Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The only negatives of the 35/2,8 Summaron are the sacrifice of one-stop of speed and the slight field curvature that was the penalty the design team accepted in reducing astigmatism, lateral color and other aberrations, and reducing distortion virtually to zero, quite unusual in a wide-angle lens (Erwin Puts reported that the Summaron has no distortion). Really quite extraordinary in a lens that was introduced 51 years ago! There's an article coming that will include another favorite, the 60/2,8 Macro-Elmarit Seth ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" <robertmeier@usjet.net> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 11:14 AM Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron > And I just did read it off the CD and the results Seth reports are > really quite amazing. The Summaron f2.8 has resol,ution figures as > good as the first Summicron and better than the 4th, the pre- > asph! I wish Seth that you had also included the results from the > 50mm Summicron and the Alpa 50 that you mention you tested at the > same time. > > Bob > > On Jan 18, 2009, at 9:30 AM, Slobodan Dimitrov wrote: > >> And joining the LHSA will get you a CD of all the past issues, >> minus the very last ones. But I'm sure an appendix will be on its >> way eventually. >> sd >> >> >> On Jan 18, 2009, at 6:56 AM, Seth Rosner wrote: >> >>> Actually Steve, I've never used the pre-ASPH Summicron but have >>> heard the same things you have. The 35mm that I use is the 35/2,8 >>> Summaron that we tested vs. the pre-ASPH and the 8-element >>> Summicrons on the Optikos Corporation MTF optical test bench; see >>> the article in LHSA Viewfinder magazine, Vol 37 No 4 (4th qtr 04). >>> Showed pretty clearly that if you don't need the added stop of >>> speed, the Summaron was the choice. >>> >>> I'd attach a copy of the manuscript but I think Brian's software >>> strips away attachments >>> >>> Seth >>> >>> Seth >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Barbour" <kididdoc@cox.net> >>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>> Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 8:57 AM >>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>> >>> >>>> >>>> On Jan 18, 2009, at 6:36 AM, Seth Rosner wrote: >>>> >>>>> All different optical designs. All are Gauss derivatives. #1 is >>>>> an 8- >>>>> element, #2 and 3 are 6-element with slight differences (in #2 the >>>>> second and third elements are cemented together whereas in #3 they >>>>> are separated by air, sometimes called an "air lens" for the >>>>> different refracting effect of air vis-a-vis glass, and #4, >>>>> frequently referred to as the "pre-aspheric", is 7-element with >>>>> elements 2 & 3 and elements 6 & 7 cemented together. >>>> >>>> some love especially #4, calling it the bokeh king. >>>> >>>> I love that lens... what are your thoughts Seth? >>>> >>>> Steve >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> If you're really interested in this stuff, Erwin Puts' book, "Leica >>>>> Lens Compendium" is an excellent resource, though in it Erwin >>>>> occasionally expresses opinions with which I have disagreed >>>>> publicly. Seth >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >>>>> <robertmeier@usjet.net >>>>> > >>>>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>>>> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 7:37 PM >>>>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> They both have the full ring, serrated over about 270 degrees >>>>>> of it, >>>>>> the aperture numbers the rest of the way. So, they are BOTH >>>>>> version >>>>>> 3 -- that is surprising, good news. But all four versions are >>>>>> the >>>>>> same optically, aren't they? Bob >>>>>> >>>>>> On Jan 17, 2009, at 6:30 PM, Seth Rosner wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Bob, I've just taken a look at Erwin Puts' book and see that he >>>>>>> puts the intro of version 3 in 1971 that would make both of your >>>>>>> lenses version 3's. One other way to determine to which group >>>>>>> your >>>>>>> earlier lens belongs is ask if the diaphragm is controlled by a >>>>>>> small tab that protrudes from the lens mount or by a more typical >>>>>>> ring. If the former, it is version 2, if the latter, they're both >>>>>>> version 3. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >>>>>>> <robertmeier@usjet.net> >>>>>>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 6:12 PM >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> My other Summicron 35 is 2619853, which the list puts as only a >>>>>>>> year >>>>>>>> newer (thanks Arche), but this one is mint. I thought the >>>>>>>> newer >>>>>>>> one >>>>>>>> is version 3, but now I'm not sure. >>>>>>>> Bob >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2009, at 3:24 PM, Seth Rosner wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Same series (version), Bob? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >>>>>>>>> <robertmeier@usjet.net> >>>>>>>>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:10 PM >>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Seth, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> That's a very impressive story, both about how well built a >>>>>>>>>> Leica >>>>>>>>>> lens is, and how good the Leica New Jersey service is/was. I >>>>>>>>>> should >>>>>>>>>> reconsider selling this lens, except I have another one >>>>>>>>>> that is >>>>>>>>>> newer >>>>>>>>>> and is even nicer! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Bob >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2009, at 12:37 PM, Seth Rosner wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Hi Bob, the lists I have show that your 35/2 Summicron is >>>>>>>>>>> from >>>>>>>>>>> 1972 >>>>>>>>>>> production that commenced at #2503101 through 2556500. I >>>>>>>>>>> believe >>>>>>>>>>> that Steve's serial numbers refer only to cameras. I bought >>>>>>>>>>> one of >>>>>>>>>>> these lenses shortly after their introduction in 1969 or 70. >>>>>>>>>>> Was in >>>>>>>>>>> my kit for a four-week visit to South and East Africa = 700+ >>>>>>>>>>> Kodachromes. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> One afternoon in our hotel room in Nairobi after returning >>>>>>>>>>> from an >>>>>>>>>>> 8-day tour of the Serengeti, I put down my M4 w/ 35/2 >>>>>>>>>>> Summicron >>>>>>>>>>> attached to answer the phone. I had forgotten to twist the >>>>>>>>>>> lens to >>>>>>>>>>> full lock. When I picked it up, the lens plunged onto a tile >>>>>>>>>>> floor, >>>>>>>>>>> bending the rear flange. I literally burst into sweat, >>>>>>>>>>> told my >>>>>>>>>>> wife >>>>>>>>>>> that I had to go for a short walk to calm down. Returned to >>>>>>>>>>> hotel >>>>>>>>>>> room, looked once again at bent flange, shook lens >>>>>>>>>>> vigorously to >>>>>>>>>>> ascertain if there were loose glass elements, diaphragm >>>>>>>>>>> blades >>>>>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>>> other un-Leica-like anomalies, etc, tried it on the M4 to >>>>>>>>>>> which it >>>>>>>>>>> seemd to mate as usual. Had no back-up 35mm so used it >>>>>>>>>>> balance >>>>>>>>>>> of >>>>>>>>>>> the trip. On return to NYC, I called Vince Fochtman, the lens >>>>>>>>>>> guy >>>>>>>>>>> at Leitz/Rockleigh whom I knew pretty well, told him the >>>>>>>>>>> story >>>>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>>> said I was sending him the lens; if there was damage to the >>>>>>>>>>> glass >>>>>>>>>>> or mechanicals that could not be made perfect, please just >>>>>>>>>>> return >>>>>>>>>>> the lens with a bill and I would sell it and find another; >>>>>>>>>>> if it >>>>>>>>>>> could be made optically and mechanically flawless despite >>>>>>>>>>> cosmetic >>>>>>>>>>> flaws, please repair the lens. A week passed, my lens >>>>>>>>>>> returned >>>>>>>>>>> with >>>>>>>>>>> a Leitz invoice that had no charge. I called Vince and >>>>>>>>>>> inquired. He >>>>>>>>>>> said the lens was fine, glass clean, clear, not decentered a >>>>>>>>>>> micron, just as good as it had come from Wetzlar; he had been >>>>>>>>>>> able >>>>>>>>>>> very gently and little by little to bend the bent- out-of- >>>>>>>>>>> shape >>>>>>>>>>> flange into perfect alignment, didn't need any parts, so no >>>>>>>>>>> charge! >>>>>>>>>>> Talk about robust fortress-like construction! I would like to >>>>>>>>>>> think >>>>>>>>>>> that current production is just as strong. Who knows? >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Enjoy your Summicron! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Seth >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Seth >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >>>>>>>>>>> <robertmeier@usjet.net> >>>>>>>>>>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 11:19 AM >>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Seth, >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks for that confirmation. Where can I go to check the >>>>>>>>>>>> serial >>>>>>>>>>>> numbers of lenses? All I know about is Stephen Gandy's >>>>>>>>>>>> lists of >>>>>>>>>>>> body serial numbers. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks, >>>>>>>>>>>> Bob >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2009, at 7:06 AM, Seth Rosner wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> it is indeed the second version >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Meier" >>>>>>>>>>>>> <robertmeier@usjet.net> >>>>>>>>>>>>> To: "Leica Users Group" <lug@leica-users.org> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 8:02 PM >>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Leica] FS 35mm Summicron >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have a 35mm Summicron, pre-aspheric, that shows wear >>>>>>>>>>>>>> on the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> barrel >>>>>>>>>>>>>> (no dents or dings) and has mint glass. With both >>>>>>>>>>>>>> caps. I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> think it >>>>>>>>>>>>>> is 2nd version, but I'm not sure. The serial number is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2541855, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> $750 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- -- -- -- ---------- >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>>>>>>>>>>>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release >>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: >>>>>>>>>>>>> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>>>>>> ----- -- -- ---------- >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>>>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>>>>>>>>>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release >>>>>>>>>>> Date: >>>>>>>>>>> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> --------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>>>> ----- -- ---------- >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>>>>>>>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release >>>>>>>>> Date: >>>>>>>>> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>>> information >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>>> information >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>> ----- ---------- >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>>>>>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>>>>>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: >>>>>>> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>>> information >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>>> information >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>>> ------------- >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>>>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>>>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: >>>>> 1/16/2009 3:09 PM >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Leica Users Group. >>>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more >>>>> information >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Leica Users Group. >>>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> ----------- >>> >>> >>> >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >>> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1899 - Release Date: >>> 1/17/2009 5:50 PM >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Leica Users Group. >>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1899 - Release Date: 1/17/2009 5:50 PM