This is both an observation and a request for some advice from the group. I bought the Voigtlander 35mm Ultron to decide if I would prefer the view of a 35mm lens to that of my 50mm 'cron. To my surprise, I really do prefer the view I get with a 35mm lens. And I found the Voigtlander performs very well (nice 'bokeh' and fairly sharp) as long as you are nowhere near a point light source (e.g. the sun). Erwin Puts was quite correct saying that flare can be a real problem with the Voigtlander lenses.

I am thinking seriously about buying one of a few Leica lenses. Both of the current 35mm ASPH look very appealing. I've also heard alot of good things about the 'look' of the 4th 35mm 'cron. I'm inclined to go with the newer ASPH formulations, but I would very much appreciate hearing any thoughts and experiences you may have had using these lenses before I make my decision.

Thanks for your help.

-- Sven Sampson (ssampson@inreach.com), January 10, 2002

Answers

Sven,

Get a new 35mm ASPH and fugedaboudit. Mine's the 35 f2.0. It has the square hood that helps with the flare issue You'll never regret it.

-- David Smith (dssmith3@rmci.net), January 10, 2002.

Sven:

I have a 4th version 35 and love it. The ASPH f/2 is a little better in the corners f/2-f/5.6, but also a little bigger and chunkier. A trade- off - and I prefer my end of the trade.

But someday I may ADD the 35 f/1.4 ASPH. It's the one lens in the current lineup that tempts me. Same image quality as the pre-ASPH, PLUS the extra f/stop. A 'legendary' Leica lens that's still available new.

BTW I was looking for an Ultron to try out when I ran across the used 'cron - so I never DID try out the V'lander. 8^)

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 10, 2002.

Sven, both of the new ASPH lenses are truly superb. The 4th version Pre-ASPH Summicron is a legendary performer that should be considered for its diminutive size and economy. I use the 35 ASPH Summicron but you really cannot go wrong with any of them.

-- David (pagedt@chartertn.net), January 10, 2002.

If flare is the main problem, you might try a deeper 39 mm screw-in shade on the Ultron. IMO the shade Voightländer/Cosina provides is MUCH too short--especially over a filter.

-- Robert Marvin (marvbej@earthlink.net), January 10, 2002.

As you can see from the comments already received, any of the three lenses you mentioned are winners and you can't go wrong. I would vote for one of the aspherics. The 35 asph 'Cron if size (and cost) is an issue. Otherwise, get the 35 asph 'Lux -- an awesome lens with the extra speed for low-light shooting with 100 to 400 speed films.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), January 10, 2002.

My only comment is that the price s/h of the current ASPH Summicron and the 4th generation is pretty much the same if in good condition. You can take this two ways - the 4th generation is considered as desirable as the current model and so must be a classic, or you might as well buy the latest model. I took the second route as it happens.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), January 10, 2002.