p.24 #1 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
@Fred Miranda as some kind of reference to the copy I've tried, I've uploaded an aperture series of an infinity scene, taken with the Summilux Reissue on the M11.
p.24 #5 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
So, when we look at the crops taken with the reissued Leica 35mm f/1.4 SR and the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton at infinity distance, the Leica lens performs a bit better. This is also true for long-distance shots. But, it's important to know that the field curvature shape changes as you move closer or farther from your subject. The Leica lens might produce flatter images when the subject is at infinity. I haven't checked the exact FC shape, but it seems to have wavy shape.
I did this test using perfectly centered versions of both lenses. If the lenses weren't perfectly centered, the results wouldn't be reliable because even a tiny misalignment can greatly affect the results, especially when we zoom in to see the fine details.
For this comparison, I used my Leica M10-R (41MP).
p.24 #6 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
So, when we look at the crops taken with the reissued Leica 35mm f/1.4 SR and the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton at infinity distance, the Leica lens performs a bit better. This is also true for long-distance shots. But, it's important to know that the field curvature shape changes as you move closer or farther from your subject. The Leica lens might produce flatter images when the subject is at infinity. I haven't checked the exact FC shape, but it seems to have wavy shape.
I did this test using perfectly centered versions of both lenses. If the lenses weren't perfectly centered, the results wouldn't be reliable because even a tiny misalignment can greatly affect the results, especially when we zoom in to see the fine details.
For this comparison, I used my Leica M10-R (41MP)....Show more →
Thank you for the test!
They both have a similar moustache shape curvature, but the Nokton's curvature is much more wavy.
p.24 #7 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
hmzimelka wrote:
Thank you for the test!
They both have a similar moustache shape curvature, but the Nokton's curvature is much more wavy.
You're welcome! I recall testing this in the past and will search for the files. It might be a result of both field curvature and the optical design that's causing this difference. I mention this because when I focus on the mid-field/corners area, the Voigtlander's resolution/contrast doesn't quite match that of the Leica.
p.24 #8 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
You're welcome! I recall testing this in the past and will search for the files. It might be a result of both field curvature and the optical design that's causing this difference. I mention this because when I focus on the mid-field/corners area, the Voigtlander's resolution/contrast doesn't quite match that of the Leica.
Looking forward to the results...
I just think the CV has stronger curvature making off centre focus more difficult, especially for distant subjects. But looking at your mid-zone tests, that foreground bush is quite sharp at f/4 with the Nokton already.
p.24 #9 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
hmzimelka wrote:
Looking forward to the results...
I just think the CV has stronger curvature making off centre focus more difficult, especially for distant subjects. But looking at your mid-zone tests, that foreground bush is quite sharp at f/4 with the Nokton already.
Good catch! Maybe I only examined the corners when I checked. I'll test if adjusting the focus towards the middle improves that area. The bush indicates the plane of focus, starting at infinity in the center and getting closer in the middle, then maybe moving farther away at the corners. As you mentioned, this could result in a wavy field curvature shape more pronounced for the Voigtlander.
p.24 #10 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
Good catch! Maybe I only examined the corners when I checked. I'll test if adjusting the focus towards the middle improves that area. The bush indicates the plane of focus, starting at infinity in the center and getting closer in the middle, then maybe moving farther away at the corners. As you mentioned, this could result in a wavy field curvature shape more pronounced for the Voigtlander.
Exactly, the plane moves closer from the centre and then further away again towards the edges. Both lenses show the same pattern curvature, but the Leica is far less exaggerated, but from my test with the one sample, perhaps the Leica comes at a cost of some astigmatism and loss of sharpness at around the 12mm mark.
Here's the shape of the Summilux 35mm SR Classic I tested at f/5.6 and f/2.8 (bottom). Notice the astigmatism, tangential vs sagittal resolution.
p.24 #11 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
hmzimelka wrote:
Exactly, the plane moves closer from the centre and then further away again towards the edges. Both lenses show the same pattern curvature, but the Leica is far less exaggerated, but from my test with the one sample, perhaps the Leica comes at a cost of some astigmatism and loss of sharpness at around the 12mm mark.
Here's the shape of the Summilux 35mm SR Classic I tested at f/5.6 and f/2.8 (bottom). Notice the astigmatism, tangential vs sagittal resolution.
p.24 #13 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
KyleChx wrote:
Considering pulling the trigger on one of these guys.
Do we think in February of 2024 the later manufactured models are a safe bet? Or am I gonna buy and immediately ship it back to Leica?
I believe there were some problems with the initial release of this lens. It seems that Leica has improved their tolerance control following the initial complaints. I'm not certain whether the 2024 models will come with the updated hood, which doesn't cause hard vignetting when using a UV filter, but I assume the new production will include the redesigned hood which was sent to previous owners.
The main complaints about the initial batch were a stiff focusing ring when turned towards infinity and a loose aperture ring. My current version, which came from the second or third batch, doesn't have these issues. However, my first copy, which I pre-ordered, did have these problems.
p.24 #14 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Did anyone ever figure out a way to use a filter with the Ollux? It seems that I remembered reading about a technician looking for a solution. I wonder if some sort of bushing could be machined and pressed into the hood? I just got my copy—made in December of 2023, and that hood locks on with authority! I couldn't even pull it off with all my might (not twisting). It sure is a shame that this hood can't be utilized with some kind of elemental protection.
p.24 #15 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
anitasanger wrote:
Did anyone ever figure out a way to use a filter with the Ollux? It seems that I remembered reading about a technician looking for a solution. I wonder if some sort of bushing could be machined and pressed into the hood? I just got my copy—made in December of 2023, and that hood locks on with authority! I couldn't even pull it off with all my might (not twisting). It sure is a shame that this hood can't be utilized with some kind of elemental protection.
"...when you insert a 43mm filter upside down inside the lens, it fits perfectly, acting like a drop-in filter. Even though the lens normally takes a 46mm filter, using a 43mm one allows you to attach the OLLUX hood without any problems and keeps the setup stable, meaning the filter does not move inside. I believe using a 43mm filter shouldn't scratch the lens since there's no force involved and it stays in place, but it might depend on the type of UV filter you use. I've tried it with a B+W nano slim UV filter and it worked fine..."
p.24 #16 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Hey, thanks for the reply. I do remember reading your post about that a while back. That's pretty cool. Is this the orientation in which you shoot your Steel Rim? I'm currently using the round one, but wish to use the Ollux. Maybe I need to try this. But it sure is a shame there's no substantive way to mount a filter. Thanks again!
p.24 #17 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Leica is coming out with a new 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens dubbed as "Black Paint". Though it's not really painted black, it does have a black anodizing finish. Only 200 units will be available.
You can find more details at this link: [Leica Rumors]
And it's not even black paint! Apparently they took a regular CV 35 1.4v2 and slapped a red dot on it.
Leica could have simply applied black paint to the brass construction. I mean, LLL did it for their 35/2 8E "glossy black paint" special edition. Black anodizing on brass doesn't seem logical; perhaps the lens is made of aluminum, which would be a downgrade from the silver steel rim.
p.24 #20 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
What bugs me is I wanted a black version - paint or brass. To use not to try and flip for a profit.
Voigtlander has no problems offering multiple finish versions of their lenses for basically the same price, but Leica only offers that on a very small number of their lenses.
I did not want a silver 35mm steel rim. So I didn't buy one ergo no sale to Leica. Still no sale because they decided to cater to 200 collectors instead of making the lens available to the general public.
When Leica does this it shows they care more about the collectors than photographers. They could have appeased both camps by releasing a limited 200 run in BP, and a regular production model in black anodised. Win win, everyone is happy.
Or maybe they just don't want to deal with more quality control issues, and instead of doing the right thing and demanding their QC dept actually does their job, they figure they'd just sell 200 lenses to people who are not even going to use them, so will not realize something is wrong.
(do they even have a QC dept? Or is it just two guys signing paperwork stating the gear has been meticulously checked?)
