Jump to content

Would you swap a Summicron for a Summilux?


BjarniM

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a Summicron-M 35 mm f/2 Silver in very good condition though the lens is almost 20 years old. Not a scratch or any sign of use anywhere.

 

I've been offered a Summilux-M 35 mm f/1.2 Black for my Summicron. The Summilux is also in very good condition?

 

Sometimes i miss the extra f-stop. Would you - if you were me - swap straight over?

 

Why/why not? Pros/cons?

 

Just how good is the Summilux 35 mm pre FLE version?

Link to post
Share on other sites

It hardly gets better. The only point of critique might be the focus shift, but if you understand the way it works the workarounds are obvious.

Having said that, the Summicron is a lens that I would not like to let go.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

It hardly gets better. The only point of critique might be the focus shift, but if you understand the way it works the workarounds are obvious.

Having said that, the Summicron is a lens that I would not like to let go.

Not all of them suffer from the dreaded focus shift, right?

 

I know, it will not be easy to let it go. Sometimes life challenges with tough choices.

 

How about contrast, center sharpness, edge to edge sharpness and general characteristics? Can't find any side by side comparison. Do you know both lenses?

Edited by BjarniM
Link to post
Share on other sites

Difficult!

 

However, is it the 35 Cron asph or the version 4 (produced till 1997)? If it is the asph I would choose the pre-FLE immediately. If it is the Cron version 4, I become uncertain... I own both the Cron version 4 and the Lux asph pre-FLE... and I will not part with any of them! Perfect pair!

 

regards, Stein

Link to post
Share on other sites

Not all of them suffer from the dreaded focus shift, right?

 

I know, it will not be easy to let it go. Sometimes life challenges with tough choices.

 

How about contrast, center sharpness, edge to edge sharpness and general characteristics? Can't find any side by side comparison. Do you know both lenses?

Hi again

My comment is that the Cron IV is just too soft in the corners to be my only 35. The size... and look at 4 though, makes it a keeper along with the (in my eyes) fabulous Lux pre-FLE. This lens is so pleasing in all respects that I do not "dare" to let it go (for an FLE).

Link to post
Share on other sites

Difficult!

 

However, is it the 35 Cron asph or the version 4 (produced till 1997)? If it is the asph I would choose the pre-FLE immediately. If it is the Cron version 4, I become uncertain... I own both the Cron version 4 and the Lux asph pre-FLE... and I will not part with any of them! Perfect pair!

 

regards, Stein

Sorry, i did forget to be more specific in my first post. It's the 11311, Version 4.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry, i did forget to be more specific in my first post. It's the 11311, Version 4.

I have a Chrome Summicron IV and had a Summilux Pre FLE. Both can produce lovely images. The only reason I sold the Summilux was the size, it is not considered huge in any way, but the summicrons are just so perfect in terms if size.
Link to post
Share on other sites

[...] Sometimes i miss the extra f-stop. Would you - if you were me - swap straight over? [...]

 

No problem if you miss f/1.4. Don't be put off by focus shift as that of the 35/1.4 pre-FLE is not worst than that of your 35/2 v4. Otherwise the pre-FLE is less flare prone than the 35/2 v4 but has generally a sharper bokeh. It is also bulkier and heavier but you know it already.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The 35 lux pre asph is a character lens and I think its rendering shows all the way stopped down. My favourite 35 is the pre fle but the size may be off putting to some. If you really like the pre asph lux rendering I would suggest to buy it rather than a trade because your v4 cron is a sweet spot for performance and size.

Edited by rirakuma
Link to post
Share on other sites

I recently sold my V3 pre-asph summicron- and traded up to a Pre-ashp 1969 Summilux (for roughly the same price). I couldn't be happier! I love the build quality of the Lux, the look of the lens and the unique character wide open. I don't miss the Summicrom at all- though it was a very fine lens.

 

(The only caveat - and it's a big one- is that I still own a V1 goggled summicron and a V2 Summicron and the 40mm Summicron C! However if I was only allowed to keep one of the lot it would probably be the Lux)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sometimes i miss the extra f-stop. Would you - if you were me - swap straight over?

 

Why/why not? Pros/cons?

 

Just how good is the Summilux 35 mm pre FLE version?

I sold the Summicron and bought the pre-FLE Summilux.

 

The reason is as you state 'I miss the extra stop'. I have NO regrets. The focus shift is not a big deal in my case (I might be lucky?). Otherwise its an excellent lens with just a slight propensity to flare (hardly surprising its a fast lens) and I use it a lot.

 

Whether you have an attachment to your chrome summicron which might mean heart ruling head is of course another question entirely :) .

Link to post
Share on other sites

IMO, the rendering of the 35 mm ASPH Summilux Pre-FLE is similar to the 50 mm ASPH Summilux providing a very natural and not too clinical field of view with fine bokeh; I feel that you can really sense the textures of the image such as stone, wood, vegetation, the human form.  The lens has acceptable sharpness, though not quite as sharp as my 50 mm ASPH Summilux from edge to edge and has some field curvature which is also apparent in the FLE version which by all accounts seems to be slightly sharper.  

Edited by Carduelis
Link to post
Share on other sites

It is the 35/1.4 aspherical # 11873.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...