Lens choice zeiss vs. older leica

[Trreichman]

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Hello all.

 

I recently picked up a M9 with a version 3 35mm summicron. Honestly, I haven't been really impressed with the 'cron. I took some side-by-side photos with a friend's Zeiss 35 2.0 and the images are clearly better (color, sharpness, undefinable pop, etc). I was about to pull the trigger on a Leica 28mm elmarit (version 4) and version 3 50mm summicron. I'm kind of worried that for less money I could just buy the Zeiss 28/50 lenses and get better image quality. I originally thought I couldn't go wrong with Leica glass but I'm starting to wonder.

 

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but does anyone have direct experience with those lens pairs to offer an opinion? How about the version 3 (canadian) 35mm summicron - am I judging Leica lenses from a dud?

 

thanks

 

- trr

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[algrove]

Zeiss ZM lenses do pop and they are of a newer construction than the older Leica lenses which leads one to like their rendering and sharpness. My Zeiss lenses (35/2, 25/2.8, 18/4) are very sharp and were money well spent. I still like the older Leica lenses though for what they offer me, especially the Mandler designs.

 

Both Zeiss and Leica lenses (old & new) render images very nicely. Buying a Zeiss will serve you well and if you have doubt about older Leica lenses, then get one. If you should change your mind at a later date, it will bring good money should you decide to sell it and switch to a Leica lens.

[jdlaing]

I think the words "better image quality" could be changed to "different image quality" to be fair.

 

The Leica lenses render differently.

[bpalme]

Given a choice I would take a new Zeiss. But I do love some of the old lens rendering.

[IWC Doppel]

Might be worth a flickr search I have often found a large number of shots with a lens I am interested in, not perfect and you have to take context into consideration but can give you an indication. Dealers will usually let you take a few shots to see as well

 

Reid reviews would allow you to compare the two for the common comparisons pretty well for newer Leica. I am also being drawn to older Mandler era glass

[euston]

For information and opinions about lenses, don’t neglect the lens section of the Leica Wiki on this site: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/M_Lenses_x_Focal_Length

 

It’s a mine of information and you’ll find links to forum discussions about the lenses. For example here’s your Summicron 35: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/35mm_f/2_Summicron_III

[Rick in CO]

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I made the choice to go with mostly Zeiss ZM lenses (25/2.8, 35/2.8, 50/2, 85/2) plus a few older Leica (50/1.5 Summarit, 50/2 Summitar, 135/2.8 Elmarit) of which the 50's I am still sorting out as to my liking. I've used these and two different 50/2 Summicrons (older and new versions) on M4-2, M8 and M9. The reviews by Erwin Puts, Reid, and Diglloyd are very informative and on target, in my opinion. I find that the ZM lenses are sharper than the older Leica glass, but the real difference is the Zeiss "look" which reminds me of my Zeiss Hasselblad and Linhof lenses. The newer Leica ASPH & APO glass is spectacular on all counts (tried them out at a Leica Demo Days shoot) but my economic choice was to have a few, rather than one or two lenses. Also, the ASPH & APO Leica lenses are big & heavy (yes, so is my 85 ZM Sonnar) so having a compact body plus 4 lens outfit that with a flash will fit into a small travel bag was another consideration. Have fun trying various lenses out to see what you like. I get mine either from my local camera store or on eBay.

[Printmaker]

Given a choice I would take a new Zeiss. But I do love some of the old lens rendering.

 

Given the choice, I'd take the older Leica lenses - and did - the 35 Cron IV and 50 Cron III.

I'm one of the few who has had mechanical quality issues with my Zeiss lenses and, while I like the image quality, the construction is just not up to Leica standards. I've had Zeiss lenses that grew stiff, "grindy" when focusing and on one occasion wobbly. Exercise and/or a trip to DAG fixed them but it was a bit disconcerting. Of course, I was using them in a marine environment. So take my experience with a grain of salt.

 

Tom

[SteveYork]

The Zeiss lenses are great, especially in color, but I generally prefer Leica for B&W. Any financial considerations though, weigh strongly in favor of the Zeiss. They're a big 'bang for the buck.'

[gjames9142]

I bought a Zeiss 35 2.8 Biogon recently. It is sharper and more contrasty than my version 4 cron, and I don't like the look at all. Looks "digital." I would really recommend the V4 28 Elmarit, which is a very sophisticated piece of glass. I love the look, and have learned to handle the bulk. Mechanically beautiful, too. This from France last week'

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[ramosa]

For me, it would depend on rendering. Do you like modern, classic, or in between? My liking something in between has been the guide to my arriving upon my current set of lenses.