Would scratches on a Sumilux 35 mm f/1:1.4 lens render praisworthy pictures? The one I am thinking about buying to replace my Summaron 35mm f/1:2.8. as I would gain 2 stops for low-light photoghraphy, yet I not have the cat-eye-s attachment for 35mm viewing. The lens is not sold with and eye-adapter. I am shooting with an M3. Also, I don't know much about pricing Leica lenses, so any help here would help. Is this lens a better one than the Summaron I now shoot with?

-- Patrick Earnest (Ephotopat@aol.com), January 07, 2002

Answers

Patrick, if the scratches are bad enough to cause you concern, and you're not able to estimate how badly they would degrade picture quality, then you shouldn't buy it. And it doesn't have the M3 optical unit, which will make it too hard to use. No, it's not necessarily a better performing lens than your Summaron. Skip the lens. It's not worth it.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 08, 2002.

Bob, Thank you very much for your response. I will take your advice, and keep the Summaron. Plus, I really like the way it looks when I'm using it in my photography. The bug eyes give it a classical look and feel that put me in the classical mood for great Leica pictures. I hope we meet again on this bulletin board, I'm here for ther duration, a convicted Leica-phile. The terrific quality is outstanding, so once again, thank you.

-- Patrick Earnest (Ephotopat@aol.com), January 09, 2002.

If the Summilux is made for goggles and won't come with them, your Summaron goggles will probably work (?). If it's not made for goggles, it won't focus properly on your M3 (with aux. finder).

As for your scratches questions: as always, it depends. few on the front, no problem; few on the rear more of a problem (they get "projected" to the film); more scratches/more problem, same with fog/fungus. I only buy clear/scratch free lenses. All my chrome lenses have marks on the barrel (no dents - would worry about decentering), but clear glass.

-- Chris Chen (chrischen@msn.com), January 10, 2002.

"If it's not made for goggles, it won't focus properly on your M3 (with aux. finder)."

I don't think that's true, Chris. I think it will focus fine, there simply won't be a bright-line frame. OTOH, I think there's a focus problem with a 35 that's had its goggles removed.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 11, 2002.

Actually, there will be a frame, but it will be for 135mm if a non- eyed 35 is used on the M3.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 11, 2002.