Standard 35mm Summicron-M or ASPH?

[Schorki]

Hello,

It's been a while since I have been on this forum. I started with a Zorki then worked for 1,5 year with a Pentax Spotmatix and 3 days ago I bought an M6...what a tool!

...I also bought a 4th. generation 35mm Summicron, on of the last versions, made in Germany with Leica on it. For me that doesnt matter, I am a user not a collector but I hope the lens isn't as bed as I read here, I will see tomorrow when I have my first photos develloped in my darkroom.

As a photographic tool I just like te 35mm frame, perfect for people photography

 

[markinlondon]

The 4th type 'cron is not a bad lens, Schorki, it's just not all the interweb hype would have you believe. When the ASPH came out there was a bit of an "older is better" type backlash which pushed the prices to unreasonable levels. I'm happy with mine and can't justify an ASPH as I mostly use 50's.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Rafael]

I have the Summicron (III) and am very pleased with it. I have not used the ASPH Summicron, but I own the 50 Summicron that is the contemporary of the 35 (III). To my eye, the 35 Summicron (III) is a superior lens to its contemporary 50 Summicron (1969). The 35 produces images that have a stronger, what I often call bolder, character than its contemporary 50. I moved to a newer 50 (the ZM PLanar), but have no plans to replace my 35.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

The 35/2 v IV works just fine for me. I had one in the mid 80's purchased new and sadly sold it in the mid 90's when i worked in only 120 and 5/4". Now i've replaced it another of the same period.

 

[trittium]

I did a lot of research on the different 35mm summicrons reciently. Generally the favorites are the V1, V4, and ASPH.

Performance:

V1: lowest in contrast, sharp in center slightly less toward edges, vintage look
V4: higher in contrast, very sharp overall
ASPH: highest contrast, very sharp overall

all are renound for there bokeh

In my research I came across a lot of people saying that the V1 was the best version up until the ASPH model. Another concessus was that the V4 and ASPH were extremely similar.

Price:

The V1 is about the same price as the ASPH model. It is good and a collectable so the price is high.

The V4 is the cheepest of the lot


Remmember, all the 35 crons are excellent performers, V1-ASPH. I suggest doing some research, look at test shots, and consider your budget. Luckly I came across a dirt cheep V1 in great user condition, so my choice was easy.

Here are some helpful links:

Fellow RFF member write up on the 35 cron
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/35summicron.htm

35 Cron Flickr group (for looking at samples)
http://flickr.com/groups/summicron35mm/pool/

 

[leica M2 fan]

To my eyes the ASPH photo bokeh is much more pleasant than the v 4, sorry the bokeh on that hurts my eyes!

 

[trittium]

the v1 isn't bad either (@f2)

konica hexar rf fuji superia 200

I need to take more bokeh-y shots to really give 'er a whirl

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Based on your using either or both of these lenses, which would you rate higher in consistent overall quality and on what basis or bases?

I think that Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth (were they still alive) with their overall record, would take a good picture with either the pre-asph or ASPH of Jimmy Rollins with his consistent overall quality of stolen bases. 😉

 

[tbm]

Thank you, all, for your responses. The basis for my inquiry is that I pulled my standard 35mm Summicron out of the large thick plastic bin I store my Leica equipment in, saw that the rear lens cap was off, glanced at the front and rear elements for dust, and was horrified to discover gouges and scratches on the rear element. I got out my 8x loupe and examined it again and confirmed that the gouges and scratches were numerous. Ouch! I then discovered the lens had been lying on my Rapidwinder and the latter must have done the damage. I then uttered a sigh of relief, knowing my ASPH version was resting safely in its leather pouch with both caps attached. Having subsequently learned it would cost approximately $700 to replace the damaged glass element and another $300-400 for labor, and for other reasons, for the time being I'm going to use the ASPH version (which I already used and truly like) and hold off fixing the standard version.

Terry

 

[sepiareverb]

...I pulled my standard 35mm Summicron out of the large thick plastic bin I store my Leica equipment in, saw that the rear lens cap was off, glanced at the front and rear elements for dust, and was horrified to discover gouges and scratches on the rear element...

Ouch! I've recently changed my storage method to a series of boxes, will watch out for that mistake!!!