Which 35mm???

[peepete77]

I will order my first rangefinder lens ever next week! But I need some help here.

I had almost made up my mind for the 35mm / 1,4 SC, before my previous thread. Due to its compact size and its "personality" or ability to give "different" pictures.
In my last thread I read that if I could afford one, I should not hesitate, but buy a 35mm / 1,2 Nokton.
It is a bit pricey, and it seems VERY bulky, heavy and maybe obtrusive?. But at the same time, everyone owning one, seems to cherish it!

So, what's Your thoughts on my dillemma, and what would You regard as the key points here?
I am somewhat able to stretch my finances this month, so I am just about able to afford a 1,2 Nokton, if I "have" to....

Hope for good help here in my extremely difficult descision making!
Thanks!

:confused:

[yanidel]

Buying a rangefinder to fit the 35mm 1.2 as single lens does not make a whole lot of sense to me because of size and weight. I did think about it but I already find the 28mm Ultron too big and I believe it weights half of the Nokton 1.2. What about buying a cheap 35mm Skopar to get used to the focal and have light and compact lens system to carry all the time with you. Once you get used to it and the FOV, buy the Nokton.

[Rogier]

What about the Zeiss 35mm f2.0 ?

[oscroft]

I haven't shot with the 1.2, but I've handled one (there was one in the shop when I bought my 1.4), and it's an enormous great thing - I'd really have to be desperate for that extra bit of speed over the 1.4 before I'd consider lugging one of those around.

[thomasw_]

I assume you want/require the speed of f1,4 or 1,2 for low light shooting? If so, those are the two most reasonably priced lenses. I had the cv 35/1,2 and found it way too spatially obtrusive and weighty for a M. In fact, due to its mass and volume, when I sold it to Andrew in Oz, it took over 3 months to get there! (Sorry, that's true but it is more a happy story of being lost and found than about the f1,2 :P ). if i were in your place and only buying one cv 35 with speed, I would go for the nokton 35/1,4 due to the compactness.

[jmkelly]

Save some $$ and buy the CV 40mm Nokton. The framelines on the R-D1 fit it very nicely. Or spend some more money and get the 35mm/2.0 UC Hexanon - tiny and incredible. Or get the 35mm Nokton - a little more barrel distortion then the 40mm, but a little sharper wide-open.

[tbarker13]

I'll just echo the comments about the 35/1.2.
Great lens. But it sure would be a hefty first lens to get. Unless you like bulk.

[Harry S.]

To me, nothing I have used matches the look of my new-to-me pre-asph summicron.

I have the Nokton 1.4, had the Ultron 1.7, tried the 1.2, tried the C-Biogon; and they all were too high contrast for my taste. I always liked the 35mm perspective but I put it on the shelf for a long time because I didnt like the look of the photos I was getting.

I love my Planar 50/2 and considered the ZM 35/2. But I really want small lenses for my rangefinder cameras.

I bit the bullet and bought the summicron IV. Its now the only lens I have used for the last 2 months. Forget about the "bokeh-king" status, its just simply an amazing piece of gear.

[kermaier]

You could also look at getting one of the vintage Canon 35mm lenses.
The 35/2.8 is excellent and extremely compact. (I have one and use it a lot.)
If you want a bit more speed, the 35/2 is supposed to offer resolution on a par with a vintage Summicron, or the 35/1.8 is reputed to provide a bit less resolution but nicer bokeh. (I've never tried either.)

And, as has been suggested, a small, inexpensive, but very good CV 35mm Skopar would be a good way to experiment and save money, while you decide what aspects are most important to you in a lens.

Oh, and I absolutely love my Minolta 40/2 M-Rokkor, which is almost as good as a 35mm Summicron and is 1/4 the cost.

[LCT]

Which 35? For general photography i use the pre-asph Summicron 35/2 IV or the cheaper Summicron-C 40/2 which is very close. Both flare a bit but you cannot go wrong with little gems like that. For portrait, i prefer my late pre-asph Summilux 35/1.4. Flares more but offers roughly the same IQ with more speed and a gorgeous smoothness at f/1.4. The CV 35/1.4 SC flares even more but is sharper than the Lux at f/1.4 so i use it indoor generally. Back focusses more or less severely at f/4 - f/5.6 though. I don't seem to recall the cause but we discussed this some time ago here IINW. Otherwise the CV 35/1.2 is great but huge and i don't like the bokeh of the CV 35/1.4 MC and 35/2.5 at all. Same for the asph Leicas, and ZI lenses are too contrasty for my taste.
Edit: Never tried the CV 35/1.7 in person but i don't like its bokeh either from pics i've viewed on the web. Got focussing problems with the M-Rokkor 40/2 so i don't use it any more unfortunalety but it is very close to the Summicron-C 40/2 otherwise. FWIW

[retow]

It seems you are new to RF photography, in which case I'd recommend to buy a used 35mm Skopar, an inexpensive, small, light, easy to focus, excellent performer. Reselling it later to "upgrade" will not be a problem.
Whilst the Nokton 1.2 is an excellent lens, it is not without challenges, firstly becauses of size and weight as already mentioned, but also because focusing it fully open is not that easy and requires practicing. I'm not sure I would buy it as my first RF lens.

[dacaccia]

I would look for a Konica M-Hexanon 2/35. It has a quality as Leica's pendant, both in optics and construction.

Cheers, dacaccia

[peepete77]

Ok, I am both open for Leica, Zeiss, Canon and Hexanon, but how much will I have to pay for a Leica 35 pre-asph summicron, and where can I find such? Ebay?
This is very interesting, but instead of narrowing the choices, I have the opposit problem now, I feel there is MORE to choose and select from...

If anyone wants to sell some of their 35mm lenses, please send me a privat message. All is of interest.
If you have a 35mm from Leica, Konica, Canon, Voitglander, Zeiss I will be interested!

By the way, with the size and weight of the Nokton 35/ 1,2, it MUST be a superb lens in terms of IQ....

[kxl]

The 35/1.2 IS a superb lens, if you can deal with the size, weight and bulk. If you come from an SLR/ DSLR background, it really isn't "that" big. Folks who don't like its bulk typically have been long time RF shooters, and have certain expectations about an RF lens' size.

My 35/1.2 is a permanent fixture on my R-D1S, and the rig is well-balanced, and because sometimes, you just need f1.2 (see attached), in which case, it's the only game in town.

Havnig stated the above, if you're considering other 35s, I sent you a PM re: 35/1.4 SC (like new) that I'm thinking of selling.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2695149090_c075d975a1.jpg

[peepete77]

I would look for a Konica M-Hexanon 2/35. It has a quality as Leica's pendant, both in optics and construction.

Cheers, dacaccia

Thanks, is it a M or a UC? And where can I find such?
Thanks again :)

[deepwhite]

My 0.02:

(1) Summicron 35mm f2.0 IV (7-element)
(2) Nokton 35mm f1.2

The Summicron is small and great, with some "old flavor" around wide open. The 35/1.2 is the only "Noctilux substitute" in the 35mm category, delivers a more "modern color rendition" than the Summicron 35/2, and is still sharp enough wide open.

[oscroft]

This is very interesting, but instead of narrowing the choices, I have the opposit problem now, I feel there is MORE to choose and select from.
Hehe, that's what RFF does for you ;)

[tbarker13]

The 35 summicron V3 is also quite nice, even it if doesn't wear the mantle of Bokeh King.
Those can be had for $1000 or less.

[dacaccia]

Thanks, is it a M or a UC? And where can I find such?
Thanks again :)

of course M. ;)
Since Konica unfortunately does not produce its Hexar RF and lenses M-Hexanon any more, you should have a look e.g. at eBay or at local dealers with used cameras.

A friend of mine just bought a Dual Hexanon 21-35 ... what a quality ... :eek:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2759658120_0bda7bd45a_o.jpg

Only a snapshot with Hexar RF and Dual Hexanon on 21mm (Leicashop Vienna) ...

[peepete77]

The 35 summicron V3 is also quite nice, even it if doesn't wear the mantle of Bokeh King.
Those can be had for $1000 or less.

What does "Bokeh King" mean? :o

[peepete77]

of course M. ;)
Since Konica unfortunately does not produce its Hexar RF and lenses M-Hexanon any more, you should have a look e.g. at eBay or at local dealers with used cameras.

A friend of mine just bought a Dual Hexanon 21-35 ... what a quality ... :eek:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2759658120_0bda7bd45a_o.jpg

Only a snapshot with Hexar RF and Dual Hexanon on 21mm (Leicashop Vienna) ...

NICE! Thanks. But is the M better than the UC? Is it therefore you write "off course"----? Thanks again. :)

[tbarker13]

Bokeh King? Well that comes from the opinion of some that the out of focus area of the 4th version of the pre-asph summicron is the best ever.
It is a topic of endless debate, as some will argue that bokeh is quite subjective.

If it were me (and this is exactly what I did), I'd pick the 3rd version of the 35 summicron and save $300-$400 to use on something else.

[peepete77]

Bokeh King? Well that comes from the opinion of some that the out of focus area of the 4th version of the pre-asph summicron is the best ever.
It is a topic of endless debate, as some will argue that bokeh is quite subjective.

If it were me (and this is exactly what I did), I'd pick the 3rd version of the 35 summicron and save $300-$400 to use on something else.

Thanks, and COOL! Very enlightening! I am just curious, how can one find out if its the 3rd or 4th edition of this lens? Serial numbers, or do sellers usually know this and inform of it?
Thanks again, MUCH appreciated! :angel:

[peepete77]

Bokeh King? Well that comes from the opinion of some that the out of focus area of the 4th version of the pre-asph summicron is the best ever.
It is a topic of endless debate, as some will argue that bokeh is quite subjective.

If it were me (and this is exactly what I did), I'd pick the 3rd version of the 35 summicron and save $300-$400 to use on something else.

Cool!
But are we talking about the 35/2 or the 35/1,4 IV pre-asph as the so-called "Bokeh king"???
Thanks :)

[cam]

Cool!
But are we talking about the 35/2 or the 35/1,4 IV pre-asph as the so-called "Bokeh king"???
Thanks :)
the 35/2 Summicron is the so-called "Bokeh King." so-called, because everyone's opinion is different on this. i personally prefer the Lux pre-asph's bokeh over the Cron IV.

Thanks, and COOL! Very enlightening! I am just curious, how can one find out if its the 3rd or 4th edition of this lens? Serial numbers, or do sellers usually know this and inform of it?
Thanks again, MUCH appreciated! :angel:
a lot of sellers list this as the v. IV has such the rep. if not, you can tell by the serial number (http://74.125.39.104/search?q=cache:-6PMpZs5btIJ:members.aol.com/dcolucci/35summicron.htm+35+summicron+iv+.7&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3).

i personally have the first version of this and love it and i believe there is one for sale in the classifieds (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/12178/cat/2/limit/recent/date/1213480598) here. i checked out all the versions and this was the one that floated my boat. like i said, everyone is different.

your best bet is to go through here or flickr and see what lenses draw you in. figure out how much money you're willing to spend, how fast you need it to be, and whether size matter...

and, to throw another wrinkle in the bunch, the Leica 35mm Summaron is a very sweet lens. a tad slow, but nice small, and you can find it for quite a bit less than a Cron usually.

[thomasw_]

yes, the summaron 35/2,8 is an excellent performer. it has a recessed front lens which allows you to shoot it w/o a hood most of the time; it is quite resistant to flare. Here is a sun-drenched shot I took with the Summaron 35/2,8, a truly great lens for all seasons ;) It is an excellent lens if you can live with the f/2,8. Delightful character....so compact.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2672965601_9c71cd9d21.jpg

[Samsam]

I have the chance to own the 35mm Summilux ASPH, 35mm Summicron 4th version, and 35mm Summilux pre asph. My favourite is the Summilux Pre asph. IMHO, the Summicron v4 bokeh is not amazing. The Summilux preasph bokeh is nicer.
About the Summilux ASPH ( which is considered by lot of people as the best 35mm lens ), it's too clinical/modern for my tastes

[Krosya]

Peepete77,
I think you should look through some threads here - many about Noktons, SUmmicrons, etc. Than look at some pics made with lenses that interest you and see which you like.
From my experience : CV Ultron - very good lens - best balance for the money. CV Nokton 35/1.2 - best 35 mm there is - if someone says otherwise - they didnt use it enough or at all. Some other lenses come close, but nothing matches or betters it. Price to pay - it's weight and size. I have no problem with it. Plus I dont think it's that big and that heavy. here is a how it compares to a smallish UC-Hexanon 35/2. :
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63289&stc=1&d=1220830663

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63290&stc=1&d=1220831037



Both lenses cv35/1.2 and Uc-Hex are great but have different signature - reason I have both. Here is Nokton at 1.2:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2825175692_eca4d01854.jpg

and here is uc-hex at f2:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63041&d=1220261407

Either one of these will set you back about $1000 USD. UC-Hex - very hard to find lens - only 1000 made.
So, good luck!

[FifthLeaf]

Retow is right. If you're new to rangefinder photography, I assume you want the smaller cameras and lenses. The color skopar is small and inexpensive and you can always "upgrade" later if you like. Those large lenses, in my opinion, defeat the purpose of using a rangefinder. It's better to buy a cheaper lens, get out and shoot a LOT of film, and then worry about performance or whatnot later.

It seems you are new to RF photography, in which case I'd recommend to buy a used 35mm Skopar, an inexpensive, small, light, easy to focus, excellent performer. Reselling it later to "upgrade" will not be a problem.
Whilst the Nokton 1.2 is an excellent lens, it is not without challenges, firstly becauses of size and weight as already mentioned, but also because focusing it fully open is not that easy and requires practicing. I'm not sure I would buy it as my first RF lens.

[deepwhite]

On Summicron 35mm f2.0 IV (7-element):

I love this lens, but it's not THE king of bokeh to me.

It's not THE king of bokeh to me, but I love this lens.

------

On Nokton 35mm f1.2:

As much as I enjoying the lightweight of the compact lenses like the Cron IV, I have no problem at all hanging a Nokton 35/1.2 + the camera on my neck all day, or point it to the "subject" I want to shoot.

This lens is great by itself; there's nothing like it if you want that character (not even a Noctilux and that's why I keep both).

In my own experience, if I really don't want the "subject" aware that I'm taking a shot of him/her, I would:

(1) Just take out the tiny Minolta TC-1. Can't get smaller and better than that.

(2) Shoot from the hip. I failed a lot though.... :-p

[dacaccia]

NICE! Thanks. But is the M better than the UC? Is it therefore you write "of course"----? Thanks again. :)
well, I looked it up - the M-Hexanon 2/35 and the UC-Hexanon 2/35 seem to be identical. (I first thought the UC version is a SLR lens with adapter for M - but obviously this is not the case.)
I do have the M-Hexanon 2/35 which is really good - as I said.

Cheers,
dacaccia

[infrequent]

the uc-hexanon is nothing like the m-hexanon. more on the uc-hexanon from the always informative dante stella.

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/hex352.html

[dacaccia]

the uc-hexanon is nothing like the m-hexanon. more on the uc-hexanon from the always informative dante stella.

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/hex352.html

yes, thanks, I've seen the difference to M-Hexanon on the photo #4 by Krosyra - a complete different bokeh, to me a bit old-school. I like more this of M-Hexanon.

Cheers, dacaccia

[Jim Watts]

The 35mm pre-asph Summicron is a lovely lens. I have the 3rd version. I would though suggest that for use on the R-D1 you try to check the lens on the camera before buying. My lens focuses perfectly on my M4, but slightly front focuses on the R-D1, which has a properly adjusted rangefinder. I also tried a friends IVth version which gives the same problem. It's not by much, but is limiting at apertures of f2.8 and wider close up, so I now tend to use the 40mm Nokton more.

I do though prefer the look/bokeh of the Summicron to the Nokton and slightly more the 3rd than the IVth, but the IVth is sharper at full aperture.

Clearly other people have not had the same problem problem with these lenses on the R-D1, but I would suggest you make sure the combination works for you before purchase.

[nugat]

I have the chance to own the 35mm Summilux ASPH, 35mm Summicron 4th version, and 35mm Summilux pre asph. My favourite is the Summilux Pre asph. IMHO, the Summicron v4 bokeh is not amazing. The Summilux preasph bokeh is nicer.
About the Summilux ASPH ( which is considered by lot of people as the best 35mm lens ), it's too clinical/modern for my tastes

I have a chance to buy a 1970 Summilux 35/1.4. Is this the lens you write about? What would be a fair price for one in good shape (have to bid)?
Thanks in advance.

[peepete77]

To me, nothing I have used matches the look of my new-to-me pre-asph summicron.

I have the Nokton 1.4, had the Ultron 1.7, tried the 1.2, tried the C-Biogon; and they all were too high contrast for my taste. I always liked the 35mm perspective but I put it on the shelf for a long time because I didnt like the look of the photos I was getting.

I love my Planar 50/2 and considered the ZM 35/2. But I really want small lenses for my rangefinder cameras.

I bit the bullet and bought the summicron IV. Its now the only lens I have used for the last 2 months. Forget about the "bokeh-king" status, its just simply an amazing piece of gear.

You seem to think that the 35/2 Biogon is too big. I have not seen it in real size, how does it compare to the notorious beasty Nokton 1,2 in size and handling?

[peepete77]

I'll just echo the comments about the 35/1.2.
Great lens. But it sure would be a hefty first lens to get. Unless you like bulk.

Okay, here is my take at it. The learning curve could be steep, but I feel I should take advantage of the low dollar now, it is already rising fast agian, and if I ever should make a good deal, now is the time I feel.... Probably very much sense in buying a CS 35/2,5, but I am a sucker for optics. I have one SLR lens, the Pentax limited and expensive 31mm/1,9. And I love it soooo much. I rather have one super lens than 4 lenses I am "pretty satisfied" with. But again, these are just my thoughts and my feelings as of today... :) Thanks for a nice reply though!

[peepete77]

Which 35? For general photography i use the pre-asph Summicron 35/2 IV or the cheaper Summicron-C 40/2 which is very close. Both flare a bit but you cannot go wrong with little gems like that. For portrait, i prefer my late pre-asph Summilux 35/1.4. Flares more but offers roughly the same IQ with more speed and a gorgeous smoothness at f/1.4. The CV 35/1.4 SC flares even more but is sharper than the Lux at f/1.4 so i use it indoor generally. Back focusses more or less severely at f/4 - f/5.6 though. I don't seem to recall the cause but we discussed this some time ago here IINW. Otherwise the CV 35/1.2 is great but huge and i don't like the bokeh of the CV 35/1.4 MC and 35/2.5 at all. Same for the asph Leicas, and ZI lenses are too contrasty for my taste.
Edit: Never tried the CV 35/1.7 in person but i don't like its bokeh either from pics i've viewed on the web. Got focussing problems with the M-Rokkor 40/2 so i don't use it any more unfortunalety but it is very close to the Summicron-C 40/2 otherwise. FWIW

Thanks for a really interesting reply! I have now received an offer of an Summicrom 35/2 version IV pre-asph, for 400 £, but it seems to have a history of hard wear... A minor scratch in front element that seller says not affect IQ... Could this be "it"? In fact, I now have two offers on the "bokeh king".... But the other one has some issues with mechanic and handling... That one goes for 890 US $... Are these good offers? :confused:
Thanks

[peepete77]

I would look for a Konica M-Hexanon 2/35. It has a quality as Leica's pendant, both in optics and construction.

Cheers, dacaccia

I agree, I am SOOOOO looking and searching for this lens, even in UC! And I have spent hours last night, this morning, and even at work (don't tell my employee) finding it.... But no, so far no luck.... Yours is not up for sale, I reckon....?;)

[peepete77]

My 0.02:

(1) Summicron 35mm f2.0 IV (7-element)
(2) Nokton 35mm f1.2

The Summicron is small and great, with some "old flavor" around wide open. The 35/1.2 is the only "Noctilux substitute" in the 35mm category, delivers a more "modern color rendition" than the Summicron 35/2, and is still sharp enough wide open.

Okay, but now I grow really curious, what do you mean by "old flavour"? Retro or filmsy look on pictures???

[peepete77]

Hehe, that's what RFF does for you ;)
Yes, and it's the best feeling!!! I feel like I have really found "my space" at the www!!! ;)

[peepete77]

the 35/2 Summicron is the so-called "Bokeh King." so-called, because everyone's opinion is different on this. i personally prefer the Lux pre-asph's bokeh over the Cron IV.


a lot of sellers list this as the v. IV has such the rep. if not, you can tell by the serial number (http://74.125.39.104/search?q=cache:-6PMpZs5btIJ:members.aol.com/dcolucci/35summicron.htm+35+summicron+iv+.7&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3).

i personally have the first version of this and love it and i believe there is one for sale in the classifieds (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/12178/cat/2/limit/recent/date/1213480598) here. i checked out all the versions and this was the one that floated my boat. like i said, everyone is different.

your best bet is to go through here or flickr and see what lenses draw you in. figure out how much money you're willing to spend, how fast you need it to be, and whether size matter...

and, to throw another wrinkle in the bunch, the Leica 35mm Summaron is a very sweet lens. a tad slow, but nice small, and you can find it for quite a bit less than a Cron usually.

More wrinkles, more fun! :D
I agree on your views here, and I have been searching flickr, such an awesome site! I have confirmed my suspicions that the Hexanon 35mm and the Nokton 1,2 really are of my taste. There is so much here on leica, but I am trying to find some 35mm/2 summicron/ summaron and summilux, but it is hard to know which ones belong to the "bokeh king". I am willing to pay good money, if I ever was to get an offer on e.g. "Hexanon 35/2". I like Biagon 35/2 too, but it looks very contrasty and "superclean"... Do you have some shots or a link to your shots with your own lenses that you write about here? Would be awesome to see :angel: Thanks

[peepete77]

yes, the summaron 35/2,8 is an excellent performer. it has a recessed front lens which allows you to shoot it w/o a hood most of the time; it is quite resistant to flare. Here is a sun-drenched shot I took with the Summaron 35/2,8, a truly great lens for all seasons ;) It is an excellent lens if you can live with the f/2,8. Delightful character....so compact.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2672965601_9c71cd9d21.jpg

WOW! The summaron really blew my mond! Great picture and nice skin tones too in BW!

[peepete77]

I have the chance to own the 35mm Summilux ASPH, 35mm Summicron 4th version, and 35mm Summilux pre asph. My favourite is the Summilux Pre asph. IMHO, the Summicron v4 bokeh is not amazing. The Summilux preasph bokeh is nicer.
About the Summilux ASPH ( which is considered by lot of people as the best 35mm lens ), it's too clinical/modern for my tastes
Cool, so you don't necicerally agree that the Cron IV pre asph is the Bokeh king, then? ;)

[peepete77]

Peepete77,
I think you should look through some threads here - many about Noktons, SUmmicrons, etc. Than look at some pics made with lenses that interest you and see which you like.
From my experience : CV Ultron - very good lens - best balance for the money. CV Nokton 35/1.2 - best 35 mm there is - if someone says otherwise - they didnt use it enough or at all. Some other lenses come close, but nothing matches or betters it. Price to pay - it's weight and size. I have no problem with it. Plus I dont think it's that big and that heavy. here is a how it compares to a smallish UC-Hexanon 35/2. :
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63289&stc=1&d=1220830663

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63290&stc=1&d=1220831037



Both lenses cv35/1.2 and Uc-Hex are great but have different signature - reason I have both. Here is Nokton at 1.2:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2825175692_eca4d01854.jpg

and here is uc-hex at f2:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63041&d=1220261407

Either one of these will set you back about $1000 USD. UC-Hex - very hard to find lens - only 1000 made.
So, good luck!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what pair of lenses you have man! I envy you truly! You are very lucky my friend, and I love the look of both your pictures. It really stands out, and I can agree to much of what you're saying! I suppose you're not into selling the little Haxanon? ;)
You have very much opened my eyes here, and given me more to chew on!!! I would LOVE to see more of your pictures!
Best wishes from Norway!

[peepete77]

On Summicron 35mm f2.0 IV (7-element):

I love this lens, but it's not THE king of bokeh to me.

It's not THE king of bokeh to me, but I love this lens.

------

On Nokton 35mm f1.2:

As much as I enjoying the lightweight of the compact lenses like the Cron IV, I have no problem at all hanging a Nokton 35/1.2 + the camera on my neck all day, or point it to the "subject" I want to shoot.

This lens is great by itself; there's nothing like it if you want that character (not even a Noctilux and that's why I keep both).

In my own experience, if I really don't want the "subject" aware that I'm taking a shot of him/her, I would:

(1) Just take out the tiny Minolta TC-1. Can't get smaller and better than that.

(2) Shoot from the hip. I failed a lot though.... :-p

Answer much appreciated! I can see that you love your Nokton, and I can understand why! I also understand your points. Good points, taken! It is good to hear that you can wear the camera all day without getting tired or frustrated. :)

[peepete77]

the uc-hexanon is nothing like the m-hexanon. more on the uc-hexanon from the always informative dante stella.

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/hex352.html

I think I would be a very happy man if I ever got a hold of this beauty! :)

[peepete77]

The 35mm pre-asph Summicron is a lovely lens. I have the 3rd version. I would though suggest that for use on the R-D1 you try to check the lens on the camera before buying. My lens focuses perfectly on my M4, but slightly front focuses on the R-D1, which has a properly adjusted rangefinder. I also tried a friends IVth version which gives the same problem. It's not by much, but is limiting at apertures of f2.8 and wider close up, so I now tend to use the 40mm Nokton more.

I do though prefer the look/bokeh of the Summicron to the Nokton and slightly more the 3rd than the IVth, but the IVth is sharper at full aperture.

Clearly other people have not had the same problem problem with these lenses on the R-D1, but I would suggest you make sure the combination works for you before purchase.

Ok, thanks! This was a bit disturbing, as I have no chance of checking it out before I buy... I am buying lenses from people in other countries and don't know anyone with such a lens where I live... Has anyone else same problem on their epson? :confused:

[oscroft]

On the issue of lens size, CameraQuest has some photos comparing the sizes of various CV 35mm lenses, just over half way down the page here (http://cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm).

[LCT]

It seems you are new to RF photography, in which case I'd recommend to buy a used 35mm Skopar, an inexpensive, small, light, easy to focus, excellent performer. Reselling it later to "upgrade" will not be a problem...
Wise advice.

[Johann Espiritu]

I have both the Nokton 35/1.2 and the Color Skopar 35/2.5 "Classic". They are on the opposite sides of the 35mm size scale, that's for sure.

For daylight/everyday use, I reach for the Skopar, but the Nokton does have it's special uses (and look). It is HUGE, without a doubt, but I keep it for its distinct character. Although I did the opposite, I recomment you start with the smaller lens, get used to the feel of the RF experience, then move on to the Nokton if you feel you want more speed. The Nokton's intrusion into the viewfinder might ruin the feel for you at the beggining. It did so much for me that I didn;t use it for months once i got a smaller lens. Now I know when to use what.

If you want samples, do a search on my Flickr site.

Hope that helps!

[yanidel]

Many opinions now, so really you have to make up a choice. Nokton is huge and big, and probably more for a more contemplative kind of photography than all day long street photography. I would never carry a Nokton walking all day long, this is why I do not use my DSLR L1 anymore, the weight and size of RD1+Nokton would be similar to the L1.
Smaller lenses like the 35mm Skopar are cheap and easy to find. Probably in the $200 range, it will help you to validate a few things :
- you like the focal on the RD1 (53mm)
- you like rangefinders.
- you experiences the advantages of rangefinders (small, discreet, fast).
Once validated, buy a Nokton or whatever focal you feel would be more convenient.
As an example, I started with the 35mm Skopar on the RD1, but lately am using the 28mm Ultron a lot more, I find it better (43mm) for my type of photography (as well as its softness wide open). Still, I wish it was smaller, difficult to have it in small bag on business trips for example. Actually, I am looking for CV28mm 3.5, anyone has got one to sell ?

[Krosya]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what pair of lenses you have man! I envy you truly! You are very lucky my friend, and I love the look of both your pictures. It really stands out, and I can agree to much of what you're saying! I suppose you're not into selling the little Haxanon? ;)
You have very much opened my eyes here, and given me more to chew on!!! I would LOVE to see more of your pictures!
Best wishes from Norway!

Thanks,
Well, here are some from CV 35/1.2:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63337

and here are some from UC-Hexanon 35/2:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63237

and here (just to see something different) are some from a fixed lens Konica AUto S with Hexanon 47/1.9 lens:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63176

plus you can see some pics on my flickr in "some of my photos" link below

And like I said - try doing a search here and on flickr for the lenses you are interested in.

Oh - and my UC-Hexanon is not for sale - not yet at least. ;)

[yanidel]

A UC-Hexanon just popped up in the classifieds. Hurry up, this might be your lucky day !

[Krosya]

btw - there is UC-Hex 35/2 just listed in classifieds here. Good price too.

[Krosya]

oops - I think I'm not the first one to see that lol ;) I have a feeling it will not last there, UC-Hexanon that is.

[peepete77]

A UC-Hexanon just popped up in the classifieds. Hurry up, this might be your lucky day !
Yes, it was my lucky day 9/8/2008 :D :D :D :D :D
So lucky it was unbelievable!
THanks, GREAT tip!!!! You are an :angel:

[peepete77]

I love super fast, bright lenses (I have several Canon L primes at f/1.2 and f/1.4) so when I first started looking into RF gear, I was all over that 1,2/35 Nokton. In the end I decided to go with the 2/35 Biogon. Why? I got into RF for two reasons primarily... To shoot film again with high quality gear but also to reduce the bulk and weight. The Biogon is stupid-sharp, has excellent bokeh and is reasonably small/light.

Yes, I would LOVE to get my hands on the Zeiss-jewel, however, no offers that I felt was good enough showed up.... But ut us very cool that you are so satisfied with it! I love the colours of high - end *T-coating, which I guess is very present at the Biogon?
You have some pictures or link to them? Would be cool to see!
Thanks