otto.f Posted November 18, 2014 Share #21 Posted November 18, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'd like to see some images that illustrate this. Thanks. Pete Summicron 35 IV with Orange Filter on Monochrome, F4.0 Somebody problems with unsharp edges? Not me Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/237229-summilux-fle-or-summicron-35mm-latest-for-a-beginner/?do=findComment&comment=2709384'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 18, 2014 Posted November 18, 2014 Hi otto.f, Take a look here Summilux FLE or Summicron 35mm latest for a beginner?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Jeff S Posted November 18, 2014 Share #22 Posted November 18, 2014 I found this quote from Mr Puts: "The new SX35FLE is a definite improvement over its predecessor. But the main advantages are to be found in the focusing range from 1 meter to 3 or even 4 meters. There the performance gain is visible and to be appreciated. If you already own an SX35 ASPH and work mainly at larger distances, you might not see much improvement. For closer range subjects it is a matter of critical distinction.' FWIW, Puts also rated the Summarit over the Summicron. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zlatkob Posted November 18, 2014 Share #23 Posted November 18, 2014 If you want to experience a 'tricky' field of focus get the 35mm F1.4 FLE. Tim Ashley Photography | Leica M 240 with 35mm F1.4 FLE - some observations Wow, that wavy field of focus looks pretty bad for f/4. That would not make me happy. I owned the predecessor (non-FLE) and do not recall seeing anything that bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duane Pandorf Posted November 19, 2014 Share #24 Posted November 19, 2014 Thought I'd throw in my opinion as 35mm focal length is what I shoot 95% of the time. First off IMO Leica does not make a bad lens. However, each one has their own unique character. So trying to compare different 35mm lenses is meaningless unless we talk the difference in how they "draw" and what look you're after. The Summicron is NOT going to match the Summilux when each is shot wide open. And IMO that's the reason you want a fast lens is to shoot it wide open. If that's not the look you want just buy the least expensive 35mm lens and set it at f8.0. I now have the 35 Lux ASPH. (Pre-FLE) and I don't see any focus shift as I'm either at f1.4 for my normal everyday shooting or f8.0 and smaller when I occasionally shoot a landscape and on a tripod. Again this is how I shoot and my preference. I no longer worry about this dreaded focus shift that everyone is so worried about. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirekti Posted November 19, 2014 Share #25 Posted November 19, 2014 I am not sure why there is so much hype about the 35mm FLE's focal plane. Yes, it is not perfectly flat, but on the other hand this might be the reason I see my photos taken with it shine. 35mm FLE is my most used Leica lens. As this "issue" has been pointed out so many times I did some unscientific testing, and shoot grass at 0.7 and 1 meter distance @f/1.4. I also used an action from this guy to make it more clear Use "Focus Peaking" in Photoshop to Select In-Focus Areas of a Photo Here are the results. Photos with focus peaking are as only processed with my preset in LR's Basic menu, and those without have contrast and clarity exaggerated. Unless I want to shoot at the wall form 0.7m @1.4 I don't see this is an issue. Am I missing anything here? Edit: The dng files are available here https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5k8erd9b621s8wp/AABnl-VOtSmBib_bO0TmQHxla?dl=0 if anyone needs them. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/237229-summilux-fle-or-summicron-35mm-latest-for-a-beginner/?do=findComment&comment=2709893'>More sharing options...
otto.f Posted November 19, 2014 Share #26 Posted November 19, 2014 I agree with your point in the general sense that an in all aspects optical correct lens may not be the lens you like. I doubt whether the shine stems from this issue. I tend to believe that it stems from its flare handling which is a.o. responsible for the richness in colour. Your experiment: the non focus peaked images seem more wobble-ish than the focus peaked images. On my iPad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirekti Posted November 19, 2014 Share #27 Posted November 19, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Your experiment: the non focus peaked images seem more wobble-ish than the focus peaked images. On my iPad. Yes, I believe it is due to the differences in grass texture. I should have chosen a better surface, for example a rough concrete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted November 19, 2014 Share #28 Posted November 19, 2014 Right! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted November 20, 2014 Share #29 Posted November 20, 2014 Thus far I could not replicate Ashley's and mirekti's findings, on an oblique, straight surface. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-hawinkler Posted November 20, 2014 Share #30 Posted November 20, 2014 Thus far I could not replicate Ashley's and mirekti's findings, on an oblique, straight surface. May be your copy of the lens is better than Ashley's copy? I hope so, good luck to you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted November 20, 2014 Share #31 Posted November 20, 2014 Unless I want to shoot at the wall form 0.7m @1.4 I don't see this is an issue.Am I missing anything here? Yes. The problem is most acute at middling apertures like F4 and at focussed distances like 10m or so. F1.4 at close distances is in fact the least problematic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted November 20, 2014 Share #32 Posted November 20, 2014 Is the OP shooting film? Then the Summilux (I've never understood this silly practice of abbreviating lens names) will have a clear advantage over the Summicron. It will, in my experience, amount to such things as being able to shoot at 1/15 instead of 1/8 etc). But note that the Summilux is, for a Leica 35mm lens, quite a lot larger and heavier than the Summicron. If the OP is shooting digital there is - imho - as a beginner no reason at all to buy the Summilux as a first lens, esp if it can only be bought 'at a push'. Buy the Summicron with full confidence that it is an outstanding lens with which one can live a lifetime. Put all f-stop-related worries aside and put the money to a second lens instead. Philip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dem331 Posted November 20, 2014 Share #33 Posted November 20, 2014 I personally think the ideal set up for Leica is all Summicron 28-35-50-90, and Elmars for anything wider or longer. In my opinion all the other lenses are specialist lenses. You will be thinking more about the lens than the picture. I know that most don't agree, but it is just my opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semi-ambivalent Posted November 20, 2014 Share #34 Posted November 20, 2014 If the OP is shooting digital there is - imho - as a beginner no reason at all to buy the Summilux as a first lens, esp if it can only be bought 'at a push'. OP expressed hesitation and concern over the possible regret of the lack of f/1.4. Personally I suggested the summilux for that reason although that was not the choice for me. I see no "pushing" in this thread; merely others offering what was requested. OP needs to clear their own mind about just what they actually need/want. Put all f-stop-related worries aside and put the money to a second lens instead. And this is not a "push"? OT: I continue to be amazed at the number of people who declare themselves "beginners" or 'new to Leica' who rattle off their starter kits that are somewhere north of $20k. It strikes me as being somewhat ill-planned. Photography in general is like this. I shouldn't be surprised, considering the glass I've seen carried by brand new birders. It's not just in Leica-land. Thanks, s-a Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 20, 2014 Share #35 Posted November 20, 2014 I have used both and honestly if the price doesn't make a difference there is no reason to get the Summicron unless you particularly must have the slightly less weight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted November 20, 2014 Share #36 Posted November 20, 2014 So, what are your thoughts on a 35mm lens for a beginner? The current Summarit. If you are genuinely a beginner (that is to say, you have not used fast, wider than standard lenses on a rangefinder before, then you may or may not like or need the speed - even f/2 is reasonably fast for a 35mm). Buy a used Summarit in good condition, and you will find that it will lose little value should you want to change it, and will be worth anything you might lose to find out how you like to operate with a rangefinder and wide lens. Use it and decide what you want to do. The Summarit is a really lovely little lens and might prove to be more than adequate for your needs, if you find that you don't actually need a faster lens. You may find that you would like to add a longer lens, and will have saved enough money to consider doing so. Forget all this stuff about the subtle differences in Summicron and Summilux lenses, yes, they are there, but basically Leica don't make a bad lens, and you are talking about subtleties and nuances which for a 'beginner' are, IMO, of low relevance. FWIW I have the Summilux pre-FLE (and pre-Aspheric too), both of which are very usable lenses indeed despite everything you may read. The pre-Aspheric does show its age and design limitations wide-open (no subtlety here) but from f/2 down is still a very usable lens. (I also have a Summicron v.4 which is being repaired - despite separation of the two rear elements it still produced pretty fair images from f/4 down). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted November 20, 2014 Share #37 Posted November 20, 2014 I can't tell much difference between the summilux fle and the summicron. I use the summilux fle when I think the light is likely to be low, as I use film. I like the summicron asph; it's lightweight and compact and gives superb results. I use it when weight and space are a consideration. You can't go wrong with either. I only look at my pictures on the computer, and would be hard pressed to tell between the latest asph lenses. If you shoot film and can afford the lux fle, and don't mind the weight, get it. Otherwise the Summicron asph or mk4 are excellent lenses too. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted November 20, 2014 Share #38 Posted November 20, 2014 I see no "pushing" in this thread;.....And this is not a "push"?..... I think you misunderstood. The OP wrote "I can afford either at a push" – in other words, he/she can buy either lens but it would involve a substantial financial commitment – and that was what Philip was referencing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted November 20, 2014 Share #39 Posted November 20, 2014 May be your copy of the lens is better than Ashley's copy? I hope so, good luck to you! Thanks! It seems so. But I only tested at 0.7m. Perhaps it is the behavior of the floating element itself Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted November 20, 2014 Share #40 Posted November 20, 2014 Really don't see why being a beginner would mean not needing or legitimately wanting a Summilux, except for the weight and other ergonomics for people never having used any M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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