35mm Summilux ASPH (pre-FLE) vs. newest 35mm Summicron ASPH (v2)

[andba]

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I am deciding between these two lenses to pair with an M10 as they can basically be had for right around the same price. Give or take.

Does anybody have feelings, opinions, or image comparisons between the two?

 

Thanks.

[evikne]

I've never heard anything but good things about the Summilux pre-FLE (apart from some focus shift) and I regret I didn't buy one when I had the opportunity to get a mint copy with no focus shift. Many people seem to prefer the pre-FLE to the newer FLE because of its gentler rendering.

I guess the Summicron v2 is about the same as the FLE (from f/2) in terms of rendering: modern, perfect, and maybe a little "boring". But these are, of course, subjective opinions.

So the main question is probably whether you want a modern vs. a little gentler rendering, plus one extra f stop.

[pgk]

2 hours ago, andba said:

I am deciding between these two lenses to pair with an M10 as they can basically be had for right around the same price. Give or take.

Does anybody have feelings, opinions, or image comparisons between the two?

If you need f/1.4 then there is a clear choice. If you don't then its not so easy. I have the Summilux. I had the Summicron but never particularly gelled with it for some reason.

[roelandinho]

I had both the 35 summilux asph pre-fle and the 35 summicron asph v1 (not exactly the same lens, but the same optical design) for quite a long time. The rendering of both from f/2 on is actually quite similar, with the summicron having a bit more contrast. At f/1.4 the summilux is a bit more characterful obviously (spherical aberration) but still very well behaved. On my lenses focus shift characteristics were the same (the same amount of shift at the same apertures) and very easy to manage. 
 

Both lenses can be boring or not depending on how well you use them. I made lots and lots of worthless and very boring pictures with each, and a few good ones with each as well. There is no magic, only your own (in)competence. 
 

I was using these on the M9 and had a hard time choosing one over the other. I liked the Summilux for the extra stop of light, because I didn’t like using the M9 over ISO 1250. I liked the Summicron because it was smaller, lighter and better balanced on the camera. On an M10 I would choose the Summicron for sure. 

[roma]

In pre-digital era, I used to have the pre-FLE, really liked everything except for the size and my copy flared quite a bit. I also had to send mine to Sherry Krauter to tighten the aperture ring. 

I have a cron asph v1 now and love the small rectangular hood it comes with. Very compact and a nice overall performer for street shooting.

I am, however, itching for an FLE. Borrowed one before and was very pleased with mid-to-close distance focus accuracy. Will probably get it, but will still keep the cron.

[andba]

Thanks, everybody. Seems like there is no universal opinion which is not surprising in any way.

Some things to think about here... 

[a.noctilux]

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Hello andba,

happily that there is no universal opinion.

- as usual, my advice IS to try out by oneself, other's opinions are just that only opinions from their experiences

- mine opinion is that those lenses are as different OR as 'same-same' aspossible, each one doesn't exclude the other

- happily, we have choices ...

- of other nice/very nice 35mm out there (maybe hundreds ? ) to try to know them then include or not in our palette

...

if it's same price, I'd first take the Summilux-M asph. as I know them very well, had tried out some units in the past Summicron-M asph. (after first love, I passed on them, I don't have one anymore but other 35mm of course ...)

 

seen so often here,

just a selection of what I use now in 35mm of different flavor/period/size/etc.

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

 

[rtai]

The pre-a 35mm Summilux ASPH is the lens to get and if money is flexible then try to find one in silver. 

[rtai]

On 7/10/2021 at 7:28 PM, Steven said:

100% the pre fle. 

The pre FLE is one of my favourite leica lens of all times. It renders VERY VERY close to the very very rare 35AA (which costs around 25k today). 

Focus shift has never been an issue on the two copies I've had. I think that focus shift is not an issue on this lens in real life. 

The Summicron ASPH is one of my least favourite Leica lens of all times. Most boring rendering. The Pre Fle, however, gives you a very cinematic quality. 

What is maddening is the number of limited editions Leica made with that Summicron ASPH. What a shame!

[derleicaman]

On 7/10/2021 at 6:28 AM, Steven said:

100% the pre fle. 

The pre FLE is one of my favourite leica lens of all times. It renders VERY VERY close to the very very rare 35AA (which costs around 25k today). 

Focus shift has never been an issue on the two copies I've had. I think that focus shift is not an issue on this lens in real life. 

The Summicron ASPH is one of my least favourite Leica lens of all times. Most boring rendering. The Pre Fle, however, gives you a very cinematic quality. 

Steven, these are my thoughts to a T. I have both lenses, and by far prefer the pre-FLE ASPH over the v1 Summicron ASPH. The Summilux was my everyday lens on my film M cameras, and then on my M9-P, CCD Monochrom and M10-P. My Summicron is the retro lens I specified for the Hammertone, but I’ve never bonded with it.

As of late, I am in love with my v4 Summicron 🙂

Edited July 12, 2021 by derleicaman

[andba]

Thanks again, everybody.

To throw a curveball here as I am strongly leaning Summilux for what I'm looking for...

Have any of the representatives of team pre-FLE been bothered enough by the potential of focus shift, or the certainty of a less-than-great lens hood to make the leap to an FLE?

[Stein K S]

I am just very very happy with my Lux pre-FE. And no focus shift worries. I see absolutely no reasons for switching to the FLE, but there are good reasons for not doing so 😉

¨Awfull¨ hood though as you mention... (and I can actually also get the feeling that I could brake something when mounting it). But seldom use hoods... and if so, I have the 12466 anyway 😃

[jankap]

+1. The purpose of a lens is to document a 3D scene on a 2D plane. And that without the strange aberrations (glow, coma, spherical aberration, flare, etc) old gear had to have due to old technics. On the LCD or a Viso a focus shift can be observed.

Edited July 12, 2021 by jankap

[a.noctilux]

4 hours ago, andba said:

Thanks again, everybody.

To throw a curveball here as I am strongly leaning Summilux for what I'm looking for...

Have any of the representatives of team pre-FLE been bothered enough by the potential of focus shift, or the certainty of a less-than-great lens hood to make the leap to an FLE?

I used one in Ti coated for some years, and most of time without hood,

it balances so nice on M (Ti coated if possible 😄) and never saw any focus shift to talk about on film and sensor.

 

In silver and titanium coated, the lenses are made of brass,

but the weight was a concern, so when I found one in black, I was happier

in Wiki (link, here )

( ...Weight - approx. 250 g / 8.8 oz anodized, 415 g / 14.6 oz chrome & titanium )

...

With M6 Ti, how the lens is nicely 'balanced' and a joy to use

M6 + Summilux 35 asph.

[Danner]

Since I regularly worship at the Oskar Barnack Temple of the Diminutive Lenses (TDL), Summicron, all the way.

[Rupert Greenwell]

Look out for a later version of the Pre FLE  with 6 bit coding as they are said to have been  better adjusted to reduce focus shift. I am lucky to own one after a lot of searching and have no problem that I can see with it.