Thanks. That’s a good real life comparison. All I have is a v5 50mm that I just purchased. I had been using a 35 summicron v3 and a 90 tele-elmarit from 1974, since new in 1974. I have an old m4 that I still use every day..
My Dad gave me a V3 for xmas today :-) He knows I like to use old manual lenses on modern digital bodies. I already have a Summaron 35 3.5 from the 50s but this is a very welcome new addition. Thumbs up.
V3 "flimsy" Ha Ha! I've used the v3 for almost 60 years, taken it around the world a few times, desert hot and freezing cool environments and it has never ever failed me. Yes, maybe it is a bit surprising a mount of aluminum alloy can be better than brass, I just call it 'the tank' for durability. I've had many summicron lenses over the years, and this is the one I will always keep for its over-all optical quality and build. It also has a very nice longer throw focus which is butter smooth and more precise than the later versions, aperture adjustment is the old 2-pin internals smooth. As the people at Leica told me back when I got mine, 'more contrast than the earlier versions (for perceived higher sharpness) and no distortion, and better in the close focus range.' The v4 and v5 I've had are also great optically, but just not built as well, no removable optical unit head (which I've used in an enlarger and bellows), and that v5 extendable hood... is just not a 'working' feature. The only thing about the v3 is flare, which you need to be aware of direct or strong light at the edge of the frame. Of course, with any Summicron [35/50/90] it is more a matter of the person behind the lens ;-)
I've the v3 and it's especially nice on male portraits on an M3....don't really know why? It is also very well behaved on a Sony A7r3, much better than my Voigtlander m mount lenses.
I like your uploads, very well explained, should it be a lens or a camera review I look forward to watching them, thank you for taking the time to make them.
Below I should have said V2, satin chrome. People say too much contrast in V3, but when I compare the contrast seems equal. I do not have a 5, but do have APO and at 4 they seem equal. I found mine in the 80`s in a camera shop unused and I stored it until last year. The shop owner bought two of everything , sold one and collected the other..
Hello EP. It's hard to believe they are focused on the same spot, especially when comparing the out of focus @ 2.8. See @ 2:06. What ever, it's like the V3 is focused ahead of V5 in your test. But if equally focused, then the V5 stands in another league.
Thanks. That’s a good real life comparison. All I have is a v5 50mm that I just purchased. I had been using a 35 summicron v3 and a 90 tele-elmarit from 1974, since new in 1974. I have an old m4 that I still use every day..
This is a great discussion. I have these Leica lenses. Thank you.
My Dad gave me a V3 for xmas today :-)
He knows I like to use old manual lenses on modern digital bodies. I already have a Summaron 35 3.5 from the 50s but this is a very welcome new addition.
Thumbs up.
V3 "flimsy" Ha Ha! I've used the v3 for almost 60 years, taken it around the world a few times, desert hot and freezing cool environments and it has never ever failed me. Yes, maybe it is a bit surprising a mount of aluminum alloy can be better than brass, I just call it 'the tank' for durability. I've had many summicron lenses over the years, and this is the one I will always keep for its over-all optical quality and build. It also has a very nice longer throw focus which is butter smooth and more precise than the later versions, aperture adjustment is the old 2-pin internals smooth. As the people at Leica told me back when I got mine, 'more contrast than the earlier versions (for perceived higher sharpness) and no distortion, and better in the close focus range.' The v4 and v5 I've had are also great optically, but just not built as well, no removable optical unit head (which I've used in an enlarger and bellows), and that v5 extendable hood... is just not a 'working' feature. The only thing about the v3 is flare, which you need to be aware of direct or strong light at the edge of the frame. Of course, with any Summicron [35/50/90] it is more a matter of the person behind the lens ;-)
A great post and I am with you!
I've the v3 and it's especially nice on male portraits on an M3....don't really know why?
It is also very well behaved on a Sony A7r3, much better than my Voigtlander m mount lenses.
I like your uploads, very well explained, should it be a lens or a camera review I look forward to watching them, thank you for taking the time to make them.
Thanks Henry that's very kind
Below I should have said V2, satin chrome. People say too much contrast in V3, but when I compare the contrast seems equal. I do not have a 5, but do have APO and at 4 they seem equal. I found mine in the 80`s in a camera shop unused and I stored it until last year. The shop owner bought two of everything , sold one and collected the other..
V5 so good
Hello EP. It's hard to believe they are focused on the same spot, especially when comparing the out of focus @ 2.8. See @ 2:06.
What ever, it's like the V3 is focused ahead of V5 in your test. But if equally focused, then the V5 stands in another league.
Nice review. Is the chrome version made from brass and therefore quite heavy? Like with the modern Summilux..
V5 on M11 can resolve all 60mp at f4, a little less at f2. The colors and contrast are already great wide open. Also built like a tank.
You should try a version 1 satin chrome, not shinny chrome.