Fle 35 v1 vs v2

[Leicaboy Norway]

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Hey guys!

 

I'm thinking of getting the Summilux-m 35mm fle. 

 

But I intend to use it both on my Leica M and on my SL2.

 

I was thinking it would be smarter to get the v2 because of that 0,4 m focusing distance and how it can be useful on the SL2.

 

Any input?

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[evikne]

If price isn't an issue, it sounds like a good idea. The v2 also has a little nicer bokeh when stopped down a bit. 

[PCPix]

I have the Mk I - but really only use it on the M10R and can’t honestly say there are many occasions where I have needed it to go closer than 0.7m. There is also a bit of an element of being used to rangefinders only going down to 0.7m that makes me used to this as the closest focus point. If more magnification is really needed, I use the 75 apo-Summicron, which also goes to 0.7m, but obviously crops in a lot closer. I also really like the screw-on rectangular hood which is both very durable and effective. When I bought it there was no MkII so I was spared the dilemma you are facing!

However putting one on an SL2… the benefit of the closer focus may swing in your favour. Depends on your budget, and are you buying new or have you seen a good value second hand lens that’s caught your eye. Which lens  hood do you prefer (or doesn’t it matter to you)…? For me the MkI is still a valid contender…

(Attached pic from a shoot yesterday, shot at f/1.4 and about 1m, so not quite minimums. The amount of blur on the background is quite phenomenal. Note - lots of edge darkening added, it’s not the lens vignetting this badly!)

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Edited June 13, 2024 by PCPix

[chris7273]

If money is not an issue, I would get the FLE II. In a year, the price difference will be forgotten 🙂

I bought the FLE II, I am very happy, even if I don’t use the close focus so often.

[RexGig0]

If one owns an SL camera, it does seem more wise to opt for the newer, closer-focusing version.

[Eoin]

I've become accustomed to the 0.7M minimum coupled focus of the M.
I'd think you possibly have close focus lenses with your SL already, so I'd save the substantial difference and either opt for a v1 FLE or a SL 35 APO and put the saved 1.5k into something else. But if Close focus is your thing ... FLE v2. 

[69xchange]

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Better get one now before the big price increase!