It's one of my all-time favorites. The Voigtlander 35/1.4 comes close in terms of image quality and rendering structure, but it lacks the atmospheric glow of the Leica. This effect is evident in the images you shared.
p.30 #3 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Anyone with experience with the reissue and the pre FLE? Both of these lenses are on my list and I'm finding it hard to choose between which one to try next.
p.30 #4 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
I've so evolved from shooting Nikon/Sony and striving for absolute sharpness/depth of field. Now having moved to Leica I embrace lens imperfections, softness, lucious bokeh
p.30 #6 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Just got my Steel Rim Re-issue back from Wetzlar CLA. (First went to NJ then Wetzlar). It arrived in Wetzlar in the beginning of July and seemingly got completed within 7 days and I have back it in my hands as of today July 10 (I was previously told six month wait). This amazing miracle of a story cannot be understated but that is not the focus of this post.
At first, my copy had no mechanical issues such as loose ring, loose cap, tight focus ring etc but it did arrive with back focusing (not focus shift) wide open i.e. not calibrated to my rangefinder. So when I stopped down, the plane of focus was even more behind the target than it should be resulting in unusable f2.0 f2.8 shots due to focus shift inherent to this lens. Whereas I understand from other users that their shots at f2.0 or f2.8 are great and usable.
After the CLA, things are now perfect within the limitations of this lens design. Here are my observations with this lens through the apertures demonstrating focus shift. I have DNG's of SpyderCal testing if anyone's interested. I tested lens on my two bodies showing exact same results (M11-P, M10R both of which have been calibrated to standard at Leica NJ).
- 1.4 On target with characteristic glow as you already know
- 2.0 On target and more clinical
- 2.8 Sharp but DOF extends backwards (beginning of focus shift)
- 4.0 Barely usable as the DOF does not include the target anymore
- 5.6 Better as DOF expands forward making the target in focus again
- 8.0 Back to acceptable
- 11, 16 Not tested (assuming acceptable results)
All things considered, this isn't bad at all in my opinion. In real world use on human subjects, all apertures are usable for me within my tolerance. Therefore I am happy that I sent my lens for CLA as I can now experience the lens the way it should be experienced i.e. two lenses in one, one with character, one with acceptable sharpness.
p.30 #7 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
dystorsion wrote:
Just got my Steel Rim Re-issue back from Wetzlar CLA. (First went to NJ then Wetzlar). It arrived in Wetzlar in the beginning of July and seemingly got completed within 7 days and I have back it in my hands as of today July 10 (I was previously told six month wait). This amazing miracle of a story cannot be understated but that is not the focus of this post.
At first, my copy had no mechanical issues such as loose ring, loose cap, tight focus ring etc but it did arrive with back focusing (not focus shift) wide open i.e. not calibrated to my rangefinder. So when I stopped down, the plane of focus was even more behind the target than it should be resulting in unusable f2.0 f2.8 shots due to focus shift inherent to this lens. Whereas I understand from other users that their shots at f2.0 or f2.8 are great and usable.
After the CLA, things are now perfect within the limitations of this lens design. Here are my observations with this lens through the apertures demonstrating focus shift. I have DNG's of SpyderCal testing if anyone's interested. I tested lens on my two bodies showing exact same results (M11-P, M10R both of which have been calibrated to standard at Leica NJ).
- 1.4 On target with characteristic glow as you already know
- 2.0 On target and more clinical
- 2.8 Sharp but DOF extends backwards (beginning of focus shift)
- 4.0 Barely usable as the DOF does not include the target anymore
- 5.6 Better as DOF expands forward making the target in focus again
- 8.0 Back to acceptable
- 11, 16 Not tested (assuming acceptable results)
All things considered, this isn't bad at all in my opinion. In real world use on human subjects, all apertures are usable for me within my tolerance. Therefore I am happy that I sent my lens for CLA as I can now experience the lens the way it should be experienced i.e. two lenses in one, one with character, one with acceptable sharpness....Show more →
Interesting, I had similar issue with my lens, best focus always seemed way beyond the rf focus point. I sent the lens to Leica NJ and they sent it on to Wetzlar. We'll see how long it takes before it is back, estimate was 4 months but based on your experience it could be faster than that.
p.30 #8 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
I'm curious - for people who bought the lens new, why not return the lens to the store you bought it from to exchange for a better copy, rather than sending to Wetzlar?
And for people who haven't yet bought it but plan to do so, I recommend before buying to make sure it's a late manufacture copy. I bought mine from the Rancho Mirage store, and the owner of that store checked his inventory and got me a 12/23 manufacture date. By the way, I highly recommend dealing with that store. If you want to know the guy's name, PM me and I'll look it up and let you know. If I was ever in the future buying new Leica gear, I'd absolutely give him a call.
p.30 #9 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
brick33308 wrote:
I'm curious - for people who bought the lens new, why not return the lens to the store you bought it from to exchange for a better copy, rather than sending to Wetzlar?
And for people who haven't yet bought it but plan to do so, I recommend before buying to make sure it's a late manufacture copy. I bought mine from the Rancho Mirage store, and the owner of that store checked his inventory and got me a 12/23 manufacture date. By the way, I highly recommend dealing with that store. If you want to know the guy's name, PM me and I'll look it up and let you know. If I was ever in the future buying new Leica gear, I'd absolutely give him a call....Show more →
I bought mine in July 2023 and used it for a while on and off before really taking the time to verify that the focus seemed a bit off. If I had noticed this right away I would have sent it back for an exchange.
p.30 #10 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Sorry if this has been asked/answered before. Could the M macro adapter help bring down the mfd from 1m to say 0.7 or even lesser? I wouldn't mind using LV just to get closer shots (not macro macro, just shorter mfd)
I really love the lens, would pay to get past the 1m mfd. Thanks guys!
p.30 #11 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
EchoOfLilith wrote:
Sorry if this has been asked/answered before. Could the M macro adapter help bring down the mfd from 1m to say 0.7 or even lesser? I wouldn't mind using LV just to get closer shots (not macro macro, just shorter mfd)
I really love the lens, would pay to get past the 1m mfd. Thanks guys!
Yes, you can use a macro adapter (tube) to shoot at closer distances. There are also close-up lenses available, including a set from Leica. The downside is that these options are only effective for close-ups and must be removed to regain focus at longer distances.
p.30 #12 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
EchoOfLilith wrote:
Sorry if this has been asked/answered before. Could the M macro adapter help bring down the mfd from 1m to say 0.7 or even lesser? I wouldn't mind using LV just to get closer shots (not macro macro, just shorter mfd)
I really love the lens, would pay to get past the 1m mfd. Thanks guys!
You don't need to spend money on the M macro adapter, just get some close up filters.
They work remarkably well and are super cheap in comparison.
p.30 #13 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Really appreciate all the images shared on this thread. I have the FLE v1, but contemplating the SR for the much smaller size and the pretty different character. Feels like it would be additive and not duplicative? The CV Nokton was also on my radar but I believe it has more distortion and less sharpness across the field (I tend to shoot cityscapes and landscapes). Also I noticed some color rendering differences in the other thread from Fred that compared the four 35mm lenses - preferred the SR’s output to the Voigtlanders in that one.
p.30 #14 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
TheEyesHaveIt wrote:
Really appreciate all the images shared on this thread. I have the FLE v1, but contemplating the SR for the much smaller size and the pretty different character. Feels like it would be additive and not duplicative? The CV Nokton was also on my radar but I believe it has more distortion and less sharpness across the field (I tend to shoot cityscapes and landscapes). Also I noticed some color rendering differences in the other thread from Fred that compared the four 35mm lenses - preferred the SR’s output to the Voigtlanders in that one.
Hi there,
Yes, the Leica 35mm f/1.4 SR (and its earlier versions) generally offer better resolution across the field compared to the Voigtlander. This is partly due to its lower field curvature. As you noted, the Leica also has less distortion. On the other hand, the Nokton is sharper in the center and delivers higher contrast with less spherical aberration when used wide open, resulting in less glow compared to the Leica. Whether this is a positive or negative aspect depends on your preferences.
Both lenses have their own unique character and share a similar rendering style. I typically reach for the Nokton when I want to shoot wide open with less spherical aberration. For landscapes, both lenses perform well when stopped down, though they don't quite match the Leica 35/1.4 FLE in terms of resolution, contrast, rendering, and color accuracy.
p.30 #18 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
TheEyesHaveIt wrote:
Really appreciate all the images shared on this thread. I have the FLE v1, but contemplating the SR for the much smaller size and the pretty different character. Feels like it would be additive and not duplicative? The CV Nokton was also on my radar but I believe it has more distortion and less sharpness across the field (I tend to shoot cityscapes and landscapes). Also I noticed some color rendering differences in the other thread from Fred that compared the four 35mm lenses - preferred the SR’s output to the Voigtlanders in that one.
I am facing exactly same dilemma as you are.
Having had FLE v1 for a few years but haven't put too much use of it due to its size, and now considering to add SR but am afraid it's redundant so considering to sell FLE v1 before getting the SR. I am also looking at Nokton VM II MC as an alternative since it's cost less than 20% of the SR.
I have been inquiring on various forums, but the recommendations are inconclusive as internet always be.
Sep 09, 2024 at 12:06 PM
rollei35_warton Offline [X]
p.30 #19 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
By the way did the latest product ship with the modified hood that doesn’t cause hard vignetting anymore with the filter on? An online dealer showed me the inventory he has and the latest one is 2023/11/12
p.30 #20 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
rollei35_warton wrote:
I am facing exactly same dilemma as you are.
Having had FLE v1 for a few years but haven't put too much use of it due to its size, and now considering to add SR but am afraid it's redundant so considering to sell FLE v1 before getting the SR. I am also looking at Nokton VM II MC as an alternative since it's cost less than 20% of the SR.
I have been inquiring on various forums, but the recommendations are inconclusive as internet always be.
I ended up buying the SR and love it. So much so, that I am likely selling my FLE soon.
