iedei Posted October 7, 2012 Share #1 Posted October 7, 2012 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) i bought my M8 in late August....my first Leica rangefinder. As a starter lens, i bought a Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 Nokton Classic. great lens for the price.....have no major complaints. that being said...i really want a Leica lens. I like shooting at 35mm but sometimes find myself wishing I also had a 50mm--however i'm wondering if i should just ditch the Voigtlander and jump to a 35mm Summicron f2 ASPH OR keep the 35mm Voigtlander and get a 50mm Summicron v4 or v5----and have 2 different types of lenses to play with, rather than just 1. Is the difference between a 35mm Voigtlander and a 35mm Summicron that great in terms of quality? or more subtle? I think the sensible thing to do would be to keep a 35mm and a 50mm. But i'm not always that sensible..lol. i like older lenses, but for the time being i really would like to buy a newer lens (more current style). Also considering the Summarit lens, however I feel like I want to start with something more established like the Summicrons to see what all the fuss is about! thanks! Edited October 7, 2012 by iedei Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 7, 2012 Posted October 7, 2012 Hi iedei, Take a look here need noob lens advice. (35mm/50mm). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
elgenper Posted October 8, 2012 Share #2 Posted October 8, 2012 (edited) ...that being said...i really want a Leica lens. I like shooting at 35mm but sometimes find myself wishing I also had a 50mm.... i like older lenses, but for the time being i really would like to buy a newer lens (more current style). Also considering the Summarit lens, however I feel like I want to start with something more established like the Summicrons to see what all the fuss is about! thanks! A strong vote for the Summarit 50! One year ago, I was in roughly your predicament. I had the Summicron 35 and 75 (current Asph models) as standard with my M9, and still have; extremely satisfied with both. But there were times when I just wanted a 50, but didn´t want to spend too much, because it would be the least used in my setup. So I went to my friendly dealer, set on buying a ZM Planar 50, but he convinced me to get the Summarit instead. I´m very happy he did! It has that ´Leica signature´ all the way from wide open, beautiful and sharp with nice bokeh, quite in the same league as my Summicrons. I do own a perfect Rigid Summicron from ´67 or so; it´s quite good, but the Summarit beats it on all counts, except weight.... And mechanically: don´t believe people who say it feels cheap! Silky focussing with no play, distinct f/stop detents and, last but not least, a sturdy metal lens shade that screws on and then stays put in all situations to protect the front lens! I´ve dropped the clip-on 35 shade, and inadvertently collapsed the telescopic 75 shade several times; the Summarit shade is totally RELIABLE! Now, I can´t help thinking about the money I would have saved if I had got Summarits instead of Summicrons in the 35 and 75 fl´s, too..... Edited October 8, 2012 by elgenper 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted October 8, 2012 Share #3 Posted October 8, 2012 Ok I'll make the obvious point: a 35 on the M8 is not 35mm but closer to 50 (46,55 more or less). I'm saying this because you wrote that you like shooting at 35mm. If you want the 35mm focal length you'll need a 28mm lens. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted October 8, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted October 8, 2012 phillipus: yes I'm aware...thanks. I guess I meant to say I like shooting with my 35mm lens.... elgenper: I really like the Summarit range and I think they represent a sweet spot in price and availability. I am still fairly new to the M world, however----and knowing myself I will likely always think about a Summicron if I don't get one now. ha! you, on the other hand, seem to have more experience and have figured out the differences and can draw an accurate comparison. I still feel like I'm exploring a new land----hence my fondness for trying a standard from the Leica range. I'm not sure if that makes any sense....but it does to me! (interpretation: it's more psychological...lol) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted October 8, 2012 Share #5 Posted October 8, 2012 (edited) A strong vote for the Summarit 50! .....And mechanically: don´t believe people who say it feels cheap! Silky focussing with no play, distinct f/stop detents and, last but not least, a sturdy metal lens shade that screws on and then stays put in all situations to protect the front lens! I´ve dropped the clip-on 35 shade, and inadvertently collapsed the telescopic 75 shade several times; the Summarit shade is totally RELIABLE! Spot on. I have far too many Leica lenses (can't bear to part with any of them): 21/35/50 FLE-Summiluxes, 3.4/21 SEM, 28 & 75 APO-Summicrons, 1.0/50 Noctilux, and 90 Macro-Elmar. I also have a humble 35 Summarit. I wanted a compact go-anywhere 35 and specifically chose the Summarit over the Summicron. We Leica users need to put into perspective that the Summarits, by any other standards are not cheap lenses. From my perspective, construction, ergonomics, and performance are fantastic. A joy to use. It is NOT an inferior lens. In fact is one of the few Leica lenses I own that has NOT needed some form of adjustment, repairs, etc. With respect to the OP's question I wonder whether a 2.8/28 may do the job. Small, compact, 'relatively' cheap, outstanding image quality, and will be the equivalent of a 35mm FF lens. Edited October 8, 2012 by MarkP Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted October 8, 2012 Author Share #6 Posted October 8, 2012 Spot on. I have far too many Leica lenses (can't bear to part with any of them): 21/35/50 FLE-Summiluxes, 3.4/21 SEM, 28 & 75 APO-Summicrons, 1.0/50 Noctilux, and 90 Macro-Elmar. I also have a humble 35 Summarit. I wanted a compact go-anywhere 35 and specifically chose the Summarit over the Summicron. We Leica users need to put into perspective that the Summarits, by any other standards are not cheap lenses. From my perspective, construction, ergonomics, and performance are fantastic. A joy to use. It is NOT an inferior lens. In fact is one of the few Leica lenses I own that has NOT needed some form of adjustment, repairs, etc. With respect to the OP's question I wonder whether a 2.8/28 may do the job. Small, compact, 'relatively' cheap, outstanding image quality, and will be the equivalent of a 35mm FF lens. mark----I'm not doubting the Summarit's performance....but see my reply above for te explanation behind my wanting a Summicron. I don't nearly have as much experience with lenses as some if you have....so I am creating a baseline first. Yes I have considered a 28, however the 35 has been wide enough thus far....so If anything id like to either stay at 35 or add a 50 for an even narrower field. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MarcRF Posted October 8, 2012 Share #7 Posted October 8, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) can just comment on the lust for a certain lens and the elmarit 28mm asph... so I'll give it a shot and hope I can help.. there kinda is something magical about the reputation of the summicron... well both the 35 and the 50. I was starting with a beast of a lens and yet I'm not sure if I learned to appreciate what I actually have... and with some people saying that the cron 50 is sharper the the 50mm summilux asph got me a bit disappointed at first but after I met with a buggy who owns that 50 and we did a side by side comparison (he still has the images, I dont) and my lux kicked ass... what I wanted to say is that the real thing isnt always up to the reputation. the summarits are not as crazy sharp as the crons but they are better at issues like flare and distortion (like my little 28 elmarit asph) and still have an insane level of image quality. of course I dont own a M9 nor do I possess as many lenses as others here but I've touched quite a bit of the stuff and a certain point of MarkP is definitely true if I got it right: the summarits are not cheap yet their reputation was (and still is kinda) cheapish because they are the "budget" lenses of the current lineup and they are said to be inferior mechanically (which in my opinion is BS...) but everyone seems to agree that the optics are still all Leica with all the positives and round about zero negatives... and I kinda count the 28mm elmarit to the summarit range... it's not as crazy sharp as the cron but very sharp, flare resistant, distortion free, small, light and all in all a bang for your buck... I think a 50 would suit you well... because if you go for an analog leica or a M9 (meaning you lose the 1.3 factor) you would have 35 and 50 which is regarded as a nice 2 lens kit by many. I know why you want a leica lens (apparently thats what initially got me my summilux...) and I didnt regret it.. so I'd give it a shot sorry for waffling Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted October 8, 2012 Share #8 Posted October 8, 2012 What I wanted to say is that the real thing isn't always up to the reputation. If that's what you wanted to say then why are you saying the opposite? The Summarits are not as crazy-sharp as the Summicrons ... Yes, that's their reputation—but the real things are. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MarcRF Posted October 8, 2012 Share #9 Posted October 8, 2012 apparently the crons are sharper than summarits but from the reputation you imagine a whole world between a summicron and other lens... in fact the small difference is there but only for pixel peepers... think I didnt made that point quite clear as I intended.. sorry Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted October 8, 2012 Share #10 Posted October 8, 2012 Get a 35m Lux Pre-Asph......you will never look back! 50mm on the M8 is fine if you do portraits...then I suggest the Summicron 50 or the Elmar 2,8/50 (which I prefer) good luck Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted October 8, 2012 Share #11 Posted October 8, 2012 Apparently the Summicrons are sharper than Summarits ... I don't know what they are apparently, but in real life they are no sharper than the Summarits. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomasis7 Posted October 9, 2012 Share #12 Posted October 9, 2012 (edited) I suggest to get both Leica lenses Why not a Summicron and a Summarit for chosen FL? Since you have M8, go for Elmar 28 Asph and Summarit 50mm. If you know you get full frame soon or shoot film, there goes alternatives above. You wont regret. I own Summicron 50mm 1979 and new Summarit. Literally Summarit blows out Cron due higher micro contrast. Actually it is small difference if one goes out and make pictures without doing comparisons or pixel peeping. If you cannot beat psychological pressure on believing Leica myths about Cron, then 35 cron V4 looks nice. Also V4 50mm or 1979 btw S3 use Summarit lenses, I think we people think too much about names when Leica gives Optimum out designing lenses no matter speed. The slower lenses, it is easier to design and acquire cheaper glass for the required result which is generally high. Im impressed that Summarit is so good without Asph! Edited October 9, 2012 by tomasis7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iedei Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share #13 Posted October 9, 2012 (edited) thanks for all the insights, everyone. much appreciated. i can't say i've really decided, but i am fairly sure that i do want a Summicron (maybe a Summilux if i can really get a good deal on one). I just need to explore these 2 ranges first before i get into anything else. The Summarit range sounds really great....however it just won't satisfy me at the moment....no offense, it is mostly psychological really. I am a new Leica user, as i'd like to remind you. I am sort of obsessed with putting a titanium-finished lens onto my black M8. So if any of you know of one available somewhere or are selling a titanium finished summicron or summilux (in 35 or 50mm), let me know (shoot me a PM!). There are some on ebay that have been there for a while and are way overpriced. Realistically they should be selling for prices similiar to chrome as they are essentially the same as the Chrome lenses....guess the hong kong dealers don't really care about function! I'm open to either 35mm or 50mm at this time....whichever one i don't get right now....i'll get later! Edited October 9, 2012 by iedei Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lm_user Posted October 11, 2012 Share #14 Posted October 11, 2012 You might consider renting and comparing for yourself. Even better, try samples on your camera at a local dealer Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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