Which 35/2 to keep? (UC-Hexanon vs. Summicron III)

akptc

akptc

Shoot first, think later
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Somehow I ended up with these two 35mm lenses but need just one, I think. I've read all I could find about the virtues of both the UC-Hexanon 35/2 and the 35mm Summicron (Type 3) and, it seems the UC-Hexanon is the better lens. But, I really cannot tell, from using them on the R-D1. So that’s the question. Both lenses are in fine condition, the Hexanon probably a bit more minty than the 'cron.

I know, I should probably keep both and decide later but, frankly, too many lens choices tend to be a bit paralyzing for me (I have a long way to go before I can call myself a photographer.)

I normally use the 28mm Hexanon on the R-D1, the 35mm would typically stay glued to the M6. Btw, I am also considering the 35/2 Zeiss ZM instead of keepting either of the two.

Which lens would you keep?
 
Keep the Hexanon. For one thing, you can be sure of getting a good price for the Summicron, and for another, the odds are great you won't get another chance at the UC-Hexanon if you have remorse later, since it's a limited edition.
 
Ah, wow, wish I had hard choices like that to make. It must be nice!! ;)

Since you have a digital camera, why not have a lens shoot-out! Shoot the subjects that you most like to photograph with, post the photos and let us comment. It would be brilliant fun!

It's the photos that matter to me, when all is said and priced and valued...
 
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The m-mount Konica lenses are the high water mark of the oldest, but sadly gone, optical firm in Japan.
The summicron is just another summicron.
 
Well, I agree with above advice - since you have RD1, test them both and keep one you like. After all, it's all about YOUR photos, right? If they seem to perform the same, keep one that you like from handling/size/weight point of view. Thats what I would do anyway. I have several lenses in the FL, but each has a very different signature/handling - reasons for keeping all of them. Also, if you test them side by side - I'd make sure to test how they flare, as that can be a very important issue under some conditions.
 
By all means, you should sell me the UC-Hexanon! ;) Seriously I'd only keep the one you like and use. I have a similar, though cheaper, dilemma with 50mm lenses.
 
The UC-Hexanon is an LTM mount, not an M type bayonet mount. I would second KoNickon above, one will be very hard to find if you have remorse. Plus it's an LTM and more versatile so you could get a Barnack and use it on that! You never know... ;)
 
Why don't you pack the Summicron away and put it in a far corner of your storage area. Pretend you don't have it any more. I bet it won't be too long before you've regretted getting rid of it, then happily recall you actually still have it, and dig it out for some good purpose. I don't know about you, but I always seem to regret selling something I've liked.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice, I appreciate it. What really struck home for me was the reminder how much I always regret selling gear.

Btw, I actually packed both lenses on my recent trip to Tucson with the intent to give them both a workout at Biosphere 2 (north of Tucson) but unfortunately ran out of time. I can only imagine what kind of cool stuff they have inside there! definitely worth another trip (any Arizonans up for a Biosphere excursion?)
 
Andy,

They are both very good lenses. I used to have a summicron 4th and replaced it with the UC Hexanon - absolutely no regrets. Its limited, its newer, it is better built, its black lacquer and built by one of the top Japanese makers. So, you know what gets my vote. However, if you don't need to sell, just pack one of them away until you miss it.
 
I've never owned a 35mm Summicron. I've never even been close enough to hold one. I always thought someday I would find a nice v. 3. That didn't happen.

I bought the 35mm UC-Hexanon recently. I like it very much. I own bodies with both mounts. That was huge plus for me. However, the lens seems to be permanently attached to one of the M5s. I'll see about prying it loose and using it on a VI-T. With only my ancient Canon 35/2.8 (an even smaller lens) for comparison and only 2 rolls processed so far, the performance satisfies me. As soon as I can get the 4 additional rolls developed I've shot with it so far, I'll be able to say more. For me it is the perfect compliment to my 28mm M-Hexanon lens.

You could buy the Zeiss 35/2.0 also. You would be the envy of everyone here.
 
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After further thought...

After further thought...

...I realized that both of my Konica lenses have been on one M5 or the other since I purchased them. They are habit forming! And I almost never used either focal length before. :D
 
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One lens is not really "better" than another, unless you define clearly what "better" means. Better to you may be more lpm, but to me it could be better low light performance, having a focusing tab, more compactness, or weight, or bokeh, or price, or whatever.

But even if one lens is "better" than the other, it still doesn't completely replace the other. If you have children, you'll know what I mean. Just because one is smarter or more successful than the other doesn't mean you give up the other child. There are qualities (other than grades) which make the other child special too.

Same with lenses.
 
Like Doug said, Andy. I wish I could try the UC. But I do like my v3 as well.
From what I have seen they seem to be slightly different wide open
(OOF vs. resolution).

Just put the v3 away for a while, don't sell it.

Best,

Roland.
 
I'm no help at all

I'm no help at all

I'm sure most here will agree. With one or two exceptions, I regret selling every piece of photographic gear I've ever owned. I would take them all back today. :D
 
if you can't see a difference in the photos from either lens then i would keep the one that feels best in use along with the camera and your hands.
 
back alley said:
if you can't see a difference in the photos from either lens then i would keep the one that feels best in use along with the camera and your hands.
Click to expand...

I've decided to take Joe's advice and am putting the UC-Hexanon up for sale in the Classifieds.
 
I know exactly how you feel (maybe). Had both the Hexanon and Summicron 4th version and felt I had to let one go. Optically they were too close to call. The Hexanon was a beautiful made and finished lens in limited edition, but so was my late chrome German made Summicron. So it came down to what felt the best for me long term, which the Summicron being a Leica lens, brass mount, worked well and looked right on my chrome M5 I decided to keep. The 39mm filter size and closer focus were the other factors that tipped the scale in its favor. Still wish I had the Hexanon, but it was the right choice for me.
 
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