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New 35 Summilux FLE - Keep or sell 35 Summicron ASPH?

StephenPatterson

By StephenPatterson
in Customer Forum

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StephenPatterson

StephenPatterson

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I've really enjoyed the 35 Summicron ASPH. It's a fantastic lens, it's small, it's relatively fast, in short it's been my most used lens with the M9. I ordered the new 35 Summilux primarily because I will be working on a project next year in rural China, so lots of poorly lit home interiors and alleys.

 

I know the first rule of Leica is never sell lenses, but I'm having trouble justifying why I should keep two 35mm's. Will the 35 Summicron ASPH ever come out of the bag?

 

So,

1. Keep the 35 Summicron ASPH because it's small and light, and will be used and loved on bright days.

 

2. Sell or trade the lens for something I don't have. 90% of everything I do is with the 35 & my 50 Summilux ASPH. I also have a 90/2.8 Elmarit-M for portraits and more isolation, and the new 21SEM for going wide. My normal "out the door" setup is 35mm on camera, 50 in bag, plus either the 21 or 90 depending on situation.

 

3. Does a 28mm make any sense, if I already use 21 & 35? My rationale has always been that 35mm on the full frame M9 is ideal, and when I need to go wide I go really wide with the 21. Perhaps a 28mm could be useful for Chinese street photography, namely "getting close".

 

4. I've never found the need for any lens longer than the 90, but I've also never used a lens longer than the 90.

 

5. At this point I don't have a backup for the M9, but when I do it will be another M9. The full frame sensor of the M9 has ruined me from another M8. So, using the 35 Summicron ASPH on an M8 as a backup is not for me....maybe...probably...maybe...M8 was pretty nice...need UV/IR filters again!!! Argh!!!...M8s are pretty affordable....DOH!!!!!!

 

Sorry, this is feeling like another one of those "what lens should I buy" threads.

 

Stephen

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StephenPatterson

StephenPatterson

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It is, Steve, it is.

 

The old man from the Age of the SG38

 

I know, I know!!!!! I just couldn't stop myself!!!! It's like popcorn, once I started typing about what lens for this and what lens for that and ARGH!!!! I just couldn't stop!!!!!

 

The young whipper snapper who says "ARGH" too much.

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masjah

masjah

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I know, I know!!!!! I just couldn't stop myself!!!! It's like popcorn, once I started typing about what lens for this and what lens for that and ARGH!!!! I just couldn't stop!!!!!

 

The young whipper snapper who says "ARGH" too much.

 

... and it doesn't matter! Sometimes I think we are a bit uncharitable about the "what lens should I keep/sell/buy/use" threads! The thing is, what you've done simply by writing this thread is to start the process of marshalling your thoughts, and looking at the decision sensibly. So let your thoughts swirl around, give yourself a bit of time, maybe take note of different people's views (which may or may not be helpful because they and their photography are not you and yours). I'm sure the right decision will evolve.

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michali

michali

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Stephen I feel for you. I went through the same debate when I purchased the 35mm Summilux; what to do with the 35mm Summicron, which never got used after the Summilux’s arrival. In the end I traded it towards a second M9 body, IMO the best of both worlds and no pangs of guilt or regret.......:)

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vonheim

vonheim

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Hi Stephen,

 

I have, and still am, going through the same - both for the 35mm Summicron and the 50mm Summilux pre-ASPH.

 

I firmly believe "the first rule of Leica" applies: Never sell lenses (unless you absolutely need the money).

 

Therefore, I think point #1 is the way to go. I'd also use it in the shadier light, though, and not necessarily just on bright days. I also find the color cast is less when the white balance is off with the Summicron than with the Summilux. (Less PP)

 

I can't help but love the Summicrons. Geez, if I keep writing now I will end up with a 3rd 50mm (the Summicron) :)

 

Keep it!

 

Cheers,

 

Knut

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StephenPatterson

StephenPatterson

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As I suspected there are other members here who faced the same decision when "upgrading" to a faster 35mm lens, and not selling is the overwhelming message. Yes, I did suspect that was the case but it's nice to hear.

 

I will follow Jaap's suggestion and see what happens during the following year. I am conscious that there are people who are waiting to purchase the 35 Summicron ASPH, which is definitely part of my motivation in examining whether or not to sell. I do believe that if a Leica camera or lens is not being used it should find it's way to a new and productive home. That's how I was able to buy my very nice 90/2.8 Elmarit-M, as the previous owner just never used it.

 

Thanks everyone!!!

 

Stephen

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alainD

alainD

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First I got the 35 summarit. Was the only thing available then.

I sold my 35 summarit when I found a 35 summicron ASPH.

I sold the summicron when I found a 35 summilux ASPH/FLE

That way I was able to work my way up to the best thing (for me),

considering lack of availability of lenses in general and $$$.

 

What am I missing selling those lenses? nothing I can notice in image quality,

a bit on size, but not significant to me. My goto kit is now

2 M9s, one with 50mm summilux asph and one with 35mm summilux asph,

plus a 21 summilux in the bag. I found out that having 2 bodies and not changing lenses

was much more valuable to me than having one (or more) lens of each focal length.

 

Alain

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Shanghait

Shanghait

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It seems you have your focal lengths well covered, although I prefer the 28mm + 50mm combo myself. Based on your lineup, a 28/2 would seem to fit well.

 

Aside from focal lengths, have you considered looking at some older, less contrasty lenses to give you a different look?

 

Some of my fellow Shanghai shooters have turned me onto older Leica/cinema lenses to produce a different feel for my 'Chinese street photos'. I find that the older lenses pair quite well with some of the people and scenes that get photographed.

 

Its a rabbit hole though. Proceed with caution =)

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sblitz

sblitz

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what, no thought of a 75mm? i have a similar set up 21 biogon/35 summicron/50 lux/90 summarit happy with each and am always debating the 28 or 75. in the end i will end up with both, but i can only go after one at a time. if i were you i would swap the 35 summicron for a 28. one man's opinion.

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luigi bertolotti

luigi bertolotti

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Never sell a Leica lens until it has been lying around unused for more than a year.

 

Right, but with a pair of details:

1) "more than 1 year" must be interpreted in any sense one likes (for instance, 20 years... :p)

2) "sell" can be a long process (spanning several years... :p)

 

... so that one like me has a Super Angulon f4 (*) unused for > 10 years... still deciding to sell or not... ;)

 

(*) just a single example of MANY...;)

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IkarusJohn

IkarusJohn

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If I ever get the 35 Summilux ASPH FLE, I will sell my 35 Summicron ASPH. If I get a Noct, I will, conversely, keep my 50 Summilux ASPH.

 

Current range, 75, 50, 35, 28, 21 & 15 and I'm wondering if I have overdone it. However, when I think that way, I wouldn't sell any of them, except in the case of a double up. Each is quite different.

 

The 15 is intended for use with an EVIL (Nex 5N or 7, if they sort the colour shift) - I plan to shoot paragliding video and stills from a helmet mount.

 

Stephen, I'd sell the 35 Summicron, and get a 28 instead - small, butter smooth, and just a little different.

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jaapv

jaapv

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Right, but with a pair of details:

1) "more than 1 year" must be interpreted in any sense one likes (for instance, 20 years... :p)

2) "sell" can be a long process (spanning several years...

... so that one like me has a Super Angulon f4 (*) unused for > 10 years... still deciding to sell or not...

(*) just a single example of MANY...;)

 

:D :D Too right...

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JWW

JWW

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I felt that the 35mm Summicron ASPH and the new Summilux was too close in weight and size and image characteristics, so I sold off the Summicron. I kept my 35 Summicron V4 however because that's a noticeable reduction in weight and size along with further differences in image drawing. Makes for a choice of a low light or small/lght weight kit to take along. I haven't regretted that decision yet especially since the Summilux FLE is such a great lens.

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Rick

Rick

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Steve, I have both and today I was walking around with the 35cron. It was delight to have a camera and lens that I could put in my coat pocket. Tonight I'll put the 35lux on the m9. 1.4- ooh-la-la night lens! http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/208135-paris-street-cafe.html (shameless link). I can't imagine selling the cron just because I got the lux? Don't sell glass.

 

The whole 28mm question is an entirely different question.

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