doitashimashite Posted May 17, 2007 Share #1 Posted May 17, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have two Leica III bodies: a IIIc and a IIIf. But only one lens, which is a Summitar 1:2/50. I want to buy a wider lens. What would be the best (in terms of image quality) 3.5cm lens around? (I guess that would be a Leitz, but which one?) And what should I expect to pay for it? Also, I don't have an external viewfinder. What would be the best pick (no matter what brand) with framelines for (at least) 3.5 and 5.0cm? Thanks in advance for your input... (Ich verstehe auch die Deutsche Sprache, also Deutsche Antworte kein Thema!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 17, 2007 Posted May 17, 2007 Hi doitashimashite, Take a look here Best 3.5cm lens for my Leica IIIc/IIIf?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted May 17, 2007 Share #2 Posted May 17, 2007 I think the best 35 nowadays is probably the Summicron Asph, still catalogued in the SM version: if you have no problem of budget (range of 1750-1800 Euros) I think is the best choice, expecially if you have plans about some M body. Apart this... there is a little problem : if you like classic Leitz, the "old" Summicron 35 SM is super rare and very costly for its very limited production (500 or so) : mainly a collectors piece. So, you have to go for Summarons : I have both 2,8 and 3,5, and they are very fine, easy to find, not costly... but I would not be surprised if, in tech terms, a new Cosina Voigtlander 35 would have better performances... classic vs. new and not Leitz branded... a matter of taste... Anyway, be or not be of Leitz brand the lens, I think that the classic SBLOO/12010 35mm metal finder is the best: robust, big frame, clear, precise; why do you think of a 35/50 finder if You have IIIc/IIIf ? If you are going to multifocal, better to think of something "open" to the chance to acquire, say, a 90 or 135 for your nice bodies... there are lot of them available... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
echorec Posted May 17, 2007 Share #3 Posted May 17, 2007 Hello, I have just tried the Summaron 35/3,5 and the Elmar 35/3,5. The Summaron was very good as I had heard but I was also positively surprised by the Elmar. Some vignetting and not super sharp in the corners of course but quite sharp in most of the picture frame and with a very pleasant "footprint". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flatfour Posted May 17, 2007 Share #4 Posted May 17, 2007 The 35mm Elmar is a superb lens with only very slight vignetting - easily cropped off. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted May 17, 2007 Share #5 Posted May 17, 2007 There's a nice Screwmount Summaron 3.5 35 in London Camera Exchange in Guildford, in England. They are nice people too. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted May 17, 2007 Share #6 Posted May 17, 2007 Greg, I think that Luigi's info is right. If money is no object and you want the best in Leica glass, here are my choices: Summicron ASPH 2/35mm Summicron (original) 2/35mm Summaron 2.8/35mm Summaron 3.5/35mm I am sure that you will hear and read otherwise, but I would leave the 3.5/35mm Elmar alone. While a good lens during its time (1930's and 1940's), there are better lenses today. If you want to go for the best performance / value ratio and do not need Leica glass, here are some other choices: Voigtländer 2.5/35mm Canon 2/35mm Canon 2.8/35mm Canon 1.5/35mm The overall performance/value winner however, is the Voigtländer lens. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 18, 2007 Share #7 Posted May 18, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Not much to add to the above, just that it depends whether you want an older lens for the 'look' and to match your camera or if you're after the best image quality. If its the latter (ignoring the very expensive screw fit Summicron ASPH) I would suggest the VC Skopar 35mm f2.5, or alternatively the 25mm f4 Skopar which comes with a viewfinder - its a great lens to use on a LTM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. borger Posted May 18, 2007 Share #8 Posted May 18, 2007 The 35 /3,5 summaron in LTM is an outstanding lens .... i am using it more these days than my 35 cron asph! It has a very nice vintage look, low-medium in contrast but plenty sharp through the aperture range. Superb lens for B&W! I would make a wonderful compliment to your summitar! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
samwells Posted May 18, 2007 Share #9 Posted May 18, 2007 Another vote for the 35/3.5 Summaron...recently purchased one for my 'new' IIIa, and it's astonishingly good. Paid GBP145 for it from Ffordes. cheers: Sam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted May 18, 2007 Share #10 Posted May 18, 2007 Greg, I think that Luigi's info is right.......... Jan Hi Rene, Sorry for calling you Greg........... Enjoy your Leica! Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted May 19, 2007 Share #11 Posted May 19, 2007 I can also recommend the f3.5 Summaron. I use it with my M6 and it performs superbly. They are relatively inexpensive compared to the f2.8 versions, which may attract collectors more. You will have to watch out for hazing, given the age of the lens, but this should be cleanable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitashimashite Posted May 20, 2007 Author Share #12 Posted May 20, 2007 Thank you all for your valuable input! I bought a Summaron 3.5 35 for 150 euro which I will pick up later this week. @dcoombs: I also want to use this lens on my M6. What adapter do you use and where can I get it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted May 20, 2007 Share #13 Posted May 20, 2007 You can find adapters on ebay often. Most are newly made and from China, so I don't know how well they work. They are cheap, though. There are also original Leitz made adapters available, but they are more expensive. Alternatively, check Stephen Gandy's Cameraquest website. He represents Voigtlander in the US, and sells their LTM adapters. I would have confidence in those. Enjoy your lens! Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted May 20, 2007 Share #14 Posted May 20, 2007 I also want to use this lens on my M6. What adapter do you use and where can I get it? Rene, I would second Doug's recommendation on finding an original Leitz adapter or ordering the Voigtländer one through Cameraquest. Both can be found through eBay, Cameraquest website is here: Adapters:* SLR to RF You will have to make certain though, that the adapter is made for the 35mm lens. These LTM to M adapters can key-in the proper finder frame for your lens - the adapter you are after should be described as one for the 35mm/135mm lenses. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted May 20, 2007 Share #15 Posted May 20, 2007 I have original Leitz, Voigtlander and Chinese "pattern" lens mount adaptors. They all do the job splendidly and without a problem. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted May 22, 2007 Share #16 Posted May 22, 2007 Thank you all for your valuable input! I bought a Summaron 3.5 35 for 150 euro which I will pick up later this week. @dcoombs: I also want to use this lens on my M6. What adapter do you use and where can I get it? NICE BUY !! Good price, and a fine lens if glass is clear: is it an A36-filter or the more modern E39-filter ? To me the first is nicer, more differentiated from the rest of 35s (the "E39s, be Summaron3,5 or 2,8 or even Summicron, are very similar in appearence): I think in terms of performance there is no difference at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitashimashite Posted May 22, 2007 Author Share #17 Posted May 22, 2007 NICE BUY !! Good price, and a fine lens if glass is clear: is it an A36-filter or the more modern E39-filter ? To me the first is nicer, more differentiated from the rest of 35s (the "E39s, be Summaron3,5 or 2,8 or even Summicron, are very similar in appearence): I think in terms of performance there is no difference at all. Whether it is an A36- or E39-filter I don't know, I will find out tomorrow, when I will pick it up in Belgium. I am looking forward to start working with this lens! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitashimashite Posted May 23, 2007 Author Share #18 Posted May 23, 2007 Picked up the lens this morning in a beautiful place called Zomergem (Belgium). It's a model A36. That's good. I shot a test roll right there, which I have just developed and it is drying while I'm typing this. I will share some pictures later. Thank you all for your guidance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitashimashite Posted May 23, 2007 Author Share #19 Posted May 23, 2007 Zomergem Belgium, this morning Leica M2 Summaron 3.5/35 Fomapan T200 (rated at 100 ASA) 1/125 f/11 HC-110, dill. B, 3:40 min. at 18 degrees C This is the first test with my "new" old Summaron 3.5/35. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
christer Posted May 26, 2007 Share #20 Posted May 26, 2007 I purchased my Summaron 3,5 cm f/3,5 two weeks ago for 120 euros and at the same time a 50mm Industar f/2,8 for 3 euros. The Summaron is all that Industar is not, beautiful, well built, sharp and small. The IIIf with the lens on is a true pocket camera - even when I wear tight fitting jeans! Good for street photography. With that outfit people seem to be pleased to be photographed, just as they were some 50+ years when the lens was new. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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