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Summicron 35 ASPH vs V4

cesc

By cesc
in Leica M Lenses

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cesc

cesc

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I am considering selling my summicron 35 ASPH mainly because of it's size and it renders too contrasty and sharp I suppose that's called modern rendering.

Few years ago I got my first summicron 35 v4 that I sold later before becoming a rock star in YouTube.

My doubt, should I keep the asph because going back to a v4 is not a bug difference in terms of imagine quality, character...

And , also, would you recommend something different? V2, V3... Even a Summilux... Any help would be appreciated!

 

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250swb

250swb

Posted
Posted
33 minutes ago, cesc said:

Summicron v4 King of Bokeh - has become very popular, because of the name I guess :)

'King of Bokeh' author Mike Johnston has since significantly backtracked on this opinion given the unwarranted hysteria generated.

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a.noctilux

a.noctilux

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Cesc,

Each version of pre-asph. 35mm Summicron for M has strong "characters", they are different but simply I can not say which is the one to use.

In my use the first version ( so called 8 element https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summicron_(I)_f%3D_3.5_cm_1:2) became the lens to have (used), I'm not alone as the hype for this lens pushed the price higher and higher.

I have first the M3 version SAMWO/11108 then came the M2 version about x3 more expensive SAWOO/11008.

I discovered the "III" ( like this one in wiki ) and not bad at all, more solidly built than "IV", lens to use before the prices climb.

 

As side note, I was lover for many years the asph.version that I had many in each color available ( foolish ! ),

now I have none of asph. Summicron-M 35mm.

 

 

Edited by a.noctilux
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MarkP

MarkP

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13 hours ago, 250swb said:

'King of Bokeh' author Mike Johnston has since significantly backtracked on this opinion given the unwarranted hysteria generated.

Great for resale value - not that I'm planning on selling mine 🙂

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Danner

Danner

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As a film shooter, the V4 35mm Summicron is easily my favorite lens.  But, the newer ASPH versions out-resolves the V4, so for a high resolution digital body, I think the newer ASPH versions would be preferable.  Unless you prefer the more vintage rendering, of course.

 

My 2¢ worth.

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grahamc

grahamc

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@cesc Hi  

To my tastes I've been happier so far with images from a new-to-me v3 than my v4 that I've had for some time .  I find v3 to have same contrast as v4 (and very close colours) but more character.  My copy glows a little at wider apertures, and the middle of the frame just seems to pop a bit more than I'm used to producing with v4, although also vignettes more. It's made me very interested in trying v2 which is supposedly extremely similar but with less distortion. (According to some reports maybe a little less contrast also which I think I would like if so).  

It took me a while to truly appreciate the v4's appeal (being for me: very consistent, perfect bridge between classic and modern, beautiful colours, tiny/light/convenient).  I'm still not certain I love it, but do really like it.  And so convenient it's often the lens I leave the house with despite everything I just said  :D

Regarding v4 versus ASPH.... I don't use the APSH but if you are finding the APSH a little bland the v4 might not be the answer.  On the other hand if you love the consistency of your ASPH but just find it a little bit too clinical, then maybe a change back to v4 could be perfect ? 

Best of luck with it!

 

Edited by grahamc
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wizard

wizard

Posted
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vor 18 Stunden schrieb cesc:

My doubt, should I keep the asph because going back to a v4 is not a bug difference in terms of imagine quality, character..

The biggest difference between the v4 and the asph is the rendering at full aperture. The v4 is quite a bit more dreamy, aka less sharp, especially towards the edges, whereas the asph even at full aperture renders pretty sharp. Stopped down, both lenses are not very different. My asph seems to produce more vignetting even stopped down, so I often use the v4, also because it is more compact. But if performance at full aperture is important, the asph wins hands-down.

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a.noctilux

a.noctilux

Posted
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14 minutes ago, Topsy said:

No idea what version mine is but it's from 1991 and it's the one I have so I am happy using it. 😊

Best thing is to be happy with the one you use 😉.

I guess the one we are talking about IV KOB !

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lct

lct

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I have both, like both but as you say the asph is more clinical. Its bokeh is softer at full aperture though which, together with more acutance, can make for more pop at f/2. Size wise v4 wins hands down if you prefer compact lenses but it is advised to buy a copy made in Germany due to plastic parts in the ones made in Canada so prices of German v4 can reach or exceed those of the first asph version. Now keep in mind that v4 is a Mandler design hence a rather contrasty lens so you won't find huge difference with the asph version from this view point. Mais difference is acutance i.e. micro contrast as suggested above. For less contrast see the Summicron 35/2 v3 referred to above or a Summilux 35/1.4 v2 let alone earlier Leica lenses i have no experience with. If you are on a budget i can recommend the very good Voigtlander 35/1.4 SC v2 which has a similar size and character as the Summilux v2 with less flare and a bit more sharpness while retaining some pleasing glow i.e. halos around highlights if you like that. Happy snaps :).

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RMF

RMF

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Great info in this thread. Just purchased a minty 1993 German made “4 KOB” and looking forward to using it. For a 35mm I have always used a Lux FLE and I hope that the KOB might be a nice option to provide me a little different look and feel. It will certainly be a lighter and more compact compared to the Lux FLE.

Edited by RMF
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