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Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

lifeandmylens
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p.17 #1 · p.17 #1 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks for the side by side samples!

The recently reissued version offered a similar aesthetic, although with slightly increased contrast. (you can see that difference in your samples). I think It shares more similarities with the latest German version due to their upgraded coating. Interestingly, despite its age, your "pre-asph" copy appears to have clear glass. Some pre-asph versions I have tried in the past had a more "dreamy" appearance, possibly due to internal haze.

Yes, my copy of the v2 is very clear (albeit clear with dust

). I think between the two lenses I have the main difference for me is haptics - focusing ring and infinity lock. And of course nuances like 6 bit coding and slightly more contrast, and not being able to use filters on the v2 - but overall IQ is very similar.

May 20, 2023 at 05:04 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.17 #2 · p.17 #2 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks for the side by side samples!

The recently reissued version offered a similar aesthetic, albeit with slightly increased contrast. (you can see that difference in your samples). I think It shares more similarities with the latest German version due to their upgraded coating. Interestingly, despite its age, your "pre-asph" copy appears to have clear glass. Some pre-asph versions I have tried in the past had a more "dreamy" appearance, possibly due to internal haze.

The Steel Rim original and v2 lenses vary quite a bit over time and therefore by serial number batches. Steven over on Leica Forum has tried many copies and at one point listed out some serial number ranges for the SR and v2 and described the performance differences he observed between them. It's buried somewhere in one of the longer 35 Lux pre-ASPH threads over there. But long story sort was the Steel Rim has more glow than the v2, but early v2 copies were Steel Rim optics in the v2 housing. If someone has a mid to late copy of the v2 that has a lot of glow, it likely has haze or is has a slight mis-calibration with the rangefinder. Even being a hair off focus with these lenses at f/1.4 can cause the glow to be boosted quite a bit.

May 20, 2023 at 11:26 PM

311erin
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p.17 #3 · p.17 #3 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

M6 and steel rim on the way! Excited to play and explore with something different. I have DBS, digital burnout syndrome. 20yrs of pixel peeping and searching for perfection, I now lust after something different which doesn’t come from a plugin or filter. We’ll see. Any links to this combo shot with film? Thanks

May 21, 2023 at 08:23 AM

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p.17 #4 · p.17 #4 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

highdesertmesa wrote:
The Steel Rim original and v2 lenses vary quite a bit over time and therefore by serial number batches. Steven over on Leica Forum has tried many copies and at one point listed out some serial number ranges for the SR and v2 and described the performance differences he observed between them. It's buried somewhere in one of the longer 35 Lux pre-ASPH threads over there. But long story sort was the Steel Rim has more glow than the v2, but early v2 copies were Steel Rim optics in the v2 housing. If someone has a mid to late copy...Show more →

However, this appears to be anecdotal evidence. I struggle to believe that they undergo such significant changes, particularly comparing the original Steel Rim v1 to the pre-asph v2. It's important to consider the variations in copies and factors like fungus, haze, and other optic issues that can occur over time and affect how the lens performs.
Additionally, RF miscalibration can happen between copies, causing the subject to be missed and resulting in the illusion of increased glow with certain copies.While there may have been changes in the lens coatings, these mainly impact contrast, and the actual difference in real images should be minimal.

May 21, 2023 at 09:31 AM

lifeandmylens
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p.17 #5 · p.17 #5 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

My copy of the v2 is a 1983 Canadian version. No fungus/haze, that I can see at least. I plan to get it CLA'd this week.

Another three examples. This time in the sun. The umbrella set was on a tripod, the same settings, same camera etc. The barn and my wife were hand held, same settings, but different cameras, so keep that in mind. Don’t read too much into the color on the second sets as daylight WB is different in the M10r as it is in the M10p.

Anyway, very quick summary (from what I have experienced) between my two copies:

v2:

IQ: slightly softer, slightly more glow, much more vignetting, lower contrast, lower saturation, slightly cooler

Design/Other: needs a CLA, smoother focus (it's also almost as old as me!), no infinity lock, impossible to use a filter on the lens, impossible to 6 bit code, cheaper.

SR:

IQ: slightly sharper, higher contrast, much less vignetting, higher saturation, slightly warmer, slightly more chromatic aberrations

Design/Other: infinity lock, stiffer focus (but it's 40 years younger!), 6 bit coded, can use a filter on the lens, more expensive, warranty, brand new

Anyway hope this helps anyone who was curious about how these two lenses compare as I was.

LEICA M10-R Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 lens 35mm f/1.4 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Leica Summilux Pre Asph v2 lens 35mm f/1.0 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-P Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 lens 35mm f/1.4 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Leica Summilux Pre Asph v2 lens 35mm f/1.0 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-P Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 lens 35mm f/1.4 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Leica Summilux Pre Asph v2 lens 35mm f/1.0 1/4000s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

May 21, 2023 at 01:08 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.17 #6 · p.17 #6 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Fred Miranda wrote:
However, this appears to be anecdotal evidence. I struggle to believe that they undergo such significant changes, particularly comparing the original Steel Rim v1 to the pre-asph v2. It's important to consider the variations in copies and factors like fungus, haze, and other optic issues that can occur over time and affect how the lens performs.
Additionally, RF miscalibration can happen between copies, causing the subject to be missed and resulting in the illusion of increased glow with certain copies.While there may have been changes in the lens coatings, these mainly impact contrast, and the actual difference in real...Show more →

Definitely anecdotal but with a larger sample size than most can afford when it comes to these lenses, especially the Steel Rim original.

We do know the strong rainbow flare ring became much more subdued for all v2s (excluding the early v2, which were Steel Rim optics in the v2 housings. The earliest v2 had the Steel Rim brass infinity locks, with later early v2 switching to aluminum infinity locks. And since we know the rainbow flare of the Steel Rim doesn't come from the stainless steel ring at the end of the lens, there had to be a physical change between the Steel Rim and the v2.

DAG would probably be a great source to ask about what physical changes inside the lens happened between the Steel Rim and the v2, but he's probably too busy to indulge such a question.

May 21, 2023 at 03:53 PM

lifeandmylens
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p.17 #7 · p.17 #7 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

lifeandmylens wrote:
impossible to 6 bit code

I stand corrected. Youxin told me the wrong information. Don tells me he can 6 bit code the v2 no problem.

May 22, 2023 at 12:46 PM

311erin
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p.17 #8 · p.17 #8 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Enjoying my 35 SR! Running around taking boring shots and annoying my family with my M10-R and M6 loaded with Ektar checking everything out. Nothing amiss with my copy so far. No aperture ring wobble or stiff focus. Feb copy. This is an interesting lens and wide open the rendering reminds me of the look of the original Canon 85 1.2 however, after stopping down the lens acts like a completely different lens altogether. I’m not happy with the snap-on lens hood, too loose for the money I paid, so I’m using the screw-on hood instead. We’ll see, but I’m enjoying the experience and looking forward to getting out there once I have confidence in my abilities and the gear.

May 29, 2023 at 02:20 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.17 #9 · p.17 #9 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Some shots with my (returned due to stiff focusing) Steel Rim reissue on BwXX and the new M6. The two shots of the lamp were at f/1.4, the other two were stopped down some.

Steel Rim Reissue -|- f/1.4

Steel Rim Reissue

May 29, 2023 at 04:35 PM

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p.17 #10 · p.17 #10 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

highdesertmesa wrote:
Some shots with my (returned due to stiff focusing) Steel Rim reissue on BwXX and the new M6. The two shots of the lamp were at f/1.4, the other two were stopped down some.

Very cool look on film!

May 29, 2023 at 05:27 PM

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p.17 #11 · p.17 #11 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Review comparing the reissued Steel Rim to the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 II Nokton:

https://www.jogeier.com/blog/leica-summilux-1-4-35mm-steel-rim-vs-voigtlander-nokton-1-4-35mm-quick-review/

Personally I love both lenses.

Jun 16, 2023 at 12:56 PM

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p.17 #12 · p.17 #12 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

With my daughter in Kyoto, Japan

Leica M10-R + 35/1.4 Lux SR

Jul 07, 2023 at 03:37 AM

dystorsion
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p.17 #13 · p.17 #13 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Fred Miranda wrote:
With my daughter in Kyoto, Japan

Leica M10-R + 35/1.4 Lux SR

Beautiful! P.S, any update on the new redesigned hood?

Jul 07, 2023 at 05:47 AM

lifeandmylens
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p.17 #14 · p.17 #14 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

lifeandmylens wrote:
Don tells me he can 6 bit code the v2 no problem.

v2 arrived back from it's spa treatment (CLA and 6 bit coding). The coding looks great and is recessed (milled). I unfortunately no longer have the SR Reissue to compare to now, but from my memory at least it looks like the CLA probably leveled the playing field for "glow". It seems to produce slightly less glow than it did before, but could be in my head without something to compare it to.

Jul 07, 2023 at 11:10 AM

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p.17 #15 · p.17 #15 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

I just successfully ordered a Steel Rim re-issue from Leica dash Camera dot com. It is July 7th, 2023, shortly past noon, USA Central Daylight time. I had been peridocally checking the site, and was also on a notification list, though I had not yet noticed a notification e-mail.

Edited to add: I am now REALLY glad that I did not purchase that Version II, that was recently locally available, at Houston Camera Exchange. That glow, wide-open, with the V. II, is just not quite my cup of tea. The V. II would have been ~$3K US, whereas I paid the $3895 US for the new Steel Rim re-issue.

The hood situation does not bother me. Heliopan makes quite nice black-coated brass step-up rings. I probably already have at least one that will work.

The only sad part is that my budget will not allow me to buy this Steel Rim, and still be able to afford a pre-owned FLE, within the foreseeable future. This seems to be a quite good time to buy a decent pre-owned FLE, with plenty of choices, but the best of them will find new homes, and the situation will eventually stabilize.

OK, I will be quiet now, lest I jinx myself.

Jul 07, 2023 at 11:19 AM

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p.17 #16 · p.17 #16 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

dystorsion wrote:
Beautiful! P.S, any update on the new redesigned hood?

There seems to be a lack of progress, indicating that Leica likely considers it a matter of very low priority.

Jul 07, 2023 at 04:15 PM

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p.17 #17 · p.17 #17 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

RexGig0 wrote:
I just successfully ordered a Steel Rim re-issue from Leica dash Camera dot com. It is July 7th, 2023, shortly past noon, USA Central Daylight time. I had been peridocally checking the site, and was also on a notification list, though I had not yet noticed a notification e-mail.

Edited to add: I am now REALLY glad that I did not purchase that Version II, that was recently locally available, at Houston Camera Exchange. That glow, wide-open, with the V. II, is just not quite my cup of tea. The V. II would have been ~$3K US, whereas I paid the...Show more →

Congratulations on your new lens! To be honest, with the availability of the reissued steel rim version, I don't think it's necessary to acquire the vintage pre-aspherical V2 lens, unless you happen to already have an optical copy with flawless glass. If you're a fan of the pre-aspherical look, you'll definitely appreciate the reissued SR lens. The hood situation is a minor issue but I don't even use it with a hood.

Jul 07, 2023 at 04:26 PM

RexGig0
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p.17 #18 · p.17 #18 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Fred Miranda wrote:
Congratulations on your new lens! To be honest, with the availability of the reissued steel rim version, I don't think it's necessary to acquire the vintage pre-aspherical V2 lens, unless you happen to already have an optical copy with flawless glass. If you're a fan of the pre-aspherical look, you'll definitely appreciate the reissued SR lens. The hood situation is a minor issue but I don't even use it with a hood.

Thanks. This will be my first Leica lens purchased new, assuming that shipping and delivery go well, so, this one will be special, in that regard. I started with a pre-owned Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, and a new M10, in April 2018.

Eidted to add: I like a bit of “character,” but not too much, and especially not too much softness or glow at 35mm.

Jul 07, 2023 at 04:43 PM

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p.17 #19 · p.17 #19 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Kyoto, Japan

LEICA M10-R Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 lens 35mm f/2.4 1/90s 125 ISO 0.0 EV

LEICA M10-R Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 lens 35mm f/2.0 1/180s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

Jul 07, 2023 at 06:46 PM

RexGig0
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p.17 #20 · p.17 #20 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens

Lovely images of lovely girls, Fred.

I think that I made a correct choice, in ordering the 2022 Steel Rim, rather than a pre-owned, pre-II FLE. I was blessed with a moment of availability, and made the leap of faith. The only way to be certain, at this point, is to try the 2022 Steel Rim, in a variety of environments. If it is not my cup of tea, after a trial period, its desirability on the pre-owned market should result in a relatively painless trade.

If I later decide that I still want to buy an FLE, either version, while keeping the 2022 Steel Rim, well, I can deal with that matter, then. Different visual signatures, to a significant degree, so, yes, this could happen.

Life is good.

Jul 09, 2023 at 09:16 AM

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