Leica M3 + Zeiss Biogon 35mm

Hello,

 

I've been lurking in this forum for quite a while; now I'm venturing out with my

first question, which is, I hope, not too generic for the experts congregated here:

 

Some time ago I have purchased a Leica M3 (# > 1m) plus a Leitz Summicron 50mm

at an irresistible price, both in good shape. As the Leica virus keeps unfolding

its full potential, I am considering the purchase of a 35mm lens. With my wallet

depleted I had to bin the idea of a Summicron in favour of a Zeiss Biogon 2/35

which is considerably less expensive but plays in the same league.

 

However, I am not quite sure if I can use the Biogon with M mount without

further problems. How should I proceed?

 

Thank you for your advice.

Problem is, Christian - your M3 doesn't have framelines for the 35 so you will have to use an external v/f. This will slow you down a bit, although for certain styles of shooting this may not bother you but you will have the added expense of the v/f (most here will recommend the plastic VC version). Seems to be a fabulous lens though . . .<p>Johnny.

No question but what the Summicron would be the drug of choice. I have them both with and with the goggles, and don't find any problem using an accessory finder. The other thing you might consider is a 35mm SummaRON with the goggles. It's nearly as good as the Summicron, and only one stop slower, but a whole lot less expensive (cheaper?).

I don`t know what Summicron 50 you purchased. If you purchased the latest, the Biogon

would be a better match. If you got a 1957 DR, then the Summaron or Summicron would

image more closely.

In thinking about it, at least studying how I work, I care little for ultimate sharpness anyway.

Sharp enough is good enough for me. I'd got for price and get the Biogon or a Voigtlander

with a finder.

Bill makes a good point. A goggled Summaron or Summicron will solve both the problem of using a 35mm on an M3, and the money problem.

To try a 35 on the M3 without a large investment, find a late-model Jupiter 12, a screw-mount to M adapter, and the cheapest CV finder available. My J-12 is from 1987, as indicated by the first two digits of the serial number. This lens is plenty sharp for general photography and would give you an idea of whether or not to invest heavily.<div></div>

Here is another vote for the Summaron with goggles. Get the later f/2.8 version which is significantly sharper than the earlier f/3.5 but still has the same smooth bokeh. The goggles mean that the field of view of the Summaron is displayed within the 50mm frame lines, and the rangefinder works perfectly.

 

I am of the view that the bokeh of the f/2.8 Summaron is even smoother than that of the Summicron 35mm f/2 Version 4 a.k.a. "King of Bokeh" and the Summaron's sharpness is very close indeed. I have owned both lenses and preferred the Summi only because I regularly use f/2.

 

My current 35mm is the Carl Zeiss Biogon ZM 35mm f/2. It is a beautiful lens, possibly a better all round lens than the Leica Summicron ASPH because it doesn't display the ASPH's harsh bokeh.

 

However, the Biogon is not really suitable for the M3 unless you like peering through a separate viewfinder. I don't, and because 35mm is my favourite focal length, I sold my M3.

 

Tony

Summaron w/goggles -- great bang for the app. $400 buck(s).<div></div>

Thank you very much for your helpful replies. As it looks that I can get a good deal on a Biogon 35, I am wondering which external viewfinder you could recommend.