The Summicron 35mm ASPH I (11879) is definitely a favorite

[Jeff S]

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13 hours ago, derleicaman said:

I have the LHSA version of the 35/2 Summicron ASPH v1 and it is a fine lens, but being brass, it is a bit heavy. I've had a 35/2 v2 Summicron for years also. Recently, I acquired a 35/2 v4 "King of Bokeh" and I am blown away by its images. I like this one better than the other 35 Summicrons I own, IMHO. The only thing I am not impressed with this lens is the build quality. The optical unit turns too easily in the mount while mounting the lens. These lenses came at a time of extreme cost cutting at Leitz, and it shows.

My most used lenses in 35mm were my 35/1.4 Summilux pre-ASPH and then my 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH (non-FLE). These were my workhorses from 1972 until fairly recently. The ASPH is one of the best lenses I have ever used, and has never let me down. I have recently started using the original Summilux again, and it is an amazing lens. Really two lenses in one. Wide open, dreamy and with the Leitz glow. Stopped down, sharp as a tack. Best of both worlds, plus it is one of the smallest 35's around, unless you compare it to the 35/2 v4. I predict the original 35 Summilux will be back in vogue again, as people will again appreciate the wonderful lens that it is.

The originator of the ‘king of bokeh’ term regrets his characterization...

 

 

Jeff

[Ecar]

13 hours ago, derleicaman said:

I predict the original 35 Summilux will be back in vogue again, as people will again appreciate the wonderful lens that it is.

Judging by the steady increase in prices over the past few years, that's already happened.

Edited December 12, 2020 by Ecar

[JoeLeica]

Ehh it’s ok. I used to have the Cron 35 ASPH v1 (silver) and it’s the same weight as the 35 Lux FLE. So for the same weight I might as well carry the 1.4 and it runs circles around the 35 Cron ASPH all day.

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, JoeLeica said:

Ehh it’s ok. I used to have the Cron 35 ASPH v1 (silver) and it’s the same weight as the 35 Lux FLE. So for the same weight I might as well carry the 1.4 and it runs circles around the 35 Cron ASPH all day.

But the silver 35 Summicron ASPH v.1 is 25% heavier than the black (320 vs 255g.). I kept my black Summicron even after acquiring the 35 Summilux FLE; both very capable lenses IMO.

Jeff

 

[Printmaker]

On 12/12/2020 at 4:58 AM, lct said:

Your 35/2 v4 is made in Canada i guess. I have the same issue with mine but my German made copy has no plastic parts anymore and feels more sturdy. You know this as well or better than i do but some newbies  here may wish to have a look at what Marco Cavina wrote about this.

For the last 25 years I've been mostly content with my German made 35 Summicron IV. There has never been any issues with fit or construction. And it has taken 90% of the photos shot on my M cameras. It pairs well with my 75 Summicron, making the perfect compact field kit. Still, ever now and then I lust for a new 35 Lux. Human nature, I guess.

Perhaps Leica will one day resurrect this classic design as they are rumored to be doing with the 35 Summaron, my first Leica 35 mm lens. 

[Nimar]

I’m on the fence between the summicron v5 or v6, design appears the same, what are the perceived differences beyond the cosmetic (eg the metal hood).

 

I suppose you are likely to have slightly more modern treatment to the glass in v6.  

 

 

[Tessar.]

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38 minutes ago, Nimar said:

I’m on the fence between the summicron v5 or v6, design appears the same, what are the perceived differences beyond the cosmetic (eg the metal hood).

 

I suppose you are likely to have slightly more modern treatment to the glass in v6.  

 

 

The hood in the V1 scratches the paint on the rim, so not good for resale value or if you like things to look nice.  I had the V1 and it flared unacceptably.  Other than that it was competent but there are lots of better 35mm lenses, like the Summarit for instance, or the V2 Pre-ASPH Summilux. (IMHO)

[Nimar]

3 minutes ago, Tessar. said:

The hood in the V1 scratches the paint on the rim, so not good for resale value or if you like things to look nice.  I had the V1 and it flared unacceptably.  Other than that it was competent but there are lots of better 35mm lenses, like the Summarit for instance, or the V2 Pre-ASPH Summilux. (IMHO)

Interesting. Long story short I am just getting back into Ms after a 10 year hiatus. 10 years ago I could only afford voightlander/zeiss glass on my m6s. 
 

I bought a v5 summicron from keh, not realizing there was a v6 as when I looked at B&H it was the same model they had (11879). It’s in great condition, today I found a v6 for less than the v5 cost me, though won’t actually get it for a couple months. 
 

Suppose once I have both I can compare and sell whichever I don’t fancy. 

[Tessar.]

2 minutes ago, Nimar said:

Interesting. Long story short I am just getting back into Ms after a 10 year hiatus. 10 years ago I could only afford voightlander/zeiss glass on my m6s. 
 

I bought a v5 summicron from keh, not realizing there was a v6 as when I looked at B&H it was the same model they had (11879). It’s in great condition, today I found a v6 for less than the v5 cost me, though won’t actually get it for a couple months. 
 

Suppose once I have both I can compare and sell whichever I don’t fancy. 

I had the Elmarit 28mm v2 with similar screw in metal hood to the v2 Summicron and it's definitaly a better solution than the clip on for the v1 lenses.

[lct]

5 hours ago, Tessar. said:

I had the Elmarit 28mm v2 with similar screw in metal hood to the v2 Summicron and it's definitaly a better solution than the clip on for the v1 lenses.

Matter of tastes. I don't like much screw-in hoods personally. They are often useless as shades and they take too long to put or remove so that the hood tends to stay on the lens  when i don't need it. Metal hoods provide a good mechanical protection though TBH. Each to its own.

[Casey Jefferson]

https://www.streetsilhouettes.com/home/2016/7/9/leica-35mm-summicron-asph-i-vs-ii-24mp-vs-42mp-resolution-test

In this particular comparison it seems that there are some differences in final result. I feel comfortable keeping the older one. But in the end the new 35 FLE II close focus feature and somewhat better purple fringing performance caught my attention and it'll be my next upgrade.

[Nimar]

6 hours ago, Casey Jefferson said:

https://www.streetsilhouettes.com/home/2016/7/9/leica-35mm-summicron-asph-i-vs-ii-24mp-vs-42mp-resolution-test

In this particular comparison it seems that there are some differences in final result. I feel comfortable keeping the older one. But in the end the new 35 FLE II close focus feature and somewhat better purple fringing performance caught my attention and it'll be my next upgrade.

I saw that post.  One thing I found interesting was the focus on improved sharpness of the V6/II vs V5/I but seemed to totally ignore the elephant in the room of what looks like flare / reduced contrast.  The models head is rather washed out.  I thought perhaps it was just focus but its the same on both bodies.

[DI1]

Just got the V1 asph from Camera West. 
Very happy with initial results with M10:

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