Need a 35mm lens

[bob_peters]

I'm in the market for a 35mm lens. Budget is more of a consideration than speed,

however I don't want to compromise too much on look. Speed differences aside

what's the fingerprint advantages or disadvantages of a VC 35mm f2.5, Hexanon

35mm f2 (if I can get one), Nokton 35mm f1.2, pre-asph Summilux 35mm f1.4 and a

Summaron 35mm f2.8? Any sample photographs from any of these lenses, preferably

black and white as that's all I'll be using it for, gratefully received.

[bob_peters]

Oh. My point of reference is a latest version 50mm Summicron - so a look closest to that classic smooth black and white is what I'm after.

[frederick_muller]

My two favorite 35's are the 35mm Type 4 Summicron (the one immediately preceding the asph) and the 35mm f2 Canon Black. The two have very similar black and white rendition, and both are very nice and compact. The Canon is the smallest 35mm I've seen, and its quality is almost on par with the Type 4 summicron.<div></div>

[frederick_muller]

This one was shot with a Type 4 'cron.<div></div>

[frederick_muller]

Close up with a Type 4<div></div>

[frederick_muller]

Another closeup with a Type 4<div></div>

[leslie_cheung]

I find your question hilarious. You say you have a tight budget and does not care about

speed but you want to know about fingerprint advantages and disadvantages? Moreover

your list of lenses range from $200 to $1000. Just too funny...

[frederick_muller]

Type 4 under available light and very high speed film:<div></div>

[frederick_muller]

The 35mm Lux Asph is an outstanding lens, but you'll find it bigger, heavier, and pricier than either the Canon or the Type 4. If you are on a budget, the others are probably a better buy.<div></div>

[leslie_p.]

nice photos to show the type 4 summicron..thanks for that

[andreas_t]

May I suggest a lens that you did not list: ZM Biogon 35/2.

 

Check for multiple threads with photos on RFF.

 

Also check E. Puts recent eval (technical only) of the lens.

 

<a href="http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33116&page=4&highlight=biogon"> Example </a> of RFF discussion.

 

Price is $800, IIRC.

 

Andreas

[pablito_pistola]

Gotta say I had a similar reaction as Leslie Cheung. OK, I didn't find your post particularly

hilarious but I could not make much sense of it. If budget is more of a consideration than

speed, the CV 2.5 is a great little lens. If you don't want to compromise on speed or "look",

then put the budget aside. If you ARE willing to compromise on price/speed then the Zeiss

suggested above or the Summicron f2 are superb but not as expensive as a Summilulx =

?????

[mattalofs]

<p>I've used both the Biogon and the Nokton. Both are fine lenses, with plenty of resolution and character. The Nokton has slightly harsher Bokeh and creates a more pronounced three dimensional effect. The Nokton is like the movie star that dominates the room, while the Biogon is more like the pretty wall flower that you actually go home with. </p>

A few from the Biogon:<br /><br />

<center>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/03020014.jpg"><br />

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/03190001.jpg"><br />

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/02770031.jpg"><br /></center>

A few from the Nokton:<br /><br /><center>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/01460004.jpg"><br />

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/01190008.jpg"><br />

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/01390001.jpg"><br />

</center>

<p>

I've reviewed both of these lenses on my site: <a href="http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/cv-nokton-35mm-f12-review/">Nokton 35 F1.2 Review</a> & <a href="http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/zm-biogon-35mm-f2-review/">ZM Biogon 35 F2 Review</a>. Either is a great lens, but the size and weight of the Nokton can get a little old and F1.2 is not forgiving when it comes to focussing.</p>

<p>BTW, KevinCameras.com has a Hexanon 35 F2. Someone should buy it, so that I can stop thinking about buying it.</p>

[james_itard1]

I've used both the 2.8 Summaron and the AF version of the Hexanon wide open under harsh nigtht time streetlight. In terms of color tonality and smooth out of focus rendition, both acquited themselves quite well, but the Summaron just edged out the Hexanon by a hair. There is a good report on the UC Hexanon--the third version--on Dante Stella's site.

[35mmdelux]

I like the Summicron 4th version - its compact, to me everything a Leica lens should be. The 35 Asph is wonderful too and costs twice as much as the V4 generally. Not only is the Asph a bigger lens but once you place the shade, then its much bigger!

 

On a budget, I'd go for the Summicron 3rd version. Excellent build and just about as good as the 4th version. Or, go w/ the Canon as suggested by Frederick.

[jim r]

Matt - Done! Kevin seems like a great guy and was a pleasure to deal with.

[x-ray]

I currently have the v4 summicron, Biogon and Nokton 35's. The Biogon is the finest of the RF 35's that I've ever used. The Nokton is excellent too and the v4 is an old technology lens with good but not superb performance. Mechanical construction on the v4 is only fair and not up to Leica standards of the mid 70's and earlier. Very disappointing in that regard and F2 performance is lackluster.