The Leica 35mm f/2 Lenses...

For $2000 you can nail down a good M6 and either a 35f2 V3 or, if you need that extra stop - a Nokton 35f1.4 (similar in character to the 35f1,4 pre-asph - with less of the flare). If you are willing to go for a non-metered camera - a M4P/M2 (add $100-150 for a CLA) and a V3 Summicron or again the Nokton 35f1.4. Alternatively look at the Nokton 40f1.4 - less distorsion in the extreme edges of the image than the 35f1.4 Nokton - and very good at f1.4 too. The 5mm does not make much of a difference and you soon learn how to compensate if needed.
 
Ive shot with Leica 35mm V3s, V4s, Cron ASPHs, Summilux pre-asph and Summilux ASPHs. They are all excellent glass. Only because I shoot mostly slowish films (100asa) I need the faster lens, hence the Lux ASPH. Otherwise, I'd take the Summicron V3 and save the extra cash for a nice camera body.

Conversely, take the VC 40mm/1.4 Brand New as Tom indicated.
 
Thanks for the help so far, guys. Another question: What differences exist between the M6 Classic and M6 TTL? I read on Luminous Landscape that the TTL version has a better finder. I don't really care about TTL flash, but I do wear glasses (although I wear contacts more).

Thanks.
 
AutumnJazz said:
Thanks for the help so far, guys. Another question: What differences exist between the M6 Classic and M6 TTL? I read on Luminous Landscape that the TTL version has a better finder. I don't really care about TTL flash, but I do wear glasses (although I wear contacts more).

Thanks.
Click to expand...

The M6TTL (.85) patch tends to white out, possibly the worst VF of all M's. Many have replaced these VFs with the MP finders. I owned six M6s and never a problem with its VF.
 
Last edited:
the biggest real differences between a "classic" and TTL are the TTL flash capability of the later, along with the larger "wrong-way" shutter speed dial on the the TTL version.
 
Erik van Straten said:
I think the V4 is a good lens, but the quality of it's out of focus rendering is overestimated. The Summilux 35mm f/1.4 pre asph is far more pleasing.

Erik.
Click to expand...

Can't agree more

I have the 35mm summilux ASPH, the 35mm summicron preasph ( iv th version ) and the 35mm Summilux preasph thanks to NB23 who convinced me to buy one ( you can check on my website, the whole Paris by night album is shot with this lens )
The one which has most character is definitely the Summilux preasph, the 35mm Summicron is really overrated and i would have liked a shallower bokeh. Take the 35mm summilux preasph, it's amazing
 
valdas said:
I have both- V4 German version and pre-asph lux. V4 also can have coma's if wide open, but it has really nice bokeh at slightly smaller appertures. it is probably overrated taking into consideration price premium though. as to lux pre-asph - it's a nice lens, but very very soft at 1.4, it's like with softar filter which you either like (I do) or hate... bokeh of lux wide open? here is an example:
Click to expand...

sure, it's definitely softer than the ASPH version or the summicron preasph @ F2 but the tones you get + the glow + the amazing bokeh compensate this "flaw" which, actually, is not one for me since i have 30x40cm prints of pictures @ 1.4 ( trix and rodinal @ 1600 iso , 1/30th second ) and the sharpness is really sufficent for me
 
why Leica

why Leica

One wonders, if you are planning to use Voigtlander optics why not get a Bessa instead of an M? Is there some tradition in the States buying a Mercedes and fitting it with a VW engine? By the way, all Leica lenses were created equal, says the Lord. The little details are saved for those who keep staring at the finger and the moon it is pointing to.
Regards.
 
Symeon said:
One wonders, if you are planning to use Voigtlander optics why not get a Bessa instead of an M? Is there some tradition in the States buying a Mercedes and fitting it with a VW engine? By the way, all Leica lenses were created equal, says the Lord. The little details are saved for those who keep staring at the finger and the moon it is pointing to.
Regards.
Click to expand...

The problem is that some guys want a whole batch of lenses making them unaffordable for most if they're Leicas. Back in the day, unless they were pros, most Leica shooters only had 1 or 2 lenses. In the new consumer epoch....well, you know the story.
 
The cron type4 is grossly over-rated as usually of any Leica myth, the price will shoot rocket high. Don't get me wrong, it is a wonderful lens but it isn't really the bokeh king none does the current crazy price justify its image quality. Lux 35 asph is the true bokeh king if you ask me. but the ugly lens hood puts me off. I will recommend a cron 35 asph. It is the best balance between size and performance and a superb lens hood.

here one image taken with it on M5:
3936965409_634eccfd1a.jpg


I find that there is no compromise wide open with this lens. iQ remains very high corner to corner throughout the apertures.

pardon the blown-outs. I didn'ty notice my developer was expired!
 
Last edited:
What abouta 35/2 biogon? Or an Ikon and a biogon? This is an outstanding combination that can be had BRAND NEW for less than $2000.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom