How is the 35 Summilux pre-ASPH?

[ymc226]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I currently use the ASPH 35 pre-FLE lux and find it sharp enough and satisfying.  I do want to try a fast Mandler era 35.  I do have the 50 Summicron and 28 Summaron from that era which I will try on my newly acquired Monochrom shortly.  Other than searching for pictures shot with the lens on the internet I would like ask the knowledgeable people on this forum what are the main characteristics of the 35 lux pre-ASPH compared to the more modern ASPH lenses and what are the major differences between the prior versions, if any.  Are there specific versions I should look for or stay away from?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[evikne]

The 35 Summilux pre-ASPH is a great little lens, but it is very soft wide open. Some people like it, some don't. But already from f/2.0 it is much better and fully usable. Further stopped down it quickly becomes very sharp. It flares quite easily, but in a nice and gentle way (at least in my opinion), so it can also be used creatively to make cool effects. The colors are great, I think more natural than from the more modern lenses, and of course it has the genuine "Mandler look". 

To me, the biggest disadvantage was the 1m near limit. It often prevented me from going close to the subject and utilize the perspective the way I wanted. So I went for the 35 Summicron pre-ASPH v.4 instead. From f/2.0 it renders very similar to the Summilux, and it has a 0.7m focus limit. 

[a.noctilux]

I can't say  "go for it" or " there are so many 'better 35 f/1.4' to choose from" as for me this lens is unique but not "best buy for all use".

 

I used one for decades on film, old black anodised as A then bought the Titanium model B that I used another decade before the asph. came,

then decided that  I would not use the Lux Ti anymore so sold the Lux Ti.

 

A then B

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

from Wiki

 

Some years later, viewing my old Kodachrome from the Summilux-M 35mm, I've found something special in the rendering, so I bought another Lux 35mm that I always use on my

digital M along with other 35mm depending on mood and situation.

 

Those 35mm are what I had for a while, same story with version  IV Summicron-M 35mm pre-asph.

 

The main grief I have for the Summilux 35 is the lack of filter thread, so to use only Series VII filters in the hood, with Monochrom that is not practical,

but the rendering in mono with this lens is unique (as usual I can't provide proofs for that).

As side note, the flare at f/1.4 is always there, but can give more creativities when in good use/hands.

 

As conclusion :

I invite you to buy and use it as it is, but not for all situations.

It's not an easy lens, with many flaws to accept or not depending on you.

 

I have other 'fine' 35mm to use ...

...

At one time I had the asph. Summilux-M 35mm in titanium coated, very nice lens and

later on I found that it was too heavy for a 35mm so traded it for (I don't remember maybe M body ! )

 

 

Arnaud

Edited August 16, 2020 by a.noctilux

[AndreasG]

I bought the Summilux 1.4/35 in 1990, already from the series "Made in Germany" in black. In those days I only made photos on film, no digital cameras yet available, and I preferred to make the photos after sunset, at night, inside buildings without flash, that means, with limited light. Exactly for such purposes - available light and film - the Summilux 35 got designed by Mandler. In those days, it was the ultimate lens for such conditions, acknowledging also its imperfections - softness in the corners, some flare and astigmatism, if the aperture was fully opened. I still use this lens with a M10-D and enjoy the rendering, quality at low light and, very important, its tiny size. I got it CLAed past year in Wetzlar (at a cost where others buy a camera plus lenses...), because I want to keep it.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[rcusick]

It's sharp past f2 and high resolution with no distortion. The size is great.  The biggest downside for me (other than the things already mentioned) with color is the lack of contrast.  I use the lux solely with my m4 now with black and white film. 

[farnz]

I've owned the 35/1.4 Summilux pre-asph v2 twice - the first time I didn't understand it and at that time my taste was for well-corrected, contrasty lenses like the 50/1.4 Summilux asph and  I didn't appreciate the 35 Summilux pre-asph's 'Leica glow' wide open and the gentle micro-contrast that its pictures show so I sold it.

My tastes have changed over the years and rather than high contrast perfectly corrected lenses I now prefer a lens with some character, and particularly Mandler lenses, so I managed to find another 35/1.4 Summilux pre-asph v2 at the right price and it is a lens I would (now) never sell.  It is tiny for such a fast lens, which inevitably shapes its performance because with fewer lens elements fewer corrections are available so it has a bit of spherical aberration, chromatic aberration, and coma but they are what help to fashion the charm of the lens's pictures.

There are two versions of the 35/1.4 Summilux pre-asph: the version 1 is very rare now, they have become collectors' items and are therefore very expensive.  For example, I have had the OLLUX hood for the version 1 for many years (it was sold to me in error as another hood) and they often sell on the online auction site for around £1,000.  The version 1 lens itself sells for £5,000 to £10,000 depending on the condition.

The version 2 lenses sell for much less.

There's also a 35/1.4 Summilux ASPHERICAL, that's often referred to as 'the double aspherical' because it contains two lens elements with hand-ground aspherical surfaces. The ASPHERICAL (written in capital letters on the lens bezel) tend to sell for even more, typically £10,000 to £15,000 last time I looked.

Pete.

[lct]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Unique lens at f/1.4 if you like its famous "glow" there. Only reason to get one otherwise is its compact size IMHO.

[ymc226]

Thanks for all of your responses. I am looking for that glow and hope I like its character.  The ASPH lenses are great but want some uniqueness akin to the f1 Noctilux. 

[roydonian]

The following pics were taken a minute or so apart in the R G Lewis store in London. The upper is with the ASPH, the lower with the older non-aspheric lens.

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited August 16, 2020 by roydonian

[darylgo]

3 hours ago, ymc226 said:

The ASPH lenses are great but want some uniqueness akin to the f1 Noctilux. 

The three lenses that fulfill that requirement for me are the 35/1.4 ver.1 and 2, 50/1 and 50/1.4 ver. 1.  All will give that nice glow wide open.  Additional glow lenses are the Thambar  and 35/3.5 Elmar in screw mount.  

[ymc226]

I am becoming more convinced regarding the version 2 Summilux as it is more affordable.  However, I've read in several places including the Ken Rockwell and Leica Wiki sites (screenshots attached) that versions of the Canadian made Summilux cannot be used without modification on the M9 while the German made models would not have this limitation.  Is this true?

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited August 16, 2020 by ymc226

[lct]

Indeed i have no problem with my German v2 but Canadian copies are easy to fix.

[Jeff S]

12 hours ago, farnz said:

There's also a 35/1.4 Summilux ASPHERICAL, that's often referred to as 'the double aspherical' because it contains two lens elements with hand-ground aspherical surfaces. The ASPHERICAL (written in capital letters on the lens bezel) tend to sell for even more, typically £10,000 to £15,000 last time I looked.

 

Too bad about the prices on it, as I’ve been very impressed with the limited results I’ve seen, possibly more than all the other versions.  Maybe one of the few instances I know where results seem to match up to cult-like status... but not at those crazy prices. Otherwise, I would have surely tested one to see if it’s just my imagination.

Jeff

[Guest JMF]

5 hours ago, ymc226 said:

I am becoming more convinced regarding the version 2 Summilux as it is more affordable.  However, I've read in several places including the Ken Rockwell and Leica Wiki sites (screenshots attached) that versions of the Canadian made Summilux cannot be used without modification on the M9 while the German made models would not have this limitation.  Is this true?

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

 

Edited August 17, 2020 by JMF

[ymc226]

32 minutes ago, JMF said:

 

 

Very informative, my thanks JMF. 

[ymc226]

7 hours ago, darylgo said:

The three lenses that fulfill that requirement for me are the 35/1.4 ver.1 and 2, 50/1 and 50/1.4 ver. 1.  All will give that nice glow wide open.  Additional glow lenses are the Thambar  and 35/3.5 Elmar in screw mount.  

Oh no! Now I will be shopping for a 50 1.4 version 1 as well. 🤪

[ymc226]

13 hours ago, roydonian said:

The following pics were taken a minute or so apart in the R G Lewis store in London. The upper is with the ASPH, the lower with the older non-aspheric lens.

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

The pre-ASPH definitely looks lower contrast but has that “glow”.   Thanks for sharing.  

[01maciel]

I know you're not looking for photos taken with the 35 pre-asph. But..

I spent a couple of days in Edinburgh last year with just one lens in the bag.

A perfect lens for travelling IMHO

 

 

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Duane Pandorf]

I have a copy of the 35 Lux pre-ASPH. v2.  If you're able to get a copy with the Series VII hood a 49mm filter will fit in it vice trying to find Series VII filters.  I use a 3 stop ND filter when I shoot wide open during the day.

Here's an example of the flare at 1.4 and the difference stopped down to 2.0:  https://duanepandorf.com/2014/04/02/lens-flare-35-lux-pre-asph/

[ymc226]

On 8/17/2020 at 3:14 AM, 01maciel said:

I know you're not looking for photos taken with the 35 pre-asph. But..

I spent a couple of days in Edinburgh last year with just one lens in the bag.

A perfect lens for travelling IMHO

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Duane Pandorf said:

I have a copy of the 35 Lux pre-ASPH. v2.  If you're able to get a copy with the Series VII hood a 49mm filter will fit in it vice trying to find Series VII filters.  I use a 3 stop ND filter when I shoot wide open during the day.

Here's an example of the flare at 1.4 and the difference stopped down to 2.0:  https://duanepandorf.com/2014/04/02/lens-flare-35-lux-pre-asph/

Thank you for all of the examples.  After many years (though nowhere near asmany members here ) of shooting with ASPH lenses, I want some experience with vintage lenses which are less "clinical."   I appreciate the apparent "weaknesses" of these Mandler lenses and do not consider them negatives but rather another tool to use along my digital M rangefinders which enhance creativity.  I am still looking for a USA dealer with a 35 pre-ASPH lux.

FYI I took dayrlgo's advice and purchased a version 1 (pre ASPH) 50 lux to get the Leica glow but alas I bought from a very respected European dealer which so far has been very communicative and have no reason to complain.  Unfortunately, though no fault from them, because of the present US customs duties on lenses (even used) from the EU, a $3000 USD lens brought with it a $870 duty charged by US customs.  I cannot wait to receive it and and try it on my newly acquired Monochrom.