narn Posted October 19, 2015 Share #1 Posted October 19, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have someone in my area selling a 35mm Summicron v3 for $900 USD, but I've always had a bad habit of upgrading lenses. So, I've been considering just getting the v4 instead. But, is the v4 really worth the extra $600-700 USD? I've heard the construction on the v3 is more solid and the v4's "Bokeh King" plays too much into its popularity. Should I just get the v4 now or will the v3 last me a while? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 19, 2015 Posted October 19, 2015 Hi narn, Take a look here 35mm Summicron v3 vs. v4. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
TomB_tx Posted October 19, 2015 Share #2 Posted October 19, 2015 The v4 has been priced high because of its reputation, but the performance is better in some areas. However, all the Leica 35s are good. I've used a v2 on M4 & 6 since 1969 and had no complaints, and use a v1 on my M3. On digital I got curious and tried a Zeiss 35 f2, and like it better for that use than either of my Summicrons - except for the size (the v2 is tiny). So then I got a 35 2.5 Summarit, and now that is my favorite 35 - images as good as the Zeiss, and size & handling like the old Summicrons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwj Posted October 19, 2015 Share #3 Posted October 19, 2015 I have no experience with either, but am interested in others thoughts - I'm in a similar position to the OP. Apart from optics, there are also differences in the handling, especially the aperture ring which I'm led to believe is easier to use on the v4. Also some early v3's have no filter threads and use a s7 filter in the hood. I'm sure there are many other differences in use, they're the ones that come to mind though. Cheers, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted October 20, 2015 Share #4 Posted October 20, 2015 I have had both for many years. I'm convinced that any differences in performance require rigorous, controlled testing to see. In actual photographic use I couldn't go back and look at images and tell which lens was used. In terms of construction, both lenses have held up well given lots of use. My v4 is my second, a Canadian one, so fairly old now. I have been cautious never to mount/dismount the lens by grasping the hood, as that is a good way to dislodge the glue holding the front in place. That happened with my first one, which I had repaired and sold (not because of that, because I bought an ASPH...which I ended up selling and going back to a v4). The v3 feels more solid, and a tad heavier. I keep both lenses because I want a backup, and because my v3 is cosmetically worn and wouldn't bring top dollar in resale anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted October 20, 2015 Share #5 Posted October 20, 2015 I went from using a 35 Summaron for almost 30 years to the Summicron V4. The rendering went from painterly to scalpel clinical. Although I tried a Summilux briefly, I much preferred the V4. Never had experience with V1-3 though. I really liked V4 for ultra crisp modern look especially in landscapes and city shots. However, after trying the VC 35/2.5 pancake version I, I made another switch, and today use it exclusively...not as good IMHO as the V4 Summicron, but I can use the same lens on my screwmount and M bodies, and that was an important consideration for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvaliquette Posted October 20, 2015 Share #6 Posted October 20, 2015 I have a V3 Summicron. It may be worth noting that the V3 is not codable, if it matters to you. Guy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanGeist Posted October 20, 2015 Share #7 Posted October 20, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Also some early v3's have no filter threads and use a s7 filter in the hood. I'm sure there are many other differences in use, they're the ones that come to mind though. Cheers, Michael I use a normal 49mm filter with my 35 Summicron v3. The filter fits perfect into the hood, so this should be not an issue. I chose a v3 over a v4. The v4 is a tad smaller and weights less, but I can't see an increase in image quality that justifies the much higher price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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