35mm f2 Summicron ASPH Flaring issues

[mknaidu11]

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Hi Friends,

 

I'm new to Leica forum.

 

I am yet to get the ME 220, as the local dealer has not received the shipment of the same.

 

Meanwhile the dealer suggested to grab the Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH, which he has now. He further opined that this is the best selling lense for street photography. After reading the reviews on this lense even I have considered to grab it now.

 

While going thu the reviews on 35mm f2 ASPH summicron, I have seen flare issues with it.

Keeping in view of the flare issues, is it worth for the grab?? Need help from the experts & senior members in the forum.

 

Thanks

mknaidu11

[wattsy]

Keeping in view of the flare issues, is it worth for the grab??

 

There are no "flare issues" with this lens. That's not to say it doesn't flare when provoked but that is different from there being some underlying optical design problem that your post suggests.

[pgk]

ALL lenses can flare. The 35 Summicron Aspheric has no specific problem with flare but will do so if used in relevant situations. The 35mm Summarit is more flare resistant if flare is a real concern for you though.

[wizard]

My 35mm Summicron ASPH is one of my most flare resistant lenses. I have tried hard and was not able to provoke any significant flare, so don't worry.

 

Andy

[StS]

Flare can be further reduced on any lens, simply by stopping down.

 

Stefan

[algrove]

Never had mine flare, but I do not try to incite flare either.

[stephen.w]

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Use the clip-on hood included with the lens, and you'll be OK.

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

Yes, the Summicron ASPH is by far the best selling 35 Leica have...

 

It is absolutely superb! I really really like mine

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

p.s. Not had any problems with flare at all.

[jonogilmour]

Brilliant lens, love mine. You shouldn't not buy a lens because it has flare issues, even the best lenses flare somewhat.

 

For example, my 50 Summicron flared strangely when taking photos of candles that were reflected in someone's glasses. Such a rare occurrence, and it shouldn't ever stop you from purchasing a great lens.

[Guest )-(]

Anyone else experience circular flare with the 35 Summicron ASPH (first type) like this?

I'm seeing it on a few shots.

 

Using 12504 circular hood (that the lens came with) and with yellow filter.

Not being particularly careful about sunlight, but not shooting directly into it either.

 

These are just family grab shots, I haven't tested it but am surprised to see this type of flare - looks like reflections inside barrel? Or something else?

Mine is a 'black chrome' version for whatever difference that may make.

 

[Guest )-(]

Another example, the reflection is visible left side of frame, the lens is in full shade though direct sun is coming in from frame top right.

[TomB_tx]

is the filter always in place when when you find the flare? If so, is it a modern multi-coated filter or an older design?

[Guest )-(]

A modern multicoated filter, b&w yellow.

I haven't systematically tested , only noticed this strange flare I've never experienced before.

It's always circular like it's either the filter or something in the lens barrel??

For b/w film like this I'm 99% sure I'd have had the yellow filter on.

[Ko.Fe.]

You don't really need yellow filter with modern lens film and modern lens like this. Try without it to see if it is lens or filter.

[Guest )-(]

Thanks, maybe. I like using a yellow filter, deepens the shade and brings back the sky a little.

I never experienced this type of flare with any other lens and I always use the yellow 022.

 

Was hoping someone would recognise what type of flare this is, always a perfect circle.

It's either the lens or some combination of the hood/filter/lens with this particular combo.

It could be the hood too I suppose, too shiny?

 

I'm used to the ugly 'ASPH flare' letting full sun into the frame can bring (see below), just this weird perfect circle as with above examples.

 

I'll take a closer look at the front view of these things tonight, just curious if only me who experienced this.

FWIW I have ancient Rolleiflex silver rimmed yellow filters that just give veiling flare if I'm not careful, never a circle shape like this.

Edited August 28, 2017 by coogee

[adan]

Regarding coogee's "ring flare" - post 11 and 12 -  I have seen that with the 35mm SUMMILUX f/1.4 ASPH. Not specifically with the Summicron ASPH though. As I recall with the Summilux, it was from a streetlight above and just outside the frame, in an otherwise night-dark picture. But I've also seen it with the Summilux NON-ASPH at least once. So I think that it may be more of a "fast 35" than an "ASPH" thing.

 

It is fairly simple to detect internal barrel flare, by just taking the lens off the camera, and looking through it from the back from 6 inches away or so. While pointing it near (but not directly at) a bright light source in an otherwise dark room. Fairly easy to see a bright crescent inside the lens barrel if light outside the picture edge is bouncing off that.

 

As to whether the filter contributed - just go back to that "cat kitchen" at the same time of day/lighting (with or without cat) and make some tests with and without the filter.

 

If coogee was using a digital M instead of film, I might suspect the concave rear elements of the ASPH 35s. Like a curved mirror lens, they can reflect and focus bright image areas from the shiny sensor back to the sensor, and cause flare spots - that don't occur with dull film.

 

| <)

 

I have eliminated the lenses with concave rear elements (certain 28/35/50/75 ASPHs) from my stable, for use on digital sensors.

[Chuck Albertson]

I've experienced flare with a 35 cron ASPH like that shown in post #16, when the sun/bright light source is in the frame, or especially just outside the frame. That's with a lens hood, and with/without a yellow filter on both a film M and a Monochrom. It's still my favorite lens, use it for maybe 90 percent of my photography. It's a solid, compact lens with really good resolution and contrast even wide open. I bought it principally because the 35 cron (version 4, I think) I owned flared much more readily.

[Guest )-(]

Thanks all. Looking back at the occasions it happened, it does always seem to be with the sun just outside the frame in similar positions to the examples above.

 

I'll try that test Adan mentioned (thanks) and take a closer look at everything.

 

I don't mind some flare if I'm being careless or risky but am disappointed at the frequency I've seen so far from what's a relatively new lens to me.

 

I may have to rethink the hood I use if it's going to happen so often, maybe the Cron v4 hood might fare better. It's certainly a type of flare that most often kills the frame whatever the cause.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Guest )-(]

Had a closer look and there is a shiny ring (as seen from the front) visible back towards the rear elements.

I can only capture it on my phone camera with a flashlight placed behind and camera in front.

 

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The inner ring looks a lot like my flare in the first shot but maybe I'm just seeing things, certainly possible.