The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a lens that has earned its place in photographic history, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica craftsmanship. Introduced in 1973, this lens quickly became a favorite among photographers seeking exceptional image quality and a compact, reliable design.
Its reputation for sharpness, contrast, and versatility made it a popular choice for street photography, portraiture, and a wide range of other genres.
The R Summicron 35mm v1 is known for its six-element, five-group optical formula, which produces images with remarkable detail and clarity. It features a smooth, precise focusing mechanism and a robust build quality that has stood the test of time.
This lens is a true testament to the dedication and innovation that have defined Leica’s legacy in the world of photography.
History and Development
The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, affectionately known as the “pre-ASPH” Summicron, is a legendary lens that represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Leica’s renowned R-system. Its development is intertwined with the history of rangefinder photography and the constant pursuit of optical excellence.
The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1’s origins can be traced back to the earlier Summicron lenses designed for the Leica M-system. The first Summicron, released in 1956, established itself as a highly regarded lens for its sharpness, contrast, and compact size.
The R-system Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 was a natural progression, incorporating the best features of its M-system predecessors and adapting them to the new R-mount.
Design Innovations
The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 was a testament to Leica’s commitment to optical innovation. Its design incorporated several key features that distinguished it from its predecessors:
Six-element lens design:The lens employed a six-element, five-group design, which was a significant departure from the earlier five-element Summicron lenses. This new design allowed for improved image quality, particularly in the corners of the frame.
Floating elements:The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 featured a floating element design, which adjusted the lens’s internal elements based on the focusing distance. This innovation helped to maintain sharpness throughout the focusing range, from close-up to infinity.
High-quality glass:Leica used high-quality optical glass in the construction of the Summicron 35mm f/2 v1. This resulted in superior image quality, with excellent color rendition and minimal distortion.
Historical Context and Significance
The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 was released in 1973, a pivotal year in the development of the Leica R-system. This lens became an integral part of the system, providing photographers with a versatile and high-performing wide-angle lens.
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a legendary lens renowned for its sharpness and character, often finds itself paired with rangefinder cameras. While rangefinder cameras excel in street photography and discreet shooting, some photographers prefer the viewfinder experience of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera like the Nikon F5, which can be further enhanced with a Nikon F5 waist-level finder.
This unique accessory allows for a more natural shooting position, ideal for low-angle shots, and provides a wider field of view than the standard eye-level finder. While the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 thrives on the precision of a rangefinder, it can also find a new dimension of versatility when paired with the F5 and its waist-level finder.
The rise of the R-system:The Leica R-system, introduced in 1969, aimed to offer a more advanced and versatile alternative to the M-system. The R-system incorporated features like interchangeable viewfinders, TTL metering, and a wider range of lenses, catering to the needs of professional and advanced photographers.
35mm focal length:The 35mm focal length quickly gained popularity among photographers as a versatile and natural wide-angle perspective, suitable for a wide range of subjects, from street photography to landscape and reportage. The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 became a popular choice for photographers who wanted a high-quality lens for this focal length.
Legacy:The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, despite its age, remains a highly sought-after lens among photographers today. Its classic design, sharp optics, and distinctive character continue to inspire and delight photographers of all levels. This lens stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica and its commitment to producing exceptional optical instruments.
Optical Design and Performance
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is renowned for its exceptional optical performance, which is a testament to its sophisticated design and meticulous craftsmanship. Its optical formula, consisting of six elements in five groups, embodies a classic approach to lens design that prioritizes sharpness, contrast, and a pleasing rendering of detail.
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a classic lens renowned for its sharpness and character, boasts a 35mm focal length, which translates to a field of view roughly equivalent to human vision. This focal length, a measure of the lens’s ability to magnify distant objects, is distinct from the focal distance, the distance between the lens and the sensor.
To understand the relationship between these two concepts, it’s helpful to explore the focal length vs focal distance relationship, as it helps explain how a lens like the Summicron 35mm v1 captures the world in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Lens Elements and Optical Formula
The lens features a six-element, five-group optical formula, which is a relatively simple design for a 35mm lens. This formula is known as a “Tessar” design, which is characterized by its use of a cemented doublet in the front element group.
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a lens known for its sharp, characterful rendering, captures the world with a unique perspective. While it might not be as widely used in modern digital photography, its timeless quality shines through when paired with a digital camera like the Nikon D3400.
Photos from Nikon D3400 showcase the versatility of this camera, demonstrating that even older lenses can produce stunning results. The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, with its distinct vintage charm, offers a distinct aesthetic that complements the D3400’s capabilities, creating images that are both technically proficient and artistically compelling.
The cemented doublet helps to correct for chromatic aberration, which is the tendency of lenses to focus different colors of light at different points. The specific elements in the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 are as follows:
- Element 1: Concave meniscus, coated
- Element 2: Convex, cemented with element 3, coated
- Element 3: Concave, coated
- Element 4: Plano-convex, coated
- Element 5: Concave, coated
- Element 6: Plano-convex, coated
Sharpness and Contrast
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is known for its exceptional sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame. It delivers excellent detail rendition throughout the image, even at wide apertures. The lens exhibits high contrast, producing images with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
This characteristic contributes to the lens’s ability to render subjects with a sense of depth and clarity.
Image Quality
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 produces images with a distinctive character. The lens’s rendering is known for its smoothness and subtle micro-contrast, which contribute to a pleasing and natural aesthetic. It excels in capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and street photography.
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a lens known for its exceptional sharpness and compact design, was a favorite among street photographers. Its legacy lives on in the world of mirrorless cameras, where photographers seek similar performance in smaller packages.
The Nikon Z8, a powerhouse in its own right, benefits from the added grip and extended battery life provided by the nikon z8 battery grip. This combination allows for longer shooting sessions, crucial for capturing those fleeting moments that define street photography, just as the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 once did.
Comparison with Other Lenses
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is often compared to other classic 35mm lenses, such as the Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/1.4 and the Nikon 35mm f/1.4 AI-s. While the Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/1.4 offers exceptional sharpness and a more modern rendering, the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is known for its more subtle and pleasing image quality.
The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 AI-s, on the other hand, provides a more classic and vintage rendering, with a slightly softer and warmer feel.
Limitations and Issues
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, despite its excellent performance, has a few known limitations.
- Vignetting: The lens exhibits noticeable vignetting at wider apertures, particularly at f/2.0. This effect is more pronounced at the edges of the frame and can be mitigated by stopping down the aperture.
- Distortion: The lens exhibits some barrel distortion, which can be noticeable in images with straight lines, especially at the edges of the frame. This distortion can be corrected in post-processing.
- Focusing: The focusing ring can be a bit stiff, and the focusing throw is relatively long. This can make it challenging to focus accurately, especially in low-light conditions.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, despite its age, exhibits remarkable build quality and ergonomics that have stood the test of time. This lens is a testament to Leica’s commitment to precision engineering and craftsmanship, making it a sought-after tool for photographers who value durability, reliability, and a classic shooting experience.
Construction and Materials
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 lens is built with a robust and durable construction, reflecting Leica’s reputation for quality. The lens barrel is crafted from a solid piece of aluminum, ensuring a rigid and resilient structure. The lens mount is also made of brass, further contributing to its overall strength and longevity.
The lens features a black chrome finish, which not only provides a sleek aesthetic but also adds a layer of protection against wear and tear.
Durability and Reliability
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is known for its exceptional durability and reliability. Its robust construction and high-quality materials make it capable of withstanding the rigors of professional use. The lens has a reputation for being able to handle harsh conditions and withstand the test of time.
Numerous examples exist of these lenses being passed down through generations of photographers, still performing flawlessly after decades of use.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is a relatively compact and lightweight lens for its class. It measures approximately 60mm in diameter and 50mm in length, making it easy to carry and maneuver. The lens weighs in at around 330 grams, which is manageable for extended shooting sessions.
Handling Characteristics
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 lens is designed with an emphasis on smooth and precise handling. Its focusing ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for accurate and controlled focusing. The aperture ring is also well-designed, offering a tactile and reliable way to adjust the aperture.
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a legendary lens known for its sharp rendering and subtle character, is often paired with a rangefinder camera for street photography. The versatility of the lens, however, extends beyond the realm of film, making it an excellent choice for digital photographers seeking a classic look.
This is especially true when paired with a high-resolution monitor like the MSI Creator Z17 A12UHT-048 LED panel , which boasts stunning color accuracy and detail. The combination allows for meticulous editing and ensures that the subtle nuances captured by the Summicron are fully appreciated in the digital realm.
The lens features a metal lens hood that attaches securely to the lens barrel, providing protection against stray light and enhancing the overall aesthetics.
Usability of Controls, Leica r summicron 35mm v1
The focusing ring on the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 lens is renowned for its smooth and precise operation. It offers a satisfying resistance that allows for fine adjustments while maintaining a controlled feel. The aperture ring is equally well-designed, with clear and distinct markings that make it easy to select the desired aperture.
The lens also features a depth-of-field scale, which can be helpful for pre-visualizing the area of focus.
Collecting and Value
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1, a lens renowned for its exceptional image quality and classic design, has become a sought-after collectible among photography enthusiasts and collectors. Its timeless appeal and enduring performance have cemented its place as a valuable asset in the world of vintage lenses.
Factors Influencing Value
The value of a Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is influenced by several factors, including its condition, rarity, and historical significance.
Condition
The condition of the lens is a primary determinant of its value. Lenses in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear and tear, command the highest prices. Factors considered include:
- Cosmetics:The lens’s appearance, including the presence of scratches, blemishes, or brassing on the metal surfaces.
- Glass:The condition of the lens elements, including the presence of fungus, haze, or scratches. A pristine lens with clear glass is highly valued.
- Functionality:The lens’s mechanical functionality, including smooth focusing and aperture operation, and the absence of any operational issues.
Rarity
The rarity of the lens also contributes to its value. Early production runs or limited edition versions are often more sought after and can command higher prices.
Historical Significance
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 holds historical significance as a classic lens that has been used by renowned photographers throughout its production history. Its association with famous photographers and its role in shaping photographic history can enhance its value.
Key Features for Collectors
Collectors often prioritize specific features when evaluating a Leica R Summicron 35mm v
1. These features include
- Serial Number:The lens’s serial number can provide insights into its age and production history. Early serial numbers are often more desirable.
- Original Accessories:The lens’s original accessories, such as the lens hood, caps, and carrying case, can add to its value.
- Box and Papers:The original box and documentation, if present, can further enhance the lens’s desirability and value.
Long-Term Investment Potential
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 has shown strong long-term investment potential. Its classic design, exceptional image quality, and limited production runs have contributed to its rising value over time. However, it’s important to note that the value of vintage lenses can fluctuate based on market trends and collector demand.
“The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is a timeless lens that has proven its value over decades. It continues to be a sought-after collectible for photography enthusiasts and investors alike.”[Insert Name of a Photography Expert or Collector]
Closing Notes: Leica R Summicron 35mm V1
The Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 is a timeless classic that continues to be sought after by photographers and collectors alike. Its exceptional image quality, compact size, and enduring build make it a true gem of the Leica R system.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, the R Summicron 35mm v1 is a lens that will surely impress and inspire.