35 Biogon size compared to asph Summilux 50 and v4 35 Summicron

[x-ray]

There's been a great deal of discussion over size of various lenses including the Zeiss Biogon 35 vs the v4 35 Summicron. Here are a few images showing the Biogon on my MP and compared to the v4 and new asph 50 summilux. I think you'll be very surprised at how the lens compares to a roll of 35mm film in the box.

[x-ray]

A few more images.

[ERV]

Thanks for these!
I've been considering a biogon and have been trying to imagine how its size compares to a summicron. It looks like a beauty.

[visiondr]

Thanks for those images. I was always under the impression that the 35 Biogon was a bit big. Well, perhaps I was wrong. It seems well within the range of sizes for prime lenses for rangefinders.

Ron

[Avotius]

its strange, when I tinkered with that lens (and the hood) on a zeiss ikon I thought it felt huge in comparison to the cron asph but in the end we are all just splitting hairs arnt we? After all I thought my canon ef 50 1.4 was small...

[x-ray]

Big is a relative term. It really is a beauty of a lens. Zeiss hit a real home run with the new ZM lenses.

I had a few questions emailed from one of the members considering ghe Biogon. I would describe the 35 Biogon as very well constructed lens, finely finished, smooth as butter and very well optically balanced. It is very sharp and balanced with great contrast exhibiting virtually no flare even with direct sun hitting the front element. F2 performance is excellent and stunni9ng at 2.8 to 4. Tonality is smooth and clean but crisp. Ergonomics are exactly what I want in a lens. If you've concluded I love this lens you are absolutely correct.

[peter_n]

Don is the bump on the focusing ring a nuisance?

[mervynyan]

wow, our MP serial number sequence is so close +-10.

[Nachkebia]

I don`t see hood on 35mm biogon in this pictures

[x-ray]

Originally Posted by peter_n

Don is the bump on the focusing ring a nuisance?

I dislike the focusing tabs on the leica lenses but the bump on the serated focusing ring is excellent. With a real focusing ring you can use the bump or not as you would like. It certainly does'nt get in my way.

Here's one with the hood.

[Nachkebia]

Yeah with hood it looks huge

[Huck Finn]

Originally Posted by Nachkebia

Yeah with hood it looks huge

I agree; the hood makes it much bigger.

However, the hood is unnecessary. As x-ray siad, you can't get this lens to flare. The only real reason for the hood is to protect the glass if you prefer to use it without a filter. If you use a filter, forget the hood.

[Huck Finn]

Originally Posted by visiondr

Thanks for those images. I was always under the impression that the 35 Biogon was a bit big. Well, perhaps I was wrong. It seems well within the range of sizes for prime lenses for rangefinders.

Ron

The 35 biogon is exactly the same size as the 50 Summicron when mounted on the camera.

I think the confusion started when Zeiss first published its lens specs. They include the lens mount in their measrement, which only serves to confuse things.

[back alley]

do you guys use it without the hood?
really?

i seem to be addicted to using them, no matter. it would feel so odd not to have one in the front of my lenses.
do you not use a hood on other zm lenses?

joe

[Nachkebia]

x-ray siad the hood is unnecessary? thats nice to hear! I love ZM lenses without hood!
I have shot slides in the daylight without hood, no flare, but I would not risk shooting without it serious stuff, but if x-ray says....

[summilux]

Originally Posted by x-ray

I dislike the focusing tabs on the leica lenses but the bump on the serated focusing ring is excellent. With a real focusing ring you can use the bump or not as you would like. It certainly does'nt get in my way.

Here's one with the hood.

the tab on the summilux 50 asph is definitely unpleasant!

[Nachkebia]

I was shooting yesterday at night with summilux 50 asph, tab was very usefull, it is very usefull but only when it is helping with focusing tab (same way ZM has)

[x-ray]

I use the hood but could easily shoot without it. The hood is just something I've always used and feel naked without it. Shooting with the sun directly in the lens has not produce any noticable flare.

You're right about the focusing tab on the asph. I've even given thought to selling it and buying the one that goes with the MP-3. I can't figure why leica got hung up on these tabs. Over the years I think I've had 4 variations of focusing tabs on lenses. Some OK and some terrible.

[shenkerian]

Originally Posted by x-ray

You're right about the focusing tab on the asph. I've even given thought to selling it and buying the one that goes with the MP-3. I can't figure why leica got hung up on these tabs. Over the years I think I've had 4 variations of focusing tabs on lenses. Some OK and some terrible.

The focusing ring on the new LHSA one is excellent, but sometimes I'm jealous of the built in hood though. While the detachable vented hood is nice, the lens comes with two caps: one for the naked lens, and one for the hood reversed (!) on the lens. I don't want to reverse the hood each time I move the camera into and out of my bag, so I've been leaving it off until I have time to pick up a push-in cap. It does seem strange shooting with a naked lens though.

On an irrational note, I'm jealous of the serial number on your Summilux.

[x-ray]

Originally Posted by shenkerian

The focusing ring on the new LHSA one is excellent, but sometimes I'm jealous of the built in hood though. While the detachable vented hood is nice, the lens comes with two caps: one for the naked lens, and one for the hood reversed (!) on the lens. I don't want to reverse the hood each time I move the camera into and out of my bag, so I've been leaving it off until I have time to pick up a push-in cap. It does seem strange shooting with a naked lens though.

On an irrational note, I'm jealous of the serial number on your Summilux.

If you ever feel like a trade drop me a PM. I shot the old summicrons for many years and never had a second thought about reversing the hood. I actually like the removable hood over the built in. Different strokes for different folks. My lens is minty but doesn't have the box. Funny about the SN, couldn't have planned that.

[summilux]

Originally Posted by x-ray

I use the hood but could easily shoot without it. The hood is just something I've always used and feel naked without it. Shooting with the sun directly in the lens has not produce any noticable flare.

You're right about the focusing tab on the asph. I've even given thought to selling it and buying the one that goes with the MP-3. I can't figure why leica got hung up on these tabs. Over the years I think I've had 4 variations of focusing tabs on lenses. Some OK and some terrible.

I sold my first Summilux 50 asph, standard version, because I disliked the tab, it is too big, its sharp corners cutting into my other hand which is holding the camera far too often.

I like the tab on the first version summicron 35 and 21/3.4 super angulon, its size is just about right.

the lens on the R-D1s is a MP3 Summilux, it is smaller than the standard issue, I use Heliopan E43 filter on it, I also have the Leica E43 filter, but the Heliopan's multi coating is better. I don't use hood. When compared with Zeiss ZM's hood (spring loaded and all that), Leica's seems crude, anyway they tend to mar your lens rim.

but I am seriously tempted to buy the chrome 50 summilux asph, I am prepared to have two of my fingers removed for it.

[summilux]

although the zeiss hood is beautifully done, I don't use it on my 25mm, it increases the lens profile, obstruct the viewfinder, yes, it looks nice, but I don't use it. i also use the Leica E46 chrome filter on it too, mix and match, it is fun.

on the 50mm sonnar, I do use it.

[x-ray]

Originally Posted by summilux

I sold my first Summilux 50 asph, standard version, because I disliked the tab, it is too big, its sharp corners cutting into my other hand which is holding the camera far too often.

I like the tab on the first version summicron 35 and 21/3.4 super angulon, its size is just about right.

the lens on the R-D1s is a MP3 Summilux, it is smaller than the standard issue, I use Heliopan E43 filter on it, I also have the Leica E43 filter, but the Heliopan's multi coating is better. I don't use hood. When compared with Zeiss ZM's hood (spring loaded and all that), Leica's seems crude, anyway they tend to mar your lens rim.

but I am seriously tempted to buy the chrome 50 summilux asph, I am prepared to have two of my fingers removed for it.

I agree on the 21 3.4 and v1 summicron 35. I had both and think these were the only tabs I really felt OK with. In reality I really like a focusing ring I can grip.

I don't know about the removal of two fingers. What would I put in my nose? Just kidding!!!

[shenkerian]

Heh, I'll definitely keep you in mind, but I think I like the scalloped ring too much.

[kevin m]

Is that a black chrome MP? Sweet!