LEICA Summicron-C 40mm F2

[tiep]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am about to buy this len for M6. have anyone been using it for me advice/ Pic ? compare with 35 f2?

Many thanks

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[aesop]

...stunning top-value lens. Get it right away.

[aesop]

...tiep, click here for further substantive input on both lenses.

[Xmas]

Hi

 

At /5.6 or smaller the

Summaron 35mm f/2.8 from '59 or

modern summarit 35mm f/2.5 or

35mm ASPH lux

 

may be detectably, better, (the aron medium contrast if you like that, with B&W or color).

 

The ZM 35mms should be similar

 

The preasp Lux is pretty good for '62 fast lens, if you use the type IV cron rectangular hood, to tame its flare - medium contrast.

 

The CV 40 mm f/1.4 MC and CV 35mm f/2.5 are ok, difficult to tell from above (at f/5.6 or smaller), my SC 40mm will flare but not as badly as the lux. The CV f/1.4 35mm's reported distortion put me of trying it, never tried a 35mm cron either...

 

Canon f/2 35mm in LTM are ok as well, - medium contrast.

 

The little 40mm cron is a reasonable performer if you like small, light and medium contrast, and have nimble fingers - without Kodachrome 25 or 64 & tripod I don't notice much difference, (on any of these) even on brick walls, & we wont be troubled by Kodachrome for much longer.

 

Indeed any of these lenses may give finger handling problems, there are several different CV f/2.5s, LTM x2 and M, and only the asph lux and ZM are/seem 'big'. Try focusing & adjusting aperture before you buy...

 

There is a big difference in £ and all these lenses seem to be appreciating (even after the M9) or the £ is slipping, or both.

 

If you are poor a J12 (soviet) f/2.8 35mm also works ok but you do need small fingers, you may need to select one, as many have been 'rebuilt'. I swapped mine for a Contax mount J12, regretted.

 

Noel

[lct]

I am about to buy this len for M6. have anyone been using it for me advice/ Pic ? compare with 35 f2?...

I use both 35/2 IV and 40/2 crons. I'm no pixel peeper (that much) but to me they are very close. Good sharpness, smooth bokeh, nice colors, a bit of flare, reasonable contrast, files are easy to tweak in PP. Both match well Mandler lenses from same period like 50/2 or 'thin' T-E 90/2.8. Subjectively the 40/2 is one of my favorite lenses but it's just me. I use it more than the 35/2 for 35mm framelines are more accurate at long to medium distance with it.

[tiep]

thanks all for advice