
Replies
22
Views
4K
Mos6502
Mos6502
C
A Little Story: What I Learned About Leica This Year
2 3
Replies
47
Views
4K
JeffS7444
JeffS7444
Back
Top Bottom