george_conboy1 Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 I am looking for a 35 lens for a IIIf and am finding a few choices. Interested in a lens of modest size and weight for general use. Price is not a big issue, and while it doesn't need to be the absolute optically best lens available, I'm not interested in a Russian lens or something of equally inconsistent quality. So far I have seen a Summaron f3.5, a Canon Serenar f3.5, and a Canon f2.8, and wonder how they compare. Please let me know your comments or suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendell_kelly Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 The Russian LTM 35mm/f2.8 lens actually has a good reputation for quality. It is the Russian 50mm/f1.5 and the Russian 85mm lens that are known for problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Since "price is not a big issue," go for a 35mm Summicron -- they're still the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frederick_muller Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 You will have a hard time finding a screw mount Type 1 Summicron. And they are pricey. Same for the screw mount Summicron Asph. If you want good quality, look for a Canon 35mm f2 black, or try out the 35mm VC Ultron. In the second tier, the Canon 35mm f1.8 has a very nice glow and is sharp enough, but one man's glow is another man's flare. The Canon Serenars are sharp, but low contrast and they have what I call a watercolor-like look to their color rendition which can be very nice and arty, but you've got to want it. I've never used a Summaron f3.5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_evans4 Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 <p>Simply look in <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00JGf5">this very recent thread</a>.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_evans4 Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 <p><em>look for a Canon 35mm f2 black</em></p><p>While there is no Canon 35/2 that isn't black, there are two designs that are black. The older one's flarey when wide open.</p><p>The stunningly obvious choice for a good, small 35mm lens is the VC 35/2.5.</p><p>Once you skip the monster Angénieux at the top, <a title="In Japanese, sorry." href="http://www.msoptical.com/modules/weblog/index.php?user_id=0&cat_id=6">these</a> may appeal to you. You'll need to be in Japan, though.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopher_a._junker1 Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 I inherited an old 35 f3.5 Summaron that needed a complete CLA. Sherry Krauter did a nice job and it is now mounted on my IIIg for general use. I don't use it wide open. Stopped down using ASA 200 color it works just fine. I use a Leica hood and that seems to help the contrast. I can't speak to the other two lenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony_brookes5 Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 The sharpest 35mm lens I used on my Leica III was the 3.5 Elmar - as sharp as my 35mm Summicron on my M6. The trouble is the aperure is small so you need a fast film. I tended to use it in bright weather at F6.3 - as sharp as a scalpel at that aperture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_conboy1 Posted January 13, 2007 Author Share Posted January 13, 2007 Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions, especially for the link to the recent thread. I should have searched before asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Nikon 35mm F3.5 , or the Canon 35mm F1.8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee_shively Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Voigtlander 35/2.5 Color Skopar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02Pete Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 I agree with the recommendations for the Canon 35mm f/2 in LTM. I own one and have used it extensively. It offers excellent optical quality, excellent handling, small size and light weight. The Canon 35mm f/1.8 in LTM is also a good lens and worth your consideration, but I have both and prefer the f/2. Skip the Canon 35 mm f/1.5 unless you do a great deal of shooting under dim available light conditions, or are a collector. Like Canon's 50 mm f/1.2, this was introduced during the 1950s, when lens manufacturers competed for fastest lenses as a matter of prestige, and it sacrificed optical quality in the interests of maximum speed. The f/1.5 is usable, but the f/2 is definitely a better lens in all but the dimmest light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russell_brooks Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 I have a 35mm summaron with the older build style. It is nice and compact and solidily built. I even found one of the old hoods for it. Together they make a nice set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 I too have the old Summaron. It has the same profile as my ver. 1 'cron, and a similar "character" to the photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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