Best 35mm Summilux for Film (M6)

[philipus]

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I have the FLE and use it since several years on film (I don't shoot digital M). It's a fantastic lens which delivers knife-sharp results across the field from 1.4 onwards. Still, I don't like mine but that has to do with the focal length - I'll be getting a 28mm to use instead. But I will probably never sell the FLE because there are times, such as indoors in darker surroundings, when a wider fast lens is useful for a film photographer. In any event mine's so beaten up cosmetically that nobody would want it lol.

 

Anyway, if you like clean images free of the purported Leica glow (gah), which really isn't anything else but optical errors (to use technical language), then you will not be disappointed. It is a bit more than the previous Asph version but I decided not to risk the focusing error. I know this would have made me annoyed and having read various reports, both that film is more forgiving so any such error won't be seen and that the error is nevertheless visible, I decided not to chance it particularly since I found the FLE for a very good price at the excellent Red Dot. Looking at their current prices the difference is (given the soaring price levels that we're at discussing the most recent Summiluxes) not extreme and with the FLE you get a much less unwieldy hood.

 

But I do think the below is not entirely right. I was under the impression the previous Asph is pretty much the same lens optically (though the FLE datasheet can be understood as if there was also some optical redesign). 

 

br

Philip

 

- ASPH (a little cheaper than the FLE, still prone to focus shift, sharper than the Pre-ASPH, still has the classic Leica glow/rendition - not as much as Pre-ASPH though)

- ASPH FLE (expensive, no focus shift, really sharp, lots of contrast, more modern Leica look)

 

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[cesc]

I know it's been 6 years now from this post, but I am in the same situation. I have a 35mm summicron asph, and I am only shooting film, and I was wondering if the summilux is a better choice in terms of the 1 stop and classic render compared to the asph version.

[a.noctilux]

Cesc, I don't have answer,

You might go to have a look in this thread

 

In my view, this lens would not replace a "good/easier/satisfied/asph." lens at anymean.

Not the "best 35mm", for me

but when I need it's unique character, there is NO other choice.

For many, as only 35mm lens would be a mistake, but why not,

I used one for years (or decades maybe) on film.

 

In our time, after many years of using Summilux 35mm lenses,

I can say that the one I have Summilux 35mm asph. is my best 35mm lens, I think this is "maybe"  the last one

that I would sell if I had to do.

 

Before that I had the same lens in titanium coated heavier to carry  around, this one seen so often here

this "now" black anodized asph. is sweet spot for size/weight/performance compromise,

why not as only 35mm lens for M.

 

Edited March 15, 2022 by a.noctilux

[cesc]

Did you experience that focus shift issue of the 11874? I am shooting film only, so I am not sure If I have to be concerned about that or to be safe, go directly to the 11663

Also I have no way to test both lenses here where I live, but reading all the comments and knowing myself I am towards a more classic look that now my 35mm summicron asph doesn't give me, because it's too contrasty and sharp.

 

[mkur]

If you are looking for a classic look then probably neither the 11874 or the 11663 is the lens you are looking for. Maybe give a Nokton 35mm 1,4 a try? 

[a.noctilux]

3 hours ago, cesc said:

Did you experience that focus shift issue of the 11874? I am shooting film only, so I am not sure If I have to be concerned about that or to be safe, go directly to the 11663

Also I have no way to test both lenses here where I live, but reading all the comments and knowing myself I am towards a more classic look that now my 35mm summicron asph doesn't give me, because it's too contrasty and sharp.

 

In my use, I never had trouble with focus shift with any of my 35mm Summilux.

That is (only me ?) one thing I don't agree that so many people "focus" on focus shift ( I don't deny that it doesn't exist) and don't buy/use the nice lens for that only reason.

Each 35mm Summilux I use(d) is up to "top of line" each one in each character of their own to learn to use at best.

[shirubadanieru]

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35mm Summilux Pre-asph . Small, Light, Unique rendering wide open and super sharp from f2.8 onwards.