p.4 #3 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
This is really surprising to me the results so far....
I think you did a really good job of summing things up. For me, I think it really shows that Leica has done an incredible job re-creating the magic of the original lens but applying modern build quality and technics to the process. Allowing photographers the ability to grab this lens and go use it and not worry about damaging or losing value on classic lens that is 50 plus years old.
Unless over the top flare is what you are after, I don't see any reason to go for the original over the re-issue. Most of the shots you took are almost identical minus some subtleties that you really have to search for.
p.4 #4 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
RustyRus wrote:
This is really surprising to me the results so far....
I think you did a really good job of summing things up. For me, I think it really shows that Leica has done an incredible job re-creating the magic of the original lens but applying modern build quality and technics to the process. Allowing photographers the ability to grab this lens and go use it and not worry about damaging or losing value on classic lens that is 50 plus years old.
Unless over the top flare is what you are after, I don't see any reason to go for the original over the re-issue. Most of the shots you took are almost identical minus some subtleties that you really have to search for.
Again Shawn, thanks a ton for posting these!! ...Show more →
I think it’s a lot like a new Porsche vs an old classic one. There’s no warranty with the old one. It probably leaks oil and burns gas like crazy but there’s a certain charm with the classic even if it’s not as fast and shiny.
I personally bought the original as a lens I could use and enjoy but also as an investment to hopefully hold its value.
For most people though, I’d recommend the reissue. For those that want that last little bit of an analog looking image, I’d choose the v2 (or the original steel rim).
p.4 #5 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
RustyRus wrote:
…Unless over the top flare is what you are after, I don't see any reason to go for the original over the re-issue. Most of the shots you took are almost identical minus some subtleties that you really have to search for. !
I opted for an original M3 version, as it focuses down to .65m instead of the 1m of the original steel rim M2 version, the v2 Summilux, and the reissue. This is a huge difference in use.
p.4 #6 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
mdg137 wrote:
I opted for an original M3 version, as it focuses down to .65m instead of the 1m of the original steel rim M2 version, the v2 Summilux, and the reissue. This is a huge difference in use.
I am getting the Steel Rim modified. I haven’t yet but it will bring it down too .76 vs 1. I agree with you the 1m is awful on a 35!!!
p.4 #7 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
What a great thread and extensive testing on a pretty funky subset! Thanks so much! And thanks to RustyRus for loaning a lens to make it happen.
I have a v2 and am very happy with it. The MFD is bad, though on an a7x, I use a close focus helicoid typically, so that issue is largely abated (though it' still annoying on my film RF and when I have picked up m240's to use periodically). I still can't believe Leica didn't even bother to .6 or .7 MFD it. Lol, oh well.
p.4 #8 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
mdg137 wrote:
I opted for an original M3 version, as it focuses down to .65m instead of the 1m of the original steel rim M2 version, the v2 Summilux, and the reissue. This is a huge difference in use.
Great picture! I agree, I think that was the biggest fail with the reissue is not modifying the MFD. They modified the front filter ring to make it much larger and frankly uglier just so it would be a modern 46mm, yet left it 1m MFD.
p.4 #9 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
Shawn, this is another fantastic resource. It's possibly the best one I've come across. We can clearly see the differences between these versions of the 35/1.4 Lux lens, even though there's always a bit of variation to consider.
In my view, all three will give a similar look that's very unique and easily recognizable. Making a few adjustments in post would make them even more similar. The Voigtlander 35/1.4 Nokton SC also gets close, but it's clear that Cosina has improved this design compared to the earlier version, which might please some people and not others.
I fully agree that Leica should have included the 0.7m distance in the 'reissued' version. As you mentioned, it's not a perfect replica since they made changes to the filter thread.
p.4 #10 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
Backtracking a bit to page one. Sorry! The hood to use on the f2 lenses like the 8 element is the 12585. Will work on your Rigid type II also Fred. The 12504 fits the 8 element but does little to actually shade the lense do to the shallow, large diamiter design. https://www.keh.com/shop/leica-m-35-50-vented-12585-708529.html
p.4 #14 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
FrozenInTime wrote:
Sit back for the ultimate Steel Rim 'movie'
I agree with some of his points, such as the preference for the Steel Rim to focus down to 0.7m, even though the 1-meter minimum focusing distance is the same as the OG. I also acknowledge the initial issue with the lens hood, but Leica has since fixed it, and now it works great. However, I find the video to be too opinionated without providing clear comparisons to substantiate the arguments.
Deciding if it's worth the money is a personal choice. Many people pay over $25K for the original, so it's entirely subjective.
p.4 #15 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
Fred Miranda wrote:
I agree with some of his points, such as the preference for the Steel Rim to focus down to 0.7m, even though the 1-meter minimum focusing distance is the same as the OG. I also acknowledge the initial issue with the lens hood, but Leica has since fixed it, and now it works great. However, I find the video to be too opinionated without providing clear comparisons to substantiate the arguments.
Deciding if it's worth the money is a personal choice. Many people pay over $25K for the original, so it's entirely subjective.
You said the much more eloquently than I, but you are spot on- Also some of his opinions around the Re-Release has more glow, that is just not the case- At least as shown above-
Also the original Steel Rim ins 10K minimum- Its not really worth the watch honestly.
p.4 #16 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
RustyRus wrote:
You said the much more eloquently than I, but you are spot on- Also some of his opinions around the Re-Release has more glow, that is just not the case- At least as shown above-
Also the original Steel Rim ins 10K minimum- Its not really worth the watch honestly.
There is also an acceptable tolerance between two lenses being compared. One lens might be optimal while another may not, leading to incorrect assumptions. These types of generalizations are not always reliable. Even when reviewing lenses, my goal is to obtain an optimal copy that is at least well-centered.
p.4 #17 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
mdg137 wrote:
I opted for an original M3 version, as it focuses down to .65m instead of the 1m of the original steel rim M2 version, the v2 Summilux, and the reissue. This is a huge difference in use.
I just had my Leica 35mm f1.4 Summilux v2 German version modified to focus down to 0.62m, which is actually the true limit of the rangefinder. A lot of people think it is 0.7m, but it is not.
The adjustment was done in a way that still keeps the rangefinder accurate all the way from 1m down to 0.62m. I should have it back by the end of the week and I am honestly pretty excited to try it. It will focus closer, similar to the old M3 version, but without the goggles.
p.4 #18 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
lifeandmylens wrote:
Great picture! I agree, I think that was the biggest fail with the reissue is not modifying the MFD. They modified the front filter ring to make it much larger and frankly uglier just so it would be a modern 46mm, yet left it 1m MFD.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share all those test images. This kind of comparison is incredibly valuable. There are plenty of opinions online, but very few true side by side tests like this. It really highlights how close these versions are. The differences are subtle. Leica did an excellent job with the reissue.
In LR dropping the contrast slightly (-15) and warming the temperature just a touch toward amber brings the reissue and the original steel rim even closer together.
p.4 #19 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
Fred Miranda wrote:
I just had my Leica 35mm f1.4 Summilux v2 German version modified to focus down to 0.62m, which is actually the true limit of the rangefinder. A lot of people think it is 0.7m, but it is not.
The adjustment was done in a way that still keeps the rangefinder accurate all the way from 1m down to 0.62m. I should have it back by the end of the week and I am honestly pretty excited to try it. It will focus closer, similar to the old M3 version, but without the goggles.
Oh boy….this sounds like a very worthwhile mod. Can you share where you are getting that done? Whoever is doing it, are they accepting others?
p.4 #20 · Leica 35mm Summilux Steel Rim vs Reissue vs Lux v2
rsolti13 wrote:
Oh boy….this sounds like a very worthwhile mod. Can you share where you are getting that done? Whoever is doing it, are they accepting others?
The person who worked on my lens did it mostly for the fun of it and for the challenge, but unfortunately he is not taking on other lenses. I only posted this to show it's possible. I also changed my plastic tab for a black painted brass.
That said, there is a tech out there who is doing close focus conversions for the 35/1.4 Lux lenses. I believe I saw a post about it on Instagram:
