How much does lens size matter? Thinking of getting a Voigtlander to replace my 35mm 1.4 Summilux

[Urushi]

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I recently received an M10 and a bunch of Leica lenses as a gift but honestly the lenses are much bigger than what I typically used on my Leica M240 when I had it. I used to have 35mm Voitglander F2 Ultron that I loved (it was an ugly lens but it worked great). The Summilux, to me, makes the camera feel so much bigger, maybe ditching the hood will be enough.

I have this incredible gift of Leica glass that I would never personally buy and I feel like I should just learn to like them rather then spending money on a Voigtlander f2 ultron or 1.4 nokton. Am I crazy?

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I would try shooting with the Leica glass before you sell it. But I also like lightweight compact lenses.  You can also check out the Summarit 2.5/2.4 in either 35 or 50mm.  35mm Summicrons are also small if you don't need f1.4.  

[hansvons]

As a rule of thumb, wide-angle Leica lenses tend to vignette less, smear less at the corners, and render more pleasing colours than Voigtländers on digital sensors. That’s quite different on film. On film Ms, I find the Nokton SC an excellent lens, a strong contender to the Steel Rim Summilux. Not so much on the SL2-S.

Stay with the Leica glass, if you can afford to keep it. There’s a reason beyond cool aid that they cost what they cost. 

[Huss]

Use the lenses first before you get rid of them.  They may feel bigger because the camera you are now using - the M10 - feels a lot smaller than the M240!

[FrozenInTime]

@Urushi 

There are larger 35mm lenses than the ASPH Summilux - Voigtlander 35/2 APO, 35/1.2 and Zeiss 35/1.4. 

There are smaller equally fast 35mm lenses; they are however less well corrected that the ASPH Summilux, but sometimes they are more fun to use, easier to carry or fit in a slim bag.

I now have five 35mm lenses including a pre-FLE ASPH, which stands out as my best low light choice, but it can be too large and heavy to put in a jacket pocket. The MS 35/1.4 Apoqualia is the smallest by some considerable margin; it is fiddly to use and is very characterful wide open. The Voigtlander 35/1.5 and 35/1.4 lie somewhere in between.

It is good to be able to pick one that suits the situation.

[Huss]

Here are the differences in sizes between my three 'normal' 35 1.4 lenses.  On film Ms - which the M10 is the same size.  I find the handling of the 35 FLE to be perfect, the CV 35 1.4 Nokton to be very nice as well as smaller but the layout on the FLE is better, and the Zeiss Distagon I never use because it is way too big on an M.

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[spydrxx]

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I think you owe it to yourself to try out the lenses you received and see if you get acclimated to them and their performance meets or exceeds your expectations. To even consider disposing of such a magnanimous gift without giving it a chance seems disrespecful and thoughtless.

[RexGig0]

Well, I started using the Leica M system, with a an M10, and a Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, so, a Summilux-M 35mm ASPH seems small, and, a pre-ASPH Summilux-M 35mm is so small as to feel TOO small, unless the hood is affixed to it, to act as a “grip.” 

The Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/1.4 ZM, visible with the FLE in Huss’s reply post, may look large, but I like the way my Distagon handles. 

If I were to receive a Summilux, of any focal length, as a gift, I would not feel “right” if I were to sell it. 

Edited July 17, 2023 by RexGig0

[Jeff S]

Shoot medium and large format for a while.  All the M glass will seem tiny.  
 

Jeff

[RexGig0]

3 hours ago, Urushi said:

I recently received an M10 and a bunch of Leica lenses as a gift but honestly the lenses are much bigger than what I typically used on my Leica M240 when I had it. I used to have 35mm Voitglander F2 Ultron that I loved (it was an ugly lens but it worked great). The Summilux, to me, makes the camera feel so much bigger, maybe ditching the hood will be enough.

I have this incredible gift of Leica glass that I would never personally buy and I feel like I should just learn to like them rather then spending money on a Voigtlander f2 ultron or 1.4 nokton. Am I crazy?

Which 35mm Summilux do you have? The first ASPH version does have a quite large plastic hood. A third-party threaded hood, fitted to the filter threads, would be much more reasonable in size. Or,  a step-up ring, with the small end threaded to fit your lens, could act as a mini-hood, to provide a bit of protection.

The second version of the Summilux ASPH, known as the FLE, has a trim ring, which is provided to protect the exposed threads, when the hood is not affixed. Many shooters prefer to shoot with this trim ring in place, rather than the hood.

If you have a pre-ASPH Summilux, well, you may have a collectible treasure, in which case I will yield to other members, with more wisdom, to provide guidance.

[Knipsknecht]

@Urushi

I am in the same boat as you😅! I prefer small and light lenses on my M-cameras and I don’t care that much about shooting wide open at f1.4 or even faster apertures. When I started using M-mount cameras I wanted the Summiluxes so badly because of the wide open look they provide. So I bought the 35mm FLE and the 50mm asph a few years ago. But today I rarely use them. For 35mm my most favored lens is the Voigt Nokton f1.4 II. The price is reasonable, I like the small form factor - and I still have the option to use f1.4. If I don’t use the Nokton and want a little more clean and modern look, I take the 35mm Summicron asph, which is a rather small lens, too, wich provides a neutral look to the photos.

With 50mm I rely mostly upon the f2.4 Summarit, as it provides almost the same look as the Summilux, but in a much smaller package. And f2.4 is most of the time sufficient.

Until now I kept the two Summiluxes, but I am thinking about selling them. These lenses are much too expensive to be not to be used. The only circumstance I would need them is when I would go out shooting at night wit my analog M6 or M7. With film fast lenses are still a must - at least under certain circumstances.

But this is just me. I am mostly shooting street- and travel-photography at apertures between f5.6 and f8. So fast lenses are not really necessary. Indeed, this would be quite different if I would be a dedicated portrait or people photographer! I think this is important. 

Edited July 18, 2023 by Knipsknecht

[Smudgerer]

17 hours ago, Urushi said:

I recently received an M10 and a bunch of Leica lenses as a gift but honestly the lenses are much bigger than what I typically used on my Leica M240 when I had it. I used to have 35mm Voitglander F2 Ultron that I loved (it was an ugly lens but it worked great). The Summilux, to me, makes the camera feel so much bigger, maybe ditching the hood will be enough.

I have this incredible gift of Leica glass that I would never personally buy and I feel like I should just learn to like them rather then spending money on a Voigtlander f2 ultron or 1.4 nokton. Am I crazy?

It is, as you say, an incredible gift you received.

I will echo a few of the responses here by recommending that you keep everything at least for a while and see if by using the camera with the various lenses it all becomes more comfortable for you. The Summilux, ( 35mm ? ), if it is the version with the new rather large screw-on hood is I agree a bit of a lump, but yes you can ditch the Leica hood and maybe get a much cheaper 3rd party screw-in vented hood that will reduce the size of the lens on the camera considerably. I used to have that lens but only kept it for less than a year because of it's size with the Leica hood attached, I traded it for the 35 Summilux FLE 35 with the built-in extendable hood which is so so much better. If it's the 50mm Summilux you are talking about, the same solution can apply, switch the large Leica lens-hood to a smaller vented third party one.

However the Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton Classic SC/MC as in Huss's photo' of the three 35mm f1.4 lens choices he owns is a great "sleeper" of a lens. I have the SC version and I like it a lot and disagree with Huss about it's handling, for me it handles better than it's new rich relation the Leica Summilux 1.4 Classic and on film at least produces pretty much the same quality of image. I own both, so I've done the comparisons, the Nokton goes out much more than the 35 Summilux Classic on my film M's.

[Huss]

6 hours ago, Smudgerer said:

.

However the Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton Classic SC/MC as in Huss's photo' of the three 35mm f1.4 lens choices he owns is a great "sleeper" of a lens. I have the SC version and I like it a lot and disagree with Huss about it's handling, for me it handles better than it's new rich relation the Leica Summilux 1.4 Classic and on film at least produces pretty much the same quality of image. I own both, so I've done the comparisons, the Nokton goes out much more than the 35 Summilux Classic on my film M's.

I think the handling on the 35 Nokton is great, I just prefer the FLE because it is less cramped.  The downside of making a lens tiny is everything is squished together!  But the Nokton is one of my most used lenses - love the optics and the size.  And for the money? Unbeatable.  I don't consider it a sleeper any more, when Cosina released the v2 and corrected most of the issue on the v1, I think everyone noticed!

[madNbad]

I bought a used 35 1.4 Nokton Classic SC V2 off of eBay earlier this year. It came with a hood and several filters and I loved it from the start. I could never figure out if the rear element had coating damage or not, so I ordered a new one, sold the first one. My M4-2 will be back from DAG later this week and paired with the Nokton, it's become my favorite combination to use.

M4, Voigtlander 35 1.4 Nokton SC V2, 400TX @ ISO 200, Rodinal 50:1:

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[matthewm2]

I have owned both modern Summicrons and Luxes in both 35 and 50. I find that a Summicron is PERFECTION on a Leica M10, or M7 (the M240 is a bit more forgiving). In my opinion, the balance and the focus throw are perfectly matched for the size and weight of the M. When I put the Lux on, I think about bringing the camera... but if the Cron is on, I just grab it. 

Having said all that, if you already have the Lux... I don't think its worth it to get rid of the Lux.... I would keep it, maybe invest in something small and lighten the 28mm range. That way, you would have a portrait ready 35mm Lux for purpose built photos and a walking around 28 that can get the shot without a bunch fuss about the DOF. 

 

Insta - matthewm2

[Smudgerer]

54 minutes ago, Huss said:

I think the handling on the 35 Nokton is great, I just prefer the FLE because it is less cramped.  The downside of making a lens tiny is everything is squished together!  But the Nokton is one of my most used lenses - love the optics and the size.  And for the money? Unbeatable.  I don't consider it a sleeper any more, when Cosina released the v2 and corrected most of the issue on the v1, I think everyone noticed!

Hello HUSS, I have both lenses but irrespective of their imaging I guess I always tend to go to a more compact lens on an M camera, film or digital. Resolution, "character", rendering and all the rest of that stuff really doesn't mean that much to me to be honest because let's face it pretty much any lens made these days is way more than good enough for more than 90% of the photographers out there, but handling and balance on a M is what floats my boat. I get what you say about the Nokton perhaps being a bit cramped as compared to the FLE and yep that's valid, though not for me........I guess it sort of depends on the size of one's hands, but let's not open that box.

[madNbad]

I've owned a couple of 35 Summicrons and they are about the best M mount lens Leica makes. At this point in my life, a eight hundred dollar Voigtlander is good enough for me. I still use film and my scanning camera is 24MP, plenty for mu needs. Size is also an issue. I didn't like digital because carrying a camera with an autofocus lens felt like hauling around a bag of bricks. Currently, I have both the 35 1.4 Nokton SC V2 and the 35 2.0 Ultron ASPH. They handle well and feel just right to me. 

[Huss]

@madNbad it's not just AF lenses on DSLRs that are big. Last week I took out my Nikon F3 w Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS.  I am not joking that after holding it for a moment, I put it back in my dry box and took my M7 w/ CV 35 1.4 v2 instead.  The size difference is ridiculous!  And carrying the F3 w 35 1.4 is not exactly discrete.  I should sell that gear..

 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Smudgerer]

28 minutes ago, Huss said:

@madNbad it's not just AF lenses on DSLRs that are big. Last week I took out my Nikon F3 w Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS.  I am not joking that after holding it for a moment, I put it back in my dry box and took my M7 w/ CV 35 1.4 v2 instead.  The size difference is ridiculous!  And carrying the F3 w 35 1.4 is not exactly discrete.  I should sell that gear..

Don't sell the F3, for what you can get for it the loss of one of the finest cameras ever made it wouldn't be worth it.......

I've still got a few "classics" like the F3, ( the F3/f2/Ftn too ), that I'd regret selling if I did so. Just today I ran a film through a Pentax 6x7, another incredible beast of a camera but now one that I can no longer heft around as easily as when I first had a couple of them for work.......Oh but wait, I had assistants back then who probably retired early with back pain so that's moot now.

It makes me smile when I read so much here about how wonderfully Leicas are built, hand made almost, and sure that's partly true..........But cameras I used to work with like the F series of Nikons, ( up to F4's ), the 6x7 / 67 Pentax's, most Hassy's and some Rolleis were made just as well and sometimes much better than Leicas were or have been since. With my Nikon F2/Ftns I began to earn my living professionally back in the late 60's and onwards, they were probably CLA'd / serviced once, twice at most since new but with many hundreds of films through each of them they never failed me and I still have them to this date, still working just fine.

Keep yours..........I know I would.

 

Added:

PS.....I agree with you though regarding working with the M's and discreet small lenses, the M is great for work with lenses up to 50mm as far as I am concerned and can't be equaled but when you want to go longer that's where a SLR comes into it's own. Your F3 with a 105 f1.8 AiS, or a 135 f2 AiS, or even the f2.8 ED AiS is just magic to use.

Edited July 18, 2023 by Smudgerer
added Post Script.

[Huss]

I just hate the floppy/loose feeling of the film advance lever/action on every F3 I've used.  And the problem w my F3 is it is the P model, which has that waterproof rubber cap over the shutter button.  Totally ruins the feel.  Great w the MD4, but then again if I'm going to do that, I'll just use my F6.

The feel/crispness of my F2s are much nicer.