35 Lux vs 35 Cron

[ALScott]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The 35 Cron I ordered got here with inoperable aperture blades.  So now I have to punt and am rethinking the 35 Lux vs Cron.  I just worry that the Lux will not be as sharp edge to edge as the Cron and I want the sharpness for landscapes at the moment.  Is that the case or is the Lux as sharp as the Cron edge to edge.  APO is not an option.  I believe I only want to consider the later versions at the moment FLE ASPH, etc.  If anyone could pass on model numbers that would be awesome.  The Cron was a 11673.

Edited September 7, 2024 by ALScott

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Printmaker]

If you have the bucks, the latest FLE is superb. But I’ve owned 5 35 Summicrons over the years and every one was great.

 

[LeicaR10]

ALScott,  The 35 Summilux Asph M FLE will be most highly resolving at f/5.6 or f/8 edge to edge.  The 35 Summicron Asph M will be about the same at f/5.6 - f/8.  The former will be better than the latter.  If you want really excellent edge to edge resolution, I suggest you get a used 35 Apo-Summicron SL from KEH, Camera West, Leica Store Miami, etc., plus you would save about 25% in depreciation right off the top.  Attached are the 2 Leica M 35mm lens MTF charts for the two M lenses.  The SL 35 Apo-Summicron used would be less expensive ($3900 +/-)  than a 35 Lux new.   The SL 35 Apo-Summicron is superb for landscapes and one of my most used lenses for that sole purpose.  Good news, you have choices for you and your wallet.   r/ Mark 

pm-106530-en_datenblatt-summilux-35-2022.pdf pm-55616-Datenblatt_Summicron-M 2_35mm_e_0.pdf

[LeicaR10]

ALScott,  If you want to look at the 35 Apo Summicron SL chart, its attached.  r/ Mark

 

pm-55403-11184_Datenblatt_APO_Summicron-SL-35mm-ASPH_en.pdf

[hansvons]

The Lux FLE is larger, heavier, more expensive, has a more complicated mechanism (floating element), and isn’t better than the ASPH Cron in terms of sharpness.

It adds one stop more. For that you pay—not only money. However, the two draw differently at close and medium distances. Whether you like that or not is up to you, of course. Please note that the ASPH Cron exists in two versions. Both share the same optical formula, but the later version has a few more aperture blades making the bokeh more rounded and less old-school. Again, a matter of taste (I prefer the older version).

In terms of character, both lenses have distinct personalities, despite being sharp-rendering modern-day designs. The ASPH Cron was designed with film in mind, while the APO Cron sibling is designed for digital sensors, and it tells. The FLE Lux is also designed for digital M cameras. It’s predecessor (ASPH, no floating element) is from the film era. There’s a reason why Leica redesigned the ASPH Lux.  

When comparing M lenses with modern mirrorless lens designs, you’ll learn that an M lens's strength isn’t performance but character. The APO series (incl. Voigtländer) is the only M lenses whose performance is on par with today’s Sony/Sigma/Canon primes, but you have to pay way more.

Maybe thriving for optical perfection isn't the core idea behind the M system.  

Edited September 7, 2024 by hansvons

[ALScott]

Great, helpful info, thank you.  I hadn't even thought about the 35 SL APO option.  I may just go Summicron for the M and pick up 35 SL APO later if still desired.