35mm lens: Nokton or Canon LTM?

[anerjee]

I know that this sort of thread has been done to death here and elsewhere, so my apologies!

But I am in the market for a 35mm lens, and here is what I would like --

1) Small form factor (I had the 35mm Biogon, but sold it due to its size)
2) Classic rendering -- not too clinical, smooth bokeh etc.
3) Speed -- f/2 is good, f/1.4 is better.

I am not sure if the 35mm Nokton is considered classic, Steve Huff seems to think so. The canon 35mm f/2 is highly regarded in this forum, but maybe difficult to find one in good condition.

The leicas are too expensive for me right now.

Which one would you suggest? Any other lens to consider?

 

[blacvios]

Here's some samples taken with 35mm nokton single coat f1.4, canon cron f2.0 and the ultron f1.7

I find all of them are good for the stuff i shoot. Not comparing resolution and other stuff, it handles the best among the 35 i owned.

Another lens to try is the colorskopar f2.5 if you don't need the speed.

,,,

 

[Royale With Cheese]

here are some for you to ponder on.

Nokton 35mm F1.4 SC here.

Canon 35mm F2 LTM here.

 

[artspraken]

35 Biogon F2.8 is small. It is a very sharp lens.

35 Summicron F2 (6 elements). If you can afford the 35 Biogon F2, a used 6 element is within your price range. Compared to 7 and 8 element, the 6 element is a very good deal

Jing Huang, winner of the Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award 2011, used a 6 element to take his photos

http://blog.leica-camera.com/interviews/jing-huang-leica-oskar-barnack-newcomer-award-winner-2011/

You can also consider a Summarit?

 

[anerjee]

How do I search for a 6 element summicron? Is there a google friendly name?

35 Biogon F2.8 is small. It is a very sharp lens.

35 Summicron F2 (6 elements). If you can afford the 35 Biogon F2, a used 6 element is within your price range. Compared to 7 and 8 element, the 6 element is a very good deal

Jing Huang, winner of the Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award 2011, used a 6 element to take his photos

http://blog.leica-camera.com/interviews/jing-huang-leica-oskar-barnack-newcomer-award-winner-2011/

You can also consider a Summarit?

 

[artspraken]

I check using this guide
http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

6 element serials are below. It is usually approx sgd$1000 cheaper than 7 and 8 element, depending on condition. A very good deal, and very classic look. Not the sharp modern look.

35/2 Summicron. This is a fine lens in all versions, but is a bit confusing with five optical versions and many variations. Considered sharper than either version of the Summarons. Generally the later the version, the better. All versions have a convenient focusing lever.

First version 1958-1969 chrome, Two versions, with "eyes" and without. "Eyes" were a viewfinder attachment built into the lens which converted the 50 frame on the M3 to a 35 viewing field. The exact same idea used on the later 135/2.8 Elmarit to give it a larger frameline. The M2 version slightly outnumbers the M3 "eyes" version. 8 elements. Likely to be acquired fogged from original owner, see Fogging. The M3 version focused to 26," the M2 and later versions focused to 28."
Second version 1969-1973 chrome from 2316001, has a little aperture control lever rather than traditional aperture control ring, 6 elements
Third version 1973-1979 black only from 2646001, E39 filter or Series VII/hood 6 elements
Fourth version 1980 to 1998. Sadly discontinued with intro of 35/2 ASPH lens. black and chrome E39 filters. Recognizable by aperture control ring's oval shape. The portion with F/stops is smaller and of a smaller diameter. The gripping portion of the aperture control ring has a larger diameter with serrations. This set up is VERY easy to use. Chrome versions are handsome, but significantly heavier than the black. Earlier lenses have "LEITZ LENS MADE IN CANADA" on filter ring while serial number is on the BACK edge of the aperture control ring. Later variation has "LEICA" on filter ring along with the serial number. A lot of these very fine lenses are on the market now, being traded in on the 35 ASP lenses. Lower prices make them great buys. Sure, the 35ASP is slightly better wide open, but at smaller apertures you will be hard pressed to tell the difference. My own favorite. 7 elements

 

[oliprolli]

Actually, if you don't mind not having a perfectly framed frameline, you can consider the 40mm Summicron-C. Very small, and very good for its price!

 

[newghost]

Another lens to try is the colorskopar f2.5 if you don't need the speed.

,,,

Oh yes, the Color Skopar 35mm f2.5 ltm is always underrated... its an easily affordable lens yet good in performance and compact in size

Take your pick really, there's a whole lot to choose... from canon serenar 35/3.5 ltm to the costly 35/1.5...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/m-mount/discuss/72157600006082670/

 

[newghost]

Actually, if you don't mind not having a perfectly framed frameline, you can consider the 40mm Summicron-C. Very small, and very good for its price!

A 40mm viewfinder will do the trick... and the Rollei Sonnar HFT 40mm f2.8... i wonder if the nice copy on BnS is still available?

 

[anerjee]

Your Thaipusam shots are awesome.

Both these seem to do very well in your hands, Gary -- which one is your favorite?

here are some for you to ponder on.

Nokton 35mm F1.4 SC here.

Canon 35mm F2 LTM here.

 

[artspraken]

Brad Pitt is an awesome photographer who spoils market by shooting so close and getting away with it every time! Now he using Avelon 21mm, he shoots within minimal focal length 1m. I have asked how he manage to do this everytime. He says must be confident and never ever hesitate. I agree the thaipusam shots are out of this world i think he can publish book, bring to europe and sell I think sure got people want to buy coffee table book liddat wan