Dan Kerin

 Leica 35mm F3.5 Summaron

The Leica M3 is considered by some as the pinnacle of camera design by Leica. The viewfinder in my opinion, is the best of any Leica systems however it only shows frame-lines for 50mm, 90mm and 135mm. These were considered standard focal lengths for photojournalists but with the development of new lenses, 35mm was becoming more and more popular. This was a problem for M3 users. Although the Leica M2 was introduced in 1957 with 35mm frame-lines there was still hope for M3 users. The SBLOO 35mm external viewfinder could be mounted on the attachment shoe however this required the user to focus using the rangefinder then frame using the viewfinder. The other alternative was a range of lenses with goggles on which widened the viewfinder to show the 35mm frame-lines. Leica used these goggles on the 35mm F1.4, F2, F2.8 and F3.5 lenses as well as a close focusing 50mm Summicron and a magnifying version on the 135mm F2.8 to help with focusing.

As I was using my 50mm more and more on the Leica M240 I wanted a 35mm for my M3, and one of these lenses with the goggles seemed to fit the bill. When choosing a lens I did not need anything fast as I find myself shooting at F/8 most of the time, so I opted for the 35mm F3.5 Summaron. The Leica 35mm Summaron was produced in Leica thread mount between 1946 and 1960, and in Leica M mount between 1956 and 1960. Both the LTM and M version has the same optical design, six elements in four groups and ten aperture blades allowing for some nice out of focus areas.. The lens has a fantastic build quality and has stood the test of time as my copy has very little internal dust and works as it came out of the factory.

From using this lens for around six months I have been very impressed. If you are looking for a lens that will give you razor sharp images with zero flaws then this lens is not for you. This lens has character which is why I chose it over a newer lens. Wide open at F3.5 its sharp in the center but falls of quickly and is rather soft in the corners. In addition to this, though the front element is receded in the body of the lens, in harsh lighting it will flair quite a bit. At F/5.6 and above this lens is a very very sharp lens and for its age it can stand its ground.

I used this lens on my Leica M3 as well as the Leica M240 to see how a 70 year old lens performs on a digital sensor. On film this lens gives that classic Leica look you'd expect from a lens of this period. When shooting film using different films and developers can have a huge impact on the results. I use Ilford HP5 and ID-11 developer and have my own way of developing the film to achieve the look I want. On the Leica M240 the lens still gives the classic Leica look. Having good light really helps this lens perform at its best and even at F3.5 you can get some really nice out of focus areas with smooth bokeh thanks to the ten rounded aperture blades.

Is this lens for everyone? No. Is this the best value for money 35mm lens for the Leica system? No ( It would have to go to the Voigtlander 35m F2.5). The reason you would purchase this lens is for the timeless look and that classic Leica aesthetic. I wanted a lens that would render images differently to modern lenses and I am not bothered about overall sharpness. I would much rather have a lens that is full of character. In addition to all of this, the 35mm Summaron with goggles makes a perfect collectors item for a M3 user.