35mm Summicron to go with the M11

[PhongNguyen0196]

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I’ve been using the VM 50mm APO and it’s nothing short of amazing, the sharpness, tonality and contrast when metering right is just amazing. 
Now going with that I’m hoping to purchase my first Leica lens, some of the options are the v3 Summicron (I know it’s a mystery, I don’t even know how the images will look like), the ASPH v1 and v2. 
From a hobbyist standpoint, I want to get that Leica looks without breaking the bank, I’ve tried the Summilux 50 ASPH v1 and 35 ASPH v2 already, that’s for my next year GAS itch. 
I would appreciate if you could share some of your experience using those three lens on your M11.

thank you 

[Jewl]

I have the 35mm Summilux (FLE) and mine (including the M11) needed an adjustment (the lens was working properly with my M10P before). Same I had with my 50mm Summicron. So keep in mind that this might be required if you buy a used / vintage lens! 

Besides, the 35mm lux is really a lens that I like. It is sharp wide open and does the job very well. As I shoot in very challenging light situations (evening / night), it is perfect. 

I am going to get the new 28mm Summicron to have the 28, 35, 50mm kit complete 😉

[la1402]

It is difficult to recommend something for your desire of achieving the Leica look, as that is as real as Yeti 🤭. 

I am impressed by the Lux FLE v2, even if it sometimes can look harsh. I had the Summicron v4, v1 Asph and v2 Asph. Neither wowed me and if compactness were key, I would today choose the 35 Ultron. 

[PhongNguyen0196]

12 minutes ago, la1402 said:

It is difficult to recommend something for your desire of achieving the Leica look, as that is as real as Yeti 🤭. 

I am impressed by the Lux FLE v2, even if it sometimes can look harsh. I had the Summicron v4, v1 Asph and v2 Asph. Neither wowed me and if compactness were key, I would today choose the 35 Ultron. 

Would you say there’s a Leica looks when using the three crons compared to the ultron? Also would you recommend the Asph v2 over v1?

[la1402]

I don’t know what the Leica look is supposed to be. It’s a term mostly used by people who can never describe it, yet have an exclusive capability to see it. 

If it has to be a Summicron 35, I would take v2 and buy it used. A very solid lens with smooth bokeh but nothing special. 

[raizans]

This comparison shows you what the V3 looks like: https://www.streetsilhouettes.com/home/2017/3/30/leica-35mm-lenses-5-summicron-versions

It’s a good choice for a more classic look! I would get either that or the LLL 8-element.

[dpitt]

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1 hour ago, raizans said:

This comparison shows you what the V3 looks like: https://www.streetsilhouettes.com/home/2017/3/30/leica-35mm-lenses-5-summicron-versions

It’s a good choice for a more classic look! I would get either that or the LLL 8-element.

This review confirms my decision to sell the Summilux 35 v1, that I had before my Summicron 35 v3. The only regret I have is that I should have waited 8 years and then sell the lux. OTOH, it allowed me to buy and use lots of other things...

I did not like the v1 wide open, and what is the point of owning a F1.4 lens that you do not like at F1.4? It is just too soft for me personally.
With the Summilux 50 pre-ASPH the F1.4 is much closer to its optimal performance.

Even at F2, I find the Summicron 35 v3 better than the 35lux pre-ASPH. So, I am very happy with it.

I would love to have a more modern version of the Summilux 35 ASPH or FLE though. I like those at F1.4, but it is much more expensive of course.

Edited November 21, 2023 by dpitt

[Q2dude123]

I have the 35mm Summicron ASPH V2 and I use it with an M11. I believe that it is actually nothing special because it is rather neutral (though I never used a Summilux so I can not compare) but I like it. It is sharp but not overly sharp and the color rendering is actually great. Since I don't need an 1.4 lens with a rangefinder, I went with the Summicron. I would have bought a used ASPH V1 but I really, really do not like that plastic lens hood and so I bought a new ASPH V2 for a good price. Bokeh is nice and pleasing with great transitions but limited with f2. As far as I know the only difference to the ASPH V1 is that the V2 has more aperture blades so the bokeh will be a bit smoother and of course the different lens hood.

Also, I really like the compactness because it comes in handy when traveling. As far as I know the Lux is quite a bit bigger.

If you have the budget, go for the ASPH V2.

Edited November 22, 2023 by Q2dude123

[lct]

I have no experience with the Summicron 35/2 asph v2 that i find too wide compared to v1 and i don't like screw-in hoods either. I vote for the Summicron 35/2 asph v1 (# 11879) for its overall sharpness and its smooth bokeh at f/2, also for its compactness although i prefer the smaller v4 from this view point. My copy of the 35/2 asph v1 shows no focus shift at any aperture so its only con, in my view, is color fringing in case of over exposure. As for its plastic hood, those who don't like it can replace it by the nice clip-on metal hoods # 12504 or 12585. Summicron 35/2 asph v1 on M11 at f/2 below.

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[ianforber]

I went in the opposite direction than the OP. I bought a 50mm v5 Summicron as my first lens because I wanted the full Leica experience. I then wanted to try out 35mm and, rather than blowing all my cash on Leica, I bought the CV 35mm f1.5 Nokton. Same size as the Leica 35mm Summicron, great image quality but doesn’t scratch that Leica itch! Maybe worth a try though. 

[bourne]

Are you happy with your summicron 50.  I have the 35/2 summicron and love it now on to a 50mm..... very interested in the summicron 50 (non app)

[PhongNguyen0196]

On 11/21/2023 at 9:33 PM, dpitt said:

This review confirms my decision to sell the Summilux 35 v1, that I had before my Summicron 35 v3. The only regret I have is that I should have waited 8 years and then sell the lux. OTOH, it allowed me to buy and use lots of other things...

I did not like the v1 wide open, and what is the point of owning a F1.4 lens that you do not like at F1.4? It is just too soft for me personally.
With the Summilux 50 pre-ASPH the F1.4 is much closer to its optimal performance.

Even at F2, I find the Summicron 35 v3 better than the 35lux pre-ASPH. So, I am very happy with it.

I would love to have a more modern version of the Summilux 35 ASPH or FLE though. I like those at F1.4, but it is much more expensive of course.

Thank you for your thoughtful input. I have always been hesitant to focus anything more open than F2 on the rangefinder. Found a v3 for cheap and will be trying it out soon 

[PhongNguyen0196]

10 hours ago, bourne said:

Are you happy with your summicron 50.  I have the 35/2 summicron and love it now on to a 50mm..... very interested in the summicron 50 (non app)

Actually it’s the VC 50mm APO. I couldn’t complain, its Sharp, contrasty and clinical for anything. Beside the size, it’s amazing 

[SJH]

How about the 35mm 1.4 Steel Rim re-issue? Vintage and classic at 1.4 and modern and sharp from f2? I like using it with my M11 & M6 when I’m in that sort of mood as opposed to my 35mm APO which is superb.  Equally you could just get the CV 35mm f2 APO to go with your 50?

[dpitt]

10 hours ago, SJH said:

How about the 35mm 1.4 Steel Rim re-issue? Vintage and classic at 1.4 and modern and sharp from f2? I like using it with my M11 & M6 when I’m in that sort of mood as opposed to my 35mm APO which is superb.  Equally you could just get the CV 35mm f2 APO to go with your 50?

Did you compare it with a vintage Summicron pre-ASPH or Summilux pre-ASPH?

[SJH]

1 hour ago, dpitt said:

Did you compare it with a vintage Summicron pre-ASPH or Summilux pre-ASPH?

Yes I I really liked the dual nature of the Steel Rim i.e. vintage look at 1.4 modern at f2 and above with none of the hassle of the trying to find a decent copy of the older stuff you mention and other lenses from that era. For example it took me 18 months odd to find a really good 50mm Rigid that been back to Wetzlar for a complete overall.