M or R ?

[JHAG]

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I shoot booth with my M or R.

With the M : 35, 50 or 90

With the : 60 or 100 Macro.

 

I sometimes wonder about the difference of quality between my Summilux R35, which I know well, and a Summilux (or Cron) 35 R.

Is the difference worth it.

I understand for instance that the 90 M and R are similar lenses.

Your advice ?

[hm1912]

I have wondered about it myself (the difference of quality between R and M lenses), but since I don't have a rangefinder I've never asked the question. I'm glad you have though!

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[andybarton]

Ask WGL III

 

He'll give you an unbiased opinion!

 

 

(Only kidding, William )

 

The 35 for the R is of a much older design than the one for the M. As such, from what I can gather, the latest full-on Summicron-M 35 f2 ASPH is about as good as it gets.

 

Allan Brewer uses one to pretty good effect.

 

What is interesting, though, is that there seem to be very few 35 R users around. We/they tend to go wider, since it's much easier to shoot wide or long with an R than it is with an M.

[masjah]

I've got the Summilux R. These days I tend to use it when I need the large aperture, otherwise the 21-35 zoom is more convenient, and a bit crisper, being a fine, modern design. The 35M asph is certain to perform better, though I don't use the M system. The R lens is a bit soft around the edges, wide open, and also vignettes wide open, but this isn't really important for the sort of applications for which it is being used. I guess it's an R reportage lens, but M cameras would surely be better in that role. It's also OK with fast film for general interior architecture shots when flash and tripods are banned - though I would prefer a tripod and my 28/2.8 PC lens for this sort of work.

[leicapages]

I was using the Summilux-R 35/1.4 before I acquired the Vario-Elmarit-R 35-70/2.8 ASPH, and was quite happy about. Excellent quality, bright viewfinder, easy to handle. However, it is true that, compared to the Summilux-M 35/1.4 ASPH, the R lens is weaker in the field especially at the largest f-stops. Does that matter? It depends on what you'd use the lens for under these circumstances.

[mgcd]

The 35mm f/2 Summicron R is my main lens even with the DMR. It has carried most of my images through the years. People are constantly surprised by the quality of the images it produces as it is indeed sharp. While Andy is right about the age of the design, it still serves me well.

[earleygallery]

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I use a Summicron 35mm on my R. I've posted a few recent photos taken with it on the photo forum. It is the older design (without the built in hood) which I'm very pleased with. I read of a professional who used the same lens and missed it so much after deciding to sell his Leica kit that he bought another. I wish I still had the article because I don't recall who it was.

[ptomsu]

there are for sure differences, the M one is better, especially as the 1,4 R Summilux.

 

But in praxis you will not notice, I am very happy with my 1,4 Summilux R.