Summicron-c 40mm Connundrum

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Spud10

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Backstory: I've shot nothing but 50mm for the last few years. Sure, an occasional 28mm has crept in but for the most part, its been 50mm.

The other day I decided it was time to try something new, a new focal length. I was all set to give a 35mm color-skopar a try but when I got the shop, I noticed a lovely 40mm Summicron sitting there. It's already had the flanges trimmed or whatever and so it brings up the 35mm framelines.

The prices between the two are almost the same.

So what would you do?
BTW, I'd be shooting this exclusively on an M4.
 
Spud10 said:
Backstory: I've shot nothing but 50mm for the last few years. Sure, an occasional 28mm has crept in but for the most part, its been 50mm.

The other day I decided it was time to try something new, a new focal length. I was all set to give a 35mm color-skopar a try but when I got the shop, I noticed a lovely 40mm Summicron sitting there. It's already had the flanges trimmed or whatever and so it brings up the 35mm framelines.

The prices between the two are almost the same.

So what would you do?
BTW, I'd be shooting this exclusively on an M4.
Click to expand...

Both lenses are super performers. Biggest difference in performance will be the difference in focal length and the fact that the Color Skopar 35 is multicoated where the Summicron-C 40 is single coated.

Hard choice between them. That's why I have both. (My 40 is the later M-Rokkor 40/2 II version with multi coating, otherwise identical to the Summicron.)

Good luck choosing.
 
Personally, I'd go with the Summicron. Summicron IQ at 1/3 to 1/4 of the price. It really can't be beat and it won't depreciate as much as the skopar.
 
I had a Summicron-C once that did not focus correctly when using with one of my Leica M-bodies (due to the cam-follower centering problem) and replaced it with a M-Rokkor (CLE version) for that reason. I also have the CV 35/2.5 PII, which is a decent performing lens but sometimes renders a little bit harsh (contrast) for BW. The M-Rokkor is more to my liking but for BW I still miss the Summicron-C except for the focus-problem I had.
 
Search out examples from both lenses. When I was choosing I did something I rarely do, which is study 'bokeh' or whatever you want to call it. Not just wide open, but at smaller apertures. Like a street shot with a person at three feet at f/8- what happens in the background?

Each had its appeal. But for me the Summicron was more appealing and that's what I bought.

Then again, the 35mm width might be what you want, so the Summicron is simply the wrong lens for you at this time. Working in 50mm for so long, maybe you need a more solid jolt of difference than the 40 will give.
 
Let me first premise this by saying the 40 is my preferred default focal length. I have both the 40f2 Minolta for the CLE and the vc 40f1.4. The 40 can take the place of both 35 and 50 w/ just so little foot work :)

Given that u have the 50 and I would assume not part w/ it, I would go w/ a 35. The 40 to me is a bit too close to the 50 for a change of pace.

Gary
 
How much of an issue is using the 35mm framelines on the m4?

I can be fairly self-conscious to make sure and frame a bit inside the lines but will I find myself struggling to estimate as the distance between myself and a subject decreases?
 
Spud10 said:
How much of an issue is using the 35mm framelines on the m4?

I can be fairly self-conscious to make sure and frame a bit inside the lines but will I find myself struggling to estimate as the distance between myself and a subject decreases?
Click to expand...

For my eyesight with glasses, the 35mm framelines on the M4-2 are a very accurate guide. Same viewfinder as your M4.

G
 
I use Summicron C 40/2 on M9. Correct fucusing an all apertures even at f/2. Colours are great, lens is tiny, so the while set looks like pont and shoot camera size. I was shoting with it recently in South Africa and received great results both indoor and outdoor with various light conditions.
 
Dan Daniel said:
...study 'bokeh' or whatever you want to call it. Not just wide open, but at smaller apertures. Like a street shot with a person at three feet at f/8- what happens in the background?
Click to expand...

It just so happens...

snowdrops.jpg


This was either f/5.6 or f/8.

I find this lens has pretty reliable, non-crashy bokeh at all apertures. It tends to render bright light sources as nice, homogenous blobs, too, without echoing.

As for the frameline issue, no experience with M4s, but the 35mm frame on my Zeiss Ikon ZM has been a painless match for this lens's 40mm eyeball.
 
I have the Summicron-C 40/2 and love it. I often think of selling it (or trading it) for a 35/2.5 Skopar, but I have yet to do so because I use it all the time. It's my most-used lens. Sharp, fast, small, light, and reliable. It is wonderful with b&w. For color I sometimes prefer the look of a more modern lens, but not enough to stop me from using it for color too.

For the record, I use it on my M2 and M6 using the 50mm frame lines. It hasn't bothered me. I just crop if I need to later on.
 
I have both the CV Skopar 35/2.5 PII and the Rokkor-M 40/2.0 CLE. Both are great lenses and I have little to add to the comparisons noted above, except perhaps to say that you'll get a little more pop w/ the Skopar on color film b/c of the contrast as compared to the older 40. In use, however, I'm finding that I slightly prefer the 40 fov; I think of it as a slightly tighter 35. Very useful as a general, go-everywhere focal length. YMMV.
 
Alex Krasotkin said:
I use Summicron C 40/2 on M9. Correct fucusing an all apertures even at f/2. Colours are great, lens is tiny, so the while set looks like pont and shoot camera size. I was shoting with it recently in South Africa and received great results both indoor and outdoor with various light conditions.
Click to expand...

This is good to know. Alex. I will try using my Summicron-C on the M9 too.
 
I started with a 40 Cron, went through dozens of lenses over the past few years, and ended up with a 40 Cron, who'da thought.
 
I used the 40mm summicron on my M6 for years, and loved it... seemed to be a good match for the 35 frameline. Switching from a wide normal to tele normal, this small lens now sits on a nex 6 as my go everywhere camera.
 
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