Fred Miranda wrote:
Photographer Kevin Fickling did something I couldn't do for this review, since I wasn't able to get my hands on a Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA. This is something I had already speculated based on analyzing many images online, so it's great to see a proper side-by-side comparison to confirm it more clearly.
Based on his comparisons, the LLL 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical may resemble the Leica in terms of barrel design and construction, but it doesn't produce the same bokeh signature. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the version that comes closest to the Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA is actually the current FLE.
In the video, starting around the 3:40 mark, he shows direct comparisons, and the LLL's rendering appears smoother and lower in contrast compared to the original Leica.
Now, whether one prefers the look of the LLL is a different story, but I personally prefer the character and rendering of the original Leica AA, with the FLE being the closest match. The LLL has its own appeal, and I do like the images it produces, but it's definitely not a true replica of the Leica like the LLL 35mm f/2 8-Element and 50mm f/1.2 "1966".
Very much agree! As noted by you and a number of us here on FM, if anything, the LLL AA version comes closest to the Leica 35mm f1.4 pre FLE lens when comparing optical characteristics, except for the absence of the quite notable focus shift usually observed in the Leica pre FLE lens but minimal if that in the LLL lens.
The FLE is a superb lens but when it comes to bokeh, I personally feel and some do, that pre FLE has the edge due to sometimes slight "busy" or nervous bokeh exhibited the FLE. Some of this though depends on shooting aperture, lighting and subject matter.
