grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Share #1  Posted July 2, 2021 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi Everyone I recently spent quite a lot of time reading up on these 2 lenses, and now being fortunate to have both on hand I decided to do a (very rudimentary) side-by-side.  The images will follow in a succession of posts on this thread.  ( EDIT: Having now loaded them I've realised how hard it is to compare at the web-quality.  I will try to get some RAWS available also for those that are interested, or at least some images up on Flickr - I'll link in the comment when done) Disclaimer - I am definitely not a lens tester ! I'm not really even an avid reader of the more-tech based reviews, however considering I'd read a lot of info on these lenses I wanted to do a basic test for my own knowledge.  I have absolutely no intention to bin either lens in outrage that my pixel-peeping showed x, y or z result - It was just a bit of fun really and a "get to know" my copies.   I'm going to phrase my observations in layman's terms such as 'appears sharper' , 'appears softer' for fear of making obvious mistakes eg referring to something as 'sharpness' when in fact it is contrast / micro-contrast / any other type of contrast, etc etc  .  Note also that I didn't look for edge to edge sharpness, as it doesn't really interest me for my photography.  Those that are interested in particular features will be able to judge for themselves hopefully, as I'll put higher-res versions on Flickr in the coming days and link in a comment.   For background - Personally all I was really interested in at this point was overall 'look & feel' of these 2 lenses through the aperture range.  More specifically, I was interested to see whether my copy of the Summilux is the equivalent of my 'Cron when stopped down from, say, F2.8 / F4 onwards (since the Lux is felt by some to be "2 lenses in one" in this regard).  Naturally then, this comparison includes an attention to comparative sharpness.   I'd be interested to get feedback of others more knowledgable on any particular features, aswell as how my copies seem to hold up versus 'normal' expectations.    Finally, the Minolta Rokkor 40mm v2 (CLE version) makes a special guest appearance at the end. I shot it side by side the Cron since I had also heard many times these lenses are 'almost identical'.  So we have two series of side by sides: 1. 35mm Summilux Pre-ASPH versus 35mm Summicron V4 then.... 2. 35mm Summicron V4  versus 40mm M-Rokkor V2 (meaning CLE version not CL)Method: Very simple, both lenses tripod mounted to same body (MD-262).  I had to run through this just after sunrise so the light was changing reasonably quickly.  It was also a misty day in the distance so bare that in mind if anyone is looking at distant rendering.  Regarding post-processing, I don't know what the norm is but I decided not to alter any exposures in post, other than the Lux 1.4 (because it was over-exposed at 1/4000 - the fastest shutter speed of MD).   The images were compared on a 5K display at overall view, and then at 100% (centre) crop.  So it must be said that given the 5K display who knows how much these differences really matter 'in the real world'.  Probably not much, and particularly not a lot for my style of work .... but make your own conclusions . 1. 35mm Summilux Pre-ASPH versus 35mm Summicron V4 F1.4: The 'lux is acceptably sharp (somewhere under that glow).  Glows nicely - I definitely got one that glows. F2: 'Lux still glows Cron is noticeably sharper Out of focus areas appear very similar to me F2.8: 'Lux still appears glowy at 2.8, to my eyes Cron is (marginally) sharper Out of focus areas appear very similar Notably, both appear to struggle a little bit in sharpness versus F2, which I had to zooming at 200% to see - the smaller writing on the box (readable at F2 and F4) became unreadable F4: Cron is marginally sharper Cron appears to have a gentler out of focus areas, which surprised me . F5.6: Cron remains (very marginally) sharper Cron continues to have (marginally) gentler out of focus areas.  F8: Overall rendering almost identical Sharpness is almost too close to call, although the Cron is probably still ahead. Cron continues to have (very marginally) gentler out of focus areas.F11: Sharpness again almost too close to call, although interestingly it's the SUMMILUX that creeps ahead here for the first time. Cron continues to have (marginally) gentler out of focus areas. F16: The Lux remains ahead for sharpness, to my eye. Almost identical render overall . Overall, we know the Lux has a completely unique character at until F2.8, so no surprise there.  But I felt that they remain (albeit marginally) different F4 through F8 also, at least in this shameless pixel-peeping exercise.  From F8 my copies are very very similar (and was interesting to see the Lux sharper at F11 and 16).  2. 35mm Summicron V4  versus 40mm M-Rokkor V2 Enter stage right is the M-Rokkor for a showdown with the Summicron v4, since it's 1/4 of the price and it has been mentioned in some forums that is the equivalent of the 'Cron.  Interesting results: (Note, in the images Rokkor has a purple cast which I can't remove in-camera since I use the MD-262 and I don't have a menu to set the lens type). F2: The Rokkor is noticeably sharper F2.8: Rokkor is again noticeably sharper  The Rokkor doesn't struggle to retain sharpness at this aperture, as was seen with both the Lux & Cron , it breezes right through sharp as a tack . F4: Rokkor marginally sharper Rokkor gentler out of focus area.  Perhaps aided by the FL ? F5.6: For sharpness, almost nothing in it but Rokkor remains sharper Rokkor gentler out of focus area. F8: Almost nothing in it but if you had too call it then CRON now ahead in sharpness Rokkor appears to be still gentler out of focus area.F11: Almost nothing in it but if you had too call it then CRON remains ahead in sharpness Rokkor gentler out of focus area. F16: Sharpness too close to call Rokkor remains gentler out of focus. Overall, I thought it was quite interesting that the roles reverse here and the Rokkor just blasts through F2 - F8 razor sharp.  There's really no comparison with regards sharpness at any of these apertures.  The merits (and challenges for some - mostly in terms of 40mm framelines) of the Rokkor have been well discussed elsewhere so I won't get into it here, but my copy was cheap and I love it on my CLE.  Like with the Lux v Cron, I'm kinda happy that the Cron and Rokkor aren't exact equivalents because I will happily keep both . Hope something in here is useful despite being very basic / stream of consciousness stuff ... .   I'll put larger images up on Flickr also at some point and link in the comments Cheers G    Edited July 2, 2021 by grahamc typos 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 2, 2021 Posted July 2, 2021 Hi grahamc, Take a look here 35mm Side by Side: Summilux Pre-ASPH v2 & Summicron v4 (Plus, Special Guest M-Rokkor 40mm). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #2  Posted July 2, 2021 F1.4 (Lux only) 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230238'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #3  Posted July 2, 2021 F2 Lux v Cron 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! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230239'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #4  Posted July 2, 2021 F2.8 Lux v Cron 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! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230240'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #5  Posted July 2, 2021 F4 Lux v Cron 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230241'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #6  Posted July 2, 2021 F5.6 Lux v Cron 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230242'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #7  Posted July 2, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) F8 Lux v Cron 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230244'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #8  Posted July 2, 2021 F11 Lux v Cron 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230245'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #9  Posted July 2, 2021 F16 Lux v Cron 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230246'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #10  Posted July 2, 2021 F2 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230248'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #11  Posted July 2, 2021 F2.8 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230249'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #12  Posted July 2, 2021 F4 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230250'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #13  Posted July 2, 2021 F5.6 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230251'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #14  Posted July 2, 2021 F8 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230254'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #15  Posted July 2, 2021 F11 Cron v Rokkor 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230255'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #16  Posted July 2, 2021 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230256'>More sharing options...
Alberti Posted July 2, 2021 Share #17  Posted July 2, 2021 I like my ‘40mm special guest’ too and this confirms what my experience is. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #18  Posted July 2, 2021 (edited) 36 minutes ago, Alberti said: I like my ‘40mm special guest’ too and this confirms what my experience is. The little fella just slid in and cleaned up   I'm yet to work out how to remove the purple from both my Rokkors though (28mm & 40mm) since I can't code them in-camera Edited July 2, 2021 by grahamc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted July 2, 2021 Share #19  Posted July 2, 2021 Graham,  you see now what Leica glow is in real life 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/322355-35mm-side-by-side-summilux-pre-asph-v2-summicron-v4-plus-special-guest-m-rokkor-40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4230303'>More sharing options...
grahamc Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share #20  Posted July 2, 2021 (edited) 2 minutes ago, a.noctilux said: Graham,  you see now what Leica glow is in real life 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!  Wonderful lens ...  and I thought the sharpness of the text holds up admirably under there too Edited July 2, 2021 by grahamc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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