New M9 user.. :)

[Jamie Roberts]

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I see - I think I may just keep my 35 cron, or maybe even upgrade it to a 35 lux. I do love the handholdability of fast lenses and shallow dof. However I've read from Steve Huff's site that there seems to be focus shift issues (and quite serious too) - but his was I believe the pre-ASPH? I wonder if the new 6-bit ASPH will have the same problem?

 

Thanks..

 

Some people have had terrible focus shift issues with the 35 ASPH. Some people don't.

 

I'm one of the ones that don't!

 

My 35 Lux ASPH is one of my most used lenses and--my copy anyway--one of the best that Leica makes all-round (and certainly the best 35 1.4 I've ever seen).

 

So try one on your M9 and see what you think.

[PayPerView]

Congrats on the M9! I know just how you feel. I love the steel and black and wanted it but I was only able to get all black (not complaining!).

 

I might be in the minority and this is so personal but I just never 'bonded' with 50mm lenses. I also want to have only 2 lenses (well maybe 3...lol)..I have not yet used my 90mm..I only have a cron 35 2.0 and probably get a 1.4 when the new one comes out.

 

Then probably a 21 or 24mm and that's it...probably. maybe..

[sclamb]

Congratulations on your M9. I think keeping the 35 is a good idea and, as you say, you can always upgrade to the new 35 Lux when it comes out.

 

I am also waiting for that lens to complete my personal fast trio of Leica lenses which will be 24 Lux, 35 Lux and 50 Lux. I have a 75 Summarit and may in the future try and find a nice 75 Lux, then I am done :-)

 

Enjoy your M9.

 

Simon

[Shade]

Hey guys..

 

Finally, after some careful thinking, deciding, testing and such..

 

I sold my noctilux and 35 cron away..

 

And..

 

I bought a chome summilux 50, and a black summilux 35. Both were razor sharp copies, and were very nice.

 

And I also sold my m8 away, so I have extra cash.

 

I sold my noct due to focus shift issues, it was front focusing at F1.. Wierd, didn't have that problem on my m8. And well, the weight of the lux is certainly friendlier on my neck..

 

Anyhow, I'm thinking of getting myself a 24/3.8, or a 28/2.8.. Or maybe a voigtlander 15mm?

 

 

Thanks guys!

[Audiocide]

I see - I think I may just keep my 35 cron, or maybe even upgrade it to a 35 lux. I do love the handholdability of fast lenses and shallow dof. However I've read from Steve Huff's site that there seems to be focus shift issues (and quite serious too) - but his was I believe the pre-ASPH? I wonder if the new 6-bit ASPH will have the same problem?

 

Thanks..

 

I've read that same review, and it's kept me from getting the Summilux version as well.

 

The one he tested was the most recent ASPH version.

 

I really could use the 1.4 aperture for night shots, but I don't want to sacrifice the sharpness that I get with the Summicron.

 

Has anyone here compared the two lenses extensively side by side?

 

EDIT: Just read your last post, and you seem to have made the jump already. Congratulations!

[Audiocide]

I only have a cron 35 2.0 and probably get a 1.4 when the new one comes out.

 

I think keeping the 35 is a good idea and, as you say, you can always upgrade to the new 35 Lux when it comes out.

 

I am also waiting for that lens to complete my personal fast trio of Leica lenses which will be 24 Lux, 35 Lux and 50 Lux.

 

Is there a new version of the 35 Summilux ASPH coming?

 

If so, are there any predictions when that will be?

 

I'd be very much interested in a 1.4 lens that equaled my Summicron in sharpness at all apertures.

[Jamie Roberts]

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Is there a new version of the 35 Summilux ASPH coming?

 

If so, are there any predictions when that will be?

 

I'd be very much interested in a 1.4 lens that equaled my Summicron in sharpness at all apertures.

 

My Summilux ASPH 35 is outstanding at all apertures, and has no focus issues in a practical sense whatsoever. It's a downright revelation to shoot on the M9 (just like my M6 at last! Sigh ) but it's also superb on the M8.

 

IMO The cron is not sharper at all than the lux ASPH, but it is more likely you'll get a cron that suits the tolerances of your particular camera. Of course, you'll lose the speed.

 

When Leica does re-issue the 35 I would think it will be to add a floating element design like the 50 Lux ASPH, to make sure the focal field doesn't shift quite as much as it does now. Understand, I don't think it will be particularly sharper, just better for more people than the current design.

[sclamb]

Is there a new version of the 35 Summilux ASPH coming?

 

If so, are there any predictions when that will be?

 

I'd be very much interested in a 1.4 lens that equaled my Summicron in sharpness at all apertures.

 

There are strong indications that there is a new floating element 35 Lux coming sometime this year - strong enough that I am number two on my dealer's order list :-)

 

Simon

[Audiocide]

My Summilux ASPH 35 is outstanding at all apertures, and has no focus issues in a practical sense whatsoever. It's a downright revelation to shoot on the M9 (just like my M6 at last! Sigh ) but it's also superb on the M8.

 

IMO The cron is not sharper at all than the lux ASPH, but it is more likely you'll get a cron that suits the tolerances of your particular camera. Of course, you'll lose the speed.

 

When Leica does re-issue the 35 I would think it will be to add a floating element design like the 50 Lux ASPH, to make sure the focal field doesn't shift quite as much as it does now. Understand, I don't think it will be particularly sharper, just better for more people than the current design.

 

As I understand, the sharpness of the Summilux is somewhat aperture dependant. I use my Summicron between f/4 and f/8 for day shots, and at f/2 at night. I really can't sacrifice any stop on the aperture ring.

 

I get very hesitant to make a lens purchase as soon as I hear the words: "focus shift." This is mostly due to the woeful performance of my Canon 50L. Granted, I don't expect the Leica to be anything like that, but still...

 

A floating element solution would make me a guaranteed customer.

[Jamie Roberts]

I get very hesitant to make a lens purchase as soon as I hear the words: "focus shift." This is mostly due to the woeful performance of my Canon 50L. Granted, I don't expect the Leica to be anything like that, but still...

 

A floating element solution would make me a guaranteed customer.

 

Yeah, I didn't have any focus issues with my 50 1.2L except for the front element coming off the lens during a wedding

 

In truth, I loved that lens--it's one of Canon's best. As with all things, though, tolerances can vary. And that's the problem with the current lux, if it can be categorized that way: if it works for you it just does--and no-one I know with a working one has any focus issues whatsoever.

 

But if your camera is on the wrong side of certain tolerances, then there's a good chance the 35 Lux will mis-behave. The floating element should fix that, if and when it comes.

 

Note, I'm not talking about overall focus issues... it's just that tolerances on the "system" are very exact for the 35 Lux in my experience. Having said that, I shoot it on an M3, an M6, an M8 and now an M9, and it's always reliably tack-sharp (and high contrast) on all those bodies.

[sclamb]

As I understand, the sharpness of the Summilux is somewhat aperture dependant. I use my Summicron between f/4 and f/8 for day shots, and at f/2 at night. I really can't sacrifice any stop on the aperture ring.

 

I get very hesitant to make a lens purchase as soon as I hear the words: "focus shift." This is mostly due to the woeful performance of my Canon 50L. Granted, I don't expect the Leica to be anything like that, but still...

 

A floating element solution would make me a guaranteed customer.

 

Well following the path of the 50 Lux and 24 Lux I am fairly sure a floating element would be in there. But it won't be cheap!

 

Simon

[tdtaylor]

Note that the focus shift of the 35 lux really depends on your style of shooting- I believe part of the reason there are accounts of different degrees of focus shift. My 35 front focuses about 1cm at 1.4, on the money at f2.0, back focus about 1.5 at f2.8, and 2 cm backfocus at f4.0. If I shoot at minimum focus distances at f1.4, the field of depth (depending on the circle of confusion you use- an whole different conversation) is only 2-3 cm, and it can have a fairly significant impact on my images, but if I am back 3 meters, the field of depth is 30-40 cm, so the focus shift is well contained in the field of "focus." (before the comments, I realize only one distance is in true focus).

 

Personally, I seldom use my 35mm at minimal focus and full aperture, so the shift is there but does not have a significant impact on my photograph. For others it may have a large impact. I would more likely use my 50mm at minimum focus. But that is a personal choice.

[Audiocide]

Yeah, I didn't have any focus issues with my 50 1.2L except for the front element coming off the lens during a wedding

 

Hahaha, I bet that made it difficult to focus.

 

That happened to me with the 50 f/1.4. After I dropped it, the lens looked just fine. Later, when I attempted to take a picture with it, and the autofocus motor kicked in, there was this worst grinding sound. I took it off, and found the rear two elements inside the camera.

[Shade]

Thankfully, the 35 lux I tested on my dealer was perfectly fine, no focus shift issues and the 1.4 wide open shots are extremely sharp.

 

Here's a quick and dirty sample I took of my baby and friends when we were out for some coffee and juice..

 

 

 

 

 

The first two was wide open, the last two was at F2 I think..

[Audiocide]

Thankfully, the 35 lux I tested on my dealer was perfectly fine, no focus shift issues and the 1.4 wide open shots are extremely sharp.

 

Here's a quick and dirty sample I took of my baby and friends when we were out for some coffee and juice..

 

The first two was wide open, the last two was at F2 I think..

 

The background blur at f/1.4 looks really nice. Much more profound than I imagined with a 35mm lens.

[zlatkob]

Looks great! The current 35/1.4 is a rockin' good lens. I imagine the next one will be better, but also more expensive.

[Jamie Roberts]

Thankfully, the 35 lux I tested on my dealer was perfectly fine, no focus shift issues and the 1.4 wide open shots are extremely sharp.

 

Here's a quick and dirty sample I took of my baby and friends when we were out for some coffee and juice..

 

The first two was wide open, the last two was at F2 I think..

 

Yep! That's the 35 1,4 I know and love And it only gets sharper when you stop down!

 

I agree--the one with a floating element (or whatever) will not be cheap...

[Shade]

Thanks guys...

 

And yes, I do love the blur as well...