Would you swap a Summicron for a Summilux?

[algrove]

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I sold my Summilux 50/1.4 since I was not using it for over a year since getting the APO50.

[bocaburger]

At one time I had both the 35/2-ASPH and 35/1.4-ASPH.  I've read there are differences in performance, but if they were there they were so subtle as to never assert themselves in any of the thousands of images I made with them.  Although the added stop of the Summilux was something I found less useful than with longer lenses, it did come in handy, and there really wasn't that huge a difference in size/weight between the two lenses. 

Eventually however I sold both, prefering the v.4 Summicron both for it's rendering and size/weight.   I also went back from ASPH to pre-ASPH on 21 and 90 lenses.  In the case of the 21 I really didn't find enough improvement to worth the cost; with the 90 I prefer the look of the pre.   I also went back from a late 90 Elmarit-M to a "thin" T-E, for reasons of size, weight and filter size.  For me the lens with the best MTF graph isn't always the best lens for my needs. 

[riswanc]

I sold my Summilux 50/1.4 since I was not using it for over a year since getting the APO50.

A little out of topic

 

I m really eager to know if the APO is really worth the extra bucks over the lux despite having slower speed?

 

And to the TS, yes i did swap my cron frm safari set for another silver 35 lux

 

I just feel i need that extra stop

[otto.f]

No not for the pre FLE. I certainly would for the FLE. Focusshift was my argument to get rid of my pre FLE. I very often work with close distances and love stills, so focus shift is a major point

[dbdecker]

Hi HI,

 

Consider this is a subjective response: 

I traded in my current model 35 Cron for the Lux-Asp-FLE due to personal requirements - the extra stop at night has paid for the "cross-grade"

Personally and somewhat oddly, I actually prefer the size of the lux as it suits my "grip" on the camera and focus ring.

 

As far as images go they are both amazing.

[tobey bilek]

Bpught a new ASPH Summicron 35.  KEPT the version IV for the M8 which was also kept when the M9 was purchased.  I tend not to buy-sell trade.   

 

Maybe if the person would allow you try the new for a while.   I feel faster is not necessarilly better.   I own a current 50 lux and a collapsible 50 elmer-last version.   Small & light wins unless you take pics in the dark.  Do you.

[dbdecker]

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I 100% agree with Tobey. 

 

just an off example, i use a 21mm SME also, i would not trade it for a 21lux... ever... personal taste and all that

[ShivaYash]

I have the IV 35f2 and just last week got the 35FLE, which I actually call the FAG. Its a beast but the images are just staggering good. I love the tonal range of the IV but wanted something sharper. I'm very happy. I 'can't' sell the IV, been with me for too long. The size is just incredible. Have Leica made a smaller 35f2?

[david strachan]

Mmmm, don't know that I'd swap my Summicron, albeit a 50mm.  It's a 1952 collapsible, with less contrast to the modern lenses...you can't go backwards with contrast.

I returned 4 before I got one in the condition I wanted (all 1952-1953).  Even then it needed a CLA for stiff helicals.

Now it's a lens I use and adore.

 

best solution is to buy a Summilux as well...

 

all best Dave S

[Antonio Russell]

I have the 35 Summicron ASPH which replaced my version IV. When printing film at 16x20 I am seeing a massive massive improvement all over with the 35 Cron ASPH compared to the version IV. I simply do not understand people who pile such praise on the Bokeh King. Its not that good.

[ShivaYash]

I have the 35 Summicron ASPH which replaced my version IV. When printing film at 16x20 I am seeing a massive massive improvement all over with the 35 Cron ASPH compared to the version IV. I simply do not understand people who pile such praise on the Bokeh King. Its not that good.

 

One word answer... subjectivity. I think the fingerprint of the IV is rather pleasing, its tonal range is good. At the end of the day, its all about the look you are after. 'massive improvement' needs to be defined. I've never used it but understand what you mean when you say this, as the FLE is my go to lens, but I do find its weight a little annoying.

[Antonio Russell]

 I think the fingerprint of the IV is rather pleasing, its tonal range is good. 

 

I found the lack of detail with the Croon IV when enlarging prints up to 16x20 to be a handicap overall and particularly once you look outside the centre of the image. It really does come up wanting compared to its more modern brother the ASPH.

 

Tonal range is the same. They both cover all the zones in the zone system ;-)

[ShivaYash]

I found the lack of detail with the Croon IV when enlarging prints up to 16x20 to be a handicap overall and particularly once you look outside the centre of the image. It really does come up wanting compared to its more modern brother the ASPH.

 

Tonal range is the same. They both cover all the zones in the zone system ;-)

"The colouring is different the MkIV has a more yellower hue and to my eyes a more natural colouring. The ASPH tends towards pink and I like the tonality less."

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/242693-35mm-summicron-v4-vs-asph/

 

This lens is like marmite. You either love or or hate (don't get it). Time to move on I think ...

[Antonio Russell]

"The colouring is different the MkIV has a more yellower hue and to my eyes a more natural colouring. The ASPH tends towards pink and I like the tonality less."

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/242693-35mm-summicron-v4-vs-asph/

 

This lens is like marmite. You either love or or hate (don't get it). Time to move on I think ...

 

I shoot entirely in B&W (Tri-X/TMY). Don't get me wrong, the MKIV is a fine lens and I certainly enjoyed mine before I replaced it. But I think a lot of folks need to get real about its qualities, it is not the pinnacle of what Leica has to offer, for that you need to get one of the latest ASPH lenses, they really are a big jump forward.

[lct]

A jump forward or backward depending upon our tastes and the kind of photographs we take. Just shoot your mother in law at f/2 with both lenses and ask her the pic she prefers.

[ShivaYash]

A jump forward or backward depending upon our tastes and the kind of photographs we take. Just shoot your mother in law at f/2 with both lenses and ask her the pic she prefers.

 

YEAH... this is the litmus test, if there ever was one. All of this talk about 'better'... its so subjective. I like wearing Northampton made leather shoes with a goodyear welt. Sure some would argue a pair of Nike's are 'better' but I'd rather wear hand made shoes 90% of the time. I also like my old mechanical watch, that gains about 2 mins a month... maybe I need my head examined.

[Antonio Russell]

 All of this talk about 'better'... its so subjective.

 

It may be from where you care coming from but the aspects I was referring to are very objective indeed. The main reason I stuck with the ASPH Cron in the end was because it enabled me to produce larger enlargements whilst retaining detail across the entire frame.

[Peter H]

YEAH... this is the litmus test, if there ever was one. All of this talk about 'better'... its so subjective. I like wearing Northampton made leather shoes with a goodyear welt. Sure some would argue a pair of Nike's are 'better' but I'd rather wear hand made shoes 90% of the time. I also like my old mechanical watch, that gains about 2 mins a month... maybe I need my head examined.

 

I completely agree with you.

 

I think you need your head examined.

 

 

 

 

(Actually I don't, but you know, where's there's an opening...)