Moving to M: Which 35 mm?

[Ray Vonn]

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It's extremely easy after a first Leica camera purchase to find yourself pondering after an initial purchase "what if I had this or that lens instead".  To avoid that as best as possible, a Summiluz 35mm F1.4 will cover most if not all bases.  If you don't do that, you may find yourself buying and selling a load of 35mm lenses in the meantime.  Spending more on a Summilux first time will save time and possibly money in the long term.

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[spydrxx]

I began Leica life with a 35 Summaron/2.8 years ago and after many years usage thought something more modern was called for (stupid me!). I then had a 35 Cron and moved to a 35 Lux and for me it was too sharp/almost clinical. I finally settled on two CV 35s, the Color Skopar 35/2.5 as a knock about and a Nokton/1.4 classic for more serious shooting. Part of my decision was that I wanted the 35s to also work on my Barnack screwmount bodies as well as my M body. I suggest, if it is possible, go to a dealer and try out several 35s before committing to one...you will make a better choice that way.

[lostproperty]

19 minutes ago, spydrxx said:

I began Leica life with a 35 Summaron/2.8 years ago and after many years usage thought something more modern was called for (stupid me!). I then had a 35 Cron and moved to a 35 Lux and for me it was too sharp/almost clinical. I finally settled on two CV 35s, the Color Skopar 35/2.5 as a knock about and a Nokton/1.4 classic for more serious shooting. Part of my decision was that I wanted the 35s to also work on my Barnack screwmount bodies as well as my M body. I suggest, if it is possible, go to a dealer and try out several 35s before committing to one...you will make a better choice that way.

Well said. Not knowing where you are in Canada, but if you are in Montreal -- a trip to Camtec will allow you to try out the latest 35s (excluding the APO) and also speak to Jean and his knowledgeable team about all things Leica. 

[deekay]

9 minutes ago, lostproperty said:

Well said. Not knowing where you are in Canada, but if you are in Montreal -- a trip to Camtec will allow you to try out the latest 35s (excluding the APO) and also speak to Jean and his knowledgeable team about all things Leica. 

Thanks, yes, I have been in touch with Camtec; unfortunately I am not in Montreal.

[KFo]

55 minutes ago, Ray Vonn said:

It's extremely easy after a first Leica camera purchase to find yourself pondering after an initial purchase "what if I had this or that lens instead".  To avoid that as best as possible, a Summiluz 35mm F1.4 will cover most if not all bases.  If you don't do that, you may find yourself buying and selling a load of 35mm lenses in the meantime.  Spending more on a Summilux first time will save time and possibly money in the long term.

Ah, nope. 😇

Summilux, Summicron, Summaron, Biogon, Summilux...

All for particular reasons.

[Ray Vonn]

15 minutes ago, KFo said:

Ah, nope. 😇

Summilux, Summicron, Summaron, Biogon, Summilux...

All for particular reasons.

Ah, yep 😇. 

For the reasons stated. 

[Ko.Fe.]

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4 hours ago, deekay said:

Bokeholic? Yes I am to a large degree although I am prepared in the first few weeks/months/... that not just the background will be OOF (coming from the AF world).

Which camera?  11

Are you planning to use 60 MP a lot? This might be the most crucial selection factor for the lens. APO might be on the safest side, and might be not necessary from Leica.   

[LeicaS2]

Get the 1.4 FLE as the very best fast 35mm until you can find the APO sometime next year. If you can find the APO now, get it and please sell it to me.

[shirubadanieru]

7 hours ago, deekay said:

Thanks - this looks perfect!

That being said, although their videos are awesome I don’t agree with their choices because their taste is quite different from mine (they love sharp, high performing lenses). 

If you are looking for that, then you only have two choices: Summilux ASPH 35mm or Summicron ASPH 35mm (oh and a 3rd one, the APO Cron ASPH, but you can’t find it anywhere and the price is ridiculous). 

 

If you are looking for character, then I recommend you to look at the golden period of Leica (1950s~70s) and there are so many interesting choices there, such as the Summicron 35mm V1 ~ V4 (although the V4 was launched after the golden period it’s probably the best balance between being sharp while still keeping character so it’s a favorite of many). I myself find the V1 to be the best, followed by V2/3 and then V4, but we’re splitting hairs here. 

Then the most characterful of them all is the Lux pre-asph 35mm, that’s my favorite alongside the V1 summicron, but it might be too much for an early Leica adopter lol 

A great lens that came from the golden period that is surprisingly sharp and really well built (and still affordable) is the Summaron 35mm f2.8. 

Hope it helps!

Edited January 19, 2022 by shirubadanieru