sanity check: hunt for v1 35 summicron

[x-ray]

I'm on my second V1. I got my first in an unbelievable deal 22 years ago along with a like new IIIG and M2 and 9 more lenses. It was basically new as were the other items. I didn't have $100 in the 1st V1. I used it for a few years and traded it for a like new V4 thinking it would be better. This was in a time no one cared about Leica and prices were really cheap. The 1 vs the V4, in real picture making terms there wasn't any difference. Print for print you can't see any difference.

I kept the V4 for a long time and can't remember what I did with it. I think I sold it when I won a retro version asph 35 summicron in a drawing. It was the MP hammertone camera, Leicavit and lens set. I tried to love the asph but couldn't. It produced plastic over enhanced looking images. I'm more of a subtle classic guy.

Meanwhile I bought a f2 35 Biogon and a 1 Nokton 35. Both are excellent without being plastic and harsh looking. I sold the Nokton but still have the Biogon.

I had another chance to pick up another v1 for $200. It was cosmetically fine but the lube had dried up and there was heavy fog. I invested $90 and got it cleaned.

The V1 is a nice lens but does flare at times. I'm keeping this one as it belonged to a friend that passed away recently.

The crown jewel imo is the f2 Biogon. It's deadly sharp but not harsh or artificial looking like the asph Summicron. It has the best flare control I've ever seen in a 35. It amazing even wide open and very pleasant at all apertures.

If I could only own one 35 it would be the Biogon, and as far as I'm concerned the V1 and V4 are a toss up. I've never owned the v2 and 3 so no opinion.

 

[Erik van Straten]

That is so funny with 35's. You can try and try, they're all different.

I very much like the Ultron 35mm f/1.7 LTM. It is aspheric, but not harsh looking. Very sharp and nice. No flare.

The Ultron 35mm f/1.7 M-mount is nice too, but quite big.

Leica M2, Ultron 35mm f/1.7 LTM, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Ok, so I've been chasing after a 35mm V1 Summicron for quite some time (> 2 yrs!!!!)

There's only one way to get the Summicron 35mm V1 monkey off your back, and its basically this:

However, if you are one of those people (and many of us are at times) that cannot get something off their mind until they find a one and try it for awhile, you might just have to buy one to get it out of your system.

I was underwhelmed by the Summicron 35mm V1, but I still had to try for myself. Luckily for me, instead of buying one, I was able to loan two different copies from generous friends.

 

[james.liam]

Bought a 35 v.1 and after a costly CLA, some permanent haze remained and forced to sell it a loss. Not going to go there again.

Have a Summaron ƒ/2.8. Jewel of an optic, mechanical masterpiece. Can't say i'm all that crazy about the rendering despite the hoopla. Can't point out a particular flaw; just the overall look doesn't agree. Probably will sell this as well.

Owned the ASPH, my first M lens. Beautiful rendering at ƒ/2, focus shift from ƒ/2.8-5.6 drove me nuts, ruined more than a few shoots. Sold it but I do miss the lens.

ZM 2,8/35 though slow, has a wonderful look and is appropriately compact. I like the higher contrast (dial it back if it is much). Sharp corner-to-corner and doesn't much improve stopping down. Has become my go-to 35.

 

[bayernfan]

there was a soft-corner 35/2.8 thread a while back. i don't get it, mine is razor sharp in the corners from f/4 onwards. f/2.8 is still very good.

 

[jsrockit]

ZM 2,8/35 though slow, has a wonderful look and is appropriately compact. I like the higher contrast (dial it back if it is much). Sharp corner-to-corner and doesn't much improve stopping down. Has become my go-to 35.

AND for such a small amount of $ in comparison!

 

[benmacphoto]

However, if you are one of those people (and many of us are at times) that cannot get something off their mind until they find a one and try it for awhile, you might just have to buy one to get it out of your system.

I know that feeling all to well.
The 35mm Summicron V1 is a lens I've had on my mind for a while.
But the price of a V1 35mm Summicron keeps me away from getting one.
Not to mention I enjoy my 35mm Summilux, and now added a 35mm f1.8 LTM Nikkor.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Not to mention I enjoy my 35mm Summilux, and now added a 35mm f1.8 LTM Nikkor.

I'd say you're pretty set with those two lenses. How much did you have to twist Cal's arm to get that LTM Nikkor?

 

[bucs]

I have a 35 2.8 summaron also and I love it. Just need the extra stop for darker scenes.

Sometimes the desire for something can no longer be reasonably justified. The atmospheric prices of v1 summicrons serves as an example

 

[benmacphoto]

I'd say you're pretty set with those two lenses. How much did you have to twist Cal's arm to get that LTM Nikkor?

Ha, didn't have to at all. It was a good trade and nice to see him in NYC today.

 

[benmacphoto]

I have a 35 2.8 summaron also and I love it. Just need the extra stop for darker scenes.

Sometimes the desire for something can no longer be reasonably justified. The atmospheric prices of v1 summicrons serves as an example

While it is a different lens with a different look, the 35mm Pre ASPH Summilux can be had for less then a V1 35mm Summicron.
You'd get an extra stop over the Summicron with unique character wide open, and I have found the 35mm pre ASPH Summilux at f2.0 is close to a Summicron in sharpness and contrast.
It's like having two lenses in one.
And why I've kept my Summilux but sold a few 35mm Summicrons.

 

[Robert Lai]

I had the Summaron 35mm f/3.5 in LTM. It flared like crazy. I sent it to DAG to get any haze cleared out. It came back slightly less flarey. I think the real culprit was an uncoated Leitz UV filter which I had on the front of the lens. Once I removed that, it was a decent performer.

However, by that time, I acquired a Summaron 2.8 in LTM. I still have it. It's a very decent lens that has nothing to draw attention to itself. That is, it gives a neutral, distortion-free rendition without any wierdness to draw attention to itself. I felt that it performed better than the 3.5 Summaron, so the 3.5 was sold.

Then came the Summicron v1 with goggles. It had been CLA'd in Japan. It was an excellent performer, but I didn't notice any major difference from the Summaron to be worth $1500 more. Furthermore, the goggles turned a petite lens into an ugly Frankenstein. I tolerate the goggles on the 135mm Elmarit 2.8, where they serve a very useful function. However, the bulk on a 35mm lens was a deal breaker for me. So, the 8-element lens was sold. I didn't lose any money on it. Neither did I gain any.

Then I got the Summicron ASPH. This lens is very modern, and with a lot of microcontrast visible. High resolution, high contrast. A different look from the Summaron / Summicron V1.
The Color Skopar 35mm f/2.5 in LTM, and the Voigtlander Ultron M 35mm have greater similarity to the rendition of the Summicron ASPH than to the older lenses

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 is also an option. This is one of the better lenses from the 1950's, easily beats the Summaron f/2.8 and the Summicron v1. Sharp in the corners, no distortion. I wish I had an LTM-version of this lens. Beautiful rendering.

Contax v1, Nikkor 35mm f/2.5, 400-2TMY.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Another one with the Ultron 35mm f/1.7 LTM at full aperture.

Leica M2, Ultron 35mm f/1.7 LTM, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[teddy]

Mmm. Lots of different opinions, mostly around price. I got my v1 35/2 Summicron for about $1,500. I also have a Summaron 35/2.8. I bought them from Tamarkin Camera in Chicago. So...

The 35 Summicron type 1 is one of the sharpest lenses in the world. I've never had problems with flare unless you want it. My copy has no haze, then I looked and well - there was a minute tiny bit of haze. So, I took it to a Leica specialist and he cleaned it. Good. Now it looks mint. It is so sharp from corner to corner. I have it, and would never part with it. Plus, the Viewfinder Attachment helps because it allows closer focusing to .65mm. Bonus! Added to that - when I attach it to my M2, it lets me see the frame easier to see! Double bonus. And when I need f2, not always but when I need it - I can use f2. Fantastic. Save up, be patient and get one! Your hunt will be over.

Now the Summaron 35/2.8 - a special lens for black and white, possibly the most special. Ultra sharp - yet the Summicron is sharper in the corners. I use it more for black and white - but I have it. Cost me $550 US. It's in mint condition. It took me 4 years to find one - buy, sell, buy sell until I saved a enough to get it. Happy camper.

Patience! But, usually the tiniest bit of haze will do NOTHING at all. The problem is if the presence of haze will bug you. And if the thought becomes obsesive (i've been there), well - frankly - it's best to change ones thinking. The haze will have NO effect, unless it is moderatly heavy and you like shooting at the sun.

When you buy Leica, you buy an investment, and well if you don't like it after a year or two well - there's plenty of 35's to choose, but at least you've tried it! Amazingly, my wife tells me that! 😉

Another point, I don't think the 35/2 Summicron type 3 is a bad choice. I've never had one, but from what I've seen - on film, it is stellar!

Summicron 35/2 Type 1 with Finder (1965)

Summaron 35/2.8 with Finder (1962)

 

[agfa100]

Way back in 72 I went from a Canon 35 2.0 to the V1 Summicron, it's just a wonderful lens. They were very cheap back then, a lot of people were getting out of Leica for Nikon and I switched all my Canon lenses and bodies for M stuff. In the digital age I use it on a Ricoh GXR and I still love it. The only other lens I like as much is the one on my RX-1.
wbill

 

[ferider]

Mmm. Lots of different opinions, mostly around price. I got my v1 35/2 Summicron for about $1,500. I also have a Summaron 35/2.8. I bought them from Tamarkin Camera in Chicago. So...

The 35 Summicron type 1 is one of the sharpest lenses in the world. I've never had problems with flare unless you want it.

I have similar experience: got my M2 v1 for 1500 from Leicashop/Westlicht and the glass is clean. I tried the Summaron but never liked it. I have other 35s, including the VM Ultron, the v3, and the Nikkor 35/1.8.

But the v1 is my new favorite on the 240, it's truly amazing: very high resolution, rectangular, nice darktones (lower contrast), nice OOF rendering, etc. If you like the 5cm Rigid Summicron, the 35 v1 is the perfect match for it. Note that the v1 is a little longer than the v3, my guess is 37mm or so,

So to the OP: i can recommend the lens, keep looking and buy from a reputable dealer.

Roland.

 

[ferider]

A picture says more than 1000 words (click for a bit larger size). Just taken (handheld):

 

[Erik van Straten]

I can confirm Feriders statement that the v1 forms a nice pair with the 50mm rigid. Same type of rendering. However, sometimes it flares, even with very clean glass. (not in this shot)

Leica M2, Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[teddy]

I have similar experience: got my M2 v1 for 1500 from Leicashop/Westlicht and the glass is clean. I tried the Summaron but never liked it. I have other 35s, including the VM Ultron, the v3, and the Nikkor 35/1.8.

But the v1 is my new favorite on the 240, it's truly amazing: very high resolution, rectangular, nice darktones (lower contrast), nice OOF rendering, etc. If you like the 5cm Rigid Summicron, the 35 v1 is the perfect match for it. Note that the v1 is a little longer than the v3, my guess is 37mm or so,

So to the OP: i can recommend the lens, keep looking and buy from a reputable dealer.

Roland.

I also bought my M2 from Westlicht, and my 50/2 DR Summicron - both super clean with no flaws. I live down under. I haven't had my Summicron 35 flare yet. And that scan - looks great. I bet you didn't even process or sharpen then image?! I also have an M3 and pair both the 35 and the 50 Summicron together when I need a different angle.