Re[2]: M 2/35

[eesyliu_at_eenw02po@smtpgwy.polyu.edu.hk]

     I've just sold my Summicron 35/2 which is a German species. It is made 
     in 1989 and it is not as good as the Canada one.(Surprising!) German 
     lens is more valuable (let alone the quality if it is unknown to the 
     user) but not to be better than Canadian one. The contast of the 
     German lens is high but the resolution is, I think my Nikkor 35/2 AIS 
     is much better.(Surprise!) If compared with my old Biogon 35 for 
     Contax IIIA, you definitely sold it.
     
     eesyliu@ee.polyu.edu.hk

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: RE: M 2/35
Author:  leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us at SMTP
Date:    2/10/97 11:24 AM



>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