Summaron or Summaron

[HuubL]

By chance I recently got another 35mm F/2.8 M2-type Summaron. According to the number it was made in 1959. My other lens is from 1966. Both lenses look great, have no problems with scratches, dust, fungus, etc. Lens barrels show comparable wear (hardly). The 1959 one has "Germany" etched in the barrel, the later one has "Lens made in Germany". The older one has the imperial distance scale start with 2'4'', the later one starts with 28''. The later one also has a slightly smaller red mounting dot positioned lower on the barrel and is 20g heavier. For the rest there are no visible differences. Is there a consensus as to which one has an edge over the other? I want to sell one (possibly here) but want to keep the best. Which one would you keep?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Which one would you keep?

I don't know, but I'll keep whichever one you won't. Selling?

 

[Tom A]

I dont think that there was a major change in the Summaron 35f2.8 over its lifespan. Coating was changd at some stage from a slightly blueish tint to what I call "Cognac" colored. I have had both early and late versions of this lens and allowing for age/manufacturing tolerances find them equal except for one thing. The early ones tend to have an "edge" at close focussing and mid range f-stops. Of course, there are sample variations involved too, but over the decades I have had about a dozen 35f2.8's and that is what I base my opinion on.
I have always felt that in many ways the 35f2.8 was a better performer in the f4-f8 range than the Summicrons of the same era, particularly in the close-up range. It also tends to be easier to find good condition 35f2.8's as in the 60's many of the 35f2's were used by press shooters and usually got beaten up badly. The Summaron tended to be bought by serious amateurs who took care of their stuff (UV filters/hoods/caps etc).
In your shoes, I would simply load up a body and shoot a couple of rolls and look at the result and make your decision from that.

 

[b.espahbod]

When hearing from someone like Tom is a relief. I came across a thing or two every time i used this lens that made me think summaron 35/2.8 is a better performer than my 35/2 (8 element same era) but thanks tommy you made me sure about that. I love all my summarons, i have 2 types of summaron 35/3.5 two 35/2.8 and my beloved pair of summaron 28/5.6.

I say Keep two or more depends on how much you like the lens and how it fits your needs. having another for insurance is such a good feeling.

 

[HuubL]

Thank you both!. Keeping them both is out of the question. I have two Summicrons also (8-element and v4). Four of these lenses is two-three too many. I would like to keep at least one Summicron and perhaps one of the Summarons. So for watch the classifieds!