Thanks for helpful advice about my prior question. I am considering to get a 35mm for my M6ttl. Is there any difference between Late Summicron-M35/2 and Summicron-M35/2 ASPH? As far as I know, optical quality of Summicron-M 35/2 ASPH is better than late 35/2. Is it really noticeable? Also, the price of Summicron-M 35/2 ASPH is higher than late 35/2, but the size of Late Summicron-M35/2 is more compact. Which model is more desirable in aspect of performance, price and size? Please give me a advice for this. Thanks... http://welcome.to/studionaki

-- NHP (sn4396@prodigy.net), November 13, 2000

Answers

If you mostly shoot at f4 and lower with only an occasional shot or two t f2 then the latest 35/2 pre-asph is a wonderful lens. It really shines in the f5.6 to f11 range where it is justifably known as the King of Bokeh. The 35/2 Asph is significantly sharper and has reduced vignetting at F2, so, if you shoot mostly wide open, it would be a better choice. I traded my 35/2 latest pre-asph in for a 35/1.4 Asph and, though I notice the slightly harsher bokeh in the middle apertures, I have been delighted! A number of people traded up to the 35/2 Asph when it first came out but were dissatisfied with its middle aperture performance and went back to the latest pre-asph version. Here is a URL for a more technical comparison:

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/m2-35.html

Cheers

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), November 13, 2000.

NHP,

I have used the non-aspheric lens for many years, and considered replacing it upon the introduction of the latest model. I borrowed an aspheric version and tested them side by side.

At the widest apertures, yes the sharpness is a bit better with the aspheric model. however, the overall picture (to me) looks better with the older lens. I don't want to get all philosophical about Bokeh, but I do believe that it is important. I like the out of focus rendering from the non-aspheric better. The effect looks so much better, that I have started using my lens wide open, even when the light allows for a more stopped down exposure. Depending on the subject's distance from the background, the effect almost can look like a cut-out pasted on a nice blur.

When using a 35mm lens, you can never get the selective focus of a 90mm lens, so I have found in the f2.8-f4.0 range, there is enough sharpness throughout the shot, that the intended effect is not clear... it just looks like a soft picture. So I shoot wide open for nice subject / background separation... or I stop down and use hyperfocal distance. If the new model is better wide open as far as sharpness, the older Pre-aspheric is better IMHO for pictorial photography. Additionally, the physical size of the older lens, has endeared itself to me as making a great combo for portability... almost pocket sized without the hood.

After comparing, I stayed with my older lens.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), November 13, 2000.

Thanks for advice. Is there anyone who knows the physical size in "mm" of both 35/2 & 35/2asph lens? I want to know the length difference in millimeter scale between thses two lens when they are attached on M6 body. Also, Could you tell me about where I can get the late 35/2 model and the resonable price range of late 35/2 chrome model in Mint or New condition? Please let me know, Thanks again...

-- NHP (sn4396@prodigy.net), November 13, 2000.

NHP,

The older pre-Aspheic is 26mm from flange, while the newer model is 34.5mm.

I don't know about the best source for used gear, I use Tamarkin, simply based on some very good experiences from them.

Please note, the weight of the Chrome lenses are heavier than the black models... if this is important to you. For example, the aspheric 35mm Summicrons are 255g for the black and 340g for the chrome. the pre-aspheric lenses have a similer differential, but I only know the weight for the black one which is 190g.

-- Al Smith (smith@msn.com), November 13, 2000.

If I were you (which of course I'm not), I would buy a brand-spanking new 35/2 ASPH for around $1200.00 or so (grey) at a good trusty place like Delta Int. or somewhere like that. Ummmm, something about a new lens..no one else's rub marks, lint or drool on it, that new-lens smell and all that. We all know it's a fab. piece of work. It's total state of the art and only a few hundred more than a used pre- ASPH... Just my 9 cents. Good luck in your quest!

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.com), November 14, 2000.