Rollei 40/2.8 Sonnar LTM Vs Summaron 2.8 Vs Olympus 35RC

[benji77]

Apologies if I am posting in the wrong thread, but I don't know where would be an appropriate page.

I current have the Summaron 2.8 M-mount, which is a lovely lens. In addition, I have the Olympus 35RC with the very nice 42/2.8. Not to mention the Hexar AF and a Voigtlander 35/1.4SC.

The G.A.Syndrome is hitting me, and I have been toying with the idea to fund a Rollei 40/2.8 Sonnar LTM. The chrome finishing, together with the size simply calls out to me to match this with my M2.

Question:
How would the Rollei compare with the Summaron?
How would the 35RC compare with the Rollei, at a small fraction of the cost of the Rollei?

With this I would also be comparing them in print quality, where the Summaron is really nice. But, when G.A.S hits, its hard not to ignore.

 

[btgc]

IQ isn't rational, so GAS isn't too. Just buy Rollei or you'll feel 35RC is way too cheap to be good.

 

[maddoc]

I had a 40/2.8 Rollei LTM and now have a 35/2.8 Summaron (again). The Rollei was OK but in case of a 40mm lens I prefer any of the 40/2.0 M-mount lenses. (I have used all of them, all exceptional)

 

[benji77]

Thank you for the replies.

The 35RC is a great camera for its size, viewfinder and overall function. The copy I have sometimes gives me some fuzzy output, but the field of view from the 42mm is something special that I have yet to get a grip on. Its gives me the impression that it would be a good balance to have with a 25mm, skipping the 35 and 50 altogether.

I dont know if I can dwindle my gear down to just a 25 & 40, so this is a consideration I have at the moment.

I shall read up on on the Rokkor, which I never thought about.

 

[raid]

The Rollei Sonnar 40/2.8 has become a specialty lens for photographers and for collectors. I love my Sonnar. I also like using my Summicron 35/2 and Summicron C 40/2. I do not have tbe Summaron 35/2.8. Sonnar lenses are very special to me, and once you start loving the Sonnar look, it is difficult to accept other lenses.

 

[charjohncarter]

If you have something to screw it into I'd get the Rollei. My Olympus 35RC is my favorite camera for 35mm, mostly because of its portability. But the build quality of the camera isn't great as are any of these 70s fixed lens Japanese cameras. I've had mechanical problems with mine, and light leaks, but I have been able to overcome them. Now that Rick Olesen doesn't work on them, I'm out of extensive repair luck.

I've never used the Rollei you mention, but I doubt if you will see an IQ improvement over the 35RC. My copy is very very good. I don't have a better lens in this focal length range in which I include 50mm. Still, vacations and trips the 35RC fits my bill. I don't have to worry about it (too much).

 

[summaron]

I've used the Rollei 35SE 40mm Sonnar 2.8 as my main camera/lens combination for years (despite my Rangefinder Forum monniker). It seems to have less romantic. perhaps more subtle, defocus/bokeh than either the Summaron or Hexar 35mm. You can see how it works from this group of nice photos by jsuominen (especially Lobby Bar and Cafe at Home), some of which were also posted here at RF.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/379440639/

I didn't like the ergonomics of the LTM version of the 40mm Sonnar – the aperture and focusing rings seemed too close together. And it developed rather severe "cosina wobble" which had to be corrected by DAG (for $195) before I sold it. The Rollei 35S or SE might be a good compromise.

James

 

[benji77]

If you have something to screw it into I'd get the Rollei. My Olympus 35RC is my favorite camera for 35mm, mostly because of its portability. But the build quality of the camera isn't great as are any of these 70s fixed lens Japanese cameras.

I've never used the Rollei you mention, but I doubt if you will see an IQ improvement over the 35RC.

I agree wholeheartedly that the portability (which also includes a meter) of the 35RC is its winning card. I just found out that the Minolta Rokkor 40/2 M-mount is half the price of the Rollei Sonnar, yet almost the same size if not smaller than the Rollei.

I've used the Rollei 35SE 40mm Sonnar 2.8 as my main camera/lens combination for years (despite my Rangefinder Forum monniker). It seems to have less romantic. perhaps more subtle, defocus/bokeh than either the Summaron or Hexar 35mm. You can see how it works from this group of nice photos by jsuominen (especially Lobby Bar and Cafe at Home), some of which were also posted here at RF.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/379440639/

I didn't like the ergonomics of the LTM version of the 40mm Sonnar – the aperture and focusing rings seemed too close together. And it developed rather severe "cosina wobble" which had to be corrected by DAG (for $195) before I sold it. The Rollei 35S or SE might be a good compromise.

James

I have the impression from reading about the Rollei is that its the same lens formula as the 35SE/S versions that come with the camera. I could be wrong though. But if its the same lens, it would be cost effective to fund the S/SE instead of the 40/2.8 Sonnar.

I have to admit, the Rokkor is very tempting!

 

[f16sunshine]

I would go for the Rokkor 2/40mm.
Tried the Rollei and Rokkor at the same time on M8 and preferred the f2 ability.
The Rollie is a very nice lens. Normally I shoot at f4-8 with a 40mm.
I'll say that the 40mm Rokkor has a special something at f2 though.
Very irresistible and less dough outlay too especially... when adding in a 50mm ltm-M adapter.. oh wait.. a 35mm ltm-m adapter....😛
Which one will it be?.. (both)

 

[Scrambler]

The Rollei in Leica mount is the same formula as the version in the Rollei 35. So for cost, the Rollei 35 S/SE wins. You do get RF coupling in the Leica mount version.

The Leica mount version was sold as M mount and comes with an unlabelled Voigtander LTM:M 50mm adapter.

The Rollei is the widest Leica mount Sonnar you can get. F2 would be nice, but it depends what you want.

If you have to ask the question, don't get the Rollei in LTM as a user. For Sonnar junkies like me, pay up and enjoy.

 

[benji77]

The Rokkor at half the price of the Sonnar is very tempting. I have been browsing images for both these lens, and I feel the Sonnar has a similar draw to my ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar (its a Sonnar, Benji, duh??)

However, if I fall prey to this G.A.S, I would like to add something different to my lens collection, where I would sell off my CV 35/1.4SC.

Oh my. These are tough decisions.