TJV
Well-known
A badly worded title, I know. Sorry...
Anyway, it has been discussed many times before I suppose but I'm going to ask these questions anyway.
I have three Leica lenses.
1: 28mm Elmarit ASPH
2: 50mm Summicron (latest version)
3: 35mm Summilux ASPH
A while back I toyed with the idea of buying a Version 2 Summilux 50mm to replace my Summicron as I'd really appreciate the extra speed. 2.8 is fast enough for me for 28mm as I hardly use it. The problem with the Version 2 'Lux was that it gave a massively different look to my photographs compared to the modern lenses. The difference in its signature was so great (perhaps I got a weird copy?) I would never have wanted to use it aside any of the others I have. The colours were colder and the contrast far lower.
I've been thinking for a long time about the ZM 50mm C-Sonnar and, although it has a "vintage design" could give better colours and contrast due to the new coatings and glass type. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than the Leica alternative and I could live with the possibility of focus shift.
Looking on Flickr there are some great images that showcase the Sonnar but it's hard to see if its overall "look" could sit next to images made with my other Leica ASPH lenses.
Anyway, I guess what I'm asking is this:
Could the results I got from the Summilux be caused by an older lens design combined with old glass types and coatings? If so, could a "modern vintage" lens like the C-Sonnar sit comfortably along side the other Leica lenses in my bag? I'd have to sell my Summicron to get one but I can't test one before I buy, which makes me pretty hesitant - especially since I really like the Summicron, just would like an extra stop.
I've read this discussed before regarding lenses like the ZM 50mm Planar sitting aside other modern Leica lenses. Seems the other ZM lenses are very much the Leica's equal and the C lenses are marketed as unique kind of tools for a special look.
Just curious...
Anyway, it has been discussed many times before I suppose but I'm going to ask these questions anyway.
I have three Leica lenses.
1: 28mm Elmarit ASPH
2: 50mm Summicron (latest version)
3: 35mm Summilux ASPH
A while back I toyed with the idea of buying a Version 2 Summilux 50mm to replace my Summicron as I'd really appreciate the extra speed. 2.8 is fast enough for me for 28mm as I hardly use it. The problem with the Version 2 'Lux was that it gave a massively different look to my photographs compared to the modern lenses. The difference in its signature was so great (perhaps I got a weird copy?) I would never have wanted to use it aside any of the others I have. The colours were colder and the contrast far lower.
I've been thinking for a long time about the ZM 50mm C-Sonnar and, although it has a "vintage design" could give better colours and contrast due to the new coatings and glass type. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than the Leica alternative and I could live with the possibility of focus shift.
Looking on Flickr there are some great images that showcase the Sonnar but it's hard to see if its overall "look" could sit next to images made with my other Leica ASPH lenses.
Anyway, I guess what I'm asking is this:
Could the results I got from the Summilux be caused by an older lens design combined with old glass types and coatings? If so, could a "modern vintage" lens like the C-Sonnar sit comfortably along side the other Leica lenses in my bag? I'd have to sell my Summicron to get one but I can't test one before I buy, which makes me pretty hesitant - especially since I really like the Summicron, just would like an extra stop.
I've read this discussed before regarding lenses like the ZM 50mm Planar sitting aside other modern Leica lenses. Seems the other ZM lenses are very much the Leica's equal and the C lenses are marketed as unique kind of tools for a special look.
Just curious...
