35 Summilux APSPH on film.

[Fairkid]

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Hello all.

 

I have just got hold of a 35 LA pre FLE and wondered if film users with this lens worry about focus shift at all. I've read here and elsewhere it is more pronounced on digital than film.

 

I've been shooting mostly wide open since I've had the lens as I always have the thought of the focus shift nagging away at me.

 

I'm sure in time I will learn through experimentation but any knowledge out there to help me along the way would be much appreciated.

 

Many thanks,

Ben

[K Davis]

Hello all.

 

I have just got hold of a 35 LA pre FLE and wondered if film users with this lens worry about focus shift at all. I've read here and elsewhere it is more pronounced on digital than film.

 

I've been shooting mostly wide open since I've had the lens as I always have the thought of the focus shift nagging away at me.

 

I'm sure in time I will learn through experimentation but any knowledge out there to help me along the way would be much appreciated.

 

Many thanks,

Ben

Ben,

I have this lens and never had any problems with focus shifting on film. Mind you I couldn't detect anything on an M9!!!!

One thing I would mention is this lens will flare if the sun is above the centre of the frame even with the proper lenshood on.

Regards

Ken

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[Fairkid]

Thanks for the reply Ken, that's good knowledge.

 

I'm off to Morocco tomorrow for a short break so I'm looking forward to giving the lens a proper tryout.

[A miller]

I thought that the FLE was incorporated into the lens precisely to prevent focus shift...

[Fairkid]

I own the pre FLE ASPH

[A miller]

ah, so sorry. I haven't used this lens but from what I understand not all lens experience focus shift and that it depends on your particular version

[Nr90]

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I use mine on both my M8 and on film.

Haven't had trouble with focus shift on either.

[gberger]

On mine, the focus shift was pronounced on my transparencies. I sold it, and it has been replaced with the new Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM.

 

I'm wondering about the QC on the pre-FLE lenses, as the user comments have ranged from "no problem" to "noticeable problems," both for digital and film users; however, the satisfied users apparently outnumber the unsatisfied ones. Mine may have been an anomaly.

[KM-25]

On mine, the focus shift was pronounced on my transparencies. I sold it, and it has been replaced with the new Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM.

I had one for about 5 years, put some 500 rolls of chrome in front of it without any issue.

 

If the one I have coming tomorrow is off, I will just send it in to be optimized for 1.4....there is no way I am buying that tank sized ZM 1.4....

Edited April 14, 2015 by KM-25

[menos I M6]

When the FLE lens was announced and first sample shots hit the internet, I decided to buy my 35/1.4 ASPH (pre FLE) brand new in the shop at full price.

It simply is the better lens - no ugly out of focus highlights, plenty sharp and beautifully built.

When using without a lens hood (which is perfectly fine with this lens) it is even pretty compact.

 

I never ever had any issues with focus shift on film, M8, M9, MM.

If I would, I simply would have it had calibrated and be done with the silly internet focus shift bubble.

 

ALL lenses do have focus shift - it is just a matter how well they are adjusted to not show this issue.

The internet has simply blown this issue completely out of proportion.

 

Sure the FLE lens is an improvement in mechanical design (nice, practical lens hood integration) and it surely is a tad sharper close up.

BUT: it does it at a cost - the cost being harsh, ugly out of focus highlights, where the pre FLE lens is pure smoothness.

Edited April 15, 2015 by menos - M6

[friedeye]

I love this tiny little lens and have had no focus shift at all on my M9 and film Ms.  Highlights bloom when shot wide open - but I like that.  It's the magic of the lens.

[ramosa]

I never noticed it on my M8 or M9, nor (in less extensive use) M6.

Edited August 13, 2015 by ramosa

[BenMacPhoto]

I shot with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux ASPH on film for a few years.

Never noticed any focus shift.

And never noticed any focus shift on my M8.

[Doc Henry]

I shot with a 35mm f1.4 Summilux ASPH on film for a few years.

Never noticed any focus shift.

And never noticed any focus shift on my M8.

Ben , also same notice for me 

It's still expensive in second hand . A good investment

 

Recent pictures  with a Leica MP analog Kodak TX400 and 35 LA (not FLE)

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/?p=2871013

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/?p=2869796

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/?p=2871015

Best

Henry

Edited August 14, 2015 by Doc Henry

[chrism]

I have both the 35ASPH and the 35FLE. I had intended to sell the 35ASPH when the FLE came, but I haven't quite managed to do so as it has one major advantage - the focussing ring is so smooth and easy to move. The FLE is stiff and despite a few evenings of working it back and forth it hasn't loosened up much. Fortunately I never could see much focus-shift with my ASPH, and I suspect it will be the FLE that gets sold....