What lenses are most similar to my 35mm Summicron v.4

[Woody Campbell]

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I've grown more and more attached to my pre-asp 35mm Summicron v. 4. Which legacy lenses have this type of signature (relatively low contrast wide open, increasing as you stop down; no linear distortion; Leica glow; terrific brokeh). Among the 50 mm 'crons? The 28s? The 21s?

 

Thanks!

[lct]

Not sure what to mean by 'glow' exactly but those lenses of mine match well my 35/2 IV:

 

Summilux-M 35/1.4, latest pre-asph (code # 11870)

Summicron-C 40/2.0 (code # 11542)

Summilux-M 50/1.4, latest pre-asph (code # 11868)

Summicron-M 50/2.0, with tab (code # 11819)

Elmarit 90/2.8, with detachable 'head' (code # 11129)

Elmarit-M 135/2.8, with goggles (code # 11829)

 

As far as wides, i would think of the pre-asph 21/2.8 (code # 11134) and 28/2.8 (code # 11804) but i don't use them any more so better ask current owners.

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[svante]

Obvious candidates are also:

75mm Summilux

50mm Zeiss C Sonnar

 

In fact I think that these two lenses have the qualities you list to an even greater extent than the v.IV 'cron.

[alun]

I also love the rendition of the latest version of the Elmar 50/2.8 collapsible and use it a fair bit in conjunction with a V4 35/2. I'm not saying the rendering is the same but they are both wonderfully compact, lightweight, ergonomic lenses and the Elmar does have a distinctive signature and beautifully warm colour rendition. Cheers --

[lct]

The currrent 50/2.8 is a very contrasty lens that i like much as well but i would not use it with a 35/2 IV personally. Matches modern asph lenses much better IMHO.

[marknorton]

I like the little 50/2.8. The focussing mount makes it very quick to focus - only a small movement of the focussing ring results in a relatively large movement of the rangefinder patch which makes it quick and precise.

[adan]

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Woody: Let me refer you to my post from last year on "The Mandler lenses" - These are all lenses designed contemporaneously with your v.4 35 'cron by the same Canadian design team, and in general match the signature you describe.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/45854-praise-mandler-lenses.html

 

Some lenses mentioned above are clearly also in this signature group, although I didn't list them because I don't own or use them (50 f/1.4 pre-ASPH, 75 f/1.4, 135 f/2.8). I'm looking around (casually) for a 50 f/1.4 pre-ASPH myself.