Question about buying 35mm Summilux FLE Version I

[35 mm]

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Hello everyone, 

I have a question for you. I have the opportunity to buy a Summilux 35mm FLE Version I. The optical condition seems to be very good. However, the lens is already 10 years old (2014).
Is there anything I need to pay special attention to with this lens.

It is from a reputable dealer with a guarantee. The risk therefore seems manageable to me.

Many greetings and thank you for your help.

Please excuse my English, I am using deepl

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[spydrxx]

As with any lens, if you can personally inspect it before purchase all the better. Make sure there is some sort of warranty or return privileges. I don't own this lens so I can't provide lens specific info, but I am sure if you search this forum you will find info to guide you in your evaluation. I've owned lots of older lenses over the years and generally found minor imperfections to be irrelevant in picture taking, mostly important to collectors and fashionistas.

[dpitt]

10 years old is young in Leica terms. They are made to last for ever, and all can still be serviced, mostly by third parties, but lenses like this could be serviced in Wezlar too if need be. My oldest lenses are from 1930 and still performing as good as the day they left Leica production.

Of course that does not mean there is no risk involved when buying a used lens. As @spydrxx mentioned a return policy is wise. And when inspecting the lens, look for signs of abuse on the outside. Minor scratches and signs of use do not worry me. But dents and signs of malfunction like very stiff focusing or aperture ring are concerning.
Open the aperture fully and look through it against the light to inspect it for issues.

Minor scratches on front or rear element usually do not have an effect on the images, but they do affect the resale price. I would not accept a lens with major (deep) scratches or issues with the coating. Again they are signs of abuse.
Original box, pouch and papers in good condition will increase resale value, and they are proof of a careful user most of the time....

 

[Pierre68]

I have bought this lens used twice. Sold the first one only because I thought I could do without as 35mm is not my most used FL. One year later a used like new 35 FLE came out at a bargain price at my local Leica dealer and I had to buy it again. I would buy a used 35FLE with more confidence than the new close focus one that had the diaphragm blades falling apart...

Both my 35 FLE were bought from a local dealer with 3months warranty. But they were like new.

Edited March 13, 2024 by Pierre68
typo

[lct]

5 hours ago, 35 mm said:

I have the opportunity to buy a Summilux 35mm FLE Version I. The optical condition seems to be very good. However, the lens is already 10 years old (2014).
Is there anything I need to pay special attention to with this lens.

Mine is from 2012. As with all FLE lenses, i would check that focusing is accurate and focus ring smooth enough. Here on M11 @ f/1.4, FF & crop:

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[Abram]

Mine is from 2013 and is well worn cosmetically but the glass is in good shape. I’ve put it through its paces and it was time for a tuneup, I had Don Goldberg service the lens last year and functionally it’s good as new while still retaining my cosmetic wear from heavy use.

as with any lens, don’t worry so much about the age, as long as it’s in good shape you should be fine, and if it’s a little rough try to get the best deal you can and then have Don service it.

[pgk]

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19 hours ago, 35 mm said:

 I have the opportunity to buy a Summilux 35mm FLE Version I. The optical condition seems to be very good. However, the lens is already 10 years old (2014).

According to the wiki here the V.1 was made until 2010! I have a V.1 from 2001 and its my most used lens. No problems with it at all. As above just do the 'standrad' checks, use it a check the results. If there are any problems get them sorted out by the dealer.

[35 mm]

Hello everyone,
Thank you very much for your comments and advice. I have bought the lens and am looking forward to the first photowalks.
Best regards 

[35 mm]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb Al Brown:

Don't forget to paste photos here.

Yes, I will do that. 😊

 

[Alberti]

What are experiences with CA (purple edges) with the 35FLE/vI lens?

I have returned some four Voigtländer lenses because of that  . .

[lct]

54 minutes ago, Alberti said:

What are experiences with CA (purple edges) with the 35FLE/vI lens? [...]

As far as my lenses are concerned, the Summilux 35/1.4 FLE v1 (pic below @ f/1.4 on M11) has more color fringing than the Summilux 35/1.4 v2 but less so than the Summicron 35/2 asph v1. Not a real problem for me but it is a matter of taste, besides sample variation i'm not aware of.

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[lct]

•

Edited March 17, 2024 by lct

[lottic]

Just a query - and not to create a new topic as someone looking to buy an FLE v1... is the red/magenta ring at the periphery of the front element just a variation of normal for that particular lens coating? it only seems to be present on the side closest to the lens hood cutout. 

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Edited May 6, 2024 by lottic

[lct]

Never got this so far. Perhaps just a reflection. I would check it by doing the same test in another room or under a different light.

[Alberti]

I a month ago got the 35 FLE (1) that is called the 35mm Summilux v5 by some - a name I prefer. 

I find it is great in sharpness but requires attention too. I traded my 35 Summicron v4 KOB in for it, I cried a lot; still have the 35mm Summicron v1. but I have the Minolta 40mm with approx the KOB rendering. And I have a 35mm Canon (a beauty that has warm colors due to some yellowed glass, great on portraits + darker skins).

So just a typical scene, high contrast. No CA.  

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For such use clearly bettering the Summicrons.

Edited January 14 by Alberti

[mikeamosau]

My most used lens. Love it. 

[Alberti]

And the flare resistance of the Summilux v5 (the name brought forward by Thorsten, who also claimed it is his most preferred 35mm lens) should be mentioned: straight into the sun, just on the bottom a slight green enhancement.

The one part of the half circle on the left could be an answer to @lottic.   It's an asset  I think to have that 🙂

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Some say that a lot of flare is artistic. Well I think those have a lot of flair.