Leica R Summicron 35 v1: A Classic Lens for Photography

Leica r summicron 35 v1 – The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, a legendary lens that stands as a testament to Leica’s unwavering commitment to optical excellence, has captivated photographers for decades. Introduced in 1973, the Summicron 35 v1 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Leica’s lens design, boasting a unique combination of sharpness, character, and compact portability.

This lens, a favorite among street photographers and photojournalists, is renowned for its ability to capture the essence of everyday life with stunning detail and a touch of vintage charm.

Its optical construction, featuring six elements in five groups, was a departure from previous Summicron designs, resulting in improved sharpness and contrast across the frame. The Summicron 35 v1’s ability to render images with a pleasing, slightly warm tone and a subtle swirly bokeh further enhanced its appeal.

This lens became a symbol of artistic expression, favored by photographers who sought to capture the world with a unique and timeless perspective.

History and Development

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens is a legendary optic that has been a staple in the world of photography since its introduction in 1958. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Leica’s lens design and the rise of 35mm photography.

This lens embodies a blend of precision engineering, optical excellence, and a timeless design aesthetic that continues to inspire photographers today.

Evolution of the Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 Lens

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1’s journey began in 1958, marking a significant milestone in Leica’s lens development. It was the first version of the iconic Summicron lens designed for the Leica R system, which was introduced in 1969.

The R system, with its interchangeable lenses and rangefinder focusing, revolutionized photography, allowing for greater flexibility and control. The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens, with its compact size and exceptional image quality, became a cornerstone of this system.The lens’s evolution reflects the constant pursuit of optical excellence at Leica.

The v1 version, introduced in 1958, featured a six-element design in five groups, a formula that had been previously used in the Leica M series Summicron 35mm f/2 lens. This design was known for its excellent sharpness, contrast, and overall image quality, making it a favorite among photographers.

However, it also exhibited some limitations, such as a tendency for vignetting and some distortion at wider apertures.

Key Features and Design Innovations

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens incorporated several key features and design innovations that contributed to its success:

• Six-Element Design in Five Groups:This optical formula, inherited from the Leica M Summicron, provided excellent sharpness, contrast, and overall image quality. It struck a balance between image performance and lens size, making it a practical choice for everyday photography.
• Compact Size and Lightweight Construction:The lens was designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods. This was a significant advantage for photographers who desired a portable and versatile lens.
• Durable Construction:The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens was built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its robust construction and high-quality materials ensured longevity and reliability.
• Smooth Focusing Ring:The lens featured a smooth and precise focusing ring, allowing for accurate focusing even in low-light conditions.
• Aperture Ring:The aperture ring allowed for precise control over depth of field, a key factor in achieving desired image effects.

Optical Performance

The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 is renowned for its exceptional optical performance, a testament to Leica’s commitment to crafting lenses that deliver unparalleled image quality. This lens, with its distinctive design, offers a unique combination of sharpness, contrast, and rendering characteristics that have captivated photographers for decades.

Optical Construction

The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 features a six-element, four-group optical design, a configuration that was considered quite sophisticated for its time. This design utilizes a combination of high-quality optical glass elements, including a special type of glass known as “anomalous dispersion glass,” to minimize chromatic aberration.

This particular glass type helps correct color fringing, a common issue with wide-angle lenses, resulting in more accurate color rendition. The lens’s construction contributes significantly to its image quality. The careful arrangement of the elements minimizes distortion, ensuring that straight lines remain straight even at the edges of the frame.

This is particularly important for architectural photography and other applications where precise geometry is crucial.

Sharpness and Contrast

The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 is known for its exceptional sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame. Even at its widest aperture of f/2, the lens delivers impressive detail, rendering subjects with remarkable clarity. As the aperture is stopped down, the sharpness improves further, extending to the edges of the frame.

This characteristic makes the lens ideal for a wide range of photographic applications, from portraiture to landscape photography.The lens’s high contrast is another defining feature. It produces images with deep blacks and bright whites, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality.

This high contrast is particularly noticeable when shooting in bright light, where the lens’s ability to control flare and ghosting is evident.

Rendering Characteristics

The Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 is known for its unique rendering characteristics, which contribute to its classic and timeless look. The lens’s rendering is often described as “smooth” or “velvety,” with a subtle, almost dreamy quality. This characteristic is particularly evident in the way the lens renders out-of-focus areas, producing a pleasing bokeh that is characterized by its smooth, circular shapes.The lens’s rendering characteristics are a result of its optical design and the way it interacts with light.

The combination of high-quality glass elements and the specific arrangement of the lens groups contributes to the lens’s distinctive rendering, which has become a hallmark of Leica’s Summicron line.

Comparison to Contemporary Lenses

While the Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 is a remarkable lens for its time, it is important to note that it was designed and manufactured in a different era. Compared to modern lenses, it may not offer the same level of sharpness or aberration control.

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens, renowned for its sharpness and character, was a mainstay for photographers seeking a balance between portability and optical excellence. While it’s a lens designed for film cameras, its legacy lives on in modern digital cameras like the leica d-lux 4 camera , which boasts a similarly compact design and impressive image quality, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the future of photography.

However, the lens’s unique rendering characteristics and its ability to capture the essence of a scene continue to be appreciated by photographers today.For example, modern lenses like the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH are known for their exceptional sharpness and clarity, surpassing the older v1 in terms of resolution and overall performance.

However, the older Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 still holds a special place in the hearts of many photographers due to its classic rendering and the sense of nostalgia it evokes.

Comparison to Modern Alternatives, Leica r summicron 35 v1

Modern alternatives to the Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 include the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH, the Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZE, and the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2. These lenses offer a variety of features and advantages, including improved sharpness, faster maximum apertures, and more advanced optical designs.

However, the Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 remains a highly sought-after lens, prized for its unique rendering characteristics and its connection to a bygone era of photography.

Usage and Applications: Leica R Summicron 35 V1

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 is a versatile lens, celebrated for its ability to excel in various photographic genres. Its sharp rendering, compact size, and fast aperture make it a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Street Photography

Street photography often demands a lens that is discreet, fast, and capable of capturing fleeting moments. The Summicron 35mm f/2 excels in these aspects. Its compact size and quiet operation allow photographers to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, while its fast aperture enables shooting in low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth of field for isolating subjects.

The lens’s sharpness and contrast deliver images with a timeless quality, capturing the essence of street life with clarity and detail.

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 V1, a legendary lens known for its sharpness and character, captures the world in a way that’s both timeless and modern. Its legacy is intertwined with the evolution of photography, and many photographers have meticulously preserved their work, often storing it in the form of disc film negatives.

For those seeking to rediscover the magic of their past projects, a treasure trove of information can be found at lot of disc film negatives. These negatives, often forgotten in the digital age, offer a glimpse into a bygone era, and when viewed through the lens of a Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 V1, they can bring those memories back to life with breathtaking clarity.

Portraiture

The Summicron 35mm f/2 is a popular choice for portraiture, offering a flattering perspective and beautiful rendering of skin tones. Its 35mm focal length provides a slightly wider field of view than traditional portrait lenses, allowing for more environmental context in portraits.

The lens’s fast aperture enables photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background and creating a pleasing bokeh effect.

Landscape Photography

While not typically considered a landscape lens, the Summicron 35mm f/2 can be effectively used for capturing wide landscapes. Its sharp rendering and excellent contrast contribute to detailed and impactful images. However, its relatively narrow field of view compared to wider lenses may require careful composition to capture the entirety of the scene.

Renowned Photographers and Their Perspectives

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 has been a favorite lens for many renowned photographers, including:

“The Summicron 35mm f/2 is a lens that has been with me for many years. It’s a true workhorse, capable of producing stunning images in a variety of situations.”

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 V1 is a classic lens known for its sharp rendering and beautiful bokeh. It’s a manual focus lens, requiring a bit more patience and skill than modern autofocus lenses. This contrasts with the Nikon D300, a camera that uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

To charge the D300, you’ll need to use the included EN-EL3e battery and a dedicated charger, how do you charge nicon d300 camera. While the D300 relies on electronic power, the Leica R Summicron 35mm V1 captures the essence of photography through its mechanical design, offering a tactile and deliberate experience.

Steve McCurry

“The Summicron 35mm f/2 is a classic for a reason. It’s sharp, compact, and produces beautiful bokeh. It’s a lens that I always feel comfortable using.”

Joel Meyerowitz

These photographers, along with many others, have relied on the Summicron 35mm f/2 to capture iconic images that have shaped the history of photography.

Design and Build Quality

The Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, a classic lens renowned for its optical excellence, also boasts a robust and well-crafted design. Its construction reflects the meticulous attention to detail that Leica is known for, ensuring both durability and a satisfying user experience.

Physical Design and Materials

The Summicron 35mm v1 exhibits a timeless design, featuring a compact and elegant construction. Its all-metal body, crafted from high-quality brass, provides a reassuring sense of solidity and longevity. The lens is finished with a black chrome coating, offering a sophisticated look while protecting the metal from corrosion.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

The lens’s ergonomic design prioritizes user comfort and ease of use. Its smooth, knurled focusing ring provides a satisfying grip and precise control over focusing. The aperture ring, also knurled, allows for smooth and accurate adjustments. The lens’s compact size and lightweight construction contribute to its overall comfort and balance, particularly when used on rangefinder cameras.

Durability and Reliability

The Summicron 35mm v1 is renowned for its exceptional durability and reliability. The lens’s all-metal construction, coupled with its robust internal mechanics, ensures resistance to wear and tear. The lens has been known to withstand the rigors of professional use for decades, maintaining its optical performance and mechanical integrity.

This testament to its build quality has solidified its reputation as a reliable and long-lasting lens.

Value and Collectibility

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens, despite being a vintage lens, holds a significant position in the photography world, both for its practical use and its historical value. Its popularity and desirability among collectors have contributed to its current market value, making it a sought-after item for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Market Value

The market value of the Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens varies depending on its condition, age, and accessories. A lens in excellent condition, with original box and papers, can fetch a considerable price, while a lens with wear and tear might be more affordable.

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 V1 lens, a celebrated piece of optical engineering, is known for its exceptional sharpness and balanced rendering. Its ability to capture the nuances of light and shadow makes it a perfect companion for capturing scenes like the breathtaking sunrises over Virginia Beach, where the golden rays illuminate the Atlantic Ocean , transforming the sky into a canvas of vibrant hues.

This lens, with its timeless design and enduring quality, continues to be a favorite among photographers who seek to capture the world’s beauty in its purest form.

The market value of this lens has been steadily increasing over the years, making it a good investment for collectors.

• Condition:A lens in pristine condition, with minimal signs of use, will command a higher price than a lens with scratches, fungus, or other imperfections.
• Accessories:The presence of original accessories, such as the lens hood, caps, and carrying case, can significantly increase the value of the lens.
• Rarity:Certain versions of the lens, such as those with specific serial numbers or limited edition releases, are rarer and more valuable.

Historical Significance and Desirability

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens has a rich history and is considered a classic lens. It was designed and manufactured during a period when Leica was known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This lens has been used by renowned photographers throughout history, and its reputation for sharp images and excellent rendering has solidified its place in the annals of photography.

• Early Production:This lens was produced in the early 1970s, a period marked by advancements in lens design and manufacturing techniques.
• Exceptional Image Quality:The lens is known for its sharp images, excellent contrast, and beautiful bokeh, which contribute to its continued popularity among photographers.
• Legacy:Its use by famous photographers and its lasting impact on the world of photography have cemented its place as a collectible item.

Factors Influencing Value and Potential for Appreciation

Several factors influence the value and potential for appreciation of the Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 lens.

• Demand:The lens’s popularity and desirability among collectors and photographers create a consistent demand, which drives its value upwards.
• Supply:The limited production runs and the age of the lens mean that the supply is finite, which further contributes to its value.
• Economic Conditions:The overall economic climate and the state of the vintage camera market can also influence the lens’s value.
• Condition and Accessories:As mentioned earlier, the condition and presence of accessories significantly affect the lens’s value.

Comparisons and Alternatives

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, while a classic lens, is not the only option for photographers seeking a fast, versatile, and high-quality 35mm lens. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses in comparison to its successors and other comparable lenses is crucial for making an informed decision.

Comparison with Later Versions

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 has several notable differences from its later iterations (v2, v3, and v4).

• Optical Formula:The v1 utilizes a six-element, five-group design, while later versions employ a seven-element, six-group design. This change primarily aimed to improve image quality, particularly at the edges and corners of the frame.
• Image Quality:The v1 exhibits a distinct character with a slightly softer rendering and a more pronounced “swirly” bokeh. Later versions offer sharper images with a more modern look and improved contrast. The v2, in particular, is known for its excellent sharpness and micro-contrast.

• Construction:The v1 is built with a brass lens barrel, while later versions switched to a black anodized aluminum barrel. This change was likely motivated by cost considerations and to make the lens lighter.
• Focusing:The v1 uses a helical focusing mechanism, while later versions feature a floating element design. This design change enhances sharpness across the entire focusing range, particularly at close distances.

Other Comparable Lenses from Leica

Besides the later versions of the Summicron 35mm f/2, several other Leica lenses offer similar focal lengths and performance characteristics.

• Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4:This lens provides a wider aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects. However, it is significantly larger and heavier than the Summicron and commands a higher price. The Summilux 35mm f/1.4 is known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, particularly at wide apertures.

• Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2:This lens is designed for the Leica M-mount system and offers excellent image quality and a compact size. It shares a similar optical formula with the R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 and v2, but with a more modern design and focusing mechanism.

  The Summicron-M 35mm f/2 is known for its excellent sharpness and overall image quality.

Other Comparable Lenses from Other Manufacturers

Other manufacturers offer excellent 35mm lenses that can be considered alternatives to the Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1.

• Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM:This lens is designed for the Leica M-mount system and offers exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for street photography. The Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM is known for its excellent image quality and its sharp rendering.

• Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2:This lens offers a fast aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects. Its characterful rendering and vintage feel make it a popular choice for photographers seeking a unique look. The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 is known for its excellent sharpness and its vintage look.

• Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM:This lens is designed for Canon’s EF-mount system and offers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and a robust build. It is a popular choice for professional photographers seeking a versatile and high-performing lens. The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is known for its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and its robust build.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing the v1

Choosing the Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages compared to other options.

• Advantages:
  • Classic Look and Feel:The v1 offers a distinct character with a slightly softer rendering and a more pronounced “swirly” bokeh. This aesthetic appeal can be desirable for photographers seeking a vintage look.
  • Value and Collectibility:The v1 is a highly sought-after lens among collectors and enthusiasts, making it a potential investment. Its value can appreciate over time, especially in good condition.
  • Compact Size:The v1 is relatively compact and lightweight compared to other Leica lenses, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited Availability:Finding a v1 in good condition can be challenging and expensive. It is often necessary to source them from vintage camera stores or online marketplaces.
  • Older Technology:The v1’s optical design and construction are based on older technology, resulting in less sharp images and potentially lower contrast compared to newer lenses.
  • Less Modern Performance:The v1 may not perform as well in modern digital photography, especially at higher resolutions, compared to newer lenses with improved optical formulas and coatings.

User Experiences and Reviews

The Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 v1, a lens steeped in history and celebrated for its optical prowess, has garnered a loyal following among photographers. Its reputation precedes it, but what do actual users have to say about this legendary lens?

User Reviews and Ratings

User reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and user satisfaction of a lens. They offer a diverse perspective, encompassing a range of photographic styles, shooting conditions, and individual preferences. Here’s a summary of user experiences from various online platforms:

Key Insights from User Feedback

User feedback consistently highlights the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 v1’s strengths, which include:

• Exceptional Image Quality:Users consistently praise the lens’s ability to render sharp, detailed images with beautiful bokeh. Its classic rendering, characterized by subtle vignetting and a touch of warmth, is often admired.
• Superb Build Quality:The solid brass construction and robust design instill a sense of confidence and durability. Users appreciate the tactile feel and the lens’s ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
• Pleasurable Shooting Experience:The smooth focusing ring and the satisfying click of the aperture ring contribute to a delightful shooting experience. Many users find the lens to be a joy to use, both mechanically and aesthetically.
• Versatility:The 35mm focal length is highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of photographic genres, from street photography to portraiture and landscape. The lens’s fast aperture provides flexibility in low-light situations.

While the lens is generally lauded, some users have noted a few minor drawbacks:

• Price:The Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 is a premium lens, and its price point may be a barrier for some photographers.
• Size and Weight:The lens is relatively heavy and bulky compared to modern alternatives. This can be a consideration for photographers who prioritize portability.
• Focusing Ring:While the focusing ring is smooth, some users have found it to be slightly stiff or have a limited throw.

Despite these minor points, the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 remains a highly regarded lens among photographers. Its exceptional image quality, robust build, and classic character continue to make it a desirable choice for those seeking a lens that delivers both technical excellence and artistic expression.

Closing Summary

The Leica R Summicron 35mm f/2 v1 remains a coveted lens, a testament to its enduring legacy. It is a lens that transcends time, a classic that continues to inspire photographers with its remarkable image quality, compact design, and rich history.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, the Summicron 35 v1 offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of vintage optics and capture the world with a touch of timeless elegance.