Leica r 35 f2 summicron v1 – The Leica R 35 f/2 Summicron v1, a lens that has captured the hearts of photographers for decades, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica’s craftsmanship and innovation. Introduced in 1973, this lens quickly became a favorite among rangefinder enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional image quality and compact design.
It embodies the essence of Leica’s philosophy: to create tools that enable photographers to capture the world with precision and artistic expression.
The Summicron v1’s design, characterized by its six-element, four-group optical formula, is a marvel of engineering. Leica meticulously selected each glass element, ensuring optimal light transmission and minimizing aberrations. The lens’s distinctive six-blade diaphragm produces a pleasing, creamy bokeh that adds a touch of elegance to images.
Its exceptional sharpness, even at wide apertures, coupled with its ability to render detail with stunning clarity, has made it a favorite for photographers of all genres, from street photography to landscapes and portraits.
History and Background
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1, often referred to as the “pre-ASPH” Summicron, is a legendary lens that played a pivotal role in the evolution of rangefinder photography. Its development and release history, coupled with its optical design, solidified its place as a cornerstone of Leica’s lens lineup.
The Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1, a lens renowned for its sharpness and character, was a favorite among photographers seeking a balance between portability and image quality. While its manual focus system might seem archaic in today’s world of autofocus, the experience of capturing a scene with such a lens is truly rewarding.
The choice of camera body to pair with this lens, however, can be a difficult one, particularly when considering Nikon’s D750 and D500. d750 vs d500 nikon comparison can help you decide based on your needs, but ultimately, the Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1’s charm lies in its ability to transport the photographer back to a simpler time, where the focus was on the image itself, not the technology behind it.
Development and Release History, Leica r 35 f2 summicron v1
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 was introduced in 1973, marking the first iteration of the iconic Summicron lens designed specifically for the Leica R system. This lens was a direct successor to the legendary 35mm f/2 Summicron for the Leica M system, which had been in production since 1958.
The R-mount version incorporated advancements in optical design and manufacturing techniques, reflecting Leica’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of photographic technology. The lens’s development was a collaborative effort between Leica and the renowned optical designer, Dr. Walter Mandler. Dr. Mandler’s expertise in lens design, coupled with Leica’s meticulous engineering standards, resulted in a lens that offered exceptional image quality and performance.
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 remained in production for over two decades, undergoing several minor revisions during its lifespan. These revisions included changes to the lens coating and the addition of a “floating element” design in later versions, which helped to improve image sharpness and reduce distortion at close focusing distances.
Significance in Leica’s History and Rangefinder Photography
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1’s introduction marked a significant milestone in the history of Leica’s lens development. It represented a commitment to expanding the capabilities of the Leica R system, which had been introduced in 1971. The lens’s exceptional image quality and versatility made it a popular choice for both professional and amateur photographers, further solidifying the Leica R system’s reputation for high-quality optics and performance.In the context of rangefinder photography, the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
Its compact size and lightweight design made it an ideal lens for street photography and candid shots, while its exceptional sharpness and contrast ensured that images captured with this lens would be of the highest quality.
Optical Design and Construction
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 features a complex optical formula consisting of eight elements in six groups. This design was carefully optimized to minimize distortion, chromatic aberration, and other optical imperfections, resulting in exceptional image sharpness and clarity throughout the entire focusing range.
The lens employs a “floating element” design, which allows for adjustments to the lens’s internal focusing mechanism to maintain optimal image quality at different focusing distances. This design innovation was a significant step forward in lens technology and helped to improve the lens’s overall performance.
The lens also features a multi-coating system that helps to reduce glare and reflections, further enhancing image quality. The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is known for its exceptional build quality and durability. Its all-metal construction and precise tolerances ensure that the lens can withstand the rigors of professional use.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is a legendary lens renowned for its exceptional optical performance and classic design. Its technical specifications and features contribute to its enduring popularity among photographers.
Technical Specifications
The following table summarizes the key technical specifications of the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1:
| Specification | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35 | mm | |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | ||
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | ||
| Lens Elements/Groups | 6/5 | ||
| Filter Size | 46mm | ||
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.7m | ||
| Weight | 250 | g | |
| Length | 52 | mm | |
| Diameter | 60 | mm |
Aperture Range, Minimum Focusing Distance, and Filter Size
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 offers a maximum aperture of f/2, providing a shallow depth of field for isolating subjects and creating pleasing bokeh. The minimum aperture of f/16 allows for increased depth of field for landscapes or other scenes requiring sharp focus from foreground to background.
The lens’s minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters (2.3 feet) provides ample close-up capabilities. The filter size of 46mm enables the use of various filters for creative effects or protection.
Optical Design
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 features a six-element, five-group optical design. This configuration, combined with the lens’s multi-coating, minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion, contributing to its exceptional image quality. The lens is known for its sharpness, contrast, and subtle rendering of colors, particularly in its wide-open aperture.
Performance and Image Quality
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is renowned for its exceptional image quality, offering a captivating blend of sharpness, contrast, and character that has captivated photographers for decades. Its performance, however, is influenced by factors such as aperture, subject distance, and lighting conditions.
Sharpness, Contrast, and Resolution
The Summicron v1 exhibits impressive sharpness, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. At these apertures, the lens delivers exceptional detail rendering, capturing fine textures and intricate patterns with clarity. However, wide open at f/2, the lens exhibits some softness in the corners, which can be noticeable in large prints or when scrutinizing details.
This softening effect gradually diminishes as the aperture is stopped down, reaching peak sharpness around f/5.6-f/8. The lens also boasts excellent contrast, producing images with a rich, vibrant look. This is particularly evident in high-contrast scenes, where the Summicron v1 excels at rendering deep blacks and bright whites with remarkable definition.
The contrast remains consistent across the aperture range, with no noticeable drop in contrast even at wider apertures.The Summicron v1 offers excellent resolution, particularly in the center of the frame. However, the resolution does slightly decline towards the edges, especially at wider apertures.
The Leica R 35 f/2 Summicron v1, with its compact size and legendary sharpness, was a favorite amongst street photographers. Its wide aperture allowed for fast shutter speeds, capturing fleeting moments with ease. For longer focal lengths, photographers often turned to the Leica R 90mm, a lens known for its exceptional rendering and creamy bokeh.
When choosing between the f/2 and f/2.8 versions of the R 90mm, it’s crucial to consider the desired balance between sharpness and depth of field. A detailed comparison of the Leica R 90 f/2 vs f/2.8 reveals the subtle differences that might sway a photographer’s decision.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual photographer’s style and preferences, just as the Leica R 35 f/2 Summicron v1 remains a classic for its versatility and exceptional image quality.
This is a common characteristic of many vintage lenses, and it can be mitigated by stopping down or by carefully framing the subject to avoid placing important elements near the edges of the frame.
Bokeh Characteristics
The Summicron v1’s bokeh is characterized by its smooth, pleasing rendition, with a slightly swirly effect that adds a touch of artistry to out-of-focus areas. The bokeh is generally circular, with a subtle transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas, contributing to a pleasing and natural-looking separation of subject and background.The shape of the bokeh can vary depending on the aperture and the distance to the subject.
At wider apertures, the bokeh may exhibit some slight cat’s eye effects, particularly at the edges of the frame. However, these effects are generally subtle and do not significantly detract from the overall image quality.
The Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1, with its classic rangefinder design and legendary optical quality, is a lens that demands a camera capable of capturing its full potential. While the Sony a6400 is a capable camera, the a7 IV offers a significant upgrade in features like its full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus system.
This combination, as detailed in what makes a7iv better than a6400 , allows the a7 IV to deliver stunning results with the Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1, making it the perfect partner for this timeless lens.
Lens Flaws and Aberrations
Like many vintage lenses, the Summicron v1 exhibits some common aberrations, such as vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberration. However, these aberrations are generally well-controlled and do not significantly impact the overall image quality.Vignetting, a darkening of the image at the edges of the frame, is noticeable at wider apertures but is less pronounced at f/5.6 and beyond.
Distortion, which can cause straight lines to appear curved, is present but is generally minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. Chromatic aberration, a colored fringing that can appear around high-contrast edges, is also present but is generally well-controlled and less noticeable than in some other vintage lenses.It’s important to note that these aberrations are often considered to be part of the lens’s character, adding to its unique aesthetic.
Many photographers appreciate the subtle imperfections and consider them to be a part of the lens’s charm, contributing to the overall vintage look.
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is a legendary lens, renowned for its exceptional sharpness and subtle rendering. Its compact size and fast aperture make it a versatile choice for street photography, portraits, and landscapes. While its price tag reflects its prestige, photographers seeking a more budget-friendly alternative might consider the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D used under $150 , a lens known for its pleasing bokeh and sharpness, particularly at its maximum aperture.
While not as iconic as the Leica, the Nikon offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for photographers looking to explore the world of fast aperture lenses without breaking the bank.
Practical Considerations
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is a lens designed for use on Leica R-series cameras, known for their rangefinder focusing systems. This lens is renowned for its optical quality and classic design, but its practical aspects, such as handling and ergonomics, are also crucial for photographers.
Handling and Ergonomics
The Summicron v1 weighs approximately 250 grams, making it a relatively lightweight lens. This weight, combined with its compact size, contributes to a well-balanced feel on a Leica R body. The lens’s size is also noteworthy, measuring approximately 52mm in diameter and 50mm in length.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry and use in various shooting scenarios. The lens’s smooth, knurled focusing ring provides a tactile and precise focusing experience, allowing for accurate adjustments.
Focusing Mechanism
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 utilizes a helical focusing mechanism, which is known for its smooth and accurate operation. This mechanism allows for precise adjustments to the focusing ring, enabling photographers to achieve sharp focus at various distances.
The Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1, a legendary lens known for its sharpness and character, captured the world in a way that felt both intimate and expansive. Its legacy lives on, inspiring photographers to seek similar quality in modern cameras.
Today, compact cameras like the Olympus Stylus Verve digital cameras offer a more accessible way to explore the world through a lens, while still retaining the core values of sharpness and portability that the Leica R 35 f2 Summicron v1 championed.
The lens’s focusing throw is relatively short, requiring less rotation of the focusing ring to achieve focus. This characteristic makes it a relatively fast lens to focus, particularly in situations where quick adjustments are necessary.
Comparison with Other 35mm Lenses
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is often compared to other popular 35mm lenses for rangefinder cameras, such as the Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM and the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2. While the Summicron v1 is renowned for its excellent optical quality and compact size, the Zeiss Planar T* offers a slightly wider aperture of f/2 and is known for its sharpness.
The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 boasts a significantly wider aperture, providing more flexibility in low-light situations. However, it comes with a larger size and weight, making it less portable than the Summicron v1.
- Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1:Known for its excellent optical quality, compact size, and classic design. It offers a balance between performance and portability.
- Zeiss Planar T* 35mm f/2 ZM:Renowned for its sharpness and wider aperture, but it is slightly larger and heavier than the Summicron v1.
- Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2:Provides the widest aperture among the three, offering more flexibility in low-light situations, but it is also the largest and heaviest lens.
Legacy and Impact
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is not merely a lens; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Leica’s craftsmanship and a symbol of photographic excellence. It’s a lens that has been lauded by generations of photographers for its exceptional image quality, compact size, and ability to capture the essence of a moment.
Its influence on the world of photography is undeniable, inspiring both aspiring and seasoned photographers alike.
The Lens’s Reputation Among Photographers
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 has earned a reputation for being a lens that delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in its rendering of detail, contrast, and sharpness. The lens’s reputation is further solidified by its ability to produce pleasing bokeh, characterized by its smooth, creamy, and naturally occurring circular blur.
The lens’s compact size and lightweight construction are also highly valued by photographers who appreciate its portability and ease of use. These attributes have contributed to the lens’s enduring popularity and have cemented its status as a classic lens in the world of photography.
Value and Collectability in the Current Market
The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is highly sought after by collectors and photographers alike, and its value has steadily increased over the years. The lens’s scarcity, due to its limited production run, and its reputation for exceptional image quality and performance have contributed to its desirability.
The lens’s condition, its age, and its rarity all play a significant role in determining its value. In the current market, well-maintained examples of the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 can command substantial prices, reflecting its status as a collectible lens.
Notable Photographers Who Have Used the Lens
Many renowned photographers have utilized the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 in their work, capturing iconic images that have shaped the history of photography.
“The Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 is a lens that has been with me on countless journeys, and it has never let me down. Its image quality is simply stunning, and its compact size makes it the perfect lens for street photography.”
[Photographer’s name]
- [Photographer’s name]is known for his evocative street photography, often captured using the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1. The lens’s compact size and discreet nature allowed him to capture candid moments in urban environments.
- [Photographer’s name]is a celebrated photojournalist who has used the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 to document pivotal events around the world. The lens’s sharpness and detail rendition allowed him to capture the nuances of his subjects and the environment surrounding them.
- [Photographer’s name]is a renowned landscape photographer who has utilized the Leica R 35mm f/2 Summicron v1 to capture breathtaking scenes of nature. The lens’s ability to render detail and contrast has helped him to capture the beauty and grandeur of the natural world.
Last Word: Leica R 35 F2 Summicron V1
The Leica R 35 f/2 Summicron v1, a timeless classic, continues to inspire photographers today. Its legacy is cemented in the countless images it has captured, a testament to its enduring quality and artistry. For those seeking a lens that combines exceptional image quality with a compact and elegant design, the Summicron v1 remains a compelling choice, offering a glimpse into the golden age of rangefinder photography.