Which zoom lens for Leicaflex SL2 - Leica/Minolta or Angenieux?

[wlaidlaw]

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I am looking to buy a 3 cam zoom lens to use with my Leicaflex SL2 but which will also work on my other R cameras (4, 8 & 9). The three R mount zoom lenses I have, the 21-35, the 28-70 and the 80-200 are all ROM lenses and therefore unsuitable for mounting on the SL2. My choice really comes down to either the earlier f3.5 (and less good compared with the later Kyocera ROM lens) Minolta built 35-70 or the Angenieux 35-70 f2.5-3.5. Has anyone any experience of the Angenieux lens as there does not seem to be a lot written about it, in comparison to the screeds of often not terribly complimentary comments on the Minolta built 35-70. Does anyone know if the Angenieux lens is a 2 cam or 3 cam lens? The Angenieux lens generally fetches a bit more than the Leica, so I don't want to spend the extra money for no purpose. Also all the Angenieux lenses currently for sale are overseas, so potentially incur import duties and VAT + fees on arrival in the UK amounting to around 25% loading. 

There is also the Angenieux 45-90 but these cost double what the 35-70 fetch, presumably for their collector/rarity value. 

Wilson

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[lct]

I have no experience with the Angénieux 35-70/2.5-3.5 but it seems to have 3 cams here:

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[dpitt]

The 3-cam Leica 35-70 F3.5 is not bad at all and a bit better than the later 28-70  F3.5-4.5 IMO.
Build quality is far superior and IQ is a better too.

I have no experience with the Angenieux lens.

[davidmknoble]

many of the really cool R zooms are also offered in the 3-cam version. The 80-200 is offered in a 3 cam and I have seen the APO 280 f/4 in 3-cam.  The R lenses are incredible, just keep looking for a good copy.  I’ve never seen the other (M or A) zooms go for high prices or have great quality lenses for sale.  

[wlaidlaw]

David, 

I am aware of that but the three R Zoom lenses currently in my possession are all the ROM versions and I don't really want to buy another copy of the same lens, just for occasional use on my Leicaflex SL2. I wish there was a Rolleiflex to Leica R adapter but sadly not possible as the flange focal distance of the QBM mount is shorter than Leica R (44.5mm against 47mm). I do have a Rayqual Rollei QBM to Leica M to use my Rollei QBM zoom lenses on my various M digital cameras with live view. 

As to the 35-70 f3.5 against the 28-70, it very much depends what you mean by better. The mark 2 ROM version of the 28-70 lens was much improved at the wide end at the cost of a slight increase in pincushion distortion at the tele end where the 35-70 is definitely better. I am more of a wide angle user and at the wide end of its focal length range, the Mk.2 version is a superior performer to the early f3.5 version of the 35-70, with its soft corners. Erwin Puts is quite critical of the performance of the 35-70 and recommends always getting the later f4 version but these are quite expensive and all R cam or ROM, which cannot be mounted on any Leicaflex, without damaging the ROM contacts or mount. 

Wilson

[davidmknoble]

It also depends if you really want a zoom lens.  On the wide size, I really like the Elmarit R 28mm v1, which is compact and does really well at mid f/stops up.  I use one on my Leciaflex SL2.  The other lens that is available in 3-cam is the later version of the Summicron 50 R, which may not be wide enough.

I have not tried it, but have considered it several times, the R 19mm f/2.8 v1.  For film I think it would work well, for BnW film very well.  

Sadly, there are not many options for the wides...

D.

[wlaidlaw]

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As I get older, more fragile and decrepit, I have become very conscious of the weight of camera equipment I carry around. I will be buying a Q3 when they come out for a single travel digital camera, where its 60MP sensor will allow substantial cropping to produce tighter EFOV's. Whereas I like the 28 and 35 mm focal lengths, in that I have limited mobility, plus the more limited cropping available on film images (I scan using a Leitz BEOON and my Leica 24MP SL), a zoom has become increasingly necessary. I suspect for cost reasons I may end up with the 35-70 f3.5 lens, unless an Angenieux lens appears for sale in the UK. I do have both a 21 Super Angulon, a 35 Elmarit and a 35 Summicron in 3 cam lenses to use on my Leicaflex SL2 but all my other R lenses are ROM and therefore cannot be mounted on the Leicaflex. I don't use the SL2 a whole lot, generally preferring my R9 for a film SLR, especially as it has a winder on it, thus sparing my very arthritic right thumb. 

Wilson