Summaron 3.5/35 vs. CV 2.5/35?

[thmk]

Hello,
just having aquired a double-stroke M3 I am thinking about a 35mm lens for it. I know that I would normally need a lens with googles but I already have the CV 35mm metal viewfinder and I do not care about the separated finders since I already use a Bessa-T. Now I'd like to know more about the character of these lenses. What can I expect from an older design like the Summaron? Where are the advantages of the more modern CV design?

Cheers
Thomas-Michael

 

[phototone]

I have both lenses in LTM, and I find that while the newer CV lens is very sharp, the older Summaron 3.5 35mm is also tack sharp, and yet has a quality that goes beyond sharpness, I really can't explain it sort-of a 3D quality for want of any other way to explain it. I had to completely disassemble my Summaron and clean all the elements and then touch up the blacking on the edges of the internal elements before I extracted all the quality this lens is capable of. This is not a job for the faint of heart.

There is indeed a magic quality to Leitz glass, however either lens will produce edge to edge sharpness if clean and well set-up. Probably the newer CV lens has a higher MTF. (contrast)

 

[Paul Connet]

35/f3.5 Summaron Shots

35/f3.5 Summaron Shots

I have both lenses in LTM, and I find that while the newer CV lens is very sharp, the older Summaron 3.5 35mm is also tack sharp, and yet has a quality that goes beyond sharpness, I really can't explain it sort-of a 3D quality for want of any other way to explain it.

I just scanned a couple of shots taken with a Summaron 35/f3.5 at a local car show. I don't know about 3D quality, but they look nice to me. See below:

Regards, Paul C.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

The 35/3.5 gives a classic look to the images, not as fast as the CV though. This lens needs to be stopped down , f5.6 to f11, for best results. I like mine , I just don't use it as much as I thought I would.
If you are looking for one I might be willing to sell mine, if you are interested. Mine is an "M" mount, with goggles and hood. The only problem is someone tried to inscribe a name on it, not really noticeable and has no effect on the operation. Here are some sample images from mine, taken at various fstops and lighting.

Good Luck!
Todd

 

[Zorkiiglaza]

The first photo, of you sons is fantastic!- Why did Steve Gandy rate this lens "adequate, but not a stellar performer"?

 

[MCTuomey]

I second Zorkiiglaza's enthusiasm for your picture of your sons, Todd. Very nice shot - I like it a great deal!

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Thanks guys, I think when compared to other lenses of the era, the 35/3.5 takes a little coaxing(maybe what Gandy is alluding to).

Todd