Yesterday I played with a 35/2 ASH which I could have bought used in mint condition for 150,000 yen. I didn't. I loved the compactness of the lens and the way it looked with 0.58 and 0.72 finders. Focus felt good. But I did really like the apature ring or how the hood got in the way of my fingers. So my question to seasoned users is this: How do you feel about the feel of this lens? Did you have the reservations I've expressed when you got it? If so, did you get used to the feel of the lens quickly? Thanks!

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), February 22, 2002

Answers

Alex

Go get it. This is a superior lens in terms of both performance and handling. I have one and I use it most of the time. The compactness is a plus when you travel and the focusing is quick. It's sharp and crisp.

-- Michael Li (michael6609@hotmail.com), February 22, 2002.

Alex: Sounds like you didn't like the handling qualities of this lens. I tried one against my 35mm pre-ASPH Cron, and my pre-ASPH Lux. I was astounded by how well these older lenses held their own against the latest glass. I see no reason not to go with an older model, if it handles better for you. If you don't have a 35 yet, though, I feel the ASPH is reasonably priced compared to what you have to pay for an older one. All the 35 "Crons are tiny; I don't know whether you'll find them that different in handling.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), February 22, 2002.

Alex, you cannot really go wrong with any of the 35 Summicrons or the latest 35 Summilux. I have used the 35 ASPH Summicron for the past two years and like the handling qualities, but love the imaging ability even more. I suggest that you borrow or rent a sample for a while to decide which is best for your needs.

-- David (pagedt@chartertn.net), February 22, 2002.

I have used a 35 ASPH Summicron with my M6 TTL 0.72 for over two years now, and I can recommend it without any reservations. It is a stunning performer, even at f2. I did not have the money to buy the 35 ASPH Summilux, but I am glad I have the Summicron because it is smaller and lighter. ..............

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), February 22, 2002.

Unless something is drastically wrong,(and there's nothing drastically wrong with the 35ASPH), handling is mostly getting used to whatever it is. "Educating your fingers". I love my 35ASPH but as mentioned recently in another thread be very careful with the vulnerable rear lens. For me that's the critical "handling" issue.Cheers.

-- Tim Gee (twg@optushome.com.au), February 23, 2002.

I think it's the best lens I've ever used. The pictures are not just sharp, but beautiful. I don't always like the handling. I'd prefer no focusing tab, and yes, the aperture ring isn't the easiest to hold. But the results are great.

150,000 yen sounds a bit high. I bought mine in Nagoya, mint used in the box, for 112,000 yen plus tax. Prices in Japan seem to have been falling lately too, with deflation and the slow economy.

-- Masatoshi Yamamoto (masa@nifty.co.jp), February 23, 2002.

Thanks everyone!

Did I say 150,000 yen? I should have written 115,000 yen. Silly me.

The two 35's I'm using now are the old Summilux 1.4 and the VC 2.5 classic.

I really appriciate all of your advice.

Cheers,

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), February 23, 2002.

Good morning Alex, I use the older F1.4 and the new F2 and there is no question that at F2, F2.8 and F4, the new "Cron is superior. From 5.6 and beyond you won't notice any difference. If you are normally shooting at 5.6 and beyond, save the money. The F1.4 does come in handy when you need the extra stop(s).

-- Ned learned (ned@kajabbi.com), February 23, 2002.

I love the feel of this lens. I used to like using it without the hood - flare is hardly a problem - now I've got used to it. Yesterday I got some provia f100 back shot with this lens - with no filter and viewed with a leica loupe. I took my glasses off to get nice and close. The sharpness and colours of a portrait of my daughter were absolutely amazing. (probably c. f2.8). Given the very small price difference between this one and the one before (secondhand) and unless your thing is out of focus rendition pure and simple, I think you'd be pleased with this lens. BTW, aperture rings vary unit to unit - typically chrome lenses seem to give a more definite/positive click - I can't tell whether your question referred to this, but just in case... Good luck in your decision: let's face it all the 35's are pretty amazing.

-- steve jones (stephenjjones@btopenworld.com), February 23, 2002.

I think I know what Alex means. With my older 35 'cron on my M4 for years I set the lens and then shoot. Now with meters in the M6 you often have the camera to the eye, then set exposure with lens or shutter.

My old 'cron with round hood is easier to set, my fingers find the ring very quickly and it is just plain bigger, it has no tab either. The new ASPH while maybe I'd get used to it the ring is just harder to find and turn against the barrel and square hood. My hands are not huge either.

I waited and got the ASPH Summilux 35. Bigger in every way, including price but handling is miles ahead of the favored ASPH 'cron. I can't imagine trying to set apetures with gloves on a ASPH 'cron. Image wise either lense is absurd in its quality.

I just got a 24 Elmarit ASPH. Absurd +!

Neil

-- Neil Swanson (neilsphoto@yahoo.com), February 23, 2002.

Neil,

The 24 ASPH absurb? For handling perhaps, but wait till you view the images. I doubt you'll be sorry. For the results I can certainly put up with difficulties setting the aperature.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), February 23, 2002.

The current 2/35A I have is fantastic. No problems. Pictures are okay. Size is great. Tab is perfect. I know that some of us here prefer the 1.4/35A (although they may have started off first with a 2/35A).

If I could only have one single lens, this would be it!

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), February 23, 2002.

I just got a 24 Elmarit ASPH. Absurd +!

Neil, can you please account a little on that? Is that something in relation to your having the 1.4/35A? Or a 21?

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), February 23, 2002.

Well if you were considering a new lens and you are used to using a Lux 35 and use the f/1.4, then take a look at the new Lux Asph and never look back. It's handling is excellent but not too big...only big on performance.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

Dear Everyone,

Thanks again! All your imput is extremely useful! How can I say it? Thanks again!!

Cheers,

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), February 23, 2002.

As far as ergonomics and build quality, they never equalled the original [first version] 35/2.0 Summicron chrome lens (made in Wetzlar and Canada). This lens has the thumb rest with infinity lock (that clicks into place) and a thin milled aperture setting ring that falls right where the fingers rest comfortably. No tabs that bump into other things when you change the aperture setting or focus.

No doubt V4 and ASPH are better performers, but I still prefer the feel of V1. It's also not a bad lens when stopped to F/4 or smaller

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), February 24, 2002.

I want to know that whether the 35/F2.0 can mount on Bessa T or Bessar R2 (in future) or not? Thank you!

-- Alex (alextseat@hongkong.com), February 25, 2002.