35mm - This is the way!

[Jeff S]

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And yet can’t get a single sparkling one if the 35 Summicron ASPH is part of the chain. 🤔

Jeff

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[a.noctilux]

48 minutes ago, Dennis said:

Wow, it's 52 daily prints. 

 

As someone says: quantity is not quality 😨

Sorry, when I see huge astronomic quantity, I can not think of this sentense.

 

A can be wrong of course, and I assume if it's otherwise.

I always remember that Adams famous "moonrise" print took him many days...loooong of darkroom in early prints.

...then

1,300 prints, Hot Bid

 

Edited February 12, 2022 by a.noctilux

[Jeff S]

9 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

I always remember that Adam's famous "moon" print took him many days...loooong of darkroom.

And he continually reinterpreted and re-printed it, with dramatically increased contrast, over the following 34 years.

He also said that “12 significant photographs in any year is a good crop.”

Jeff

 

[IkarusJohn]

Looking forward to more comment on the Lens Light Lab 35/2.

I was not taken with the 35 Summicron-M ASPH v1.  It was my first and only Leica lens for a while - it got lots of use.  Sold it, never missed it.  I’m coming to grips with the 35 Summilux pre-asph.  I do not view flare as a “feature”, but I’m coming to grips with its charms.  I’m considering adding another 35.

The 35 APO Summicron is tempting, but hard to find and expensive.  Modern alternatives appear to be the Voigtlander APO Lanthar (big) or the 35. Distagon 1.4.

But then there has been a lot of talk about the Ultron II 35/2 (lovely in black paint) and the Lens Light Labs 35/2.

I’m not planning on selling my Summilux pre-asph, but would like a less flare prone alternative, sharp with nice roll off and smooth bokeh (I know, the new APO Summicron fits the bill)

Thoughts/recommendations?  Looking forward to @Dennis experience with his new LLL.

[Dennis]

4 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

Looking forward to more comment on the Lens Light Lab 35/2.

I was not taken with the 35 Summicron-M ASPH v1.  It was my first and only Leica lens for a while - it got lots of use.  Sold it, never missed it.  I’m coming to grips with the 35 Summilux pre-asph.  I do not view flare as a “feature”, but I’m coming to grips with its charms.  I’m considering adding another 35.

The 35 APO Summicron is tempting, but hard to find and expensive.  Modern alternatives appear to be the Voigtlander APO Lanthar (big) or the 35. Distagon 1.4.

But then there has been a lot of talk about the Ultron II 35/2 (lovely in black paint) and the Lens Light Labs 35/2.

I’m not planning on selling my Summilux pre-asph, but would like a less flare prone alternative, sharp with nice roll off and smooth bokeh (I know, the new APO Summicron fits the bill)

Thoughts/recommendations?  Looking forward to @Dennis experience with his new LLL.

Reading your comment, it makes sense you get an Ultron II. Because you can get CV Apo Lanthar, a super workhorse for everything, very resistant to flare and CA. It would be an intelligent choice companion for you Lux pre-asph ... Yes, it's big, but they complement each other... Or if you need speed, the Zeiss Biogon 2.8 is a wow lens. ICT loves it.
Three options and companions for your "old" lens
.
About LLL, count on me for this. I will post some photos and first impressions here.

[Dennis]

Today, I found interesting information about the Cron 8 element

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Edited February 13, 2022 by Dennis

[otto.f]

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On 2/11/2022 at 3:35 PM, Jeff S said:

Let us know how you feel about the Ultron II, which lacks the lock. 
 

Jeff

Here are two scans from a TMax400 film, with both shots not stopped down more than 2.8. I don't see much 'pop' actually. Not what I'm used to with my Summicron 35 iv, maybe I'm mistaken because I have the FLE too, but I doubt that. (will be continued)

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[Jeff S]

4 hours ago, otto.f said:

Here are two scans from a TMax400 film, with both shots not stopped down more than 2.8. I don't see much 'pop' actually. Not what I'm used to with my Summicron 35 iv, maybe I'm mistaken because I have the FLE too, but I doubt that. (will be continued)

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Thanks.  Seems inconsistent with other pics I’ve seen, and reviews I’ve read, but a host of factors besides lens could account for it.  I’m done with film, and always darkroom printed rather than scanned, but will be interested in performance on my M10-R and Monochroms.  

Jeff

[otto.f]

56 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

Thanks.  Seems inconsistent with other pics I’ve seen, and reviews I’ve read, but a host of factors besides lens could account for it.  I’m done with film, and always darkroom printed rather than scanned, but will be interested in performance on my M10-R and Monochroms.  

Jeff

Agree, as I said different from what I've read and film is a difficult medium for a final judgement.

[pippy]

On 2/12/2022 at 6:56 PM, IkarusJohn said:

Looking forward to more comment on the Lens Light Lab 35/2.

I’m coming to grips with the 35 Summilux pre-asph.  I do not view flare as a “feature”, but I’m coming to grips with its charms.  I’m considering adding another 35.....I’m not planning on selling my Summilux pre-asph, but would like a less flare prone alternative, sharp with nice roll off and smooth bokeh......

Thoughts/recommendations?  Looking forward to @Dennis experience with his new LLL.

I'm another who is looking forward to reading Dennis' thoughts about the LLL when it arrives.

I've posted some of my own thoughts re: a comparison between the LLL and my v2 Summilux elsewhere but from what you wrote (above) I'd say that the LLL pretty much fits the bill perfectly.

It can flare 'nicely' when conditions suit (see Al Brown's comparison thread linked in post #106); it doesn't have the same remnants of the Summilux 'glow' at f2 and from around f2.8 / f4 down they both behave in a fairly similar fashion with, possibly, the LLL having a slight increase in sharpness at the corners and edges. In terms of sharpness it's exactly what I'd expect if not even better.

The (dedicated) IROOA hood (with either the original Leica 8 Element or the LLL) is fine, of course, but this will result in a certain amount of finder blockage. On Friday I took the LLL out with a regular 12585 hood fitted instead and this combination offers a near-perfect v/f viewing experience.

Philip.

[crony]

Hi, Valentine roses from ALDI's € 1,99 ... (M9 - ZEISS Distagon 1,4/35 f 1,4 ; crop. (No, I am not saving for an M11 ( 😃) )) :

 

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[Dennis]

4 hours ago, pippy said:

I'm another who is looking forward to reading Dennis' thoughts about the LLL when it arrives.

It should arrive tomorrow in Mexico. There will be a few custom clearance events (taxes), and hopefully, I will get it at the end of this week. BUT... I'm also waiting for a Leica 90mm, which should be coming sooner. So, knowing me well, I will probably shoot a couple days w/ a 90 focal length before immersing myself in the LLL world. I never used a 90 before, except on loan, to try it out. So, I'm interested in composition w/ given frame lines and general 90 modus operandi 😎 
But a 35mm is another story. And TBH (please don't tell anyone 🤫), I'm more excited about it. Because it's a 35. 

[IkarusJohn]

5 hours ago, pippy said:

I'm another who is looking forward to reading Dennis' thoughts about the LLL when it arrives.

I've posted some of my own thoughts re: a comparison between the LLL and my v2 Summilux elsewhere but from what you wrote (above) I'd say that the LLL pretty much fits the bill perfectly.

It can flare 'nicely' when conditions suit (see Al Brown's comparison thread linked in post #106); it doesn't have the same remnants of the Summilux 'glow' at f2 and from around f2.8 / f4 down they both behave in a fairly similar fashion with, possibly, the LLL having a slight increase in sharpness at the corners and edges. In terms of sharpness it's exactly what I'd expect if not even better.

The (dedicated) IROOA hood (with either the original Leica 8 Element or the LLL) is fine, of course, but this will result in a certain amount of finder blockage. On Friday I took the LLL out with a regular 12585 hood fitted instead and this combination offers a near-perfect v/f viewing experience.

Philip.

I’ve been reading and looking at images online.

From what I’ve read (in this order): 

• the APO Summicron is the stand out - too hard to get, and too expensive (perhaps one day)
• the Distagon 1.4 is sharp across the frame, good contrast, but huge
• the APO Lanthar performs almost as well as the Distagon, but is also huge
• the Summilux (FLE) has more contrast, is expensive and still has focus shift (though not as problematic as the pre-FLE) - I’ve had two FLEs, and wouldn’t go back.  Tim Ashley reviewed this and found the plane of best focus wavy across the frame
• the Ultron II is tiny and is better controled in flare than the Summilux pre-asph and is sharper across the frame (?)
• the LLL seems to be an improvement on the Summicron 8 elements
• the Summicron ASPH seems to be the poorest performer - I found the one I had was unimpressive

I appreciate this is all a bit subjective, my summary a bit vague and there will be some who wish to defend their lens choice, but I’ve looked across a number of reviews and this is what i have gleaned of the opinions of others.  This would seem to suggest that the Ultron II would complement my pre-asph.

[Dennis]

26 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

I’ve been reading and looking at images online.

From what I’ve read (in this order): 

• the APO Summicron is the stand out - too hard to get, and too expensive (perhaps one day)
• the Distagon 1.4 is sharp across the frame, good contrast, but huge
• the APO Lanthar performs almost as well as the Distagon, but is also huge
• the Summilux (FLE) has more contrast, is expensive and still has focus shift (though not as problematic as the pre-FLE) - I’ve had two FLEs, and wouldn’t go back.  Tim Ashley reviewed this and found the plane of best focus wavy across the frame
• the Ultron II is tiny and is better controled in flare than the Summilux pre-asph and is sharper across the frame (?)
• the LLL seems to be an improvement on the Summicron 8 elements
• the Summicron ASPH seems to be the poorest performer - I found the one I had was unimpressive

I appreciate this is all a bit subjective, my summary a bit vague and there will be some who wish to defend their lens choice, but I’ve looked across a number of reviews and this is what i have gleaned of the opinions of others.  This would seem to suggest that the Ultron II would complement my pre-asph.

You forgot to mention from the equation the Biogon 2.8/35 ZM .. It's a wow lens

27 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

the APO Summicron is the stand out - too hard to get, and too expensive (perhaps one day)

Agree 100%. If so, one day. But I doubt it. Who knows... 

27 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

the Distagon 1.4 is sharp across the frame, good contrast, but huge

So big, not good at all with what I have in mind of M proportions and ratios. And I have the Biogon already. I'm fine

38 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

the LLL seems to be an improvement on the Summicron 8 elements

News coming very soon.

 

29 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

the Summicron ASPH seems to be the poorest performer - I found the one I had was unimpressive

If I don't talk about IQ or render, it's my first 35mm choice, the default one. But this is because it's perfect for many reasons and is very good for others. But optically, it's very balanced, ergo, not unique. I value the lens for everything, not just for the IQ.

The same happens for the Biogon: it's so good, a stellar performer in almost any condition, no distortion, nearly no flare. Why don't use it everyday? What can you ask more? Well, a lot. I don't like 1/3 of stop f/stop, the tiny focus tab (knob?), the aesthetics, the 43 filter thread; it wobbles... But it's wow.
.
Dear John, as you can see, it's not one thing. It's all of this together. Having different options if one can appreciate the differences, can make the difference (excuse the repeated word). But it's me...

 

[Dennis]

45 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

the Ultron II is tiny and is better controled in flare than the Summilux pre-asph and is sharper across the frame (?)

If I hadn't found a used 35 Summicron asph I in first place, I would had possibly bought the Ultron II. 100%. But now, with the following lens already:

• Summicron Asph I 
• CV 1.2 III 
• Biogon 2.8 ZM 
• CV 1.4 II MC 
• LLL 8 element

I don't think it would fit well. Only GAS can justifies it (well, GAS justifies all 🤣)

I will soon have five different looks and styles. The Ultron is very good, but I think it doesn't ADD nothing to the family.

 

[IkarusJohn]

So, to go with the 35 Summilux-M ASPH, the choices have narrowed to:

• Lens Light Lab 35/2 - a Summicron-M v1 (8 element) replica
• Zeiss Bigon C 35/2 T* - very highly regarded by Sean Reid
• Voigtlander 35/2 Ultron VM II

or just keep waiting for the APO Summicron-M 35/2 ASPH (and keep saving).  Interested in the thoughts of others.

[a.noctilux]

I second John for the 35 Summilux-M asph.

one of the best compromized in size (a bit big but not so...without hood), handling and stellar results for all situations without being "boring".

 

Then why not my favorite Summarit-M 2.5/35mm another excellent challenger 😉 so light so small, so good.

[Dennis]

When you say 35 Summilux -M Asph, do you mean the Pre FLE? 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/35mm_f/1.4_ASPH_Summilux-M

I never put it in the equation because it's expensive and I don't want to spend that much on a used lens.

 

Edited February 15, 2022 by Dennis

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[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, IkarusJohn said:

So, to go with the 35 Summilux-M ASPH, the choices have narrowed to:

Thought you had the pre-ASPH (end of post #114). If so, assume v.2, as first version is rare.

Jeff

[shirubadanieru]

The summilux 35mm ASPH is a great lens, and probably the only ASPH lens I truly enjoy. That being said, it’s heavy at 335g and big (I think you can fit 3 or 4 35mm pre-asph Lux in one lux ASPH body). 

To me the great thing about a 35mm for Leica is the pancake like size, super light weight, and beautiful rendering. The lux ASPH only has the beautiful rendering, but lacks everything else…therefore I would pick a pre-asph Summicron or Summilux 35mm over it. 

That being said, if you do prefer ASPH and want one lens, the Summilux is a much better option than the cron.