summilux 35mm pre-asph.

I used to have the summilux pre-asph but found it not usable at 1.4. Way to soft. I can't afford the APSH summilux versions and have now settled on a summicron asph. 2.0 is fast enough for me anyway.
 
I actually just did some test shots on my MP240 yesterday. I have to say it they turn out better than I expected, smooth across the frame and can be sharp enough once you step down to 2.8. Below are some of the test shots, I left them un-edit (out of camera bw jpg) so you can see if you like how it renders. Mine is the v2 canada version.

hi, may i ask what s/n your copy is?
 
Erik,
I have the V1 and V2 but never did side by side comparison (did not intend to anyway).
Although I did sometimes feel that when I use V1, but I have never been sure. so I got that feeling mostly based on your post, your posted photos from v1 was very nice.
Also saw it was said that v1 has 9 elements? Are you aware of anything like that?

No, I've never heard it. The first version was made from exotic glass, so the lens was very expensive. Therefore it didn't sell. Leitz made a version with cheaper glass, from number 222XXXX. The first version is quite good at full aperture, but the second version is horrible. Later on the lens was improved, but I still find the first version the best. I also like the Ollux hood much better than the later one.

Erik.
 
No, I've never heard it. The first version was made from exotic glass, so the lens was very expensive. Therefore it didn't sell. Leitz made a version with cheaper glass, from number 222XXXX. The first version is quite good at full aperture, but the second version is horrible. Later on the lens was improved, but I still find the first version the best. I also like the Ollux hood much better than the later one.

Erik.

Hi, Erik, what about the performance of early version 2 with metal infinity lock.?
 
I used to have the summilux pre-asph but found it not usable at 1.4. Way to soft. I can't afford the APSH summilux versions and have now settled on a summicron asph. 2.0 is fast enough for me anyway.

I've had a few and always ended up selling. Vastly over rated. Horrible wide open and I disliked the aperture ring too close to the hood.
For 35 I've settled on a biogon C
If you must have Leica on the front then the V4 or aspheric 35's are more than most of us need.
 
Hi, Erik, what about the performance of early version 2 with metal infinity lock.?

The second version, with numbers from 222XXXX, is horrible. They are black and have metal infinity stops. Lenses of later series are improved, I don't know from wich number.

The first version has numbers from 176XXXX until 216XXXX. They are in chrome. (Some are in black.) These are the good ones. They are made from exotic glasses. They use the OLLUX shade. They are known as "steel rim". These lenses are very good indeed.

Leica M3, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 steel rim (goggles), Tmax400.

Erik.

14998664022_4ab1f42df5_c.jpg


Erik.
 
The second version, with numbers from 222XXXX, is horrible. They are black and have metal infinity stops. Lenses of later series are improved, I don't know from wich number.

The first version has numbers from 176XXXX until 216XXXX. They are in chrome. (Some are in black.) These are the good ones. They are made from exotic glasses. They use the OLLUX shade. They are known as "steel rim". These lenses are very good indeed.

Leica M3, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 steel rim (goggles), Tmax400.

Erik.

14998664022_4ab1f42df5_c.jpg



Erik.



looks great and do not have any problem at all @full aperture! no glow. however, it is $7000~$10 000 and above now in China! gee
 
thank you, the 1.4 pics are better than i expected/

I think so too! I wish this can focus closer, and I know the one with infinity lock can do that. But I just dont feel like paying so much for it, with that price I might just get a modern lens that has better overall performance and let go the vintage look.
 
I wish this can focus closer, and I know the one with infinity lock can do that.

The ones with the infinity lock focus to 1 m (3 ft). The goggled ones focus to 0.65 m (about 2 ft). You can screw the optics of these lenses out of their mount and use them in another, just like a Summilux 50mm v1 or v2 or a Summicron rigid.

Erik.
 
I just got one recently that's in pretty decent shape, came with the original box and everything! It's a 1981 Canadian version (3140099), I will agree that it's not a superb performer wide open but I think it's definitely still usable, it's pretty usable from f/2 and very usable from f/2.8 onwards.

I also agree the aperture ring is a bit cramped but I don't often have to change my settings so I don't mind. I love how compact it is, though I do wish it focused to .7m as everyone else has said.
 
I have v2, really love the lens, except for the fact that it only focuses until 1 meter, thats what kills it for me. Yes the lens is not that sharp at 1.4, but is good enough, and closing to 2.0 its already very sharp.

Flare is a big issue, so you need to be careful when you shoot. Some examples with the m240:


L1004793 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1003836 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1003037 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1000082-2 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1006191 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1005686 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr


L1002157 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr
 
Great images Alejandro!

Guess I'll ask since its the thing we all complain about with the pre lux...

Any close focus mods?

I would assume it would have been done and posted somewhere if possible!
 
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