Leica 40mm f/2 Summicron-C | An Affordable Hidden Gem
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- The 40mm Summicron might be the most overlooked lens in the Leica lineup.
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Obviously a new setup for those who have followed the channel, what do you think??
I really liked this setup. Of course John Mark Mcmillan music made it even better
Refreshing evolution Benj. Visually feels a touch more conversational now than the tighter 'gear reviewer' angles. Thanks for all the time you put in to these. Are you still considering moving more into the SL system or staying with Ms + Sony? Cheers
Honestly I loved the set up visually. Felt warmer and more inviting. Engaging. But the music almost made me click off. I had to fast forward through the singing. Instrumentals were fine. But that voice was wrecking my last nerve. Sorry don’t like being mean in comments. You do great work and I always learn something, but you asked.
@@pmrodino haha no worries, I’ve used music with vocals a bunch in the past including from the same artist for years and it’s the first time people have mentioned it (and I’ve had a few others so far too) Good to know.
Thanks to this video it will no longer be affordable.
😂
I was kinda curious about it and was thinking about it before this video came out lol
Haha again, I very much doubt I have any influence over pricing ;)
@@benjhaisch I didn’t have a m240 till after your m240 video coincidence?!?!! hmmmm 🤨
Yes for the 😊country vibe music during the outing. Cheers and thanks for sharing
Absolutely the most underrated Leica lens
I used this on my M8, loved it.
That is really a perfect match!
I got this lens with my first Leica, the Leica CL. Loved it, and then continued using it on my M6 for a long time until I got a bit tired of the frameline mismatch (although not a huge deal) and got the itch to try other glass, which is when I moved onto onto voigtlander and then zeiss. But it’s a great lens. Adds some vintage character to the photos.
Love this lens! I shoot it on a CL, and it's so compact and sharp for the price. Also, love hearing the John Mark McMillan on the vid. He's a favorite!
I like the new set up
Babe wake up, Benj Haisch just uploaded a new video
I’ve honestly been thinking about getting this lens with a CL as my first rangefinder film camera. Especially given how relatively cheap the CL is compared to something like an MP which is my dream film camera. I could also see myself using this occasionally on my M10 and SL type 601.
It is an "oddball" size but a good lens. I always enjoy reading what the anointed think is proper to use on a Leica. I'm with you, i fit works, use it.
Good stuff. I miss going out to Tacoma.
This was cool to see! Also, super impressed by the amount of M-Rokkor 40mm users in the comments.. I have the M-Rokkor 40mm as well just because the CLE was my first ever rangefinder and the 40mm off that was incredibly sharp. Very underrated lenses and price points to be honest. I have the M-Rokkor 40mm on my M10-R and MP, selling my 35 cron asph v2 because of it. Best $400 I've spent!
0:31 I thought you were going to say "I sold it to purchase a house" haha. Great little lens!
I really like the 40mm summicron/minoltacron. I have the late Minolta version as my goto lens for my M6 (modified to bring up the 35mm frames)
Have the Minolta version with a macro adapter. Love it
Love my Minolta version with my CLE, still haven’t had the opportunity to use it on digital yet though
It‘s my only lens on my Leica M8. Works perfect with the crop of 1,33 and gives me the 50mm look
I never tried the Leica version, I've always had the Minolta Rokkor one. I wish I could find a hood for it that's not this weird rubber one, but it's all good. I tend to use the Rokkor more than the 35 Summicron, but I have been eyeing the CV 40 f1.4. Great vid!
Thx for the great video! How does the Leica 40mm compare to the multicoated Voigtländer 40mm f/1.4 in your opinion? In terms of sharpness and look?
duuuuuude you're breaking the secret !! 😆 I've been sitting on this lens for a while now I gotta cop before prices go up haha
Dang a buddy of mine is selling me his 40mm Summicron as he has a M6 and I have a Minolta CLE already with a Leitz 28mm. I saw some posts about how much this lens flares but those flares look beautiful. Can't wait to receive mine!
surprised to see a new video ON A VERY UNDERRATED LENS! kudos for you to try it, bother talking about it and share with us!
I shoot with the Minolta 40 mm (the newer version has multicoating) on my Leica M8, it was so good I sold off my Fuji gear and Sony rx1.
Btw. I think I said that the CL has 28mm framelines, which I don’t actually believe is true, but I was referring to the lenses that were made for the system :)
The CLE has them but it's a completely different camera, Minolta made them after Leica discontinued the cl, and produced the m rokkor 28/2.8 to go with it
Yes, the CL is 40-50-90.
And the CLE 28, 40, 90 mm.
I use the Minolta version. Very underrated
Curious how sharpness compares to the Nokton 40mm Classic at f2 ...
Also: Need instructions for that focus tap! PLEASE!
They also have the Voigtlander 40f2.8.
I have the MRokkor version from the old minolta CL (m mount)
Could someone let me know what hood can be used on this lens please ? Looking for a square hood but can’t find anything :(
My favorite lens on my M9. I have the Minolta version ;) Also thumbs up for John Mark McMillan 🖤
The two main reasons why I'm currently lusting for a 40mm Leitz is 1. affordability and 2. size. This tiny size makes it more attractive for me than the slightly bigger Voigtländer w. it's chrome ring which I don't like at all. Got the 40mm 1,4 Nokton but although it's a relatively small llens, it's quite heavy on a small Fujifilm XE series lens. Those I use most of the time over my heavy M8. All imo
hey ! have you tried it on the gfx by any chance ? does it covers ? thanks
The 35mm Summicron version IV looks just as small. The only drawback would be no frame lines. Didn't know it existed. Thanks for the heads up.
I love this lens ! it is perfect for film. How did you change the focus lever ? the original one is not so comfortable ...
I was wondering the same thing
Luckily both copies have had a regular focus tab added somehow. I didn’t do either conversion though, sorry!
Dope hat. Where'd ya get it?
I just bought Summicron 40/2 and it exactly how you described. I have Ultron 35/2 vers I and im trying to decide what to keep. Its more like what look you want. Modern and contrasty or vintage.
I owned a M-Rokkor QF 40/2 (the early model) and then couldn't resist having the true 35mm framelines so bought an Ultron 35/2 II. However I don't find any significant advantages of the Ultron over the Rokkor...just sometimes the Ultron could deliver a little bit more micro contrast.
I got a mint Minolta version for a steal of a price and love it. The only drawback is I only have 10mp to play with on the M8 so guessing framing is a little tricky.
As far as I’m aware they are the same lens design and glass material so are effectively identical (someone please explain the difference if there are any).
A great lens though and I love its size and results
The Minolta 40mm, or at least later production of it, is multicoated whereas the Leitz version is single coated. Otherwise they’re identical. The glass elements for both were made by Leitz.
This lens worked beautifully with Kodachrome 64.
Were you able to modify the lens tab or is your copy comes with that? My only issue with Summicron-C/Rokkor 40mm is that weird lens tab design.
Yeah, I am interested in a focus tab like that 🤗 Anybody knows where to and how to?
I recommend you check out the Olympus Zuiko 40mm F2 lens if possible.
How do you mount it on a Leica, have the right frame come up in the viewfinder and work the rangefinder???
I was considering the Summicron C but went with the 40mm Rokkor late model instead. It’s supposed to have better coatings or something. I am pretty happy with my choice.
"supposed to have better coatings or something" - Not true. Even its helical focus design is of a 'cheaper' type...
@@y2ktube As said before I have owned and used both lenses for over 3 decades, I do to really see the difference in my enlarged prints. in fact I bought the Rokkor because the first Summicron I had was not that good, I got rid of it, got the Rokkor and finally bought another Summicron which is fine (except for a problem with a loose aperture ring which did not happen with the Rokkor... life, not theory.
@@BrunoChalifour " life, not theory" - Leica technician, not anecdotal...
@@y2ktube The sloped helicoid of the cron version and early M-Rokkor version should be the 'cheaper' type instead, because Leica intended to freak their users out by claiming this kind of focus cam wouldn't be compatible with their M-bodies. In fact, the parallel focus cam of the late M-Rokkor model is the same design as on other Leica and third-party M-mount lenses. You are those fooled by Leica.
@@tonywu5571 "should be the 'cheaper' type - You are those fooled by Leica" - Well, you've obviously never opened up (torn-down) a Summicron lens.
I have, I'm a Leica technician...👀
What camera strap is this?
This has been my go to lens for a long time but man, the flare is a bit much at times. I haven't been able to find a hood to help reduce that. No frame lines isn't too big of an issue for every documentary stuff, but if you are taking purposeful shots it helps to have a better idea of what is in the shot especially on film. I read that its rendering is comparable to the 35mm summicron v1 (I haven't used that one). I also have the 35mm ultron but lately I have been wanting a softer less contrasty look so I branched out to the nokton v2.
If you get the Minolta rokkor 40mm f/2 v2 has much better coating that significantly reduces the flare compared to the Cron
How did you get that focus tab on there? Doesn’t it normally come with a different focus tab?
I'm wondering about that too. I own this lens, but it has a different (and not very comfortable) focus tab.
Nice. Although some may have said it in the comments, the Minolta CLE had the viewfinder frames for 28, 40 and 90 mm (and only Minolta designed a specific 28 mm f 2.8 for its CLE) and the Leica CL had the viewfinder frames for 40, 50 and 90 mm. The CL had the same strange lightmeter system as the M5 (which did not go too well for the M5 and is known to fail). The light meter uses batteries that are now hard to find, although adapters exist. The CLE anticipated the M7 by quite a few years in that it had automatic exposure (A priority) and flash TTL. Another issue when you use any 40 mm on a Leica M: there is no 40 mm frame in those cameras. The default frame shown is usually the 50 mm one; some had their 40 mm adapted so that it would trigger the 35 mm frame (closer to 40mm than 50).
"and is known to fail" - HUH ? - They're SUPER reliable ! - The main issue with the M5 or CL metering is Battery acid leakage (acid migrates into the wiring which produces higher resistance & contact corrosion etc.). Certainly not the camera's fault...
Hello love watching your video. Anyway, I just bought one and when I mounted on my M10, it seems tight to mount or un-mount. Does it happen to you?
Most folks also experience this feeling. It's due to the tiny gripping surface at the base of the lens (nearest the mount).
BTW, never mount it to your camera gripping the front tube or aperture ring...
Sorry I did not mean stiff or tight, it seems to require extra force at half way when you unmount the lens, just not as smooth as modern lenses like voigtlander, maybe it was a 50 years old lens 😅
Hello can You tell me if i put this lens on my Leica m4 it will work fine with flame selector leavel? It will automaticly set on 35mm?
I believe it brings up the 50mm by default, but many copies have been modified to 35mm instead.
This was my old 40 Summicron! Sold it about 5 months ago haha
How did you find one with a proper focus tab - all the ones I can find have the same weird tab as the Minolta version...
Yes I have never seen a 40 mm Summicron tab like this one. Mine is identical to the one on the Rokkor and kind of mimics the old locking tabs... without actually locking.
"one with a proper focus tab" - It's not original. Someone mod'ed the lens with a more modern tab (likely using the 35 Summicron part).
I'm wondering if this is even possible. A while back, I purchased a 40mm Summicron lens that was 6-bit coded to read as 35mm lens on Leica M digital bodies. However, I actually need to use the lens as a 40mm lens on a Minolta CLE (which only gives 28mm, 40mm, and 90mm framelines). Because the lens is modified, it does not give the 40mm framelines on the CLE but instead as a 28mm lens which is the default if the lens is not "read". For the life of me, I cannot find any information on how to reverse the "modification" or to learn if it is even possible. If you can point me in the right direction, that would be much appreciated.
Current 6-bit code registers as a Summicron-M 35mm f/2 (IV).
Someone probably filed your mount just a smidge enough to pull up the 35 frame lines instead of 50 because the 35 was closer framelines. They had an actual Leica M so didn’t care that it didn’t work correctly on the CL for future owners.
did you add that focus tab to the lens?
No in fact both the Summicron and the Rokkor have got exactly the same tab with and interesting idiosyncrasy that kind of mimics the older tab of 39 mm lenses (and some first Ms) that had a lock for infinity. Here it looks like the old lock but it is solid and neither moves nor locks. The Voigtlander Nokton 40 mm f . 1.4 has also got a focusing tab. Precision though the tab here does not look like the ones I am describing and may not be the original one but a more modern or at least different version.
"that focus tab" - It's not original. Someone mod'ed the lens with a more modern tab.
I have the Minolta version of the lens and was wondering if there is any diffrence with the Leica version?
Same optical formula different coatings I belive
@@darkfloo "Same optical formula different coatings" - Not true, they're different in many ways including the construction etc.
They are different, but the image quality is equal.
40mm Rokkor-M CL and CLE versions all differ from each other at a very minimal rate apparently, does the newer CLE coating make that much of a difference?
The man from FilmCameraTokyo told me taht the images are rather flat compared to the 3d pop of the 35/50 summicron as well...
The CLE 40 mm was not that newer than the the summicron as they were developed almost at the same time. And frankly having used both I have never noticed such a difference.
@@BrunoChalifour oh, so the elmar-c, summicron-c was a part of the co-dev of minolta+leica development? I didn't know specifics, about timeline, that's interesting!
might get one soon tbh, but i think i'll head for the ms optics apollon first!
@@Ponker What Elmar ? The 90 mm?
@@BrunoChalifour ah no, my bad, i meant the elmarit-c 40mm in that context, but wasn't the elmar 90mm also for the cl, later turned rokkor 90mm for cle? sorry i'm still learning
great lens but sold it right after i got it for the flaring, too much, wasn't basically able to use it outside, i cal this the king of flare
I have both the Leica and Minolta versions. The Minolta lens I think has different coatings on it. My two lenses do look a little bit different.
Perfect travel lenses though I usually bring one of the 40mms with the Ricoh GR 28mm LTM as my travel lenses.
Oooohhh
VM 35mm Ultron II for me in my M10R, I am however looking at the new Nokton 35mm F1.5 …. Have you tried this new lens?
It is an excellent lens (the new Voigtlander 35 mm f. 1.5) it has replaced my 35 mm f. 1.2 III, mostly because it slighter and shorter and obstructs the viewfinder less.
Benj, my 40mm Summicron samples (I own 3) perform much better than the results you received. Your lens exhibits results that indicate the high likelihood of fog/haze. Even the slightest out-gassing of aged lube will apply a micro cast to inside airspaces. - Has your lens been serviced? This issue will cause soft resolution, flare and lower contrast...
I looked into this Leica over the last couple of months. It's affordable for Leica, but still not cheap. The Minolta is cheaper. I ended up buying the Voigtlander 40mm Heliar and I'm loving it. Sharper, more contrast, lovely colours, and still very, very small.
Annnnnd .. now it’s 1000+
❤
Get the Minolta version of this lens. Same optics, better coatings. My Minolta Rokkor-M is sharp at f2.
I am not so sure there is so much of a difference between the two lenses (40 mm Rocker and Summicron). The CLE 40 mm was not that newer than the the summicron as they were developed almost at the same time. The Summicron is also "reasonably" sharp (with today's criteria) at f. 2.
"Same optics, better coatings" - WRONG on BOTH counts ! - Obviously you've never had both models apart and certainly didn't comparison test them; it's not even close.
There's a reason the Minolta was made 'cheaper'...
@@y2ktube I would not be so loud about it. I own and have used BOTH ;o) lenses and from a result point of view I cannot really tell the difference. However it is true that the Leica 40 mm looks and feels more solid.
@@BrunoChalifour - "I own and have used BOTH" - I own many and have serviced/tested many...
@@y2ktube The Leica version is single coated. Later Minolta versions made in Japan are multi-coated. Minolta lenses from when the CLE launched with the later Minolta version were all renowned for Minolta's lens manufacturing and how Minolta applied lens coating - one of the few manufacturers who did this consistently for all their own products.
I did try both lenses, I do not see how the Leica version is better made. That is BS, sorry. Whatever differences you may have seen probably depends on the age of the lenses and the use they have seen. My Rokkor is still mint, everything feels mint, from the focus ring movement to the aperture clicks. It's probably easier getting a later Rokkor in great shape than the Leica version, given that the Leica version is older.
I owned the voigtlander 40mm 1.4. It sucked. A lot. It also didn't help that it was the first lens i bought for my M240. Very hard to learn how to use a rangefinderas a beginner
Agreed the corners are really soft and twirling !
Yeah Field Trip at 00:34?? 👀
Old school!
This is my daily lens that I use with my M2 and M10P. I have the 35 FLE but feel like modern Leica lenses are too big and heavy so they just sit there until I have a special occasion. But yea, love the 40 Cron, only thing is it flares like crazy if you point it near the sun, also adding a 39mm thread adapter to it makes it bigger so I tend to use it without any filters.
"it flares like crazy if you point it near the sun" -Then there exists the high likelihood of fog/haze. Even the slightest out-gassing of aged lube will apply a micro cast to inside airspaces. - Has your lens been serviced? This issue will cause soft resolution, FLARE and lower contrast..
Use a lens hood, it is even better ....
Haha sure, I’m still trying to figure out which hood to get.
Inexpensive? Both the prices for the 40/2 from Leica and Minolta have easily doubled in recent years. Small lens though and decent if someone likes double circle bokeh rings.
Buying them with a CL or a CLE makes them cheaper though ;o)
The lens must be modded, it actually has a different focusing tab than Leicas usually have.
Yep
Welp now this lens price is going to skyrocket. 😂😂
Hahaha I very much doubt that I have that much sway over the market ;)
heh nope but ty for it ;3
800.- - 1000.- is not that affordable or is it? the 50mm cron costs 1100.- so..
Yes but still slightly cheaper than a 50 mm, and cheaper than a 35 mm summicron of the same era. Now the 40 mm Rokkor which in my experience is as good as the Summicron (I have used both) is half the price, around $400 (sometimes less, sometimes more) and that is a good deal.
@@BrunoChalifour - "in my experience is as good as the Summicron" - Blah blah. After servicing both, I tested them, without hesitation I unloaded the Rokkor...
Nobody will ever have the guts to admit it, but it has nothing less than the summicron M 50mm. My honest and open heart opinion. Its all about market. Bye
Love the video but maybe use music with no lyrics? Just a personal preference tho
Interesting, I feel like I use the lyrics versions when I’m not talking as it adds to the melodic nature of the song to bring depth. Probably just my own music/songwriting background.
@@benjhaisch YOU DO YOU BOO BOO
@@benjhaisch Also is that John Mark McMillan??
Please choose better music for your videos I muted the video, and it’s too loud.
✌🏼
👎 music
Sorry.
No vintage crappy glass any more.
Hey this is a vintage leica/minolta lens. It has character.
Nope. Bad flare, any sharpness, uncontrolled SA, bubbly nervous bokeh, wierd colors.
No thnx, no. No helios 44 no more, no nokton 58/Topcor no more, no SMC 55 no more.
Less lenses. Better lenses.
Nokton 50 1.2
Ultron 28 2
Heliar 40
Nokton 21
...
"It has character. Nope. Bad flare, any sharpness, uncontrolled SA, bubbly nervous bokeh, wierd colors. No thnx" - It's like you're bitching about 'Your Rolex' which doesn't keep good time. Well, it needs to be maintained ! - So get your lenses serviced ! - Benj's lens exhibits results that indicate the high likelihood of fog/haze. Even the slightest out-gassing of aged lube will apply a micro cast to inside airspaces. - Betting that his lens wasn't serviced recently. This aging lube issue will cause soft resolution, flare and lower contrast; in ALL the lenses you listed...
@@y2ktube Won't have any chance against any 40mm from 2k, because its an old design and you can't change it.
Any chance with colours, against way cheaper 40mm Nokton 1.4.
Any chance against even the Ultron f2 v1 F or EF (PK?).
OM Zuiko went crazy rare, and pricey but still better than the Rokkor/Leica.
Bring an Heliar 40 which is 2.8 and you can throw the Rokkor in the historical cabinet for ever.
Don't want to talk about the VM 40mm Nokton Aspherical @f/2 new at 600USD will demolish the Rokkor.
A converted Minilux Summarit 40mm f2.4 will be mile ahead.
Simply not worth it, unless you're dust collector.
@@konnroi - "Simply not worth it" - Okay I got it, you're a huge fan of 'Clinical' imaging. - - - You obviously prefer a photograph over a Rembrandt....
@@y2ktube The Nokton 40 is the most far away lens from clinical under 2.8, and never get clinical even at 5.6, always that analogic feeling, but waaay grater rendering new at 600USD.
Same for the un-Asph. 1.4, dirty cheap, full of defects and classic, single-coated has all the character you want 1/3 the price used.
An old 40 Ultron SL N (can only be mounted on M with 30USD adapter) can do better rendering and better colors.
Summicron 2/40 C is a 1000 euros dust collector for me.
@@konnroi - "a 1000 euros dust collector" - Well, you know what 'they' say ; "If you need to ask/quote the price, then you can't afford it"