Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/02/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Andrew Jordon ased for opinions re the 35mm Summilux vs the Summicron. I havn't used the Summicron for many years, but when I did I made my living with it. In a word -- superb. A few years ago when I returned to using the Leica M system as as an amateur rather than a working pro, I bought the Summilux. No regrets whatsoever. Except at f/1.4, the lens is superb -- every bit as sharp and contrasty as the Summicron. Colour saturation is first class! I would venture to say that from f/2.8 onward these lenses are essentially identical in perceived performance. Lens tests that I have seen bare this out as well. Also, the lens is very light and small. A perfect travel lens. From time to time one hears people denegrating the 35mm Summilux because at f/1.4 - f/2.0 it is soft and lacking in contrast. While true, this says nothing about the lens at usual apertures, where it sings. I don't need f/1.4 often, but when I do it's there -- unlike with the Summicron :-) and even then there are situations where this quality can be an asset. The ASPH is clearly a superior lens at the first couple of stops, but after that any advantage disappears. The ASPH's cost and bulk are also factors. Regards, ______________________________________ Michael H. Reichmann E-mail: michael.reichmann@alphanet.net ______________________________________