Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/02/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>From: Laurent SAMINADAYAR >In the last issue of "Chasseurs d'images", there is a test of the Sumicron >M 2/35. They say it is not a lens as good as other Leica lenses (2/50 M for >example). Actually, I was quite disappointed by this result. This is a little surprising. I thought CDI had given the 2/35 M a score similar to other well regarded M lenses (four stars or something) in the past. To my knowledge the 2/50 has not been optically changed in recent years. I've used a seven element 2/35 M for almost 15 years along side the 2.8/21, 2.8/28 (3rd gen.), six element 2/50 and five element 2/90. For lenses in this group shorter than 50mm, the 2/35 is by far the superior lens from a purely technical standpoint. The 2/50 might be a little better in uniformity of resolution but I never felt the 35 to be weak on this. The contrast and color between the two are similar as is also the case with the 2/90. The 2/35 and 2/50 are regular companions - the biggest limitation on quality being the photographer. I suffered a mild lapse of confidence after hearing all the praise for the 1.4/35 ASPH. I shoot the 35mm focal length regularly from f/2 to f/2.8 when indoors. After reviewing past work and deliberately shooting more under such conditions, I decided there wasn't anything wrong with what I was getting. Someday I'll have to satisfy my curiosity by testing an ASPH and then seeing if I can live without it. I think having the speed (f/1.4) would be the biggest revelation. So far, I have yet to notice the coma and reflected images some have observed in their 2/35 lenses. >Do you know if Leica plan to build a new 2/35 M in the future ? This lens >is very small and light, and so very usefull. But the quality should be >increase to preserve the interest of this optic. The Photokina report in the recent issue of LHSA Viewfinder seemed to to confirm that the 21/2.8 is in the process of being redesigned to include aspherical technology. Specifics about other lens designs or upgrades didn't seem to be confirmed by the Leica folks in the article. Also, given the difference in price between the 2/35 and the 1.4/35 ASPH, I would think interest in the 2/35 would persist. Unless the lenses being shipped now are different than 15 years ago (they should be the same element/grouping, etc.), I think the performance should be pretty good. - Kevin kburke@iterated.com