Lens with characteristics and quality of Summicron 50 rigid for FOV 35mm?

[Bundestrainer]

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I'm looking for a 35mm lens. As I like very much what the Summicron 50 rigid (II) does I'm wondering if there is anything as good and similar in the range of 35mm. Can anyone please help? Thank you.

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[lct]

Summicron 35/2 v1 (# 11308)

[jdlaing]

Ditto.

[james.liam]

Double ditto.

 

A somewhat different but contemporary alternative might be the 35 Summaron f/2.8.

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

Treble ditto. I also endorse the 35/2.8 Summaron. At f 5.6 my experience is that it is just as good as, or even better (based ion Kodachrome 25 and 64 -alas now long gone -)

than the f2/35 version I at the same aperture. This may, however, be based on personal perception and the invariably slight differences between individual lenses. In any

case, the 35mm Summaron is small, light and at medium apertures very recommendable.

Teddy

[TomB_tx]

^{I have both the v1Summicon and 2.8 Summaron, and I prefer the Summaron.}

[wda]

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It would be best for you to visit a dealer with good old stock and see what you think. You like the Summicron; so why not make the 35mm version your No 1 target, but keep you options open if you can try a contemporary alternative.

[bocaburger]

 Summicron 50 rigid (II)

Did you mean Summicron 50 v.2 assuming v.1 was the collapsible version?  Or actually the 2nd version of the rigid, the 11817 of 1969-78 vintage?  In either case I would say if you were looking for equivalent performance, look at 35 Crons one generation newer.  35's are more difficult lenses to correct, so contemporary ones tended to lag behind the 50's a little.  At least that's what I feel from experience with them.  Given the age of those lenses, you'll want to pay careful attention to condition.  Internal haze and/or coating deterioration makes for some wide sample variation.  Published MTF graphs and written evaluations assume the lens is optically like-new.

[james.liam]

 In either case I would say if you were looking for equivalent performance, look at 35 Crons one generation newer.  35's are more difficult lenses to correct, so contemporary ones tended to lag behind the 50's a little.  At least that's what I feel from experience with them.  Given the age of those lenses, you'll want to pay careful attention to condition.  Internal haze and/or coating deterioration makes for some wide sample variation.  Published MTF graphs and written evaluations assume the lens is optically like-new.

 

I've used the 8 element, Summicron ASPH and will be checking out a Summaron soon. You don't hear much about v.2 and 3. Any experience with them?

[TomB_tx]

I got a v2 in 1969 and used it through the film years very happily (along with a v3 50 Summicron). Loved the tiny size and performance at mid apertures. Once I got an M9 I found it wanting wide open. Tried a Zeiss f2, great image but larger than I like. Now use a 35 f2.5 Summarit.

I've also picked up a goggled v1 35 Summicron for my M3, and a 2.8 Summaron. I prefer the added snap of the Summaron over the v1 Summicron.

[Bundestrainer]

Did you mean Summicron 50 v.2 assuming v.1 was the collapsible version?  Or actually the 2nd version of the rigid, the 11817 of 1969-78 vintage?  In either case I would say if you were looking for equivalent performance, look at 35 Crons one generation newer.  35's are more difficult lenses to correct, so contemporary ones tended to lag behind the 50's a little.  At least that's what I feel from experience with them.  Given the age of those lenses, you'll want to pay careful attention to condition.  Internal haze and/or coating deterioration makes for some wide sample variation.  Published MTF graphs and written evaluations assume the lens is optically like-new.

 

I'm talking about the first version of the rigid. Sorry but I didn't know there was a second version.

 

Thank you everybody for your answers. Maybe I should add that I intend to use the lens on my Leica M9 body so the lens needs to be "acceptably" sharp wide open. The Summicron v1 seems to be too expensive for my taste.

[bocaburger]

I've used the 8 element, Summicron ASPH and will be checking out a Summaron soon. You don't hear much about v.2 and 3. Any experience with them?

I have v.3 and v.4, I see hardly any difference in practical shooting.  The v.3 is more solidly built but if you don't mount/dismount the v.4 holding it by the hood, there shouldn't be a problem.    I have had the ASPH (sold it because I like the rendering of the v.4 better) and Summaron (sold it because the infinity lock drove me nuts and I didn't want to butcher it). 

[menos I M6]

If not already mentioned - 35/2 Summicron v1 is the nicest fit to a rigid 50/2 ;-)

Buy any version you find in best condition / price, no matter if Wetzlar/Canada or mount (some slightly more rare versions do have convertible mounts, and many people seem t pay more for Wetzlar versions, despite being technically identical).

[jaques]

I have the same rigid summicron 50- same year 1969. It is one of my favourite lenses and the first I ever got. Small, sharp, fast, excellent build. I also have many of the pre-asph summicron 35's and agree that V1 8 element would be the best match- though it is the earlier lens. It has that razor sharp quality.

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[a911s]

 I have had the ASPH (sold it because I like the rendering of the v.4 better) and Summaron (sold it because the infinity lock drove me nuts and I didn't want to butcher it). 

 

All it takes is a toothpick to override the infinity lock - the 35mm Summaron is unique in its rendering. Worth hanging on to.

[microview]

Yes. Cut a tiny sliver from a matchstick and insert it so the infinity lock is disabled. Easily taken (shaken) out should you ever wish to sell the lens. (As I did and have ever since regretted  .)

[james.liam]

The infinity lock is annoying but no more so than the non-locking retractable lens hood on some newer M lenses. You learn to live with it if their's a meaningful upside.