Which 35mm lens is the best for M?

[Raid Amin]

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What is "best lens" for me may be "not the best lens" for you, as you know. 

I have these 35mm RF lenses:

• Summicron 35/2 V1
• Summaron 35/3.5
• Summilux pre-asph 35/1.4
• Nikon 35/1.8 ltm
• Canon 35/2.8 ltm
• Canon 35/2 ltm
• Canon 35/1.8 ltm
• Canon 35/1.5 ltm

Each lens is good for some applications. The most widely used by me are the Summilux, Summicron, and the Nikon.

Sharpness is not the only characteristic that is important to me. 

 

Here is a link for an old test that I did with Roland's help on 35mm-40mm lenses. Many lenses were sent to me by people.

https://ferider.smugmug.com/Technical/Raids-35-40mm-Lens-Test

Edited January 28, 2018 by Raid Amin

[JohnnySeven]

I had an older 35 cron V4 Midland that I regret selling. I now have a Zeiss Biogon 35.  Its a great lens, maybe sharper than the cron.  But I still miss that cron.

[Raid Amin]

I forgot about my Zeiss ZM 35/2 in M mount. It is a superb lens overall.

[olgierdc]

try camera obscura as a lens

[a.noctilux]

try camera obscura as a lens

 

Thanks for the idea.

 

I didn't aware of Camera Obscura in 35mm !

Only know as a kit :

http://www.cirac.org/infos-fr/camera.htm

[pico]

 Let me reply again. My previous post was not helpful.

 

In my opinion, a 50mm Summicron (any version) is very good, is is a 'base normal' (nominal normal) from which you can judge for yourself to go longer or shorter. I started Leica fifty years ago with a 50mm lens and am not disappointed. Eventually I accepted an early 35mm Summilux. Your visual preference will lead you to find what you like. Most important enjoy.  Experiment. You will probably make some memorable pictures regardless of your choice.

Edited February 2, 2018 by pico

[antigallican]

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Ken Rockwell: "I wouldn't buy one of these. For less money you can get a used 35mm SUMMICRON lens of whatever vintage you like, including the current ASPH, or get a 1960's SUMMARON f/2.8 which ought to do about the same thing for a whole lot less.":D

 

 

Far be it from me to agree with Ken Rockwell but I have a 1960s 35mm Summaron 2.8 (non goggle type) and I feel like it's the best lens I have.