Which '35 M mount and Why?

Which '35 M mount and Why?

  • Total voters
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Best IQ and general look for me came from my 1.2 Nokton but I was so disappointed with myself for always opting for my v4 Summicron due simply to the size. Both are now gone and I'm awaiting another Nokton, only its the 1.4 this time.

If you could squeeze the Nokton 1.2 into a Summicron body and throw a 50mm Planar into my bag I'd be set for life!
 
There is no doubt that the CV 35/1.2 Nokton produces an exceptional image character - but, I too just couldn't live with its size.

I stuck to my 35/2 Summicron, the third specimen of it which I have owned, and one which is extremely sharp and small.
 
>> Like how this thread was in "hibernation" for more than three years--and now back! (I must have voted back then, but can't recall which lens I chose.)
 
michaelwj said:
It's an open poll, you voted for the Summilux ASPH.

Would this still be your choice?
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Michael: Thank you! I didn't know that I could click on a poll response--and it would show who voted for it. (After years on RFF, I'm still learning!)

It's interesting to think about it now, with the passage of time. I still believe the Lux 35mm asph v1 is the best 35mm lens that I have ever used. (Great rendering on film and digital--and I never noticed any focus shift. I have used two other 35mm lenses: Cron v4 and Cron ASPH.) To make a long story short, I ended up selling off all of my Leica gear, but, over the past year, have returned and made a couple purchases (i.e., M6 and Cron 50mm v5) and aim to add just one more lens--a 35mm. This time around, I think size will play a big factor in my choice--so I'll likely end up with another Cron of some variety.
 
I got recently a Zeiss Biogon 35mm/2 as an addition to having a pre-asph Summilux, a first version Summicron, Canon 35/1.8, 35/2, 35/1.5, a Nikon 35/1.8 ltm. I like them all.
 
ramosa said:
Michael: Thank you! I didn't know that I could click on a poll response--and it would show who voted for it. (After years on RFF, I'm still learning!)

It's interesting to think about it now, with the passage of time. I still believe the Lux 35mm asph v1 is the best 35mm lens that I have ever used. (Great rendering on film and digital--and I never noticed any focus shift. I have used two other 35mm lenses: Cron v4 and Cron ASPH.) To make a long story short, I ended up selling off all of my Leica gear, but, over the past year, have returned and made a couple purchases (i.e., M6 and Cron 50mm v5) and aim to add just one more lens--a 35mm. This time around, I think size will play a big factor in my choice--so I'll likely end up with another Cron of some variety.
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Ramosa, your 35 cron asph is still with me - in good care. 😀
 
I'm torn between the Summaron 35/2.8 and the Summicron 35/2 Version 1. I used to have both. The Summaron 35/2.8 has the best rendition in black and white, is sharp in the centre, and the corners are sharp but compared to the Summicron Type 1, it's a little behind. Who really cares? The Summaron is a special lens. It has high contrast in the centre and is super sharp, then the contrast varies out to the edges giving the image a special look. Also, it is amazingly sharp at close distances.

The Summicron 35/2 Type 1, well it is mostly what the Summaron is, but the lens renders the scene with a different character. It has better bokeh, and has slightly lower contrast wide open. Yet, it is a stop faster and is just sharp all over at every aperture. Both are made extraordinarily...

So, the solution to this problem is that I will get both again. I'm saving up...

Summaron 35/2.8
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Summicron 35/2 Type 1
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I'm thinking of selling my 35 FLE for a 28 Elmarit. Had the 35 Color Skopar for a while and really liked it. If I go the 28mm route I'd probably get it again because it's an amazing lens for the money and I find 35mm to be a bit of a "meh neither near nor far" type of focal length. Then there's that old adage never to sell a lens. Hmm.
 
The Color Skopar 35/2.5 is really one of my favourites.

Two other ones are on my "try-out" list: Summaron 35/2.8 and the Zeiss Biogon 35/2.8, but I have the feeling it will be hard to topple the Color Skopar from its place at the top.

I just love how it is not getting in the way of the photographer and its crisp rendering. Not to mention how nimble it is.
 
Vincent.G said:
Ramosa, your 35 cron asph is still with me - in good care. 😀
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Very cool to hear. Funny that I didn't think a Cron 35mm was right for me when I completed this survey, but now I think it would be.

Vincent: glad the Cron is treating you well! (I know, from following your images on flickr, that you're always keeping active and shooting good things 🙂)
 
Now that we're revisiting this question/poll, its interesting to see what my likes are now compared to then.

Of the lenses I've owned, there's one clear winner: Zeiss Biogon 35/2. However, I find myself wanting (quite a lot) a more compact lens and the summicrons (v1 through 4) all fit the bill for size and performance. Perhaps I should consider one of the CV 35/1.4 offerings (there's 2, right?) too.

And I can say now with confidence that I just don't have a connection with the Color Skopar 35/2.5. I'm not really complaining about performance, but something about the way it handles. And yes, I'm aware that its a compact lens similar to the v1-4 crons, but there's just something. Different than my short time with a v4 cron (borrowed from a friend for a good half hour 🙁 ) that was a definite "connection".

Also love the summaron 2.8 like others here, but mine's a goggled version and we know how the handling on those can be......different.
 
helenhill said:
The funny thing is Nigel
We All probably have a 'different' perspective now

Which 35 floats your boat ?

Mine might be the tiny but Mighty 35 3.5 Summaron 😱
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Hi Helen.

I've tried a fair few over the years but I always come back to my 35 Summicron IV for it's size, speed and look. I've recently picked up a near mint M mount 35 Ultron. Early days with this one 🙂
 
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