Leica Summicron 35mm f2 V1 8 Element – Lord of Black and White
Lens Review
Leica Summicron 35mm f2 V1 8 Element
Lord of Black and White
Leica Summicron 35mm f2 V1 8 Element – Lord of Black and White
Background
Summicron 35mm f2 V1 is the first standard wide angle lens with an ultra-fast aperture at F2 produced by Leica from 1958 to 1969. It was designed in 8 elements in 6 groups augmented classic symmetrical double-Gauss and used rare earth optical glass.
During its production period, it was available in M2, M3 (with goggle) and LTM mount versions with 39mm filter thread and constructed with a nice infinity lock function. In terms of minimum focusing distance. M2 version focuses at 0.7m to infinity; M3 goggle version focuses at 0.65m to infinity and LTM mount version from 1m to infinity.
Outlook of Summicron 35/2 8 Element
The Character of 8 Element
The first thing that I noticed was its contrast, it has relatively low contrast compare with other 35mm Summicron in Leica, bokeh is different from other 35mm Summicron, it doesn’t have swirly bokeh but in rather busy and non-uniformed structure, lens’s sharpness improves really well at F5.6 to F8. At its largest aperture, it has Leica glow on highlights but it also depends on which year your Summicron 8 Element belongs to, I have tried serial begins with 165, 209 and 210 and I assume their coating contribute to their Leica glow intensity. I like later serial within the range of 209 and 210 more because images shot are more solid and sharp. Early batches often produce even lower contrast and much more glow.
Colour Negative and Colour Reversal Slide Film performance
If you have been following my blog then you know I love to pair different lenses with various films. Although I am not really a colour person I have tried Summicron 35mm V1 on different types of colour negative film. If you like colour pictures that are not saturated but rather natural and relatively low contrast, then this lens is probably a good choice for you as it is plain on its film look.
Summicron 8 Element vs 7 Element
If people call 7 Element Summicron IV as King of Bokeh, this 8 Element Summicon V1 will be lord of black and white. 7 Element excels most in colour negative film by its great sharpness and saturation, it also has more uniform bokeh at F2.
If you are looking for vivid and saturated colour from a lens then I would suggest you to go for Summicron 35mm IV 7 Element rather than 8 Element. But if you tend to find a lens that produces the perfect transition from dark to bright tones, this Summicron 35mm V1 is something you will love.
My Personal Experience with 8 Element
In 2014, I had a chance to get this lovely lens from a local dealer and soon after that, I went on a trip with it. After spending 2 weeks in Germany, I shot around 10-15 rolls of film. Then I developed all of my pictures, scanned and printed some of the images. I was stunned by this crazy lens with its amazing tonality and resolution on film. Besides its exceptional performance and the unique look from vintage lenses and adding my personal experience with this lens with all these memories it will always be my special black and white lens. I used this lens extensively on different work as well as my best travel buddy. I used to travel with this Summicron 8 Element and Summicron collapsible as well as Hasselblad Xpan.
Thoughts
If you are keen on investing just one or two Leica lenses, this will be one of them. Its value has been going up and up in the best 10-15 years and it is getting harder to find such a nice condition lens. I would highly recommend you to shoot this lens with black and white film. It’s digital performance isn’t that impressive on CMOS sensors but looks pleasant on CCD sensors only and I guess that’s the only digital camera that can bring out its essence.
5 Comments
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How rare are the 8 element?
Hi Dat, according to l-camera, there are in total 36,000 units including both M2 and M3 version (goggle). Hope it helps!
Regards,
Anson
I have them the chance to find a I am in the angel my leica m6 said thank you to me
If one had to choose only one leica lens, new or vintage, the 8 Element V1 is the only way to go. Nothing compares to its combination of performance, weight/handling and value retention.
Love the size of it! I am about to post a Leica M9M review with some shots taken with this Summicron lens. Stay tuned!
Anson