Summicron 35 M versions + equivalent Lux

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FOWL

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Hi
just following on from discussion in a diff. thread I am considering a LUX or Cron to replace/augment a Summaron 35.
There's so many different versions and prices floating about on ebay, I thought I'd ask if anyone had any thoughts on these slight variations:

CRON 35-
1-do all the CRON V's focus to .65 or just the IV (I read that on an ebay discription)
2-which version is better wide open? (is there perceptible variation b/ween versions?)
3-which version has lowest contrast? (say similar to Summaron?)
4-ergonomically - is there a superior version (i.e. aperture tab of 2 or bulge of 4?)

LUX 35
1-Is there noticable differences in use between type 1+2?
2-Is the lux from f2 up - equivalent to a specific version of Cron?
3-is the lux physically noticeably bigger than Cron?

Lux seems 500USD more than a Cron at present prices - and I'm just wondering given its "just" acceptable at 1.4 - if its worth the extra...the answer probably lies in how much one shoots at low-light...

THANKS and sorry for all the Questions...
 
I've got both the v1 (8-element) 35 'Cron, and the Summaron 3.5 in LTM. I find the (low-ish) contast and overall rendering style to similar, and really like the ergonomics of the v1. Naturally, the 'Cron is sharper towards the edges.
 
any other comments/thoughts on different qualities of the 4 x 'Cron Versions...1, 3 and 4 seem to be most popular for different reasons...
Though 1 seems most expensive...i'm guessing they're all pretty amazing and the differences are subtle?
 
FOWL said:
...i'm guessing they're all pretty amazing and the differences are subtle?
Click to expand...

This is a safe guess. I arrived at the v1 primarily out of practical consideration for the goggled version letting me use a 35mm lens on my M3 without an external finder, and lucked into a good one at a good price. If you do the same, chances are you can sell it without losing money, should it not agree with you.
 
I have the ver.1, ver.IV, and ASPH. I like them all for different reasons, and love the ergonomics/build of the ver.1, with contrast being lower than the IV and ASPH. I love the ver. IV for the tiny size and lightweight (black chrome version), and has a nice clean look with the notable "king of bokeh" designation, but I'm not one to be concerned with that since it's a 35mm lens anyway. The ASPH I have is in chrome, and much heavier than it looks based on the brass build, but the sharpness is incredible across the board with similar ergonomics to the ver.IV. I personally really like the scalloped focus tab on all of these lenses over the convex/ridged tab on other versions. I think all of the 35mm summicrons are great, so you really can't go wrong.

I ended up selling my 35 Lux ASPH (non-FLE), because it was too big for a 35mm in my opnion, and I rarely used it at f1.4, being able to shoot my 35mm summicrons handheld under almost all lighting conditions I found myself in.

On a similar note, I also had a pre-asph 35mm Lux that I loved for its size, but didn't like the dreamy Leica glow at f1.4 and really don't like the series VII filter/hood combo I had to use to keep the front element protected. However, stopped down, this lens is very clean and sharp and again, tiny, tiny tiny, which I personally hold as a high priority for my kit.

I don't know if this helps at all, but you've asked a lot of very in-depth questions and you'll get a lot of opinions from lots of different users.
 
Vics said:
To see the characteristics of all the 'cron 35s,
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97129&highlight=summicron+35mm
Click to expand...
I went for couple of days on this and very thread recently !!!

For my impression ASPH is very distinguishable, followed by v1. By how they separate the object in focus.
v2,3 and 4 reminded me my V1 50 Cron. Sharp enough, neutral in bokeh and middle contrast. Neutral overall.

Now I wonder, which of these is best to keep for many years as main and maybe one and only to use. One which is very distinguishable in character or neutral one...
 
Ko.Fe. said:
Now I wonder, which of these is best to keep for many years as main and maybe one and only to use. One which is very distinguishable in character or neutral one...
Click to expand...


for film and price/quality-ratio: cron V4
that's what I'd keep - the M6 and the V4 - if someone would put a gun to my head and makes me reduce my gear
 
thanks so much folks - really interesting - also I had not considered the Chrome issue weight until now...
My Summaron is 2.8
cheers
keep em coming !
 
They all have the same contrast, and you can process your film to produce the exact same greyscale. What you see with earlier versions is flare, which reduces resolution and definition.

If you want the best, get the version V ASPH.
 
another vote for the cron Asph.
I had (and still have) a summaron 35 2.8, decided to add another 35 and choose the cron Asph to get a different optical design and a modern lens.
I love both lenses.
 
Antielectrons said:
They all have the same contrast, and you can process your film to produce the exact same greyscale. What you see with earlier versions is flare, which reduces resolution and definition.

If you want the best, get the version V ASPH.
Click to expand...

But if Im only using colour - processing decisions are pretty much out my hands - bar - push/pulling....

I understand the argument about loss of contrast and sharpness in the earlier Leitz lenses but technical perfection is not necc. what is desired in an image...

I would need to see more colour photos taken with ASPH to be persuaded...please feel free to point me towards some... my hesitancy is based on what i've seen online and people's subjective reports... what's so difficult about making a decision based on other people's pictures is you have no idea if they are film/digital and how they've manipulated the shot in the scanner/software..

At present, from experience I like what my Ron does but could do with an extra stop or two...

Thanks for your comments
 
**** now Im confused (scratches head) I was checking the links, the 35 ASPH looks pretty amazing, as does the LUX ASPH.....im also pretty impressed with the humble 40mm Cron too...not too shabby wide open at all...
 
michaelwj said:
About ergonomics, I wonder if there is a different focus throw between the v3 and v4 cron? The v3 looks longer. If anyone has used both can they confirm (or not)?
Click to expand...

Between v3 and v4 I will say v3 is better ergonomically. The space between the tab and the mount is higher so the tab is friendlier to use. When I use the M body in a case I can't hardly use the v4 tab at all. Right now the only 35mm Summicron I use is v1 though my biggest mistake was selling the v3. The v3 handles very nicely and great for b/w.

As for Summilux v1 or v2, v1 is a collector's item now and too expensive to own. I sold mine. There are many sample variations but I had one that was quite nice. v2 has many versions. I have owned a few early Canadian versions and found f/1.4 to be poor. I now have a late German version in titanium finish and it is a fine performer, perfectly usable at f/1.4 and matches the v1 Summicron by f/2.8.
 
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