An Old Lens Still Works

[Tullahoma]

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I purchased a Leica Summaron 35/3.5 for use on my Bessa R2a, because my eyes and glasses are challenged by my faithful Leica IIIa and IIIf RD. I still like to shoot B&W film on occasion.

 

This is a crop showing 7.5% of a 24x36mm negative. The lizard was enjoying the warmth provided by the tire of an old tractor in the sun in the Volvo salvage yard.

 

To me, this old lens works much better than most reviews would indicate.

 

Jim N.

[leicamann]

Looks great.. personally I find all the griping , moaning, belly aching, complaining, nit picking about lenses to be a bunch of hog wash, especially Leica lenses..as if at one point Leica was asleep at the wheel or suffer from momentary lapses of reason here and there or some bungling idiot got hold of the engineering department for a brief period and Leica coughed up half baked junk.

 

If you find this lens has all the qualities your looking for, then go with it

 

Cheers, JRM

[Michael Hiles]

I have this lens in an M mount (no goggles). Clearly, it is not fast. It is, however sharp and has little vignetting. I tend to use it at f5.6 or f8, because this it where it performs best. It also is quite small, and fits my M2 and pocket like a glove. Since I do not need speed, I won't change it for anything else.

 

Many here feel the later 2.8 is better - probably so. But my pictures with the f3.5 perfectly suit my needs and taste.

[Tullahoma]

Michael,

 

Thanks for looking and commenting. I couldn't have come up with better words. I was pleasantly surprised with my first images from the lens, and I continue to be impressed.

 

Jim N.

[pauledell]

Jim,

 

It looks like, from your picture, the lens works well. If the lens/camera satisfies you, the don't concern yourself about other opinions. It is your satisfaction that counts.

 

Paul

[stuny]

Lovely.