Which Summicron 35mm?

Which Summicron 35mm?


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I am very happy with the Version 1 35mm Summicron.
It has been well described by people in this thread.
After having a goggled version for many years, I later added a non-goggled Cron.
The 35/1.4 pre-asph is a great lens. I think, I have the second version, but I am not sure about it. It is sharp wide open.
 
I think, I have the second version, but I am not sure about it.

What is the serial number of your Summilux pre-asph, Raid? If it is under 2.166.700 it is version 1, if above, it is version 2.
The difference is big, but it is hard to tell wich one is "better".
Due to rarity version 1 is more expensive. Collectors want it.

Erik.
 
What is the serial number of your Summilux pre-asph, Raid? If it is under 2.166.700 it is version 1, if above, it is version 2.
The difference is big, but it is hard to tell wich one is "better".
Due to rarity version 1 is more expensive. Collectors want it.

Erik.

Hi Erik,
I just checked; it is 2.34....., so I have Version 2. Less collectible and less flare? :D
 
Tried both. Kept the ASPH. The sharpness and the rendering of 3D objects.
The Pre-4th is not at all bad but the resolving power of the ASPH shines through.
 
I know the VR-4 has some nice character, but the prices are now just stupid, a rip off really, same with all the others versions as well.

So I finally got the 35 I need and want, the 35/2 Aspheric. I had the 35 1.4 asph and loved it, shot with it 90% of the time, much more than the 28 cron and even the 50 1.4 asph. Once my project ended, I knew exactly what I wanted, just one M6 and a 35/2, no M9, no 50 Lux, no 28.....after countless days of searching, I payed for a mint 35/2 asph today, about $600 more than the one I bought in 2006, a great deal really given the current situation...my M6 is no longer lensless....I am done playing the Leica gear game.
 
Ver4 is Splendid... Draws Light with an Ethereal Glow
But I have the ASPH ... love its Edge & Crispness
i do not find it 'clinical' as some say .... Just a Tad more 3d with a Modern Edge
 
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sometimes I see quite a bit of difference between the v4 and the asph in terms of image look... sometimes I really don't.
I also would upgrade to the asph version but I'm scared it might be to clean/clinical for my liking...
I shoot wide open mostly and maybe the asph would be good for that..

g
 
Hi,
great pictures here :)
I happen to have a 35 pre-asph silver summicron.
The silver version seems quite rare and that lens is mint so i'm afraid to use it :)
I might consider selling it for a used black one. Does anybody now how much i could ask for that mint silver one ?
Thanks !
 
I have the V1 (Wetzlar not Canada) version , unfortunately it had some (thankfully inert) fungus inside, which was cleaned out but had damaged some coatings. :(
The glass is clear (no haze) but there is a little blowing of highlights (Leica glow ? lol) at wider apertures.
In images without bright highlights, however, the sharpness is fantastic, and shadow detail amazing. As much as I wish the coatings weren't damaged (although if I win the lottery...) , I'll not part with it. :)
 
If you can bear not to buy Leica, the Zeiss C Biogon 35/2.8 is a stunner, and still made in silver if that matters to you (it does to me). OK, it's not as fast, but it's 1/4 the price and it's sharper at f/2.8 (wide open!) than the 'cron ASPH. Definitely preferable to a Summaron 35/2.8 unless you really want a vintage look.
 
If you can bear not to buy Leica, the Zeiss C Biogon 35/2.8 is a stunner, and still made in silver if that matters to you (it does to me). OK, it's not as fast, but it's 1/4 the price and it's sharper at f/2.8 (wide open!) than the 'cron ASPH. Definitely preferable to a Summaron 35/2.8 unless you really want a vintage look.

Yes agreed, the Biogon-C is technically the best performing 35mm lens...except for it's vignetting wide open, which isn't that bad. It equals any 35mm at f/2.8 and is better than most.
 
ALL the 35 crons are YUMMY !!!

wish i owned them ALL :) ...but then I'd be in a quandary
which to take :p
 
From my experience (briefly) with the V4 and with a few years with the ASPH, I'd go with the V4 with higer-speed film and smaller apertures. I'd go with the ASPH for slower speed film and f/2-f/5.6.
 
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