When I was looking to replace my 8-element Summicron with M3 goggle eyes to get more compact the v3 had just come out. The Leica rep mentioned that like with the newer v3 50mm Summicron the design was optimized for higher contrast (and perceived increase in sharpness) with fewer elements (fewer glass-air surfaces). Tried one out but ended up going 35mm Summilux. Later, I did get a v4 in chrome and it became one of my favorite lenses. The one big problem with the v4 are those cost cutting nylon/plastic parts for the internal aperture adjustment. I never had a problem with my chrome lens, but picked up a used black version just because it was cheap, mushy aperture ring, and it is not a repairable fix (no parts). The v3 is just better made. The v3 is underrated in its optical quality, may be slightly less contrast, field flatness, and vignetting compared to the v4, but in real world use…? The v4 is just crazy priced thanks to the bokeh hype label, but the v3 is good too and in a better built package. Going Leica, if you don’t need the speed, save some real money and find a 35mm Summaron 3.5 for a sharp vintage look.
I love this lens. They're is always some myth behind the lenses. But what made me pick my v3 up 15 years ago, was that it was optimized for Kodachrome. And I shot nothing but Kodachrome for the first few months I got this lens, but then the film was no longer being sold or processed. But it does it's best work on chromes.
Great video! This one reminds me of the 50mm Summicron V3 in terms of a short run and being the black sheep. I think the best value for money is the ASPH. Still compact, performs really well for a 25 year old design, 6-bit coded, and easier to get your hands at good condition and price.
Thanks for the video, Jimmy. I own the 35mm Summicron V3 (Canada) and the 35mm Summicron ASPH (v1). Beyond what you’ve mentioned in your video about the look at f2 and f2.8 in terms of character and glow on the V3, I’ve also noticed that the color/white balance across the total f-stop range tends to lean more green on the tint. This is compared to the ASPH 35mm and practically any other lens I own. This includes the 50mm V4, 90mm Elmarit 2.8, 90mm Tele-elmarit 2.8 and even my Nikkor lenses. I tend to like this slant towards green. And further to it’s character, I think the 35mm Summicron V3 (and most vintage lenses actually) give one more of that film look than any preset or digital editing can achieve. There is also that so called pastel look on the V3. Thank for this part 1 of this look at this lens, I’m looking forward to part 2.
Thanks for the comments. Early Leica glasses tend to have this greenish tint comparing to a more pinkish tint on modern coatings. I love the film like look on digital cameras with this lens too.
Hi, I just got 35mm cron V3 but I found that when I focus at infinity, the patch finder doesn’t align with the patch on the viewfinder, it’s just a bit. But it does align when I use Voigtlander lens. Is it normal or not?
Thanks for this video, real question. Since you own the 35mm fle v2 and apo summicron 35mm. Should i bother going for the fle v2 or stick with apo 35mm?
depends on what you’re looking for I guess. If you’re looking for smooth gradation then probably yes. If you’re looking for high contrast then probably not.
I own a Canadian version three 35mm Summicron, and have owned it for many years. I have never thought of selling it to get any other version. Over the many years I have seen and heard about the so-called "magic" of the fourth version but I have never really seen it as any better than my version three. It's different but that does not make it better.
it’s all hype and misinformation. I actually prefer the 6 element as of now, even though I own 2 7 element but that’s for collection purposes only now.
I bought this lens new in 1974 along with a new (at the time), Midland M4. Both still work great.
wow that’s an awesome experience!
When I was looking to replace my 8-element Summicron with M3 goggle eyes to get more compact the v3 had just come out. The Leica rep mentioned that like with the newer v3 50mm Summicron the design was optimized for higher contrast (and perceived increase in sharpness) with fewer elements (fewer glass-air surfaces). Tried one out but ended up going 35mm Summilux. Later, I did get a v4 in chrome and it became one of my favorite lenses. The one big problem with the v4 are those cost cutting nylon/plastic parts for the internal aperture adjustment. I never had a problem with my chrome lens, but picked up a used black version just because it was cheap, mushy aperture ring, and it is not a repairable fix (no parts). The v3 is just better made. The v3 is underrated in its optical quality, may be slightly less contrast, field flatness, and vignetting compared to the v4, but in real world use…? The v4 is just crazy priced thanks to the bokeh hype label, but the v3 is good too and in a better built package. Going Leica, if you don’t need the speed, save some real money and find a 35mm Summaron 3.5 for a sharp vintage look.
great story 👍 smart to pick v3 today
You’re the best Jimmy. Always answering the questions no one else is
I really appreciate your videos and thorough comparisons!
I love this lens. They're is always some myth behind the lenses. But what made me pick my v3 up 15 years ago, was that it was optimized for Kodachrome. And I shot nothing but Kodachrome for the first few months I got this lens, but then the film was no longer being sold or processed. But it does it's best work on chromes.
Great video! I’ll be waiting for that comparison. I’d like to change my color skopar for the Summicron V3.
Great video! This one reminds me of the 50mm Summicron V3 in terms of a short run and being the black sheep.
I think the best value for money is the ASPH. Still compact, performs really well for a 25 year old design, 6-bit coded, and easier to get your hands at good condition and price.
I wanted a version 3 version 4 smaller size. I saw your video and made a good reference. Thank you
Thanks for the video, Jimmy. I own the 35mm Summicron V3 (Canada) and the 35mm Summicron ASPH (v1). Beyond what you’ve mentioned in your video about the look at f2 and f2.8 in terms of character and glow on the V3, I’ve also noticed that the color/white balance across the total f-stop range tends to lean more green on the tint. This is compared to the ASPH 35mm and practically any other lens I own. This includes the 50mm V4, 90mm Elmarit 2.8, 90mm Tele-elmarit 2.8 and even my Nikkor lenses. I tend to like this slant towards green.
And further to it’s character, I think the 35mm Summicron V3 (and most vintage lenses actually) give one more of that film look than any preset or digital editing can achieve. There is also that so called pastel look on the V3.
Thank for this part 1 of this look at this lens, I’m looking forward to part 2.
Thanks for the comments. Early Leica glasses tend to have this greenish tint comparing to a more pinkish tint on modern coatings. I love the film like look on digital cameras with this lens too.
Did you end up doing a review on the 35mm Summarit?
Hi, I just got 35mm cron V3 but I found that when I focus at infinity, the patch finder doesn’t align with the patch on the viewfinder, it’s just a bit. But it does align when I use Voigtlander lens. Is it normal or not?
Thank you for your video
I have the V4 but want to try the new 35 summilux 😅
You mean the steel rim remake or the new FLE
@@JimmyCheng new FLE, but hard te replace my V4 cron 💔
Thanks for this video, real question. Since you own the 35mm fle v2 and apo summicron 35mm. Should i bother going for the fle v2 or stick with apo 35mm?
stick with the apo, get an old lux asph if you need that 1.4
Do you tend to use a lens hood with the version 3 or no? Since the glass is recessed quite a bit I'm hoping I can get away without using a hood
I use it with a uv, I don’t like hood on small lenses which defeats their purpose of being low profile. But hoods can definitely help with flare.
which leica lens would you suggest we try to get the Leica glow?? Would it be the Summicron 35mm v4?? thank you
If you’re here for the glow definitely not the v4, the strongest glow comes from the pre-asph lux, then the cron v3.
@@JimmyCheng , hey Jimmy, thanks for quick reply..btw, really learning alot from your videos and admiring your leica bodies and lens collection...
Is this a good lens for black and white?
Was not a fan of the version 1 :(
depends on what you’re looking for I guess. If you’re looking for smooth gradation then probably yes. If you’re looking for high contrast then probably not.
Using Ultron 35/2 v1 and its nice and cheap.
我还是喜欢jimmy说中文
I own a Canadian version three 35mm Summicron, and have owned it for many years. I have never thought of selling it to get any other version. Over the many years I have seen and heard about the so-called "magic" of the fourth version but I have never really seen it as any better than my version three. It's different but that does not make it better.
it’s all hype and misinformation. I actually prefer the 6 element as of now, even though I own 2 7 element but that’s for collection purposes only now.