Awesome long term review on this beautiful 35mm Lux lens Dave! Right now I'm able to resist to get any expensive Leica glas, but that's simply because the new lenses from Voigtländer and the new player Thypoch are currently killing it in my opinion, specially for the price. Have the 28mm 1.4 Thypoch for two weeks now and this lens blows me away for the price. Keep up your great work man, can't believe you are over 10k subs now and when I joined I think your were under 1k - simply amazing job man! Very well deserved! :)
I chose the new close-focus 35mm Summilux to pair with my M11, and I couldn’t be happier with it! I use the close-focus feature every day, and it has become my go-to lens for the M system. However, I’ve been using the 28mm more and more, and it’s growing on me. But I’m sure it won’t surpass the 35mm.
The 35 FLE quality really is nice but I do not like the size and weight for daily casual photography. I end up using my 40mm Cron-C 90% of the time simply for its size. The 35 FLE hood is cool but if you like to shoot wide open, it is a pain to add and remove ND filters. I swapped it out for the thread mount cover and now it is easier to swap out filters but it it also looks similar to the new 35 FLE II with close focus.
I used to have the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm and could put the camera in my pocket. There are definitely smaller setups for daily carry, but when you combine the other reasons I love this lens, for me it’s perfect and I don’t mind the size at all.
Another FLE owner that thinks it’s too heavy/large if you’re trying to casually fly an M under the radar. Very common complaint. I might “upgrade” to the summicron asph v2.
Really enjoyed this video Dave! That 35 FLE really is the bees knees, I have to refrain myself from buying one every time I use one. I like your take on that contrast fade/Leica look. It might have a lot to do with that field curvature that is so prevalent amongst Leica M lenses.
I'm always envious of the people who are very confident in their focal length and lens of choice. I always considered myself a 35mm shooter, but lately I've been trying to challenge myself and change things up, so I've just been taking my 28/50mm combo out and finding myself not missing the 35mm too much. I use mostly Voigtlander glass and it's great but I would love to start getting some Leica glass but until I figure this out, I don't know what to pick first. Then we have a WHOLE other discussion on whether I prefer modern or vintage looking rendering, ugh, it never ends! haha
Great video, and your points are spot on! The 50/2.0 APO and the 35/1.4 FLE are my two favorite lenses of the Leica-M platform - and I often use them on the Leica SL cameras as well. Prior to acquiring this lens I used the 35/1.4 AA (“Double Aspheric”) lens. In my opinion that lens, which is highly sought after mostly due to its rarity, does not offer the same level of chromatic fidelity as the modern FLE.
Got it as my first ever Leica Lens. Bought it new with a decent price knowing that I will have it for as long as possible. As a hobbyist, I don’t need perfection but rather characteristic. Fantastic lens, also less purple fringing on the FLE II than the older version, otherwise pretty much the same optical formula
I settled on another choice, having shot Voigtlander and Leica 35mm, and it’s the Zeiss Distagon 1.4 ZM and I couldn’t be happier. I know some comment on the size but it’s a non-issue for me and the iq is simply in a different league. Just sharing the love:)
Speaking to your "3D pop" comment, part of the character of the summilux lenses isn't just how the contrast falls off towards the edges (which is not uncommon with lenses, especially fast ones) but the strong field curvature which puts the mid-zones even further out of focus than you'd expect, along with barrel distortion which gives the illusion of pulling the subject at the centre of frame closer to you. All these things are great for shooting people, who are centrally framed but are really frustrating when you're trying to shoot things like landscapes, where you want deep focus and less distortion.
Dave, you are contributing to my G.A.S.! But I think what you really want is the XCD 35. With the associated camera, you can zoom in 5x and get amazing color!
After owning the q2 now and getting the itch, I was looking at this exact setup. Well this and the M11M, and then you drop this video. I have never owned a range finder, have no idea how they work (other than UA-cam) but gosh, this setup screams to me so badly!!
Awesome video Dave! Can you expand upon the “character” you notice when stopped down to around f8? The reason I ask is because I am considering the lux vs. the cron. I don’t intend to shoot wide open very much (I’ve got the 50 lux for that) Everything I’ve heard is that the cron has more of a clinical sharpness compared to the lux. I don’t want to spend the extra money for a 1.4 if the extra stop is all I’d gain.
I can tell you my experience from the 50 Summicron to the 50 Summilux. I can confirm that across the entire image, to r Summicron is sharper. I’d compare it to the sharpness of my Sony GM lenses. The Summilux is as-sharp around 5.6+ but also has more contrast in the center that falls off as it gets further from the center. This makes images “pop,” giving it that noticeable “Summilux” look. The self portrait I did is a good example, f/8. Yet I’m not only sharp, I stand out a bit and I’m punchy in the center. On a Summicron I’d expect that level of sharpness and punch across the entire image, while the Summilux seems to get a bit flatter making the subject come alive more. This is how I’d describe the character. Again, not proven scientifically, but through several conversations with old school dudes and Leica enthusiasts seem to confirm this.
I mostly use the even apertures: 2, 4, 8 primarily. Those are my walk around apertures. Anything outside of that would be for a specific need or reason.
Would have been nice to see you show the full size original image when talking about the cropping. Would give a better idea visually of what you were referring to. Thanks for the share.
Stop trying to temp me into a 35mm 😂 Jokes aside, I prefer 28/50 combo. Well, if there were internal frame lines of 21mm I'll go 21/50 for sure. But anyways, I hear you on the "perfect" one lens setup, but that defeats the purpose of a interchangeable lens system, I think. Also, it just so happens yesterday I watched your video on if you could shoot all day at f1.4, while I'm definitely jealous I don't have f1.4, but the point of shooting an M is because it's compact, right? So I'm gonna stick with 39mm filter size lenses.
I wouldn't say the point of M is compactness, I think there are many reasons to shoot M. Also, interchangeable lenses are really important, but as I said in the front end of this video, I just wanted to carry one camera/lens for this day out.
@@davidherring You're not wrong on that since Leica has made all speed types of lenses for all kinds of photography and people come in with different uses besides the need of going compact, but shooting a RF style camera with bulky f0.95-1.4 lenses is just looking for trouble, I think. If you've got the skills (and funds) to pull it off every time, nice, but I think you're just looking for frustration on yourself if you miss the mark unless you're shooting something that doesn't move, that's easy. Or you'll bracket three shots quickly to be sure you get the shot? Then if you're still not sure, you start to feel you missed the shot so you pull out the LV for the focusing and framing. For me, f2 is fast enough, more so the m11 has enough iso to work with in most situations too. Compact lenses allow you to shoot longer. I also prefer shooting without the hood too. Add: I used to carry the combo out with me, but I've too started the one lens and focus on what I brought out that day, unless if it's a big day event.
I use a UV filter on my lenses just as an extra precaution. That bus went off the road and nearly flipped, was stabilized, and then tow trucks had to straighten it up and work together to pull it out while keeping it upright. It was wild to watch!
As an owner of both 35mm Summilux and Summicron, I now wonder if they are significantly different on same stops. Feel like we might make a comparison together 👀
Dave, nothing against your Black Hills photos, but a photo essay of the Harley reunion in Sturgis would certainly be more interesting.Otherwise, interesting content - thumbs up, dude! I'm going to Wetzlar next month and I'm thinking of replacing my Summicron 35 with a Summilux.
Ha, yeah that would have been fun, but I was only in this area on this overcast day, and the bikers all leave and go explore all day and come back for the bars and events in the evening.
I'm curious, when you're shooting subjects like the bison, which are quite far away even with the crop, are you just setting the focus to infinity and then focusing on the composition?
I've been thinking for a week to buy a second hand the preview model, almost new on the Leica store to my M6 and see my bank account drop considerably lol
I've been debating whether to go with the 35mm Summilux with the close-focus version. In your experience, have you run into situations where you thought it would be useful with the 35mm, or do you think it's best saved for another focal length like the 50mm?
I have never thought of the 35mm length as needing close focus. My 50mm Summilux is the close focus version, and that makes sense to me. But I can’t think of a scenario where I’d want a 35mm to focus that close.
@@davidherring Thanks. That's pretty much what I was thinking, too. But I figured if I was going to make the investment, I may as well consider it before going without it.
I have two of the 35mm Lux FLE II lenses that you're talking about with the built-in hood and I have no issues with these. What do you hate about them?
@@davidherring Imo 35mm APO Summicron f/2 is the perfect lens due to its better micro-contrast in the middle of the frame, 0.3m close focusing and very little chromatic aberration. But to each their own.
Hi my friend. I am confused between this lens (new version) and LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. I don't know which one is better? Can you advise me which is better? My camera is Leica M10-R black paint. Thank you.
APO lenses are going to be their most sharp and detailed lenses. Think of APO as perfection, and Summilux as character. The question is - do you want perfection at f/2 or character at f/1.4?
I was confused the very same way an year ago. After ton of reviews and videos I finally decided to get APO f/2. Absolutely no regrets. I’m still amazed what this tiny lens is capable of. It’s not just about sharpness. No vignetting so far, excellent performance in direct sunlight etc. Worth every cent, I can tell you. I agree with Dave it’s about perfection/character decision. To me - Lux is still too expensive to be not absolutely perfect at f1.4 🙃🙂
I am so fucking dead over the "Today count". I only realized it after 5 "today"s. But I loved this adventure and the message behind it! Sometimes it's not always about a plethora of lenses if you have one that WORKS!
“Well you see today I was making a video today but I ended up just freely speaking today and not realizing that today I said today too many times today.”
Awesome long term review on this beautiful 35mm Lux lens Dave! Right now I'm able to resist to get any expensive Leica glas, but that's simply because the new lenses from Voigtländer and the new player Thypoch are currently killing it in my opinion, specially for the price.
Have the 28mm 1.4 Thypoch for two weeks now and this lens blows me away for the price.
Keep up your great work man, can't believe you are over 10k subs now and when I joined I think your were under 1k - simply amazing job man! Very well deserved! :)
Thank you! I'm chatting with Thypoch at the moment :-)
I chose the new close-focus 35mm Summilux to pair with my M11, and I couldn’t be happier with it! I use the close-focus feature every day, and it has become my go-to lens for the M system. However, I’ve been using the 28mm more and more, and it’s growing on me. But I’m sure it won’t surpass the 35mm.
Love that!
You have an Instagram? I’ve been considering this setup
Today was a great day to upload a brilliant video today 🎉
Today is a good day today to release this video today.
@@davidherring love your work man keep it up 🙌
Always a good day when I can dive into a new Dave Herring video.
Aww thanks!
Just got my M11 today, imma rewatch all your M11 videos again. You were the one made me took this red pill kek
Congrats! And I'm proud to be part of your journey!
The 35 FLE quality really is nice but I do not like the size and weight for daily casual photography. I end up using my 40mm Cron-C 90% of the time simply for its size. The 35 FLE hood is cool but if you like to shoot wide open, it is a pain to add and remove ND filters. I swapped it out for the thread mount cover and now it is easier to swap out filters but it it also looks similar to the new 35 FLE II with close focus.
I used to have the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm and could put the camera in my pocket. There are definitely smaller setups for daily carry, but when you combine the other reasons I love this lens, for me it’s perfect and I don’t mind the size at all.
Another FLE owner that thinks it’s too heavy/large if you’re trying to casually fly an M under the radar. Very common complaint. I might “upgrade” to the summicron asph v2.
BTW... Your videos make me want to go out and shoot! I truly appreciate the additional spark of motivation!
Awesome! Get out there!
I have the same combination, and I've often referred to it as my desert island kit. Love the sharpness and versatility of the 35 'Lux!
Nice!
Really enjoyed this video Dave! That 35 FLE really is the bees knees, I have to refrain myself from buying one every time I use one. I like your take on that contrast fade/Leica look. It might have a lot to do with that field curvature that is so prevalent amongst Leica M lenses.
Probably so, but it's very pronounced on my 35 and 50 Summilux. Love these lenses!
I'm always envious of the people who are very confident in their focal length and lens of choice. I always considered myself a 35mm shooter, but lately I've been trying to challenge myself and change things up, so I've just been taking my 28/50mm combo out and finding myself not missing the 35mm too much.
I use mostly Voigtlander glass and it's great but I would love to start getting some Leica glass but until I figure this out, I don't know what to pick first.
Then we have a WHOLE other discussion on whether I prefer modern or vintage looking rendering, ugh, it never ends! haha
I'll give you some hope - it DOES end! It ends when you run out of money haha.
Great video, and your points are spot on! The 50/2.0 APO and the 35/1.4 FLE are my two favorite lenses of the Leica-M platform - and I often use them on the Leica SL cameras as well. Prior to acquiring this lens I used the 35/1.4 AA (“Double Aspheric”) lens. In my opinion that lens, which is highly sought after mostly due to its rarity, does not offer the same level of chromatic fidelity as the modern FLE.
Thanks for sharing!
Great video Dave! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
dude, I'm way too poor but a leica M with the 35mm summilux is my endgame dream setup :)
I recognize I am VERY fortunate to have this experience and I'm grateful for it!
Got it as my first ever Leica Lens. Bought it new with a decent price knowing that I will have it for as long as possible. As a hobbyist, I don’t need perfection but rather characteristic. Fantastic lens, also less purple fringing on the FLE II than the older version, otherwise pretty much the same optical formula
Character > perfection all day for me.
I have the 28-35-50 and the 90 I have had them since 1975 and I still use them your lens will put live you
I have the exact same focal lengths and believe with certainty my children will use them.
I settled on another choice, having shot Voigtlander and Leica 35mm, and it’s the Zeiss Distagon 1.4 ZM and I couldn’t be happier. I know some comment on the size but it’s a non-issue for me and the iq is simply in a different league. Just sharing the love:)
Great lenses!
Speaking to your "3D pop" comment, part of the character of the summilux lenses isn't just how the contrast falls off towards the edges (which is not uncommon with lenses, especially fast ones) but the strong field curvature which puts the mid-zones even further out of focus than you'd expect, along with barrel distortion which gives the illusion of pulling the subject at the centre of frame closer to you. All these things are great for shooting people, who are centrally framed but are really frustrating when you're trying to shoot things like landscapes, where you want deep focus and less distortion.
Thanks for sharing! Super interesting!
I'd love you to experience the 35mm Lux asph pre FLE, if you haven't already. I really appreciate it's more filmic look than the FLE
Yeah I need to try one.
Dave, you are contributing to my G.A.S.! But I think what you really want is the XCD 35. With the associated camera, you can zoom in 5x and get amazing color!
Haha it never goes away for me.
After owning the q2 now and getting the itch, I was looking at this exact setup. Well this and the M11M, and then you drop this video. I have never owned a range finder, have no idea how they work (other than UA-cam) but gosh, this setup screams to me so badly!!
A rangefinder is all the things you love about photography in one small box, forcing you to do the work. It’s absolutely the best.
Awesome video Dave! Can you expand upon the “character” you notice when stopped down to around f8? The reason I ask is because I am considering the lux vs. the cron. I don’t intend to shoot wide open very much (I’ve got the 50 lux for that) Everything I’ve heard is that the cron has more of a clinical sharpness compared to the lux. I don’t want to spend the extra money for a 1.4 if the extra stop is all I’d gain.
I can tell you my experience from the 50 Summicron to the 50 Summilux. I can confirm that across the entire image, to r Summicron is sharper. I’d compare it to the sharpness of my Sony GM lenses. The Summilux is as-sharp around 5.6+ but also has more contrast in the center that falls off as it gets further from the center. This makes images “pop,” giving it that noticeable “Summilux” look. The self portrait I did is a good example, f/8. Yet I’m not only sharp, I stand out a bit and I’m punchy in the center. On a Summicron I’d expect that level of sharpness and punch across the entire image, while the Summilux seems to get a bit flatter making the subject come alive more. This is how I’d describe the character. Again, not proven scientifically, but through several conversations with old school dudes and Leica enthusiasts seem to confirm this.
@@davidherring Awesome. Thanks for your response. I guess I’ve got some thinking to do 😬
Great video! Out of curiosity, what f stop do you generally aim to shoot at? Mostly wide open? Or is there a sweet spot slightly stopped down?
I mostly use the even apertures: 2, 4, 8 primarily. Those are my walk around apertures. Anything outside of that would be for a specific need or reason.
I prefer the Apo Summicron myself. The look is better to my eye.
Apo lenses are definitely a beautiful look.
Would have been nice to see you show the full size original image when talking about the cropping. Would give a better idea visually of what you were referring to. Thanks for the share.
Thanks for the feedback.
Stop trying to temp me into a 35mm 😂
Jokes aside, I prefer 28/50 combo. Well, if there were internal frame lines of 21mm I'll go 21/50 for sure. But anyways, I hear you on the "perfect" one lens setup, but that defeats the purpose of a interchangeable lens system, I think. Also, it just so happens yesterday I watched your video on if you could shoot all day at f1.4, while I'm definitely jealous I don't have f1.4, but the point of shooting an M is because it's compact, right? So I'm gonna stick with 39mm filter size lenses.
I wouldn't say the point of M is compactness, I think there are many reasons to shoot M. Also, interchangeable lenses are really important, but as I said in the front end of this video, I just wanted to carry one camera/lens for this day out.
@@davidherring You're not wrong on that since Leica has made all speed types of lenses for all kinds of photography and people come in with different uses besides the need of going compact, but shooting a RF style camera with bulky f0.95-1.4 lenses is just looking for trouble, I think. If you've got the skills (and funds) to pull it off every time, nice, but I think you're just looking for frustration on yourself if you miss the mark unless you're shooting something that doesn't move, that's easy. Or you'll bracket three shots quickly to be sure you get the shot? Then if you're still not sure, you start to feel you missed the shot so you pull out the LV for the focusing and framing.
For me, f2 is fast enough, more so the m11 has enough iso to work with in most situations too. Compact lenses allow you to shoot longer. I also prefer shooting without the hood too.
Add: I used to carry the combo out with me, but I've too started the one lens and focus on what I brought out that day, unless if it's a big day event.
Nice work Dave. Do you ever use lens filters? Also, what happened to that bus?
I use a UV filter on my lenses just as an extra precaution. That bus went off the road and nearly flipped, was stabilized, and then tow trucks had to straighten it up and work together to pull it out while keeping it upright. It was wild to watch!
@@davidherring Thanks, makes sense. Hope everyone was ok on the bus.
the 35mm f2.8 summaron is the one !! ☝️ vintage look and swirly bokahhhhhh!!!
It is a beautiful lens!
As an owner of both 35mm Summilux and Summicron, I now wonder if they are significantly different on same stops. Feel like we might make a comparison together 👀
Make that video!
I love the Leica 35's so much, all of them. Im usually a 21mm, but since I got my 35mm f/2 asph, I dont want to use anything else
35 is THE focal length in my opinion!
Dave, nothing against your Black Hills photos, but a photo essay of the Harley reunion in Sturgis would certainly be more interesting.Otherwise, interesting content - thumbs up, dude! I'm going to Wetzlar next month and I'm thinking of replacing my Summicron 35 with a Summilux.
Ha, yeah that would have been fun, but I was only in this area on this overcast day, and the bikers all leave and go explore all day and come back for the bars and events in the evening.
@@davidherring David, OK, I understand, have a great summer and keep shooting!
Holy cats. Look at that meat! And I feel like we went on such a journey. Thanks for this. What a treat!
That was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life. We cooked it on a cast iron skillet on a campfire.
@@davidherring that just sounds magical. I will be over here salivating.
I'm curious, when you're shooting subjects like the bison, which are quite far away even with the crop, are you just setting the focus to infinity and then focusing on the composition?
Yep, that's it. I basically kept it at infinity all day except anything closer than 15ft (like the prairie dog and the paddle board).
I've been thinking for a week to buy a second hand the preview model, almost new on the Leica store to my M6 and see my bank account drop considerably lol
It’s really the best lens I’ve ever used.
@@davidherring tks I will get it
I've been debating whether to go with the 35mm Summilux with the close-focus version. In your experience, have you run into situations where you thought it would be useful with the 35mm, or do you think it's best saved for another focal length like the 50mm?
I have never thought of the 35mm length as needing close focus. My 50mm Summilux is the close focus version, and that makes sense to me. But I can’t think of a scenario where I’d want a 35mm to focus that close.
@@davidherring Thanks. That's pretty much what I was thinking, too. But I figured if I was going to make the investment, I may as well consider it before going without it.
Great choice for the budget minded.
Definitely not a budget lens.
Great video! What lens have you got on your M6? Definitely was crowded out there with Sturgis going on! Haha
My M6 is rocking a 50mm Summilux! ua-cam.com/video/ao1ZQGa7bLQ/v-deo.htmlsi=5U367H8jHvvVwHvu
@@davidherring another sweet setup, keep up the awesome videos Dave!
Great video, Dave. Which version 35 Lux is that? The newer ones have the built-in round hoods which drive me nuts.
FLE, which in my option is just perfection.
I have two of the 35mm Lux FLE II lenses that you're talking about with the built-in hood and I have no issues with these. What do you hate about them?
I don’t have an issue with the FLE II, but I think the FLE I is a perfect lens.
@@davidherring Imo 35mm APO Summicron f/2 is the perfect lens due to its better micro-contrast in the middle of the frame, 0.3m close focusing and very little chromatic aberration.
But to each their own.
@@ilyamiskov mine wont stay in place so its back to Leica.
Hi my friend.
I am confused between this lens (new version) and LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. I don't know which one is better? Can you advise me which is better? My camera is Leica M10-R black paint.
Thank you.
APO lenses are going to be their most sharp and detailed lenses. Think of APO as perfection, and Summilux as character. The question is - do you want perfection at f/2 or character at f/1.4?
I was confused the very same way an year ago. After ton of reviews and videos I finally decided to get APO f/2. Absolutely no regrets. I’m still amazed what this tiny lens is capable of. It’s not just about sharpness. No vignetting so far, excellent performance in direct sunlight etc. Worth every cent, I can tell you. I agree with Dave it’s about perfection/character decision. To me - Lux is still too expensive to be not absolutely perfect at f1.4 🙃🙂
7:55 using three cameras to film yourself taking a picture of yourself taking a picture 😂 the things we do
HAHA exactly
I think 20M pixels would give you a √3 times focal length, not a 3 times, so 60mm for the 35mm lens.
Math.
A today extravaganza
Was an extravaganza.
I am so fucking dead over the "Today count". I only realized it after 5 "today"s. But I loved this adventure and the message behind it! Sometimes it's not always about a plethora of lenses if you have one that WORKS!
Haha what happens when I'm trying to balance talking and the constant starting/stopping due to loud motorcycles. That intro took me 30 mins.
3:02: Polaris Slingshot? KTM X-Bow?
🤷🏻♂️😅
the 35 APO-M might be even better
I've never heard a bad word about it!
Nice Winnie-the-Pooh reference
Haha glad someone appreciated it!
Shooting a Summilux at F8 should be illegal.
Ok.
YOU HAVE MORE HATS/CAPS THAN LENSES 😂
Two question. First, how dare you.
haha. I'm a fan! They suit you!
@@davidherring you could totally do a collab with a cap producer 🤔 as the photographer who sticks to one lens but has a plethora of hats! 😂👌
What's with today, today?
“Well you see today I was making a video today but I ended up just freely speaking today and not realizing that today I said today too many times today.”
12:45 you can't park there
Ha you cannot!
Were the Harley people whining about the companies 'wokeness'? 🙂
I hadn't seen that level of Trump flags and merch since I left the southeast to move to CA years ago.