Which non-Leica fast 35mm for an M6?

[Steve_F]

Hi all,
I'm currently saving for a 35 Summicron for my M6, but can't wait that long to get some 35 F/L work going.
All suggestions on other fast 35mm lenses at a reasonable price would be appreciated.

I appreciate I won't get the Leica quality but other characteristics would be nice, bearing in mind most of it will be shot wide open or at around f2.8 / 4.

Thanks,

Steve.

 

[Roger Hicks]

35/1.7 Ultron -- the easy winner on price/quality. I'd rather have one than a Summicron (and yes, I've had both).

Cheers,

R.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I've been using the Ultron 35/1.7 for a few months. It is a very good choice.

For an "old-time" look, ie low-contrast, the Canon 35/2.8 is a little gem. And it is inexpensive.

Wide-open at F2.8

 

[Merkin]

I'm a fan of the CV 35mm 1.4 SC. It has a bit of barrel distortion, but other than that, I was always happy with the images, and I liked the size and feel of operation.

 

[scottwallick]

I am a big, big fan of the 'new' Summarit 35mm f/2.5. You might not consider f/2.5 very fast, though. If you want something more than a half-stop faster than the Summarit, though, you'll be choosing between one of the CV 35s. I had the CV 35/1.7 (MC) and liked its signature but hated the barrel distortion. Sold it.

Below is a pic from the Summarit.

 

[noimmunity]

I'd recommend the CV 35/1.4, but listed several alternatives:

Since it's gonna be a place-holder lens that you'll sell, why not just get the admirable and inexpensive CV 35/2.5, which many have compared to earlier cron versions, with higher contrast and less flare.

Then again, if you try a ZM Biogon, you might lose all interest in a cron.

The CV 35/1.2 could do duty as an all around lens, with character and speed galore, but it is heavy.

LTM choices from Canon or Nikkor are available too.

But I'd just get the CV 35/1,4, a unique little lens. Even after you get the cron you could still keep it for those times when you need a little extra speed.

 

[Merkin]

Another advantage to picking up the CV 35 1.4 is that it tends to hold its value very well, especially the SC version, as very few people who buy them tend to sell them.

 

[venchka]

LTM and M choices from Konica. They may have the same effect as the ZM Biogon.

 

[clicker]

Well,
I might hold off and save up for the Zeiss, not super fast but for the money nothing comes close.

 

[Chris101]

I've got an Ultron, in fact it's my only lens. I rarely feel the need to put anything else on my Leica (not an M8 though.)