p.12 #1 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
hmzimelka wrote:
What an interesting lens. Tried one at a retailer on Saturday. Very much on the fence about buying it. Was expecting better stopped down performance at f/5.6 and f/8 at infinity. But the draw is still strong, and the design of the lens is lovely outside of the brain fart that is the hood and cap situation. As it is, the cap only works without a hood and without a filter. The hoods only work without a filter. The screw on hood is not machined in a way to guarantee precise positioning of the vent for RF shooting. The science of thread cutting has existed for a very long time to achieve precision clocked threads, but Leica didn't manage here. It's bizarre that this happens with a lens like this. Still doesn't make me want the lens less
If someone is willing to look at a couple M11 DNG files at infinity, and tell me that my these results are similar to theirs, it would be much appreciated.
Interesting. The Pre-ASPH v2 that I owned (both before and after CLA) was much sharper at the edges and corners by f/5.6. The f/8 results from that SR copy look much better at the edges but still have small soft corners. Versus my pre-ASPH, the SR reissue copy you tried looks at least two stops behind for infinity performance.
Edit to add: The 28 Summaron reissue is sharper at the edges at f/5.6 than that copy of the SR. f/8 looks about equal.
p.12 #2 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
highdesertmesa wrote:
Interesting. The Pre-ASPH v2 that I owned (both before and after CLA) was much sharper at the edges and corners by f/5.6. The f/8 results from that SR copy look much better at the edges but still have small soft corners. Versus my pre-ASPH, the SR reissue copy you tried looks at least two stops behind for infinity performance.
Edit to add: The 28 Summaron reissue is sharper at the edges at f/5.6 than that copy of the SR. f/8 looks about equal.
I compared the infinity performance of my recently reissued 35/1.4 SR lens to an older 35/1.4 pre-aspherical lens from 1975. When both lenses were stopped down, the newer lens produced the same resolution as the older one, but with slightly higher contrast. This difference in contrast is likely due to different coating. Since the lenses share the same optical design, any differences in performance can be attributed to slight variation between individual copies of the lenses.
p.12 #3 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
I compared the infinity performance of my recently reissued 35/1.4 SR lens to an older 35/1.4 pre-aspherical lens from 1975. When both lenses were stopped down, the newer lens produced the same resolution as the older one, but with slightly higher contrast. This difference in contrast is likely due to different coating. Since the lenses share the same optical design, any differences in performance can be attributed to slight variation between individual copies of the lenses.
I remember you mentioning your copy of the SR had focus shift that was corrected when you set it back to Leica – wondering if that could be degrading the infinity IQ in the samples posted. The f/5.6 samples look very weak on the long edges of the frame even for sample variation.
p.12 #4 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
highdesertmesa wrote:
I remember you mentioning your copy of the SR had focus shift that was corrected when you set it back to Leica – wondering if that could be degrading the infinity IQ in the samples posted. The f/5.6 samples look very weak on the long edges of the frame even for sample variation.
My previous copy was optically perfect, but it was not aligned with the rangefinder. I recommend getting the new reissued SR than playing the lottery with lenses 50+ year lenses.
p.12 #5 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
highdesertmesa wrote:
Interesting. The Pre-ASPH v2 that I owned (both before and after CLA) was much sharper at the edges and corners by f/5.6. The f/8 results from that SR copy look much better at the edges but still have small soft corners. Versus my pre-ASPH, the SR reissue copy you tried looks at least two stops behind for infinity performance.
Edit to add: The 28 Summaron reissue is sharper at the edges at f/5.6 than that copy of the SR. f/8 looks about equal.
Thanks for the feedback.
I would even be happy for it to be one stop better. Part of the this mid zone blur is also due to field curvature but the lens I tried never gets as sharp in the mid zone as the far edges. I'm not all too concerned about the corners.
Oh well. I was probably more impressed that this has been the first Leica Lens in 1.5 years that didn't have any serious issues like focus calibration, infinity hard stop inaccuracy, optical asymmetry, etc. The play on the aperture was perfectly fine for my liking, nothing as loose and dinky as like the APO 50mm I had, but the 35 SR just can't touch the smooth focus and aperture of my Ultorn 28mm.
p.12 #6 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
My previous copy was optically perfect, but it was not aligned with the rangefinder. I recommend getting the new reissued SR than playing the lottery with lenses 50+ year lenses.
Indeed. Leica Lens Lotto is my least favorite game.
p.12 #7 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
These 35 Summiluxes were in production over 30 years and are not rare. With minimal effort, I found two in absolutely mint condition. Perfect optics ( I know my flashlight testing), never opened, no buggered up screw heads or retaining rings - perfect. One from KEH and one from Setadel Studios. Both had stiff focus and need a trip to DAG. Serial numbers not far apart - 3395XXX (late Canadian 1986?) and 34433XXX (early German). I'll end up paying similar dollars to the Steel Rim RI after the CLA. I'll probably get a SR later on if I find I continue to use the old one, we'll see.
p.12 #8 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Rob L wrote:
These 35 Summiluxes were in production over 30 years and are not rare. With minimal effort, I found two in absolutely mint condition. Perfect optics ( I know my flashlight testing), never opened, no buggered up screw heads or retaining rings - perfect. One from KEH and one from Setadel Studios. Both had stiff focus and need a trip to DAG. Serial numbers not far apart - 3395XXX (late Canadian 1986?) and 34433XXX (early German). I'll end up paying similar dollars to the Steel Rim RI after the CLA. I'll probably get a SR later on if I find I continue to use the old one, we'll see....Show more →
I'm not sure if that is a selling point - that you paid the same money for the same lens but 50 years older. When you could get that same lens brand new w warranty/easy returns etc. And not have to worry about collimation (even if it looks in perfect condition), possible lens element separation (now 50 years old), more likely to haze much quicker (now 50 years old) etc.
Also, not sure why you'd buy two? That both needed to be serviced?
p.12 #9 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
I'm not selling anything.
But, I was able to purchase from reputable vendors with a 30 day no questions asked return policy. I think Leica USA and the Leica Stores are more restrictive. I did not try real hard, but I could not find an SR so I opted for a V2.
I've bought and sold a ton of vintage Leica. I always opt for clean gear and get it CLAed because my time is valuable, so not much of a lottery in my mind. I've also purchased several M cameras new and 40% of them needed vertical adjustment, which I'm pretty good at, so that is a bit of a lottery. Thankfully my new lens purchases have all been perfect (10+).
I have a mint M4 (48 years old) and a Mint M6 (nearly 30 years old), both CLAed. Had a new MP, but the vert was off and I came to find that the adjustment was accomplished with the M6 style cam lever tool, (as opposed to an allen wrench or screw driver like the other cameras) which does not fit through the hole in the front of the top plate. You have to remove the top to adjust vertical on MPs and MAs!! Sold my MP right away!
p.12 #10 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
If you plan to use the lens rather than just adding it to your collection, I suggest opting for the reissued 6-bit coded 35/1.4 Summilux Steel Rim as it appears to be a more reliable option. Although a mint copy of an older lens with CLA may be priced similarly, there is always a risk of mold, separation, or haze that may not be immediately visible in a 50-year-old lens. While servicing can certainly help, it's better to err on the side of caution.
p.12 #11 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Rob L wrote:
I'm not selling anything.
But, I was able to purchase from reputable vendors with a 30 day no questions asked return policy. I think Leica USA and the Leica Stores are more restrictive. I did not try real hard, but I could not find an SR so I opted for a V2.
I've bought and sold a ton of vintage Leica. I always opt for clean gear and get it CLAed because my time is valuable, so not much of a lottery in my mind. I've also purchased several M cameras new and 40% of them needed vertical adjustment, which I'm pretty good at, so that is a bit of a lottery. Thankfully my new lens purchases have all been perfect (10+).
I have a mint M4 (48 years old) and a Mint M6 (nearly 30 years old), both CLAed. Had a new MP, but the vert was off and I came to find that the adjustment was accomplished with the M6 style cam lever tool, (as opposed to an allen wrench or screw driver like the other cameras) which does not fit through the hole in the front of the top plate. You have to remove the top to adjust vertical on MPs and MAs!! Sold my MP right away!...Show more →
You are willing to send gear in that you buy for a CLA just because, but you sold your MP because you would have to send it in for a vertical rf adjustment if it is needed? Even though yours was fine?
p.12 #13 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Rob L wrote:
The MP was not fine. That’s why I sold it.
I guess I'm not following. You sold it because it was not fine, instead of getting it 'CLAd'. But you CLA other gear that you buy that does not actually need it?
p.12 #14 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Did I do something wrong here?
I'm all for new Leica lenses and the SR. I'm on a waiting list for one.
I simply pointed out that it is easy to find clean used Leica gear and that is often a good option. Some old lenses are risky, yes. The old Summicron Rigids and Dual Range almost always have haze that will not clean up completely due to the glass used. Same with the V1 8 element 35. Still worth a shot as long as you know the seller.
I sold the MP because of the silliness of the design that had a useless screw on the front and did not allow for easy servicing of the vertical alignment.
p.12 #16 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
If you plan to use the lens rather than just adding it to your collection, I suggest opting for the reissued 6-bit coded 35/1.4 Summilux Steel Rim as it appears to be a more reliable option. Although a mint copy of an older lens with CLA may be priced similarly, there is always a risk of mold, separation, or haze that may not be immediately visible in a 50-year-old lens. While servicing can certainly help, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Now that buyers such as yourself have made Leica aware of the initial issues with the SR reissue, I'd be inclined to get one with a newer production date over an old v2 lotto. But I'm waiting to see what their solution is for the new hood. Do they just make it thinner and still leave the lens threading to be random? I still prefer the 12504 that takes 49mm filters, of which I have a plethora , and the vents are easily aligned with the rangefinder. If I get the SR reissue, I'll probably not use the hood at all as you mentioned you do. I did that with the 28 Summaron and 50 Lux BC, and it worked out well. I wonder if there is a similar felt-lined metal cap that Leica makes that would fit the SR reissue when using thicker filters. I guess there's always the 46mm pinch caps.
p.12 #17 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
FYI Christoph Mueller (head of Leica M division) sent me an email, and I politely responded with a list of issues w Leica's QC process which needs to be addressed. He said he will talk to the relevant parties.
This was all from my M6 debacle, but I mentioned the 35 FLE II, the 35 SR etc as well.
Don't know if anything will come of it, but hey, he gave me the opportunity!
p.12 #18 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Desmolicious wrote:
FYI Christoph Mueller (head of Leica M division) sent me an email, and I politely responded with a list of issues w Leica's QC process which needs to be addressed. He said he will talk to the relevant parties.
This was all from my M6 debacle, but I mentioned the 35 FLE II, the 35 SR etc as well.
Don't know if anything will come of it, but hey, he gave me the opportunity!
"We investigated and discovered our Quality Control Department was still working from home."
p.12 #19 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Just went through this entire thread, fantastic images, what a little gem. However I ended up ordering the CV35 f1.4 SC from Stephen @ Camera quest tonight to give it a try to see how I get along with it. Looking forward to dedicating it to monochrome work on M10M.
p.12 #20 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Desmolicious wrote:
FYI Christoph Mueller (head of Leica M division) sent me an email, and I politely responded with a list of issues w Leica's QC process which needs to be addressed. He said he will talk to the relevant parties.
This was all from my M6 debacle, but I mentioned the 35 FLE II, the 35 SR etc as well.
Don't know if anything will come of it, but hey, he gave me the opportunity!
Tell him faster M (body and lens) service turnaround time!!!! But maybe he has limited control over what happens at Leica USA??
, and the vents are easily aligned with the rangefinder. If I get the SR reissue, I'll probably not use the hood at all as you mentioned you do. I did that with the 28 Summaron and 50 Lux BC, and it worked out well. I wonder if there is a similar felt-lined metal cap that Leica makes that would fit the SR reissue when using thicker filters. I guess there's always the 46mm pinch caps.