Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/05/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi all. I'm winnowing out my kit, and I've decided I really want to try a 35/2 Summicron. I have two historically important LTM lenses to trade: the famous Nikon 85/2 which won Life magazine over to Japanese optics; and the Canon black 35/2, considered the finest lens in that line. Both are optically pristine -- no cleaning marks, nothing. (The Nikon has a couple of those bubble, which were considered a sign of superior glass -- ie. a feature, not a bug). The Nikon has wonderfully tight focusing -- like new -- whereas the Canon focusing ring could use tightening up. Cosmetically the Nikon is mint-/Exc++, whereas the Canon is merely Exc. I have the original hood for the Nikon, and what may have been the original front cap (certainly vintage, at any rate). Both are extraordinarily sharp lenses. The Nikon is a superb portrait lens, and can probably hold its own with a Leica 90/2. The Canon is legendary (and hard to find). What I'm looking for ideally is the Summicron 35/2 immediately prior to the Aspherical (some seem to call this the fourth, and some the third generation model -- anyway, it's the one identified by Photo Techniques as "The King of Bokeh") I'll look at any version, though. Cosmetics are unimportant to me, as long it's optically flawless and mechanically sound; and I'd need a hood. In fact, slightly beat up is preferable, as I'd like to do a straight trade. Please contact me offlist. cheers, Douglas Cooper Oh, and if you're in New York, I've co-curated a show at White Box in Chelsea, with a fair bit of interesting photography (as well as new media, architecture, painting and sculpture). I'd love it if you could come; it's open until June 2, at 525 W. 26th St. Called "After the Diagram". dc