Summaron, Summicron v1 ....

The goggles makes it slightly harder to focus at night, other than that, anything else, to me, is insignificant..
 
- Shade -
thanks. It seems that the googled version sells for a little less. But of course makes the lens more bulky.

- Mike -
I am trying to settle on one lens :) However if anybody would offer a few side-by-side shots with Summaron and Biogon-C, I would not say "no" :angel:
 
Matus said:
- Shade -
thanks. It seems that the googled version sells for a little less. But of course makes the lens more bulky.

- Mike -
I am trying to settle on one lens :) However if anybody would offer a few side-by-side shots with Summaron and Biogon-C, I would not say "no" :angel:
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Hi Matus,

no experience with the Biogon here (I only suspect it has a very "modern" look), but I am right now shooting the Skopar 2.5/35mm, the Summaron 2.8 and the summicron 35 first version alongside.
Here are some of my non-scientific observations: The lenses are quite different in their behaviour and character. In a nutshell, the skopar has more contrast and a remarkable evenness of resolution from center to the corners. The downside is, it cannot match the resolution of the Summaron or the Summicron in the center at f2.8 or f4. However, it is better than both in the outer field and the corners at these apertures. Summaron and Summicron are quite sharp in the center from wide open, but there is a perceivable drop in sharpness toward the outer field and the corners (quite sudden and pronounced with the Summicron , more gradually with the Summaron). The Summicron improves in the field with stopping down, more than the Summaron it seems. At f8 all three lenses are more or less at the same level, which is to be expected.
I would say the Summicron is more suited for the reportage kind of photography where you need the extra speed, and sharpness in the image center (where the action is going on) might be crucial or even wanted. The Summaron is a more "standard" and "good-natured" lens in a way, quite sharp and rather contrasty (between the Skopar and the 'cron) from the start with more evenness across the field than the 'cron, but not improving as much when stopped down. The Skopar is a very good lens if you stop down at least to f 5.6. At the wider apertures it is a bit too soft for my taste, although this is probably only noticeable in bigger enlargements.

Please note, these are just a few of my probably quite amateurish observations based on the individual and maybe imperfect copies of the lenses I have at hand here. YMMV.

Bottomline, I will probably keep the Summaron and send the Summicron back (I was using the Skopar before and will keep on using it for color), as I don't need the extra speed of the 'cron and I like the chracter of the Summaron, as it seems to suit my style of shooting better.

If you're not in a hurry with your decision we could meet somewhere between FRA and WI and I could lend you the Summaron for some test rolls?

John
 
I have side by side comparisons for 35mm lenses, Matus. See Roland's website. That's all I have on the Biogon.
 
joeswe said:
Hi Matus,

no experience with the Biogon here (I only suspect it has a very "modern" look), but I am right now shooting the Skopar 2.5/35mm, the Summaron 2.8 and the summicron 35 first version alongside.
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John, thanks for the writeup of your experiences, that was an informative read.
Greetings, Ljós
 
- Raid -
thanks, I saw those - very helpful indeed, but I am just looking for more insights.

- John -
thank you - that kind of experience is something I am looking for.

Anyone else to share? :)
 
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, TmaX400.

Erik.

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Erik, very nice, but please do not make my life even harder :) - let's stay focused on 35mm lenses here ;)
 
My favourite 35mm lens Summaron 2.8

My favourite 35mm lens Summaron 2.8

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Leica M2, Summaron 35m 2.8
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If you can spend the cash, get the summicron. The extra speed helps in night time or lowlight. But if you're on a limit, the summaron is definitely a winner.
 
I have checked the prices for the summicron V1 and it is comparable the pre-ASPH summilux and more than later summicron versions. Are these so beloved by the users or are they just collectible?
 
I think they are both beloved and collectible. They are extremely light and small and very sharp, they are the sharpest of all 35/2 crons except the newer asph version. They are only lacking edge sharpness to the summaron of the same age. And they also render images in a more unique way..
 
Matus said:
I have checked the prices for the summicron V1 and it is comparable the pre-ASPH summilux and more than later summicron versions. Are these so beloved by the users or are they just collectible?
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I have the 2.8 Summaron, V1 Summicron and the ASPH Summicron, amongst a few other 35s.
I've bought and sold a few ASPHs, and at least 3 V1s.
I have never considered selling the Summaron.
For me, it's just a perfect lens.
 
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