Reissue 35mm Summilux Pre-Asph V1 Steel Rim

[geoffnik]

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[geoffnik]

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[DI1]

M11

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[zanydave]

I’m looking to sell my Summilux steel rim, re-issue 11301 Would anybody be interested here? Just thought I would ask before I send it to MPB.

Would be a UK sale only.

I apologise if posting in the wrong section. Just offering it up before going MPB.

Thanks

[brickftl]

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[Yugen]

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Leica M9 Edited May 25, 2024 by Yugen

[S/W]

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Leica M 11 * Leica Summilux M 1.4/35 SR * ISO 64 * f/1.4 * 1/3000 sec * CaptureOne * SEP 7

[Robert Blanko]

At f/1.4, M10R

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[DI1]

M11

Radio Flyer Graveyard 

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Edited May 31, 2024 by Rezinator

[gaheris]

Portra 400

 

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[TheEyesHaveIt]

Any more opinions on this lens vs the modern Summilux? Own that one but the rendering of this one (and the size) are intriguing.

[Krakozyabr]

13 hours ago, TheEyesHaveIt said:

Any more opinions on this lens vs the modern Summilux? Own that one but the rendering of this one (and the size) are intriguing.

I’ve been using Steel Rim as the only lens in the recent trip and can submit the following points:

1) it’s compact. Compared to 28, 75 and 50 crons it is a joy to have on the camera. It is not a deal breaker, obviously, but surprisingly important so that I never even attempted to switch to the other lens. Put this one on and I don’t bother myself carrying a bag with other gear as it is enough and comfortable.

2) ergonomics are fine, I find myself searching for aperture nobs at times, however that might be a learning curve issue and it doesn’t really slow you down. Infinity lock is fine, the button to unlock it is natural to use and doesn’t require any extra attention

3) I don’t bother myself with hoods for a few reasons: first is the size of the hoods as they increase the lens size A LOT; second is that yes, this lens flares, but I think of it more like a feature rather then a negative point; and the third is that I can not close the lens with hood with a stock cap. The stock pressure cap is ‘meh’, I would definitely by an extra spring cap as you’ll eventually loose the stock one at some point. Btw there are some 3rd party spring caps that fit the hoods. 

4) The image quality.
I don’t have a 35 Lux, I shoot film and from what I got so far: stop it down to 2 or further and you get a great Cron image, sharp & contrasty. Scroll to 1.4 and you get those fluffy highlights that are absolutely gorgeous. I’d describe the effect as “blurred highlights, but sharp shadows”. I don’t “pixel peep” at what I get, but I like the results which is all I need and they are on par with any other Leica M lens I have though APO 75 is just outstanding

All in all I can say that with this lens I started to get those folks that get some kind of pancake lens and say that it is everything they really needed. With zone focusing this lens is absolutely amazing on the street and the only alternative I would consider is APO 35, but that’s another story)

 

hope this helps

[RexGig0]

On 6/1/2024 at 11:51 AM, TheEyesHaveIt said:

Any more opinions on this lens vs the modern Summilux? Own that one but the rendering of this one (and the size) are intriguing.

I have never shot with an FLE and the Re-Edition Steel Rim side-by-side, but, I did test-shoot with a demonstrator FLE at a nearby Leica dealer. This test-shoot confirmed that I did not really care for the “busy” bokeh rendered by the FLE. Shortly thereafter, at the end of June 2023, when I found that Leica USA had received a shipment of Re-Edition Steel Rims, I immediately placed an order. Yes, the Re-Edition Steel Rim Summilux does render “busy” bokeh, too, but its other redeeming qualities more than compensate.

Notably, my above-described test-shoot, at the Leica dealer, was to compare a pre-owned Summilux-M 35mm Version II with their demonstrator FLE. The test-shoot was not intended to help me decide whether or not to buy the Re-Edition. My “control” lens, in that experiment, was my Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/1.4 ZM, which has a “smoother” bokeh than the FLE and Re-Edition. My only firm decision, during two visits to the dealer, was against buying the Version II Summilux. Even though I had long wanted to acquire an FLE, sooner or later, this test-shoot affirmed the “later” part.

My “standard” for smooth bokeh had been established as that rendered by the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH. The 35 FLE has some optical similarities to the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, which had put the FLE on my long-term wish list, but, bokeh is not one of those similarities.

A big win, for me, with the Re-Edition Steel Rim Summilux, is that it is slightly larger, in overall diameter, than the Version II Summilux. The re-Edition is the smallest M-mount lens that I really enjoy using. I have large hands, but my fingers are closer to medium-length. Some “pancake” lenses, such as the Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f/2.5 II, and the Leica 28mm and 3.5cm Summarons, are just slightly too small for me. The Version II Summilux, that I test-shot, also felt just a bit too small. 

When I feel a need for aspherical elements, or smooth bokeh, at 35mm, I can use a Zeiss Distagon. 😉

Edited June 2, 2024 by RexGig0

[Robert Blanko]

I never owned or tested a 35 FLE, I only have the comparison with my former Zeiss Distagon and my current APO. IMHO, the Steel rim reissue is a nice complement to the "perfect" APO and I also like the bokeh and the ability to change the character aka "glow" by means of the aperture. 

Shot at f1.4:

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[DI1]

M11

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[JoshuaR]

On 6/1/2024 at 12:51 PM, TheEyesHaveIt said:

Any more opinions on this lens vs the modern Summilux? Own that one but the rendering of this one (and the size) are intriguing.

I bought the FLE as my “ultimate” 35mm and really enjoyed the image quality but didn’t like the size and weight. That was the main issue for me. So I sold it and moved to a Steel Rim Reissue.

I really like the SRR, but it is a very different lens with a completely alternate set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s small and more fun and the images can be more surprising because of the effects at f/1.4-f/2.8. It is a much more “creative” lens. But it has limitations. 1m MFD is one of them—I wish it were 0.7, especially for pictures of kids. Another limitation is the fact that sharpness falls off from the center somewhat quickly at wide apertures. Suppose you’re taking a photo of a group: with the FLE, you can shoot it at f/1.4 and, except for a little field curvature, everyone will be in focus with a nice blurry background. With the SRR, you have to get yourself to f/5.6, in my experience, otherwise subjects far from the center will have more “character” than you want. And there are various other quirks which I’ve had to adjust to.

On the other hand, in terms of handling and pure fun, I prefer the SRR. I like the aperture “wings,” which enable you to know the aperture by feel, without looking at the lens. I love the small size and the way it looks on the camera. Most of my other lenses are very well-corrected and modern, and so I enjoy owning the SRR. I feel that it’s a more interesting and fun lens than the CV 35mm f/1.4 Noktons that I have owned.

A couple of months ago I convinced myself that I wanted a modern 35mm as an alternative to the Steel Rim, so I bought a 35mm Summarit f/2.5 that I saw at the right price. But at the end of the day I like the Steel Rim so much that I never use the Summarit, and I’ll be selling it. 

[brickftl]

38 minutes ago, JoshuaRothman said:

I bought the FLE as my “ultimate” 35mm and really enjoyed the image quality but didn’t like the size and weight. That was the main issue for me. So I sold it and moved to a Steel Rim Reissue.

I really like the SRR, but it is a very different lens with a completely alternate set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s small and more fun and the images can be more surprising because of the effects at f/1.4-f/2.8. It is a much more “creative” lens. But it has limitations. 1m MFD is one of them—I wish it were 0.7, especially for pictures of kids. Another limitation is the fact that sharpness falls off from the center somewhat quickly at wide apertures. Suppose you’re taking a photo of a group: with the FLE, you can shoot it at f/1.4 and, except for a little field curvature, everyone will be in focus with a nice blurry background. With the SRR, you have to get yourself to f/5.6, in my experience, otherwise subjects far from the center will have more “character” than you want. And there are various other quirks which I’ve had to adjust to.

On the other hand, in terms of handling and pure fun, I prefer the SRR. I like the aperture “wings,” which enable you to know the aperture by feel, without looking at the lens. I love the small size and the way it looks on the camera. Most of my other lenses are very well-corrected and modern, and so I enjoy owning the SRR. I feel that it’s a more interesting and fun lens than the CV 35mm f/1.4 Noktons that I have owned.

A couple of months ago I convinced myself that I wanted a modern 35mm as an alternative to the Steel Rim, so I bought a 35mm Summarit f/2.5 that I saw at the right price. But at the end of the day I like the Steel Rim so much that I never use the Summarit, and I’ll be selling it. 

I agree with much of what you say, and it's weaknesses that you note are of no concern to me, while it's strengths (most especially including character wide open) are EVERYTHING to me. As such the SRR is my favorite lens (my other 2 being the 50/1.4 lux asph and 21/3.4 super elmar), and the only 35 I'd ever want.

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M11

Know Thyself

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[KenRothman]

3 hours ago, JoshuaRothman said:

I bought the FLE as my “ultimate” 35mm and really enjoyed the image quality but didn’t like the size and weight. That was the main issue for me. So I sold it and moved to a Steel Rim Reissue.

I really like the SRR, but it is a very different lens with a completely alternate set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s small and more fun and the images can be more surprising because of the effects at f/1.4-f/2.8. It is a much more “creative” lens. But it has limitations. 1m MFD is one of them—I wish it were 0.7, especially for pictures of kids. Another limitation is the fact that sharpness falls off from the center somewhat quickly at wide apertures. Suppose you’re taking a photo of a group: with the FLE, you can shoot it at f/1.4 and, except for a little field curvature, everyone will be in focus with a nice blurry background. With the SRR, you have to get yourself to f/5.6, in my experience, otherwise subjects far from the center will have more “character” than you want. And there are various other quirks which I’ve had to adjust to.

On the other hand, in terms of handling and pure fun, I prefer the SRR. I like the aperture “wings,” which enable you to know the aperture by feel, without looking at the lens. I love the small size and the way it looks on the camera. Most of my other lenses are very well-corrected and modern, and so I enjoy owning the SRR. I feel that it’s a more interesting and fun lens than the CV 35mm f/1.4 Noktons that I have owned.

A couple of months ago I convinced myself that I wanted a modern 35mm as an alternative to the Steel Rim, so I bought a 35mm Summarit f/2.5 that I saw at the right price. But at the end of the day I like the Steel Rim so much that I never use the Summarit, and I’ll be selling it. 

I'm just moving back to the M system after being gone for about 10 years.  I had an M6 and a 35 cron type iv.  How I wish I had kept that stuff!  But we move forward.

I just initiated an RMA for my steel rim after a month.  For me, I've made some great photos with it, some not-so-great.  However, being my most expensive lens by far, I think, for me, that I've determined I'd prefer a more modern rendering.  We'll see if I regret that.  

I have an FLE v1 on the way.

If I miss the character, I may lean towards something like the LLL 35 or we'll see how mr ding's upcoming 35 1.8 is

wish me luck

[patrickcolpron]

On 6/1/2024 at 6:51 PM, TheEyesHaveIt said:

Any more opinions on this lens vs the modern Summilux? Own that one but the rendering of this one (and the size) are intriguing.

It is my favourite modern-ish lens because it is so small and a pleasure to use, yet it has its flaws, 1m minimum focusing distance and definitely not as good or as solidly built as the original Steel Rim.

I wish Leica would have made it with a MFD of 70cm, with a 41mm filter size, the Ollux Lens Hood is useless and the screw on lens hood looks terrible.

It has a more pleasing rending than the FLE both the V1 and V2 with close focusing. It is great against the light at f/4 to f/5.6, much better than the FLE in this regard. 

I also prefer it's rendering and handling over the APO 35, yet the APO 35 is my desert Island lens.

The only other lens I recommend against the SRR is the Summicron 34 V4 which is terrific at f/5.6 to f/8 on both digital and film, and is also tiny and light. 

Now, had Leica made it available in black chrome other than the more than twice the price retail limited edition version and with a minimum focusing distance of 70cm with a filter size of 41mm like the original, then it would be the only lens I would ever need and use. 

For the price they are asking for it, if anyone can only afford one 35, the New FLE or the previous version FLE is a better choice for digital shooters, for people who mostly shoot film, a 35 KOB is a better option. 

I made an hour and forty two minutes video on that lens, comparing it to the original and other modern 35mm lenses, it is a pleasure to use but, it has a lot of shortcomings making it a 2 lens solutions instead of a one 35 mil lens to rule them all, that tittle goes to the APO 35.

Edited June 3, 2024 by patrickcolpron
Typos and schpielling mishsteaks