Summicron 35/2 ASPH

[K57H639]

I’ve been trying to decide which lens to get along with the ever-lovely M6 TTL, and it seems like the best bet is the 4th version ‘cron 35/2. However, I can’t find this lens anywhere – I can only find the ‘cron 35/2 ASPH. From what I’ve read, the ASPH is larger, heavier, and has much less appealing bokeh. It’s said to be sharper and have better contrast at low apertures, but seems to be called a “clinical” or “technical” lens, producing less appealing photos pictorially/visually, with harsh edgy bokeh and unpleasantly harsh transitions from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. However, this may be much exaggerated—I don’t know.

Does anyone have any experience with both the pre-ASPH and ASPH 'cron lenses, or at least with the ASPH?

Also, any bokeh shots made with the 35/2 ASPH would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[akptc]

Used the 3rd pre-asph, sold it. Now use the asph. I found most of the "harsh bokeh" comments wrt the asph to be silly talk.

 

[K57H639]

Used the 3rd pre-asph, sold it. Now use the asph. I found most of the "harsh bokeh" comments wrt the asph to be silly talk.

Do you have any bokeh shots you could show me?

 

[sepiareverb]

Both of these are with the 35/2.0ASPH. I love this lens, and find myself using it more and more. Not a big bokeh user, I'm most often using this at 5.6. I make 1620" prints from this lens with crisp detail everywhere.
That 2nd one is at f2

 

[Mean Panda]

I had both ASPH and Non-ASPH for about 6 months. I like both of them. But when I had to keep one of it, I sold the ASPH verions. Many people like the bokeh of the Pre-Asph, but I like it for other reasons. I kept the Pre-Asph, because it gives excellent balance of contrast and the resolution. Color pictures from Pre-ASPH is outstanding, very smooth, very appealing to me. It is not as sharp as the ASPH though. But between two of them, I will take Pre-Asph.

 

[M. Valdemar]

I think this whole bokeh business is highly overrated.

 

[ampguy]

there's another thread (or more) on this

there's another thread (or more) on this

the ASPH due to it's number of aperture blades can show non-circular aperture patterns, and is detailed in another thread here, but overall I like the ASPH as much or more as the V4. Either is great, the ASPH is bigger and might be sharper but they're both excellent IMHO.

I’ve been trying to decide which lens to get along with the ever-lovely M6 TTL, and it seems like the best bet is the 4th version ‘cron 35/2. However, I can’t find this lens anywhere – I can only find the ‘cron 35/2 ASPH. From what I’ve read, the ASPH is larger, heavier, and has much less appealing bokeh. It’s said to be sharper and have better contrast at low apertures, but seems to be called a “clinical” or “technical” lens, producing less appealing photos pictorially/visually, with harsh edgy bokeh and unpleasantly harsh transitions from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. However, this may be much exaggerated—I don’t know.

Does anyone have any experience with both the pre-ASPH and ASPH 'cron lenses, or at least with the ASPH?

Also, any bokeh shots made with the 35/2 ASPH would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[JNewell]

Another consideration with the v4 Summicron is that of all Leica M lenses it has probably the highest incidence of mechanical problems.

 

[Mackinaw]

Here's a shot with the 35mm Summicron ASPH, wide-open.

 

[peter_n]

shiftis take a look at the link below. It is generally the most cited reference for the comparison you are seeking. Also to repeat what John said above, the v.4 pre-ASPH lens has a poor reputation for reliability.

http://www.jimarnold.net/galleries/leica_35_test/

 

[Chuck Albertson]

I used a 4th-gen Cron (I think--it was made in Canada), but traded up to an ASPH when it came out. 90 percent of my work is shot with a 35, and a lot of it wide open. The ASPH is sharper in the corners, and it is less prone to flare and ghosting. I shot a band on Friday night, and all the stage lights pointed into the lens were very well-behaved in the negative. It's probably a little heavier than the previous version, but c'mon---they're both tiny compared to SLR lenses, and I've long forgotten about how much lighter the other lens was.

I've never paid much attention to that bokeh business. I worry about the bits that are supposed to be in focus.

 

[K57H639]

Another consideration with the v4 Summicron is that of all Leica M lenses it has probably the highest incidence of mechanical problems.

I've not heard of this... Care to elaborate?

 

[ChrisN]

What's wrong with ASPH bokeh?

 

[JNewell]

I've not heard of this... Care to elaborate?

Sample thread at pnet: http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0059G2

Do some searching in various online fora and you will find many owners who report mechanical problems with the v4 - much higher than any other Leica lens.

 

[dreamsandart]

I've had and used 2 examples of the 2/35 Summicron 4th version. Had one I used as my standard lens for a few years till I got the 35 Summilux ASPH and made the mistake of selling it, but couldn't live without it I guess and found another. Both of them the chrome/brass mount version and made in Germany. I only mention the chrome and 'German' because I've never had a problem with them, the first was well used. I think being small and using the square hood to mount on and off the camera its easy to torque the front apart, which is glued but an easy fix, so just be aware.

They feel and are very solid in use, the focus is smooth and sure, the 9 blade aperture and ring works perfect and feels just right, its very compact even with the hood. Optically for me its about perfect, a flat field without distortion and sharp enough for anything I need, contrast is good, seems to find details in the shadows the Summicron ASPH I had just made black. As for the 'boke thing', I wouldn't call it the 'king', that just sounds stupid, but the way the transition of focus is rendered just looks natural to me, it doesn't 'pop' in and out of focus but looks 'smooth'. I like the way it 'sees'.

I do try and work in the f4-8 range as that's where I like it best, but don't think too much if I have to open it up when needed, but then I have my 35 Summilux aspherical if I'm actually planning on doing more work in the f1.4- f2 range.

I don't think you can go wrong with either lens mentioned.

 

[venchka]

Alas, the price of both lenses on the used market has climbed steadily in the past 12-18 months. The v. 4 Summicron is commanding silly crazy prices. My opinion, nothing else.

If you must have Leica, decide what YOU want and buy it. Have you been watching the classifieds here? 2 v.4 Summicrons came up for sale last week. One may still be available.

If you apply a bit of fiscal reason to the 35mm lens purchase decision, there are several alternatives, beginning with the Zeiss ZM 35mm Biogon. Those lenses appear often in the classifieds here. Or you can buy the lens new and have a lot of money left over for film.

 

[nobbylon]

Shiftis,
take a look at my flickr and look at the himalaya leica gallery. nearly all where taken with the asph, just a few with a 15 heliar and there are plenty of bokeh shots in there.
It's my favorite lens,
rgds j

 

[sepiareverb]

A quick look on ebay gives the impression that this is one of the most common Leica lenses ever.

Before you bite my head off- gives the impression is what I said. There are a lot of these around.

 

[Kim Coxon]

If you see an item that goes for more than expected on eBay, you often find a rush of similar items for sale. If I had one, I would have no hesitation in selling it at today's prices and getting a Biogon and several other lenses at the same time. 😉

Kim

A quick look on ebay gives the impression that this is one of the most common Leica lenses ever.

Before you bite my head off- gives the impression is what I said. There are a lot of these around.

 

[venchka]

There you go

There you go

If you see an item that goes for more than expected on eBay, you often find a rush of similar items for sale. If I had one, I would have no hesitation in selling it at today's prices and getting a Biogon and several other lenses at the same time. 😉

Kim

Like I said, applying a modicum of fiscal reality...