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I'm sorry.

I've the chance of an FLE. I have no problems with my 35/2 Asph, in fact it's my favourite lens. I missed it in Paris when I decided to take just a 50 and a 24 and to "use my feet to zoom". It was dull there and, shooting film (Portra 160), I also missed a wider aperture than my 50/2. I've long looked for an FLE but I'm aware some people have a problem with the OOF areas in certain circumstances. I'm considering the Leica M in a couple of years time. So, two questions:

 

1) Those that have a problem with FLE OOF areas, do you have a problem with the 35/2 Asph OOF areas or do you consider the latter to be fine as do I?

 

2) Has anyone changed from a 35/2 ASPH to the FLE then regretted it or felt that it really wasn't worth the "increased investment".

 

I'll no doubt keep the 35/2 Asph (for my lightweight kit with the 50/2) but sell my 35/2Mk4. Incidently, I also have a new-to-me 50/1.4 Asph.

 

Pete

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... I'm aware some people have a problem with the OOF areas in certain circumstances.

Not really. The out-of-focus rendition of the current Summilux-M 35 mm Asph is less than perfect at full aperture but not terrible. Stopped down to f/2 - f/2.8, it becomes very smooth and beautiful.

 

 

Has anyone changed from a Summicron-M 35/2 Asph to the Summilux-M 35 Asph FLE then regretted it or felt that it really wasn't worth the "increased investment".

I changed from a Summarit-M 35 mm 1:2.5, which I prefer over the Summicron-M 35 mm 1:2 Asph, to the current Summilux-M 35 mm 1:1.4 Asph—and definitely don't regret anything. I love the little Summarit (which I still have) but I love the Summilux even more. In low light, it's indispensable. It's a lens with lots of strengths and no weaknesses ... except the cost, of course.

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I love the little Summarit (which I still have) but I love the Summilux even more. In low light, it's indispensable. It's a lens with lots of strengths and no weaknesses ... except the cost, of course.

 

Also having both of these lenses, I completely agree!

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I can't assist with the comparison with the 35/2 as I don't have it nor have I had it. I just wanted to note that in my experience the 35 FLE renders very similarly to my 50 Asph. That may be of value when considering whether to get the FLE.

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  • 4 weeks later...

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I purchased the lens and I have to say I'm very pleased with it so far. I ran a cheap film (Kodak Colorplus 200) through the M2 to test its calibration (and to test a new lab). I think the bokeh is fine. I seem to have a moderate amount of light fall off in the corners. Perhaps this is the B+W UV filter? Is it normal to have such fall off?

Pete

 

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I purchased the lens and I have to say I'm very pleased with it so far.

Congratulations!

 

As soon as you've overcome the ridiculous amount of money you spent for a single lens (which will happen very soon), henceforth you never will regret this purchase.

 

 

Is it normal to have such fall-off?

At full aperture—yes, it's normal. Also check the Leica tech spec sheets offered for download for every lens on their homepage.

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I purchased the lens and I have to say I'm very pleased with it so far. I ran a cheap film (Kodak Colorplus 200) through the M2 to test its calibration (and to test a new lab). I think the bokeh is fine. I seem to have a moderate amount of light fall off in the corners. Perhaps this is the B+W UV filter? Is it normal to have such fall off?

Pete

 

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Very nice. Isn't photography fun? I would say some fall off is normal, but it helps keep the eye focused on what is important in the image.

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Glad you got the lens Pete. It's amazing, absolutely amazing and works great on film.

 

I also experience the same amount of fall-off. As your images show the amount and the impression of the fall-off is very situation-dependent.

 

Also the bokeh is situation-dependent. Several of your images show very clearly that the purportedly smooth/flat/boring bokeh of modern asphericals is not all that this lens is capable of.

 

cheers

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  • 5 weeks later...

Bokeh of sorts. Sorry, but just remembered the image which I see needs to be rotated. Guess the beer was too good that day. Forget that the image is off and look at the OOF areas.

 

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited by algrove
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I would suggest that anyone who is concerned about the OOF image of the FLE try a 35 Lux ASPH as a cheaper, readily available alternative.

 

Smoother look, and plenty sharp......does that wonderful transition from gently softer edges wide open to sharp and saturated as it stops down.

 

Lenses like this are creative tools, a multiple "look" lens by simply changing the aperture. Lenses that are sharp and contrasty at all apertures are not necessarily the best IMO.

Edited by 4X5B&W
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I think you've all made my mind up! Olaf's point regarding f2 and smaller was a question I intended to ask so thank you for that. Mod's close the thread before anything negative is posted ;)

Thanks again everyone.

Pete

It is a shame you expect something negative with a good question. Your post had some good points and very good responses that I found relevant.

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Just received the current "FLE" Summilux 35/1.4. At f/1.4, its OOF rendition looks more contrasty than that of both Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph and CV 35/1.4 SC but not to the point to be disturbing so far. From f/2 to f/11, the FLE's bokeh remains more busy than the formers' but looks slightly less detailed and contrasty than that of the 35/2 asph, except at f/2.8 and f/8 in my first sample pics. All in all, the current 35/1.4 and 35/2 are very close anyway so i'm not sure i'd advise the Summilux to people not needing f/1.4 really. As often at Leica's, the main choice is Mandler, Karbe or both.

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Just received the current "FLE" Summilux 35/1.4. At f/1.4, its OOF rendition looks more contrasty than that of both Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph and CV 35/1.4 SC but not to the point to be disturbing so far. From f/2 to f/11, the FLE's bokeh remains more busy than the formers' but looks slightly less detailed and contrasty than that of the 35/2 asph, except at f/2.8 and f/8 in my first sample pics. All in all, the current 35/1.4 and 35/2 are very close anyway so i'm not sure i'd advise the Summilux to people not needing f/1.4 really. As often at Leica's, the main choice is Mandler, Karbe or both.

 

My biere shot was taken with the 35/1.4 FLE, like the one you just received.

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