Preferring the Nokton 35/1.4 to the pre-asph Summilux

[Nick De Marco]

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Some of you may recall I was thinking of buying a used pre-aspherical 35mm summilux at a good price but with a scratch on the rear element. The shop kindly let me shoot a couple of films using it before deciding, and at the end of each film I shot a few frames with my Nokton 35/1.4. Nearly all shots at f1.4.

 

Having seen the negatives, I find the Summilux too soft wide open, and the Nokton just right (in terms of contrast and sharpness, whilst retaining some attractive out of focus soft/dreamy features. I don't know, but I in fact doubt, whether the scratch on the edge of the lens made things much worse, of whether this difference is just the difference between the lenses at f1.4. Anyway, i decided to stay happy with my Nokton rather than spending more for what for me would be an inferior lens.

 

To have a look at the some of the photographs I took, please check my blog: Rangefinder Chronicles: Saturday 11 December 2010

 

Nick

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[plasticman]

Nick - I can't comment on the Nokton, but the pre-asph Summilux35 I've tried a few times, and sold (usually at a loss). I'm done trying that lens.

[thomasw_]

I prefer the rendering of the summilux, though I am notorious for my ill judgment in aesthetic matters.

[bill]

Interesting insight, Nick, thanks.

 

I had a 4th version 35mm Summicron which I sold in favour of the 2.5 CV Pancake 35mm for very similar reasons.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[cbretteville]

To each his own I guess Nick. I like the Summilux even if I do call it the "Hysterical". On the M8 it really is crazy wide open in colour; when they're converted to B&W something happens. Where it shines for me is B&W film even wide open.

 

Enjoy the Nocton.

 

Carl

[aesop]

 

...<snip>Where it shines for me is B&W film even wide open.

 

Carl

 

...ditto. I long ago stopped seeking perfection in lenses. Identify its limitations and just roll with it - just like you would with, say, a friend.

[innerimager]

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Thanks for posting, I have been considering the 35 lux pre-asph. For me, though, the winner is.... my 35 lux asph (V1). Except for it's size, I just love it and I find it has the right balance of excellent sharpness at 1.4 with a very rounded look and excellent bokeh. Here's a gallery from this xmas at f2 and f1.4 on my M9.......Peter

http://innerimager.zenfolio.com/p883287441