28mm summicron asph v2 or 35mm summilux fle

[Dr No]

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Personally speaking, both. The order in which you buy them depends on which you prefer.

The characteristics of each are unique. Define what they are for you and what it will mean for your pictures.

I find the the 35mm Summilux the more versatile. But sometimes I think I prefer the 28mm angle of view for it's greater access to geometry and spacial dynamics.

If you have used a zoom or other lenses on another system before, check the metadata in your library and find out what you use more. For me it was 35mm.

Also, looking at the works of other photographers will help a lot too.

[a.noctilux]

10 minutes ago, Dr No said:

Personally speaking, both. The order in which you buy them depends on which you prefer.

The characteristics of each are unique. Define what they are for you and what it will mean for your pictures.

I find the the 35mm Summilux the more versatile. But sometimes I think I prefer the 28mm angle of view for it's greater access to geometry and spacial dynamics.

If you have used a zoom or other lenses on another system before, check the metadata in your library and find out what you use more. For me it was 35mm.

Also, looking at the works of other photographers will help a lot too.

Both, same as my post #13 😉

keep them/or only one is another matter, but with knowledge to go on to another adventure ...

 

 

 

[CosmoM3]

For those of you sharing your experiences with your lenses, please mention which version of the lens you’re using (i.e.) ASPH I (or V1) or ASPH II (or V2). That goes for the Summilux 35mm (ASPH, Pre-FLE or FLE). Not only is this confusing to the OP, but to others as well as people.

[evikne]

31 minutes ago, CosmoM3 said:

For those of you sharing your experiences with your lenses, please mention which version of the lens you’re using (i.e.) ASPH I (or V1) or ASPH II (or V2). That goes for the Summilux 35mm (ASPH, Pre-FLE or FLE). Not only is this confusing to the OP, but to others as well as people.

A very useful recommendation, which should apply to most other lens threads here as well.

[CosmoM3]

Also the Summicron-M 28mm ASPH II (11672) is significantly better (sharper, more contrast, less vignetting, etc) over the older V1 that some people have complained about:

 

 

[FrozenInTime]

9 hours ago, CosmoM3 said:

Also the Summicron-M 28mm ASPH II (11672) is significantly better (sharper, more contrast, less vignetting, etc) over the older V1 that some people have complained about:

 

 

Salesmen 

The MTF and falloff graphs of the v1 and v2 don't support that statement. 

[Jürgen]

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In general MTF don't tell us all optical advantages and disadvantages - a MTF is nevertheless an important part for evaluating a lens. 😀

[lct]

I use both 28/2 v1 and v2 and struggle to see significant differences i must say. I don't focus at infinity though. Main differences could be seen there i've been told i.e. sharper corners but also slightly softer centre IIRC but i may be wrong. Now focus shift out of v1 or v2 is something i have never noticed so far. I'm no pixel peeper though and my brick walls are too ugly to be shot . Great lenses anyway. 

[JimmyCheng]

4 hours ago, lct said:

I use both 28/2 v1 and v2 and struggle to see significant differences i must say. I don't focus at infinity though. Main differences could be seen there i've been told i.e. sharper corners but also slightly softer centre IIRC but i may be wrong. Now focus shift out of v1 or v2 is something i have never noticed so far. I'm no pixel peeper though and my brick walls are too ugly to be shot . Great lenses anyway. 

I think someone did a comparison of both the elmarit v1/v2 and summicron v1/v2. The conclusion is that on 24mp sensors, difference is minor. But on the 47 mp sl2, the difference is quite noticible.

[JimmyCheng]

4 hours ago, FrozenInTime said:

Salesmen 

The MTF and falloff graphs of the v1 and v2 don't support that statement. 

I think the diff is only noticible on high mp count cameras like the r and sl2

[rramesh]

Case of 'diminishing returns'. There is only one discernible difference between 28 Summicron v1 and v2. Price! Otherwise no real difference image-wise to justify an upgrade.

Edited September 22, 2020 by rramesh

[JimmyCheng]

Just to report back, I ended up buying both babies... and MORE!

Thank you guys for your opinions : -)

Oh and also want to share with you guys the barton 1972 leather stripes, they are quite expensive but of really high quality, worth every penny imo.

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[CosmoM3]

Anyone interested in trading their Summicron 28mm ASPH II for a Lux 28? 😄

[pedaes]

13 minutes ago, Steven said:

I am afraid to lose "character

The optical cell for both lens are similar and produce similar images, and you will struggle to see a difference in most images.  The floating elements in the FLE are to improve close range performance, which they do significantly. It is a fantastic lens.

Edited November 19, 2020 by pedaes

[pedaes]

2 minutes ago, Steven said:

keep hearing

Where are you hearing this? I can't help with identical scene comparisons, but someone here probably can and will for you. Can you borrow one at a Leica store to shoot some shots outside with both your lens and the FLE. 

[lct]

8 minutes ago, Steven said:

[...] I keep hearing its also VERY VERY different in rendering that the pre FLE. [...]

Would you have a link to those statements? Just curious as i have no experience with the pre-FLE but pics i've seen with it look similar to mine with the FLE besides focus shift with RF cameras.

[pedaes]

9 minutes ago, Steven said:

my pre fle doesn’t have any focus shift

If you are happy with this lens, which is a great lens also, and you are concerned the FLE might be too clinical (whatever that means) the answer is simple - save your money and stick with what you have.

[pedaes]

34 minutes ago, Steven said:

You forgot about GAS. It’s a serious condition. 
And I also wish my lens was silver. Possible with the FLE, much more complicated with the pre. 

If you want to spend money and need a silver lens, then it is nothing to do with subtle differences in images is it. Just do it!

[evikne]

2 hours ago, Steven said:

Are you happy with the 35 FLE? I love the 35 focal length, and I use the Lux ASPH Pre FLE. I am tempted to upgrade to the current FLE, but I am afraid to lose "character, and end up with a result that's too clinical. 

I feel the 35 FLE has got an undeservedly bad reputation for its clinical look. Just set Clarity and Contrast a little lower in post than you would have done with an older lens if the acutance bothers you. I love it very much because it's so versatile; it's a lens I can trust in all situations. And I much prefer the FLE's elegant hood and slightly more modern exterior design.

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[Guest Nowhereman]

Steven - Perhaps you should shoot a bit with your pre-FLE lens at the 0.7-1.5m range and see if there is something that you think should be better — if so, you might want to try the FLE.

I have a Summicron 35v4 that I like it a lot, except for the pathetic construction of the front part of the lens. Having bought it new in 1988, it cost me €520 to get it overhauled in 2013 at Wetzlar, when the aperture ring was completely loose - two years later, another €300 to fix it again. I hardly wanted to do that, but needed the lens urgently.

Some five years ago, I bought a used Summilux-35 ASPH-FLE in 2015 at the Leica Store Rue du faubourg Saint- Honoré for about US$2,300 ex-VAT, a great price and in virtually mint condition. It's a great lens, but I haven't shot it enough at f/1.4 and in the closest range. I was walking by the store and bought it on impulse because of the low price. It's good both for film (M3) and for my M10 — happily its contrast is somewhat lower that that of the Summaron-M 1:5.6/28mm, which works better with film than with the M10. Still, this Summaron can be shot in harsh, bright light as the following shot at midday in Bangkok, a no-finder shot with the camera at chest level:

M10 | Summaron-M 1:5.6/28 | ISO 800 | f/5.6 | 1/350 sec | Bangkok

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The lens I was lusting after was the Summilux-35 pre-ASPH. I was in the States and bought a used one from an eBay seller in Capetown. It was the version with goggles, made for the M3, and can focus down to 0.65m. As I remember it was $1,400 in good condition and worked well, except that the rangefinder image did not line up at infinity, which apparently could have been fixed by adjusting the goggles; but I had to go abroad for five months a week later and couldn't arrange to have the goggles fixed. Unfortunately, I had to send the lens back to the seller. 
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Edited November 19, 2020 by Nowhereman