Paranoia.. How to tell if you have a 35 Summilux (2010 edition) or older 35 Summilux?

[animefx]

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Looking at the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux II (2010) review I'm so happy with Steve Huff's sample photos and my from using Leica CL the past month that I'm considering selling all of my 5D2 gear and buying a Leica M9 and 35 Summilux II (aka 2010 version) with it!

 

Anyway, I do not want to deal with focus shift so the 2010 version of the 35 Summilux is the one I want. If I order this lens (I'm still having trouble finding it in stock anywhere!) then I want to make sure they are actually sending me the 2010 edition and not the older one. As far as I know Leica is not officially naming it any different, so how would I know I'm getting the 2010 model? I'm sure there are a few things I could look for to know for sure. I know this sounds like paranoia.

 

I rarely touch any focal length beyond my 35L lens right now, sometimes 85mm for portraits. I love what my 135mm and 300mm Canon lenses can produce but the focal lengths just aren't my "thing" anymore. I'm getting used to 28, 35, 50, 90 range instead. My ideal is to get a 35 Summilux II and use it for the 90% of my photos and then either a 75 or 90mm Summarit for closer portraits and general telephoto stuff later on (much later on).

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[artspraken]

Well the new 35 lux item code is 11663 so just make sure this number ison the box

 

Its not available due to lack of supply so be ready to pay a premium

 

 

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[jagsiva]

The new one has a metal screw on hood, and looks fully integrated with the lens. The older one is plastic.

[colorflow]

Study the photos of the lenses. They are totally different. e.g. the distance marking up to 10m on the old, but up to 7m on the new, the aperture markings are lined up with the knurls on the aperture ring on the new but separate on the old. There are probably more differences...

[skinnfell]

This is not as easy as one might think, because several dealers operate with pictures of the old model where the sales listing is obviously for the new one.

 

I would not rest until I get a written or spoken confirmation from the dealer that you are indeed getting the floating lens model.

[skinnfell]

BTW this is the EXACT same setup that both I am using and how I am planning too.

Have the 5D2, 35L, 85 and planning to get the 35 lux and 75 cron for my M9.

However, I never shoot the 35L below f/2 because of image quality.

 

The 5D is a neat camera, but the weight is bothering me, even with such a minimalist setup. The extra image quality from the M9 is a nice bonus.

With modern image processing, iso 1600 is perfectly doable (2500 in a pinch), and with a fully operational f/1.4 and a steady hand at 1/30 you can get equally great shots in low levels as with the canon IMO, possibly even better.

 

I would love to see test shots when you get there...

[caimi]

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"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean their not out to get me."

[colorflow]

This is not as easy as one might think, because several dealers operate with pictures of the old model where the sales listing is obviously for the new one.

 

I would not rest until I get a written or spoken confirmation from the dealer that you are indeed getting the floating lens model.

 

As I already pointed out, the distance scales and the aperture rings are different. Seems pretty easy to me. B&H has the proper photo of the new lens.

[hoppyman]

The model number of the new lens is 11663. I just read it off the box for you

Any competent dealer should be able to tell you which model they have for sale, of course. For a sale in that price range, you would be silly not to just pick up the phone before you pay your money if you are doubtful! After a first shipment these are in very short supply certainly. Nothing new about that for desirable new Leica lenses.

If you can see the actual lens you can instantly tell them apart just from the different lenshood for a start.

 

I don't know where you live but the US selling price is around USD 5000 (around AUD 5200 here in Australia) so that should be a clue as well

[MarkP]

I have the current model in my hands now.

 

As stated above: Code 11663 on the box AND on the bottom of the fixed lens ring opposite the depth of field scale , metal screw in hood, focus to 0.7m. I had been assured by my reliable dealer it was the current model, but still had a moment of panic after I took my new lens home 2 months ago and then found out how scarce it really was.

 

Good luck!

 

Mark

[animefx]

Skinnfell, nice! Your justification for the m9 is the same as mine is. Everytime I think about grabbing the 5D2 I hesitate because I know I'm going to be lugging all that weight around. Why own these heavy lenses if I rarely use them (35L is the exception) I figure I'll be able to shoot at lower shutter speeds more successfully to make up for 1 stop of less capable iso, and at least 1/3rd of a stop by being able to shoot wide open. Your right as amazing as the canon 35L is, it's not sharp at 1.4, the new 35 Summilux wide open looks like the Canon does at f/2.2 and sharper.

 

I'm hoping my 40mm f/2 Summicron-C lens will give me beautiful results on my M9 while I wait for the new 35 Summilux ASPH to become available (I'm sure this will be awhile)

 

Do you have photos online where I could take a look? I'll post samples when I get mine.

 

BTW this is the EXACT same setup that both I am using and how I am planning too.

Have the 5D2, 35L, 85 and planning to get the 35 lux and 75 cron for my M9.

However, I never shoot the 35L below f/2 because of image quality.

 

The 5D is a neat camera, but the weight is bothering me, even with such a minimalist setup. The extra image quality from the M9 is a nice bonus.

With modern image processing, iso 1600 is perfectly doable (2500 in a pinch), and with a fully operational f/1.4 and a steady hand at 1/30 you can get equally great shots in low levels as with the canon IMO, possibly even better.

 

I would love to see test shots when you get there...

[microview]

Haven't followed this through, but one UK dealer has this: Wilkinson Cameras / Lenses & Flash / MF Lenses (Manual Focus) / Leica M series lenses / Leica M 6BIT 35MM F1.4 Summilux ASPH Black 11663