Using a 40mm Summicron along side newer lenses

[captain]

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Do you use the 40mm Summicron along side more modern lenses like the 28 f2 ASPH or the Macro-Elmar? If so, do the images from the 40mm Summicron stand out as having a different character or perhaps noticably higher contrast?

 

My reason for asking is that im looking for a compact kit with a CLE. The new 28mm ASPH has sparked my interest and the Macro-Elmar would top of the 28/40/90 kit quite nicely. Im just concerned that the character/performance of the older Summicron may be too distinct from the other more modern lenses.

 

I direct this question to LCT because I know he uses the 40mm Summicron and 28mm Summicron side by side alot.

 

Many thanks in advance.

[albertwang]

Of course, I use it still and it makes cute chicks even cuter than before. I got flak with the ASPH newer ones.

[lct]

Hi James, yes different characters here, at least on the R-D1.

In one word the 40/2 has a bit less contrast and saturation but its bokeh is less sharp as well giving a blend of sharpness & smoothness that one can hardly get with modern Leica lenses.

If you know the pre-asph 35/2 4th version already, it's almost the same rendition.

[albertwang]

Yes, it's not so clinical as the newer ones... Only the bad dates get the ASPH treatment!

[lct]

The 28/2 and other asph lenses look sharper of course but at very few exceptions i would not say 'clinical' to be honest as we are at the highest quality level here.

Now to portrait my mother in law for instance i'd better use a pre-asph lens if you see what i mean.

I

[captain]

Im just worried if I take a series of shots with different focal lengths that they will stand out quite differently due to their vintage. From what you say that will be the case. I certainly love the B&W I am able to achieve from the 40, I wouldnt want to loose that with more modern lenses.

[lct]

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James, it is what you prefer that counts.

If you like the look of these (young) vintage lenses, you could possibly consider the following combo for your CLE:

- M-Rokkor 28/2.8, small, light, won't block much the viewfinder with its nice vented hood, same fingerprint as the 40/2, a bit of vignetting at full aperture, beware of possible white dots on the glass;

- Summicron-C 40/2 of course; possibly M-Rokkor 40/2 that is very close to the Summicron;

- Elmar-C 90/4 or M-Rokkor 90/4 or Tele-Elmarit-M 90/2.8 but don't shoot against the sun with the later (flare) and don't expect to get a high success rate at f/2.8 due to the short base length of the CLE rangefinder.

 

Rokkor 28 sample on the R-D1:

 

[captain]

Thanks LCT. I currently have an Elmar-C. Its a good lens and great value, it just doesnt have as high a resolution or contrast as the 40mm Summicron for some reason. I thought of the Macro Elmar because it is not only small but focuses a bit closer too which can be handy at times. I also have a 135TE so it, with the 28 Elmarit ASPH, then all lenses would have had 39mm filters. That would be handy too but not as important as the lens signature matching. I guess I was just hoping that the 40mm Summicron was so good that you would be hard pressed to pick the difference in signature between it and the modern lenses unless you looked closely at the edges. Unfortunately that doesnt seem to be the case.

[lct]

Did you think of a good CLA for the Elmar-C?

Anyway you'll get approx. the same fingerprinf with it (or the Tele-Elmarit) and the Summicron 40.

The new 28/2.8 looks sexy but it is an aspheric lens so i guess it will be different.

[captain]

No it doesnt need a clean or repair its as new in a box when I bought it.

 

Do you find your Summicron 28 pictures stand out that noticably from those of your 40mm Summicron when you look at them?

[lct]

A 20+ yo NIB lens is not so new you know but anyway there is indeed a difference in character between the 28/2 and the 40/2.

Now it is a difference for me not necessarily for you...