35mm f/2 summicron-r i – The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R, a lens that embodies the spirit of Leica’s renowned craftsmanship, has been a cornerstone of rangefinder photography for decades. Its timeless design, characterized by a compact build and a fast aperture, has captured the hearts of photographers seeking both exceptional image quality and a classic aesthetic.
This lens, born from a rich history of innovation, continues to inspire photographers with its ability to render scenes with a unique blend of sharpness and character.
The Summicron-R’s optical design, a testament to Leica’s commitment to excellence, features six elements in five groups, meticulously arranged to minimize distortion and deliver exceptional sharpness. The lens’s fast aperture, f/2, allows for shallow depth of field, isolating subjects against beautifully blurred backgrounds, a hallmark of the Summicron line.
This combination of speed and sharpness has made the 35mm f/2 Summicron-R a versatile tool, capable of capturing everything from intimate portraits to sweeping landscapes.
Lens Overview
The Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is a legendary lens, known for its exceptional image quality and compact size. It has been a mainstay in the Leica rangefinder system for decades, captivating photographers with its versatility and performance.
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R lens, with its legendary sharpness and smooth bokeh, is a classic choice for photographers seeking a timeless, high-quality lens. While it excels on rangefinder cameras like the Leica M series, it can also be adapted to digital SLRs, making it a versatile option.
To find the perfect DSLR body for your needs, you might want to explore our guide on the best DSLR camera under 1000 , as there are many capable options available. Regardless of your choice, the Summicron-R lens will provide a beautiful and detailed perspective, making it an excellent companion for any photographer looking to capture the world in its purest form.
History of the Summicron-R
The Summicron-R lineage traces back to the original Summicron, introduced in 1953. This lens, a 35mm f/2, was a significant advancement in lens design, renowned for its compact size and sharp performance. It was a popular choice for photojournalists and street photographers, particularly for its ability to capture candid moments.
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2, introduced in 1969, was an evolution of this classic design, incorporating improvements in materials and construction, further enhancing its image quality and durability.
Key Features and Specifications
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R is a six-element lens in five groups, a classic design that prioritizes sharpness and contrast. Its key features include:
- Focal length: 35mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Number of elements: 6 in 5 groups
- Filter size: 39mm
- Weight: 250g
Optical Design and Image Quality
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is known for its exceptional image quality, characterized by sharpness, contrast, and excellent color rendition. Its optical design, a six-element configuration, effectively minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration, resulting in images that are both sharp and pleasing.
The lens’s compact size and fast aperture make it ideal for a variety of photographic applications, from street photography to landscape and portraiture.
Performance and Image Quality
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lens is renowned for its exceptional performance and image quality, making it a highly sought-after lens among photographers. Its reputation stems from its ability to deliver sharp, high-contrast images with accurate color rendition, even at wide apertures.
Sharpness
The lens exhibits excellent sharpness throughout its aperture range. At its widest aperture of f/2, it produces images with noticeable sharpness in the center, while maintaining good sharpness towards the edges. Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 results in exceptional sharpness across the entire frame, making it ideal for landscapes, architectural photography, and portraits.
The sharpness of the Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is attributed to its well-designed optical formula, consisting of six elements in five groups.
Contrast
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lens is known for its exceptional contrast, which contributes to the overall vibrancy and clarity of its images. The high contrast is achieved through the use of a multi-coating system on the lens elements, which effectively reduces flare and ghosting, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R lens, a classic in the world of Leica rangefinders, is known for its sharpness and character. While the Summicron-R is designed for a specific system, it’s a reminder that lenses, like cameras, are tools for capturing the world.
Choosing the right tool depends on your needs and preferences, which is why the debate between the Nikon D500 and D750, as detailed in this comparison d500 nikon vs d750 , is so relevant. Ultimately, the best combination of lens and camera will depend on the photographer’s vision, and the 35mm f/2 Summicron-R, with its timeless design and optical quality, remains a powerful choice for those seeking a classic and reliable lens.
This coating minimizes light reflections and maximizes light transmission, resulting in images with rich blacks and well-defined details.
Color Rendition
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lens delivers accurate and pleasing color rendition. Its ability to capture colors faithfully is attributed to its optical design and the quality of its glass elements. The lens exhibits a slight warm tone, which can be considered a desirable characteristic for many photographers.
This warm tone adds a touch of warmth and richness to images, particularly in landscapes and portraits.
Bokeh
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lens produces smooth and pleasing bokeh, particularly when shooting at wider apertures. Bokeh refers to the out-of-focus areas in an image, and the Summicron-R 35mm f/2 excels in rendering these areas with a soft, creamy, and aesthetically pleasing blur.
This quality is achieved through the lens’s optical design and its ability to effectively control the light passing through it.
Flare and Ghosting
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 lens is relatively resistant to flare and ghosting. This is due to the multi-coating system applied to its lens elements. However, in extreme lighting conditions, such as when shooting directly into the sun, some flare and ghosting may occur.
This is a common phenomenon with most lenses, and it can be minimized by using a lens hood or adjusting the camera angle.
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R lens, a classic for its sharpness and versatility, often evokes memories of a simpler time in photography. It’s a stark contrast to the compact point-and-shoot cameras of the late 90s, like the Olympus Stylus 850 SW , which aimed for ease of use and affordability.
While the Stylus 850 SW might have been a popular choice for capturing everyday moments, the Summicron-R still holds its own as a tool for discerning photographers who value precision and image quality.
Usage and Applications
The Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-R lens is a versatile and highly regarded lens that excels in a variety of photographic scenarios. Its compact size, excellent image quality, and classic rendering characteristics make it a popular choice for both professional and enthusiast photographers.The lens’s strengths and weaknesses vary depending on the shooting situation and the photographer’s preferences.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for maximizing the lens’s potential and achieving desired results.
Street Photography
The 35mm focal length is widely considered ideal for street photography. It offers a natural perspective that captures the environment without being too wide or too narrow. The Summicron-R’s fast aperture of f/2 allows for shallow depth of field, enabling photographers to isolate subjects from their surroundings and create a sense of intimacy.
The lens’s compact size and discreet nature make it an excellent choice for candid street photography, allowing photographers to blend in with the crowd and capture authentic moments.
Portrait Photography
While not as commonly used for portraits as longer focal lengths, the 35mm Summicron-R can produce beautiful portraits with a unique perspective. Its ability to render sharp details and smooth transitions makes it suitable for capturing both close-up and full-length portraits.
The lens’s fast aperture allows for creative control over depth of field, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject’s features and create a pleasing background blur. The 35mm focal length can create a slightly more intimate feel compared to longer portrait lenses, providing a more natural and less formal look.
Landscape Photography
The 35mm Summicron-R is not typically considered a primary lens for landscape photography. Its relatively wide field of view can be limiting for capturing expansive scenes, and its shallow depth of field might not be ideal for maintaining sharpness throughout the entire landscape.
However, the lens can be used effectively for landscape photography in specific situations, such as capturing dramatic close-ups of details within a larger landscape or creating a sense of intimacy and depth in smaller scenes.
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R is a classic lens known for its sharp rendering and compact size. It’s a versatile choice for many photographers, but some might crave a wider perspective. For those seeking a wider field of view, the 19mm focal length is a popular choice.
Fortunately, there are several compelling Leica R 19mm alternatives available, offering different optical characteristics and price points. Ultimately, the 35mm f/2 Summicron-R remains a highly regarded lens, and its balance of performance and portability continues to make it a favorite among Leica R users.
Other Applications
The 35mm Summicron-R is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of photographic genres beyond street, portrait, and landscape photography. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for photographers who shoot in multiple genres. Some other applications include:
- Architectural Photography: The lens’s wide field of view can capture the details of architectural structures, while its sharp rendering can provide accurate representations of lines and angles.
- Travel Photography: Its compact size and lightweight design make it a convenient lens for travel photography, while its versatility allows for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to street scenes to portraits.
- Photojournalism: The lens’s fast aperture and discreet nature make it suitable for capturing news events and documenting everyday life.
Comparison and Alternatives: 35mm F/2 Summicron-r I
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R lens stands out as a classic choice for photographers seeking a balance between sharpness, character, and portability. However, the market offers a diverse array of 35mm lenses, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about which lens best suits your needs.
Comparison with Other Popular 35mm Lenses
This section compares the Summicron-R to other popular 35mm lenses, focusing on key performance characteristics.
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R is a classic lens known for its sharp image quality and compact size, making it ideal for street photography. However, if you’re looking for a lens that excels in low-light telephoto situations, you’ll need to consider other options.
The best lens for R6 Mark II for low light telephoto will depend on your specific needs, but a fast telephoto zoom lens with image stabilization would be a great choice. While the 35mm f/2 Summicron-R might not be the best option for low-light telephoto, its compact size and excellent image quality make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit for other shooting scenarios.
- Leica Summilux-R 35mm f/1.4:This lens offers a wider aperture, providing shallower depth of field and superior low-light performance. However, it sacrifices some sharpness and exhibits noticeable vignetting at wider apertures.
- Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM:Renowned for its exceptional sharpness and excellent contrast, the Planar T* boasts a more modern design with a faster focusing mechanism. However, it lacks the character and vintage rendering of the Summicron-R.
- Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2:Known for its fast aperture and cinematic bokeh, the Nokton 35mm f/1.2 provides stunning low-light capabilities and artistic rendering. However, it sacrifices some sharpness and exhibits a higher degree of chromatic aberration compared to the Summicron-R.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Summicron-R
This section explores the strengths and limitations of the Summicron-R lens, providing a comprehensive understanding of its performance characteristics.
- Advantages:
- Sharpness and Contrast:The Summicron-R is known for its excellent sharpness and high contrast, delivering crisp and detailed images.
- Character and Rendering:The lens exhibits a unique character and vintage rendering, producing warm and pleasing tones.
- Portability and Build Quality:The Summicron-R is relatively compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel photography. It features a robust build and a classic Leica design.
- Value Retention:As a classic Leica lens, the Summicron-R retains its value over time, making it a sound investment for photographers.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited Aperture:The f/2 aperture, while adequate for many situations, can be restrictive in low-light scenarios or when shallow depth of field is desired.
- Focusing Mechanism:The focusing mechanism, while precise, can be slower and less responsive compared to modern lenses.
- Price:The Summicron-R is relatively expensive, especially compared to newer lenses with similar features.
Alternative Lenses for Specific Needs
This section discusses alternative lenses that might be better suited for specific photographic needs, considering the limitations of the Summicron-R.
- For Low-Light Photography:The Leica Summilux-R 35mm f/1.4 or the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 offer wider apertures, enabling better low-light performance.
- For Sharpness and Contrast:The Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and excellent contrast, surpassing the Summicron-R in these aspects.
- For Budget-Conscious Shooters:The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 offers excellent performance at a more affordable price point compared to the Summicron-R.
User Experience
The Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is a lens that embodies the essence of the classic rangefinder experience. It’s a lens that rewards careful handling and meticulous attention to detail, delivering a unique and rewarding photographic journey. This section explores the lens’s handling, focusing, and build quality, along with its compatibility with various camera bodies.
Handling and Focusing
The Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is a compact and lightweight lens, weighing in at approximately 250 grams. This makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods, particularly when paired with a Leica rangefinder camera. Its design incorporates a smooth and precise focusing ring, allowing for accurate manual focusing.
The lens’s focusing throw is relatively short, requiring minimal rotation to achieve focus, which can be beneficial for quick adjustments and precise control. The focusing ring’s tactile feedback is excellent, providing a reassuring sense of control and confidence during critical focusing.
The lens also features a depth-of-field scale, which helps photographers estimate the area of sharpness in their images.
Build Quality
The Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is renowned for its exceptional build quality. It is constructed with a robust brass barrel and a high-quality glass element, making it durable and resistant to wear and tear. The lens’s construction is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use and the passage of time.
Its solid construction ensures long-lasting performance and reliable operation, making it a valuable investment for photographers seeking a lens that will stand the test of time.
Compatibility
The Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is designed for use with Leica R-mount cameras. It is compatible with a wide range of Leica R-series cameras, including the Leica R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and the digital Leica R8. The lens is also compatible with some third-party R-mount camera bodies, offering photographers a wider range of choices.
Availability and Pricing, 35mm f/2 summicron-r i
The Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 is a sought-after lens, and its availability can vary depending on the market. It is typically available from reputable camera stores, online retailers, and vintage camera dealers. Due to its age and reputation, the lens can command a significant price, often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
The price can fluctuate based on the lens’s condition, accessories, and market demand.
Final Thoughts
The 35mm f/2 Summicron-R is more than just a lens; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica’s craftsmanship. Its timeless design, coupled with its exceptional image quality, has cemented its place as a classic in the world of photography.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, the Summicron-R offers a unique perspective on the world, capturing moments with a blend of sharpness, character, and timeless elegance. It’s a lens that whispers stories, a lens that captures the soul of a moment, and a lens that will continue to inspire generations of photographers to come.