Re: [Leica] 35mm Summicron Comparisons

[Bud Cook <budcook@ibm.net>]

Charlie,
I really have two decisions to make.  The first is whether it's worth it to
give up the convenience of the goggles for better optical quality.  Are the
current versions of the 35 Summicron greatly improved over the first version?
I suspect that they are.

The second question would be to choose between the last non-ASPH version and
the ASPH version.  In this case I'd have to consider the following:  a) is the
ASPH worth the extra cost when I'd seldom use the lens wide open? b) how much
would I want to use my 39 mm swing-out polarizer with this lens? c) are both
lenses equal in color transmission? and; d) is a late Canadian Summicron likely
to be more reliable than a lens from Solms?

Erwin Puts mentioned that the ASPH lenses may be somewhat warmer than the
non-ASPH lenses.  This is important to me since I'm extremely concerned about
the color rendition of a lens and I want all of my later lenses to be equal in
this respect.

Thank you for your input.

Best Regards,
Bud

Charles Dunlap wrote:

> Erwin Puts has written a thorough comparison:
> http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/m/lenses/pages/l11879.html
>
> Executive summary: ASPH is not a quantum leap forward in performance, but
> does offer advantages. Aside from small gains in microcontrast wide open,
> it has a markedly flatter field than the previous version. At f/5.6 the
> ASPH extends performance farther into the corners than the last version
> manages to do. Mr. Puts seems to feel that Leica has oversold the
> improvements in the design a bit, but that it is nevertheless the better
> performer.
>
> In practical terms the new lens comes with a cap that fits over the outside
> of the hood. This makes storing the lens with hood in place practical. The
> ASPH is also a bit bigger than the previous one, but not dramatically so.
> It weighs 100g more (comparing black to black versions).
>
> I just upgraded from a 1979 35 Summicron to the ASPH. I haven't recieved it
> yet, however, since it seems to be out of stock at Leica (and they are not
> particularly pleasant about inquiries into its potential arrival).
>
> With Kodachrome 25 and assuming that you shoot at 1/125 or higher and/or
> use a tripod you'll probably see the difference between the ASPH and the
> last version. But it might make only a small difference in how well people
> enjoy the slides.
>
> -Charlie