Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Douglas, I have been using the 35/1,7 Ultron since mid-last year. It is a very good lens, close to the 3rd generation Summicron in performance (the 1980 until the current Asph version). It is a big lens, the barrel is more like a 50/2 barrel than the svelte pre-Asph Summicron. Sharp even wide-open, no flare and a remarkably quick focus, very short throw from infinity to close focus. At the moment I am trying out the latest of the Cosina/Voigtlander lenses, the 35/2,5 'Compact." It is a shallow lens, sticks out less than 1" from the cameras lensflange. It has a large barrel with a comfortable focus ring and good, positive aperture clicks. I have only had this lens for 4 days and only have run about 10 rolls through it, but it is sharp, almost as sharp as the Ultron, slightly lower, or flatter contrast than the Ultron 35/1,7. Again a very short, snappy throw from 0,9m to infinity. For the Heliar you could consider the Bessa-L non-rangefinder body. It works well with the 15 and 25 lenses and it has a built in meter as an added bonus. Quite cheap and quicker to load than the IIIF or IIIc. The M2 is my all time favourite Leica M. Simple, basic and reliable and if you are blowing the money on the Ultron, i would consider a 3rd generation Summicron instead. The new 35/2,5 is probably going to sell for around $275/300 once it is available. Good low cost alternative until you can get the Summicron. There are a lot of 35's out there, but no substitute for a Summicron 35/2 on a M2! Tom A