Leica's BEST Camera Lens | "King of Bokeh" Leica 35mm Summicron
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- The Leica 35mm Summicron "King of Bokeh" is the best Leica lens ever made. The moniker was not from the German camera brand but rather from the fanatics of the product. The cult following for this lens rivals a lot of other factions in the analog photography world. It's tough to find someone who's crazier than a diehard Leica fanboy. If you are asking yourself, "what Leica lens should I buy?" save up your money and buy this one.
The Summicron Version 4 is the last iteration of this focal length before the optics were updated to its now aspherical formula. The newer copies are TECHNICALLY better, but the bokeh and artistic rendition are next to none.
#leica #summicron #kingofbokeh
0:00 - 1:02: Saucy Intro
1:03 - 2:24: Build + Form Factor
2:25 - 6:13: Why "King of Bokeh" ?
6:14 - 8:30: The Biggest Weakness
Come say hello!
IG: / whoschrischu
Website: www.chrischuphoto.com/
Discord: / discord
Outstanding review. Very well spoken and explained. Keep it up!
This video is the sauce, love your setup, love the location, cinematic af 🙌
SWAUCE! Thank you so much!!!
the fact you tied in the 97 bulls into this video made me a big fan of your channel!!
The sauce at the beginning killed me lol Great video dude! Seems like a great lens! For now, I'm rocking my trusty Canon P and Jupiter 12 35mm f/2.8
HAD TO SET THE TONE WITH THAT, MAN! The Canon P is soooooooooooooo sexy! I had the Jupiter 8 lens! That bokeh is swirly af
Great review and good job with it. I really appreciate your thoughts and found it very helpful! Now... Time to dig behind the couch to see what cash I can gather to buy this beautiful lens
Great video, nice photos! I have the V1 8 element on my m6 currently.
Good choice! How has it been treating you
Fun fact, Mike Johnston was the first person to crown the 35mm Summicron IV as the “King of Bokeh” in the May/June 1997 issue of PHOTO Techniques. He said it’s harsh wide open and close up, but really smooth at ~f/5.6 focused at moderate distances.
oh shoot!! thanks for the insight! I actually was wondering who dubbed it that moniker because I know the Leica brand didn't do it.
lol and he to this date regrets naming it this!
Bro that sauce video lives rent free in my memory. And it's dope that you played it cause we on the same wave 💫✨
💯
I’ve loved this lens for a long time, it rarely leaves my film camera, only occasionally being replaced with a very aged 90/2.
My work is all done on digi these days, but a skater friend was recently asking if I had some film she could have. I gave her a few and joined her at the skatepark, it made me pick up the MP and run a couple of rolls of Tri-X through.
Reminded me of 1. How intuitive, enjoyable and simple shooting a rangefinder is and 2. How gorgeous that V4 is.
I recently made the transition from DSLR to mirrorless and I have to say “intuitive, enjoyable and simple” is not how I would describe the R3 😅.
That said, I’ve just taken delivery of the 85 DS lens and am wondering if it might finally be possible to get that ‘Leica glow’ on a Canon digi body…
Anyhow, all that aside, you got yourself a new subscriber, through your enthusiasm for the summicron and photography in general, but also your actual photographs themselves. Some lovely work in there.
i like your new video style, keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Very good presentation. I have this camera and lens. Great fun.
RS. Canada
Glad you are appreciating it so much.
I love it!
Ayeee you out in my hometown of Fremont! Love the Niles hills my guy. Great video as well, just picked up a M6 classic so I will def come to your videos for some insight on Leica
Ayo shoutout to Fremont, man. Most people don't know that Niles is America's first Hollywood with Charlie Chaplin!
AND CONGRATS ON THE NEW M6! You're gonna love it so much
The best lens is the one that lets you express your vision of the world. This is a nice video about a nice lens. Thank you for sharing.
We need the flash video Chris! :D Great video as well, I wouldn't mind getting that cron :)
I'm werkin on it!
Nice video. The shots look so nice. Film + classic cars and gas stations.. I know it's a trope/meme these days, but I still love it..lol...
I'd love to have one of these, but i'm not a big 35mm shooter and can't justify that much of an expense for something i'd rarely use, so i'll be sticking with my Nokton 35 f1.4 to fill that role. I did splurge for the Summicron 50 though, since that's 'my' focal length, and yes, there's just something about the 'crons. There are sharper lenses (mine's from the 70s), but it renders so nicely in an artistic way, as you mentioned in the video. I'll be keeping it till I die i'm sure.
it's a big film community meme...but I had to do it. I know what the people want
I think you should max out "your" focal length as you already stated with your purchase of the 50 Summicron. The Nokton 35 from Voigtlander is pretty sick, but at f/1.4 I heard it's not the greatest (as with any rangefinder lens). I think the character lenses just age better. I mean CLEARLY, people are still buying them up
you got the lens mate! I am trying out summaron 28mm old lens… beautiful lens as well. i will do review as well 😍
I got the lens!!!!! :D NICE, looking forward to your saucy review
@@whoschrischu Thanks I will bring nice sauce🤣
I remember being on the hunt for the v3 summicron because the v4 is too expensive. Settled with the summaron 2.8 because it looks like the v1 summicron and has the word Wetzlar slapped on it. From what I remember, the v3 possesses a lot of character, almost as if you used all your skill points on one thing. I think if anyone is trying to look for something similar that doesn't break the bank, it's a great compromise.
I own the Summaron 2.8 (8 Element). It is indeed a very nice vintage lens.
Check my message. I'll sell one.
Dope video !
Thanks 💯
hello Chris ! We have same taste but I choose the Leica M10D + 35 summarit (cheaper but excellent too). Thanks for your video, I enjoy every time the contents !
I heard great things about the Summarit, plus it's so tiny too! M10-D is fantastic! Thanks for stopping by!
I always wanted this lens. But it is very hard to find in good condition in second hand market. I end up with 35mm summilux pre-asph. Looking at optical formula, summilux have simmilad optical which is 7 elements. I don't have cron v4, so I can't compare both lens. But at f2, lux have very pleasing rendering and a little bit of glow on highlight area.
Got one for £800 in 2017. A keeper. Sublime
Great video. This version 35mm Summicron lived on my M6 and went to a dozen countries with me. Sadly, the expense and logistics of shooting film has rendered it to a shelf for display.
BTW... I could live at that gas station. The potential shots at various times of day would keep me entertained for a long time. Where is that?
Making me want to sell my Q2 and trade up towards an M+Cron. Great vids Chris
the Leica Q2 is honestly the gateway drug to the ecosystem. I haven't met anyone who has owned the Q2 and NOT upgraded to an M system. You might be due for an upgrade!
@@whoschrischu How would you quickly compare the Q2 and M10?
@@davidjohn2405 Congrats for the right move mate, M is M, not even comparable.
Great Video! Do you think the sharpness difference is really noticable on Film compared to the Apsh. Versions? Can get both for the same price but dont know if I need the Asph. I tend to shoot more in low light at 2-2.8 Thank you!
It's wild seeing Kingjvpes vid on this lens and how he bought it for 1.8k. 3 years later its heading towards double that price. Personally would prefer to cop a 35 lux pre-fle at that price point. I'm shooting with a 35 cron asph v1 and thats more than enough for me. Love the Leica content, Chris!
it's so funny that you comment this because I literally talked to him about this lens and asked if I could buy it off him. Of course, the lens is too beautiful to let go so I had to find my own way of getting it The Summicron ASPH is sooooo good and luckily the same formula as the V2 sans le metal hood. Thanks for supporting the channel!
Give the Summicron R 35mm f2 and APO summicron M 75mm f2 a go when you get the chance! Absolute stunners
Love 35mm focal length as well probably my favorite or perhaps 28mm
it's a tough decision between the 35 + 28. I also have both focal lengths. 28 is great if you don't mind being a tad closer to subjects. I'm just super familiar with the 35 look after years and years of using it
You should check out the light lens lab 35mm f2, collapsible, a unique take on the summicron 8e
I have exactly your outfit - 35 mm Summicron v.4 (Germany) on M6. Also good on digital M. Quite expensive, but still better value than the outrageously expensive vintage 35 mm Summicron 8 element. The f/2.8 Summaron 8 element is also a good choice.
I love how you call it an outfit
Great vid! This made me decide to purchase! For these photos, are you shooting at box speed, and any post-scan edits? Can't seem to get such clean-looking photos with the lens and my m6 (also using portra 400), even at f8 and 1/250-500 ss.
best lense ever made !!! no doubt. In love with mine
LET'S GOOOOO! The KOB cultists are mad crazy about this lens
hello, excellent video... one question... do you think that this lens on a digital camera (m11 Monochrome) could highlight its properties?
Sheesh 🔥🔥🙈
I have to agree on 35mm being the best, most versatile focal length and the Summicron 35mm is just the bee’s knees. I have the 11674, version VI and I usually keep it on my M6 most of the time. I had tried the Voigtländer 35mm Ultron ASPH but I just prefer the “look” of the Summicron 35mm more. I still have the Voigtländer but don’t even use it much. Recently got the Summilux 50mm ASPH (11892) and I really love the focal length for some things but 35mm is just “better”.
wow such a cool lens
very cool
@@whoschrischu
I totally understand the 2 camps people belong to when it comes to lenses, either you're a "Razor Sharp or nothing" or you're a "Glass w/ Character" person. My favorite is my Hasselblad 100mm f2.2 for my Hasselblad H System, it's sharp for film but not clinically where your editing pores till your eyes roll back (better than Hasselblad XCD 80mm f1.9). I would also argue that it's better than the Contax 645 80mm, slightly more compression and less distortion and not overly used.
I’m mainly a 50 guy so I have the cron (v5). But I need a wider lens. Right now I have a 28 Ultron II. I like that combo. But the 28 isn’t that far off 35. So I’m really debating between this KOB or the Summaron. I’m not interested in any modern ASPH lenses. Hmmm. There’s one here for sale. KOB Germany one. With the box and hood. Minty condition. Decisions decisions.
Thing is. I like 28mm but the frame lines really are tough to work with.
Great video! That lens looks fun. Kinda looks similar to the 7Artisans 35mm 1.2 for crop cameras. I had that lens and I loved shooting with it. There was just something fun about using it. Image quality sucked though. I even had to get some tiny screwdrivers to fix an issue with it (it would not focus to infinity).
I wonder if some of the more “legendary” current day lenses will become expensive far in the future like this one did. Like maybe the Fujifilm 56mm will be sought after by collectors in the future. (I’m ignoring the fact that the electronics in modern lenses might break down ofc :P)
Try the Summarit 35mm f/2.4 ASPH...I feel it has a better balance of clinical and character and better transition to OOF than the 'cron. I don't mind the f/2.4 and think it's more pleasing than the 'cron at f/2 and the 'cron at f/2.8. OH, and it's adorable too, and has a metal screw-on hood that comes with it and a nice case.
That's the lens I wanted to get after using a Leica Minilux, and wanting to get a manual Leica.
thought on version 2?
I have the Summilux35. Definitely a beautiful lens, but pretty heavy for it's size. What would you say are the biggest difference between the two?
Keep the Summilux. It creates that 'separation' better.
I couldn’t agree more from a follow 35mm Cron v4 shooter. In your time researching this lens have you come across the black metal E39/A42 lens cap that can fit on to it? I’ve been doing some research myself cause I’m looking for one but I can’t seem to find it’s model number/if the modern Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 back lens cap will fit.
A fellow KOB shooter, welcome! I actually don't have any info on the A42 lens cap. Good luck with that tho!
@@whoschrischu it was worth a shot.
Curious to know what you're using to film out in the field and at your desk?
I used the Canon R5 with the RF 15-35 lens!
Chris Chu got the sauce no question
Chris...interested in your thoughts..thinking about a Leica M3 + Vintage 50mm Summicron or a Leica M-A with a new (non APO) 50mm Summicron.
I think it depends more on if you plan to shoot anything wider than a 50mm in the future. The widest frameline for the M3 is 50. Anything wider you'd have to get a focal reducer goggle like the old 35mm Leica lenses. If you think you'll stick with 50 for life, then get the M3. Otherwise, the M-A is the best bet. TBH, I think the latest 50mm Summicron is dull. It looks sexy but the optics / results are sterile
@@whoschrischu Thanks Chris...its because of your passion that I am so interested getting into film and really really appreciate the perspective on newer lenses = clinical (dull) which is pushing me towards newer body which will last a lifetime (at least that's what my justification will be to the wife) and vintage lenses to pair. Keep up the good work !
Nice!
Thank you! Cheers!
Like summicron R 50mm, the bokeh looks paintery, i agree with that
Amazing intro
thank you, sir! appreciate the fact that you appreciate the sauce
@@whoschrischu drippin with it
Hi chris, I thought the canadian version got some plasticky parts especially front end where it might eventually break compared to german version, but i might b wrong
aw rip, I just saw a comment from YYE (the dude who can CLA Leica's) and he said the same exact thing. Whoops.
It's the version four 35 summicron. It's even better than the first coded 35mm 'cron, and it's Canadian!
I'm curious to see if people would actually prefer it's bokeh and quality over other 35mm lenses in a blind comparison test 🤔 I think only then I would believe it's actually good and not just Leica hype
So true…35 summicrons are very average lenses
that may actually be a very good video idea
After shooting with several Leica lenses, I am surprised to find out how good the 35 mm Voightlander Ultron II actually is.
do you still own it?
I like your style of thinking on this one. A lot of people don't realize having numbers like f/1.4 or sharpnes bla bla bla doesn't fit all the scenarios.
Everybody knows Sigma 18-35 f/1.8. It's fast, it's sharp. I also owned it for a while but I don't like its character. Firstly it's way too sharp which I stopped liking when I started shooting film. Secondly I hate it's distortion which isn't consistent.
Yet videomakers and people alike use it all the time because it gets the job done, albeit clinically.
Sigma 18-35 gets the video job done. I like how you pointed out the inconsistency too cuz that's definitely the dark side of the Sigma brand that most people don't bring up. Sharpness is cool and all, but if it's sharper than real life, it kinda won't retain its value for too long (in my opinion)
really cool video, i love the voicesound on the video, someone can tell me maybe the brand or ,the referencec of the mic ?? plsss
thank you for watching! Shure SM7B is the mic
@@whoschrischu thks à lot 🤜🤛
I've had the V4 for a few years now. Love the lens. Although did try one of the newer summicrons and it just gave me the speed to shoot that I couldn't with the v4, just because the focus ring etc just felt that bit smoother with it being a modern lens. Have you felt the difference at all?
he sold me his 35 summicron asph v2 and i know he misses it. plus the new lens hood is cuter lmao
hmph, the new lens hood is sexier than it is cuter
as Austin stated, I owned the (now) 2nd to latest Summicron, and it's significantly more solid and heavy (in a good way). My copy was pretty firm in the focus throw especially on the first turn after not being used for a while. I'd say the images are very very nice on both the V4 and ASPH V2, but other than that it's fine
It’s been hard to decide on whether to buy the ASPH and keep my V4. I don’t think I’d ever part with my V4, but then the ASPH would give me the tactile speed I want as it’s going to be much smoother. My v4 is so touchy as it freezes up if it’s cold, and when you’re trying to nail a quick shot and the subjects moving towards you, it’s so annoying when the focus ring is trying to fight you. Or maybe it just needs servicing by Leica in Germany. I just fear how much that will cost!
Cool lens but I keep hear the new voightlander lenses might be the new sauce.
Voigt got the SAUCE, The new 28mm Ultron is nice, but is the new 35 good too?
@@whoschrischu I keep hearing about the new 35mm 1.7 ,35mm f2 and from what I hear the 35mm apo is the sharpest and one of the best. But sadly I haven't tried any. Is the king of bokeh aspherical?
@@whoschrischu Voigtlander Ultron 35/2 is good, very sharp, and can be very beautiful. But it has really wonky (swirly) bokeh wide open at close distances, and color is not so great
Sauce is forever bro 😎
sauce....sauce is forever
There is a difference between the Canada and the German version. The Canadian one is lighter and is rumored to have a plastic part in construction. But the optically, there is no difference and due to the Canadian version being lighter, it's "better" in my opinion.
aw rip, I just saw a comment from YYE (the dude who can CLA Leica's) and he said the same exact thing. Whoops.
If you want t see more images just look up the photographer Alex Webb. Not only will you learn perfect composition with a 35mm lens but almost all of his images in color were made with this lens. Even the modern photos as he still uses this lens
oh forreal1!?!?!? I gotta check him out!!!
Look at that delicious 1994 M6
Dang bro you really spent $3k on that bugger--respect on you for dropping the bag on something you love $$
thanks Joshy Josh. Remember when I said that the RF 28-70 is way too expensive....how ironic that I got this lens instead
@@whoschrischu to be honest, I'm still leaning towards the look of primes. the 28-70 is great for event coverage, but for portraits it's just... not enough. for me, at least :) glad to know at least you're in love with your lens!! as for me--I'm 60/40 with the 28-70
Character vs. Clinical Perfection. I'm partial to the former. This lens and other Mandler designed lenses have that character, especially printed traditionally.
I think it adds life to the photo. If everything is perfect then it can kinda be too sterile and not age well. BUT OF COURSE...it all comes down to preference. I like character lenses for some things and clinical for others
🤩👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Where is that gas station at? So retro!
Fremont, CA! Right on Niles Boulevard
My planar 50mm 1.4 zf has a unique bokeh as well opened all the way. Kind of "fish scaly" and has a unique melting look as well.
how does this compare to the 35mm summilux
no idea, I haven't heard much about that lens
@@whoschrischu no worries thanks for the response! love the videos!
Leica is to 💵💵 for me but I’d sure like one someday! Right now my Nikon F3 will have to due.
the 35 IV summicron is an epic lens but it has probably the technically worst bokeh of all of the 35mm summicrons but I love the retro look that is produces.
Obviously you haven't used any other Leica 35mm lenses.
Title: Why king of bokeh?
*Proceeds to shoot at F16*
lmaooooo jk great vid Chris
I swear I shot at F2 for 80% of these images :(((((((
thanks, mate
35 cron 8 elements is better in B&W
Lux 35 v2 and the KOB have exactly the same optics beyond f2
It is the best Leica lens until you try the Summilux Pre-ASPH and the Summicron 8 elements : p The KoB is great though! Much better than any of the ASPH lenses.
there are so many versions of these lenses, it's crazy. I haven't done much research into the Summilux line yet, but I know they got bigger over the years. I also agree that the KOB got a better charm than the ASPH lenses
@@whoschrischu the pre-asph summilux is very interesting; from f2.8 it’s as sharp or even sharper than the summicron 35mm pre-asph, but at f1.4 and f2 it has a glow that it’s impossible to replicate with any other lens. Very fun 2-in-1 lens, it’s my favorite 35mm. The summilux asph is definitely more interesting than the summicron asph, but like you said, it’s much bigger and heavier which I don’t enjoy. Thanks for reviewing, always great to see reviews of vintage Leica glass :)
someone misses their summicron ;)
can I see her pls. i miss my bb
@@whoschrischu always
"The King of Bokeh" is a much earlier version than that one you have.
Juice is temporary
Wu Tang is forever 🙌🏿
WU. TANG. BAAAAAHHHH
Idk man, it's nice and all,but I kinda prefer the Jupiter 12
I used to have the Jupiter 8 LTM Mount on my Canon P and the swirly bokeh was pretty sick too
an opportunity missed.
The limitations of the lens during a 1997 manufacture date becomes the 'King of Bokeh'. Just use my Summilux and be done with it.
men that location
7,720th view
my favorite 7720th viewer!!
Boukah
Don't adjust the focal length when your recording, it hurts the eyes.
ROTFL!! 🤣 (for millennials and genx'ers that never had to pay as you typed before Internet, that means _"Rolling on the floor, laughing!"_ ) $3K?
Reeelly? Wow!
Getting my *_SUMMICRON-M 1:2/35 S/N 36037nn Made in Germany_* from the cupboard, and will entertain offers >$3K, shipping to all USMCA (former NAFTA) on my dime.
Lemme be *_frank_* maybe blunt, with you. This was my very first Leica M; not E. Leitz, not Ernst Leitz, of which I had several from the times my Leica was a IIIf, also several V'länders. This one came as a comissioned purchase by a good buddy from Köln in 2001, along with my first M, a pre-Solms M6 labeled Wetzlar. Sadly, I sold the M6 and the IIIf towards my M10, but kept the 'cron 35.
Now, to the boil. The lens is beautiful, but sharpness just sucks. It's certainly tiny and _sometimes_ its bokeh is pleasing (who can say at what aperture one frame was shot?). However, I paid *three hundred USD* for it, so I never though of selling it or anything crazy; but *_THREE THOUSAND?_* It goes on the block!
Now I'm shooting a Voigtländer Ultron 35/2 on my MP and the 'cron 35 IV was left in the dust miles behind. Heck, I might even be able to buy an APO 35!
The opium dream *_pinch-slipon-release_* shade (original, german) that came with the lens ceased functioning ten years ago and had to be replaced with a hard to find 12524 from Leitz Canada. The pathetic rubber cap was lost twice and replaced with a DIY design by yours truly. PM me for instructions if you want to make one.
If interested in getting one of these *_scarce collector gems_* and help my upgrade from my M10-R to an M11 contact me in Reddit as u/Mexhillbilly. Serious offers only. Not burying anybody tomorrow, so keep the haggling for your near east visit. 😉
But...so expensive
true
But… looks so damn good.
Boh-keh. Accent on the last syllable. Not bouuuwwwkah. Don’t be that guy.
This Summicron is not the King of bockeh. The Summilux 35mm f1,4 steel ring is the right King in Leica history.
Any Leica 35mm lens (maybe apart from the new APO) is very far from the best lens ever made. They all are NOT top line in sharpness, NOT in character, NOT in color rendering…they all are actually very below-average for the price.
Summicron 50 v5, Summilux 50 asph (well, not so sure about that), Super-elmar 21, Summilux 75, apo-summicron 50 and maybe 35, Summilux 28….here we talk about extraordinary lenses…but 35 summicrons are just very mediocre lenses for the price.
Mine are above average.
Overrated 😂