I have finally done it. Traded my Lux 35mm "Aspherical" first version for a new 35 Lux Asph and 90 Apo Asph. I haven't recieved the lenses yet but am faced with the tuff choice between a black or chrome 35mm. Leica's info says the black weighs 250g and the chrome at 415g. other info I found says the black is 310g. I know my lens I just tradec is about 300g, so maybe it is all confused. Anyway I need to know what everyone's thoughts are and whether you believe that the chrome is a lot heavier than the black. i guess having a chrome body would look nice with a chrome lens and a black 90. Anyway what do we all think. Thanks

Kristian

-- kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 18, 2002

Answers

I don't have the weights handy but I have the chrome asph lux and it is heavy. Not obnoxious like the Noctilux but an impressive handfull of glass. I like the feel of the extra heft.

-- Fred (leicastuff@email.com), February 18, 2002.

35 and a 90 huh? Sounds like a killer combo. Is this basically a 2 lens set you're using? I am still somewhat debating between a 35 lux and 75 or 90. I have the chrome 35 and it's sweet. I don't notice the weight when it's on the body, it has a nice balance. And, it looks great together. Go for the chrome, not much of a weight factor.

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), February 18, 2002.

I use the 35 lux aspheric in black. I believe it is 310 grams. I think the cron aspheric is 250. I have seen this mixed up in several places. Brian Bower in The Leica Lens Book has it as 310 and 415 (chrome). Sartorius in Identifying Leica Lenses has the black version at 310. I'd avoid the chrome vers. personally as the black one is heavy enough. It is approximately twice as heavy as my 35 pre aspheric cron which is a joy to carry and use. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), February 18, 2002.

James, I will be using the Lux35/Cron90 setup because it is my only choice. I would like to add a 24/28 and a 50 lux later, once I've made my fortune or sold my fiance.

Anyway I am still unsure because I like the heft of a solid lens. If the lens does weight only 250g in black, it will be lighter than my previous model and thus feel kinda cheap. Maybe the chrome is better, but considering I'll be carrying around the Cron90 now, I may have to think twice. Anyway I don't have much time. Oh, this is such a bitch over such a minute detail really.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

I look at weight when I pick equipment to travel with. A few grams here and there add up. The chrome lenses wear better as I understand they use brass versus aluminum in the black versions. My 40 year old 90 Summicron looks better than my 30 year old 135 Elmarit, although the Summicron gets used 10 times as often. The lighter lenses are nice when you have to carry them all day.

Bottom line it is your choice. Go into a shop and look at the lenses and heft them. What do YOU think? It is your money.

-- Mark A. Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), February 19, 2002.

The provblem i have is that the only store in Melb that stocks these won't even take them out of the box unless you put money on the counter. They are also rude and useless unless you show them the money. I like the silver look but want other's opinions on the weight difference in the field. that's all. please help...I can't rest...can't sleep. I am going insane. Shit, I guess I should start taking pictures to relax myself...oh damn, I don't have my lens anymore...or any other lens. Help please!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Behold, Kristian, you will fall under a deep restful slumber, and you will have a vision of the most beautiful color to grace a Leica lens- not burnt umber, Like a silver lining in a dark cloud you will find your lens finish, and your current hand-wringing will give way to your wish- to pick the silver, which like in the Olympics is the next best color.

(Hey Leica doesn't even offer gold)

-- Silver Fox (silver@silver.edu), February 19, 2002.

I have the black 1.4 asph and it is heavy enough already...weighs more than my dual range 50mm which is no light weight.I definatly would not like the extra weight of the chrome on a Leica...and I shoot large format also up to 12x20, but for a Leica I like to keep the weight down.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), February 19, 2002.

Wow, that trance worked. I emailed the seller and asked to order a chrome version. I don't know whether it was possible to change the order, but if not, fate will prevail. We'll see. I don't care anymore. This is ridiculous. I am ridiculous. Thanks anyway guys. Your help and comments are always appreciated.

Kristian

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Kristian, I hope your time is not up. I'd get the black 1.4/35. The newest handbook and catalog here (in German) say 250/415 g. So the black one is 40% lighter. It's not just those couple of grams for that one lens, but when you carry several lenses around with you at the same time, that one offer to "save weight" might help. Apart from that, I think (again my own feelings here) that any black lens on any black or chrome body looks okay, but a chrome lens looks good only on a chrome body.

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), February 19, 2002.

i'd go for black too. the weight is a big issue, bigger than you might think in the first place. another thing is that in my opinion the scales are easier to read on a black lens, especially in dim light. the lens shade is black, too. i always thought it didn't really fit the silver lens in a way.

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), February 19, 2002.

Hey, a really neat idea! How about buying a pile of hoods (even the rubber ones), get them all chromed, and sell them for a fortune!!

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), February 19, 2002.

Hello Kristian. As you have said you're probably committed to the 'chrom Lux .. so be it. However,if you're not and happen to be in my hometown Sydney, it would be a pleasure to let you try a roll or two with my 'chrome Lux before the final decision. Regards.

-- Sheridan Zantis (albada60@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

NO! Stay with the chrome. It's the ONLY way to go. Come on, it's only a BIT heavier and has the looks. Don't listen to the shooters who cry about the mosquito weight difference. ; )

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Thanks for the offer Sheridan, but I am in Melbourne. If you're ever down here let me know and we can go shooting! Thanks guys. Oh and I was told that the order already went through in black. It's on it's way now. maybe I'll have the lenses within the week. No shooting for a week!? oh well....thanks

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Er?

Leica is very heavy, especially th R system I love and cherish. Never mind my odd tastes.

Your question baffled me. But of course I have no idea of how "good" it feels to have a ligher or heavier lens.

Let me be a dictator: go to a shop, ask for both, mount them on you M Body, look at what seems better and sign off the check.

You will feel good and this is my hope.

Xavier from France with a taste for calf's head, R system and Provia Fuji

-- Xavier d'Alfort (hot_billexf@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Kristian, I visited a great Leica shop in Melbourne, can't remember where it is now. Please let me know if you have a spare mo'. I think black lens on chrome body looks great; vice versa combo not so hot. I had an old black 35 Lux, a tiny marvel; and a giant old chrome 90 Cron. But I'm sure the chrome Lux will both look great and wear well, while a black 90 will be significantly lighter.

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), February 20, 2002.

There is only one good one and they don't have much stock. No Leica stores are also ahppy to put a lens in your hand. The US market is so much better and cheaper may I add as an M6TTL costs US$2500 in Australia as it goes through a supplier first rather than directly fom Leica. Shame!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 20, 2002.

Well I just found out that my order was changed to a silver!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.