Summicron 35 3rd version vs Hexanon 35/2

[nksyoon]

OK, I currently have a Hexanon 35/2 which has given me really nice pictures so far - only complaint is that it's bit long and heavy.

I've seen a Summicron 35/2 3rd version (274xxxx) in good condition with perhaps one very small permanent mark on the front element. Barrel looks great, focusing and aperture rings feel smooth. Aperture blades have a oil-like pattern which could be wear - the pattern matches the adjacent blades. Price is CHF890=$688 at current rates.

So, besides the smaller size and lighter weight, what advantage could the Summicron have over the Hexanon (ignoring the badge)? Erwin Puts believes the Hexanon is better than the 4th version Summicron.

I'd try them both and maybe sell the one I prefer. The Hexanon was bought new-in-box and has about another 11 months warranty, so I probably won't lose money if I switched to the Summicron.

Opinions please? They'd be used on an M6 and a Bessa R2 if it matters.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[KoNickon]

Well, let us (or me!) know if you decide to sell the Hexanon. Personally I'd hang onto it, unless you decide you must have the Summicron. But that price sounds pretty high for a lens with a permanent mark on the glass -- even though optically it probably won't make a bit of difference.

 

[rover]

it sounds like the hex is pretty good.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Dqi9

 

[Paul T.]

I really doubt it's worth the hassle of swapping. I have a 3rd gen 35/2; and also the Hexar AF which carries the lens from which yours is derived. They both take great photos, I don't think one is notably superior to/different from the other. $700 does sound a bit pricey for the Summicron, I paid $600 for mine (tho they can go for more on ePay). Some people have said the V3 vignettes, altho I've never noticed it.

I think it's plausible that Hexanons focus more accurately on Hexars, and Summicrons on Leicas (there's a whole other can of worms), but with a 35/2 DOF would probably cover any error.

Overall I think you're chasing a rainbow, but if you are gonna go for a Leica lens, I suggest you buy one without flaws.

 

[FrankS]

The small size of the Summicron 35 is a real bonus and is probably the only advantage.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I echo Paul here. As an Hexanon owner to another... keep the Konica glass; the Leica mystique can be expensive, and in this case, not equally rewarding. Now... if you wanted to get a second 35mm... seek another lens instead, not one with a problem like this, unless you want to have it repaired later.

 

[35mmdelux]

Not a great deal w/ the Cron having front end damage. The operative word here is "damage." I've picked up various excellent 35mm V3 & V4 for $650 at the camera shows and they know what they're selling. I would wait .

Having said that, I did put my 35mm/1.7 VC ASPH ULTRON on the backburner in favor of a 35mm Lux. The 35mm/1.7 VC ASPH ULTRON is awesome IMO, but a bit on the larger side. At $300 and change I'll use it as a back-up. I much prefer the smaller, more discreet 35mm Cron or 35mm Lux. So I understand your point. The smaller M6 w/ 35mmLux is so important to me that I was willing to pony up $950 for the Lux.

I also own the 50mm M-Hex. The tolerances are incredible and approximate the earlier 50's-60's Leica lenses. Personally I would swap out the 35mmHex for a Cron, but I would wait for a much better example or better price point. You could probably get a good price on the 35mm Hex on bay, kick in a couple extra benjis and get the more compact Cron. My opinion!

 

[ywenz]

What about getting a new CV 35mm Color Skopar PII ? It's half a stop slower but is tiny and light! New for only $300

 

[KoNickon]

So I guess lack of size does matter!

Having recently gotten the Hexanon 35/2, I can't imagine the Summicron bettering its performance. And it's not that big, either.

 

[35mmdelux]

No doubt the Hex is a great performer as is the VC. It depends on what your ultimate goals are and what you're willing and can afford to pay. In my case, shooting w/ Superia 100, I needed the extra stop and was willing to cough up bank for it.

But that is all relative, isn't it? No one cares what a compelling foto is shot with.

 

[KoNickon]

"No one cares what a compelling foto is shot with."

Well, then we wouldn't have a lot to talk about here, would we? Maybe it's more correct to say "it doesn't matter what a compelling photo is shot with."

 

[aizan]

except for fanboys like us, riiiiight?