Re: [Leica] RE: 35 1.4 vs. 35 1.4 asph

[TTAbrahams@aol.com]

 There is a major difference between the 35/1,4 and the Asph version. The 
35/1,4 Asph is big, a bit clumsy to operate and a stunning performer. It is 
most likely one of the best 35's ever made! I know that some users dont like 
the 'Bokeh," but I rather have disagreeable Bokeh and a sharp image of what I 
wanted sharp. The old 35/1,4 is small, reasonable cost and it has a bit of 
it's own signature. It is noticeably soft wide-open and if you can live with 
that, it is a nice lens. It is not 'unsharp" wide open just a softer look, it 
has a certain glow to it and the lower contrast helps when you are shooting 
in theatres, bars or pubs. I have both lenses and use them. The 35/1,4 of 
olden days is a flattering lens wide-open and once you stop it down, it is 
nice, sharp and with a smooth contrast. The 35/1,4 Asph is knife-edge sharp 
wide open and stays that way through out the range. The 1st generation of the 
35/1,4 was not that good, but once they changed the formula (sometimes in the 
60's) it was a bit of a landmark lens then, as a fast 35. The choice is yours 
and if you are shooting low-light color, go for the Asph. If you are a black 
and white shooter, go for the older versions and buy film for the price 
difference.
Tom A