Leica R 35Mm Elmarit Vs Summicron Videography: Ultimate Comparison

• Key Points:
  • The Leica R 35mm Elmarit and Summicron are both excellent for videography, with distinct strengths.
  • The Elmarit seems better for bright conditions and portability due to its lighter weight.
  • The Summicron likely excels in low light with its wider f/2 aperture.
  • Choice depends on your shooting style, with no definitive “better” lens.
  • Both lenses are praised for their cinematic quality and durable build.

As a seasoned photographer, I’ve used both the Leica R 35mm Elmarit and Summicron lenses for video projects, and each brings something special to the table. The Elmarit is compact and reliable, ideal for shooting in well-lit environments or when you’re on the move. The Summicron, with its wider aperture, shines in low-light settings and offers a shallower depth of field for creative shots. Your decision will hinge on your specific needs, like portability or low-light performance.

Why It Matters
Choosing the right lens can transform your videography, especially with vintage Leica R lenses known for their cinematic look. Understanding their differences helps you pick the one that matches your style, whether you’re filming documentaries, portraits, or travel vlogs.

Leica R 35Mm Elmarit Vs Summicron Videography Comparison

Hey friends, let’s sit down and chat about a topic I’m passionate about: the Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron videography comparison. Having spent years behind the camera, I’ve used these lenses for countless video projects, from short films to travel vlogs. Each lens has its own personality, and I’m here to share my experiences to help you decide which one fits your filmmaking style. So, grab a drink, and let’s dive into the details!

Leica R Lenses

The Leica R system, launched in 1964, was Leica’s bold move into SLR cameras, blending German engineering with a cinematic aesthetic (Leica History). These lenses, discontinued in 2009, remain popular for their manual focus and robust build, perfect for videographers who crave control. The 35mm focal length, mimicking human vision, is versatile for storytelling. Both the Elmarit and Summicron are prime lenses, but their differences make them suited for distinct scenarios.

The Elmarit, with its f/2.8 aperture, is compact and reliable, while the Summicron’s f/2 aperture offers low-light prowess. I’ve used both on modern mirrorless cameras with adapters, and they deliver stunning results. Let’s break down their features to see how they stack up.

The 35mm Elmarit: My Lightweight Companion

The Elmarit is a lens I’ve come to love for its portability. At 300 grams, it’s easy to carry for long shoots, whether I’m filming a bustling market or a serene landscape. Its f/2.8 aperture produces sharp images with smooth bokeh, ideal for daytime shots. The metal build feels like it can take a beating, which is great for on-the-go videography.

I’ve found the Elmarit’s compact size perfect for handheld work or small rigs. It’s not just about weight—it’s about comfort during extended sessions. This lens has been my trusty sidekick for projects where mobility is key.

The 35mm Summicron: My Low-Light Star

The Summicron, with its f/2 aperture, is my go-to when the lights dim. Weighing 330 grams, it’s slightly heavier but feels solid on a stabilizer. Its clarity and warm skin tones make it a favorite for portrait videos or moody documentaries. That extra stop of light is a game-changer in challenging conditions.

I’ve used the Summicron for night shoots, like capturing a candlelit scene, and it delivers clean footage with minimal noise. Its ability to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field adds a cinematic touch. This lens thrives when the stakes are high.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at their specs:

Feature	35mm Elmarit	35mm Summicron
Aperture	f/2.8	f/2
Weight	300g	330g
Minimum Focus Distance	0.3m	0.3m
Filter Size	55mm	55mm
Elements/Groups	7/5	7/5
Angle of View	63°	64°
Build Quality	Metal, durable	Metal, durable
Low Light Performance	Good	Excellent
Image Quality	Excellent	Excellent
Bokeh	Smooth	Pronounced
Focus Throw	Standard	Long

Detailed Comparison

Let’s dig into the specifics of how these lenses perform.

Build Quality and Design

Both lenses are built to last, with metal bodies that scream quality. The Elmarit’s lighter weight makes it my choice for run-and-gun shooting. Its compact design slips easily into my bag, perfect for travel vlogs. The Summicron, a bit bulkier, adds stability when mounted on a rig or gimbal.

Their classic Leica design includes smooth focus and aperture rings. The Summicron’s longer focus throw is a boon for precise video work, while the Elmarit’s standard throw suits quick adjustments. Both feel like they’ll outlast any camera I pair them with.

Ergonomics and Handling

Handling these lenses is a joy, but they cater to different styles. The Elmarit’s lightweight build is a lifesaver during long handheld shoots, like when I filmed a day-long festival. Its focus ring is responsive, making focus pulls intuitive. It’s perfect for videographers who value mobility.

The Summicron’s extra weight gives it a grounded feel, ideal for controlled setups like interviews. Its longer focus throw requires more effort but ensures accuracy, especially for narrative work. I’ve found it less fatiguing on stabilized setups, where its heft balances the rig.

Image Quality

Both lenses deliver stunning visuals, but their flavors differ. The Elmarit is razor-sharp across the frame, with vibrant colors and high contrast. I’ve used it for landscapes, where every detail pops, and the bokeh, while smooth, is subtle due to the f/2.8 aperture.

The Summicron leans warmer, which I love for documentaries or weddings—it’s flattering for skin tones. Its f/2 aperture creates a creamier bokeh, perfect for isolating subjects. When stopped down, it’s slightly sharper, but both lenses handle flare beautifully, adding a vintage cinematic glow (Leica R Review).

Low Light Performance

Low light is where the Summicron pulls ahead. Its f/2 aperture lets me shoot at lower ISOs, keeping footage clean in dim settings like a nighttime street scene. I’ve captured crisp details in shadows without cranking up the ISO, which is crucial for quality.

The Elmarit, at f/2.8, is no slouch but often needs higher ISOs, introducing noise on some cameras. It’s fine for indoor shoots with decent lighting, but for true low-light challenges, the Summicron is my pick. That extra stop makes a real difference.

Focusing Mechanisms

Manual focus is a strength for both lenses, giving me full control. The Elmarit’s focus ring has a standard throw, great for quick racks in fast-paced shoots, like following a subject through a crowd. It’s smooth and reliable, with minimal breathing.

The Summicron’s longer throw is a videographer’s dream for precise focus pulls, especially in narrative scenes with multiple subjects. I’ve found it easier to nail subtle transitions, like shifting focus from foreground to background. Both lenses keep focus breathing low, which is critical for video (Leica Forum).

Practical Videography Tests

I’ve put these lenses through their paces in real-world scenarios to see how they hold up.

Bright Outdoor Conditions

Outdoors in daylight, the Elmarit shines. I used it to film a coastal landscape, and the sharpness and contrast were breathtaking. Colors popped, and the footage had a clean, natural look. It’s my go-to for bright, high-detail scenes.

The Summicron, while equally sharp, adds a warm glow that’s perfect for human subjects. I filmed an outdoor interview, and the skin tones were inviting, with a soft bokeh that kept distractions at bay. Both handle flare well, but the Summicron’s is slightly more cinematic.

Mixed Indoor Lighting

Indoors, with mixed lighting from windows and lamps, the Summicron’s f/2 aperture gives me more flexibility. I shot a documentary segment in a café, and it handled low light without extra gear, keeping noise low. The shallow depth of field added a professional touch.

The Elmarit requires more light or higher ISOs, which can affect quality. It’s still great for controlled indoor setups, like a studio interview, but I lean toward the Summicron for unpredictable lighting.

Low-Light Challenges

In low-light settings, like a candlelit dinner or a nighttime event, the Summicron is unbeatable. I filmed a street performer at dusk, and the footage was clean, with rich details in dark areas. The f/2 aperture let me keep ISO low, preserving quality.

The Elmarit struggles here, needing more light or higher ISOs, which can introduce noise. It’s usable with proper lighting, but for true low-light work, the Summicron is the star. Its performance in dim conditions is why many videographers swear by it (Reddit Discussion).

Choosing the Right Lens

When it comes to Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron videography, there’s no universal winner—it’s about your needs. If you shoot in low light or want a shallow depth of field for creative shots, the Summicron is likely your best choice. Its f/2 aperture offers flexibility in tough conditions, and the pronounced bokeh is perfect for portraits or cinematic storytelling.

If portability and bright conditions are your focus, the Elmarit is hard to beat. Its lighter weight and compact size make it ideal for travel vlogs or handheld work, and it still delivers exceptional image quality. I’ve taken it on long shoots without feeling weighed down, and it’s never let me down in daylight.

Consider your shooting style. Are you often in controlled environments with ample light? The Elmarit will serve you well. Do you tackle varied lighting or need that extra stop for night shoots? The Summicron’s versatility is worth the extra weight. Think about your camera setup too—both lenses pair well with mirrorless cameras via adapters, but the Summicron’s heft balances better on larger rigs.

Wrapping It Up

In the Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron videography debate, both lenses are phenomenal, each with its own strengths. The Elmarit is my pick for bright, mobile shoots, offering portability and crisp visuals. The Summicron is my low-light hero, delivering clean footage and creative flexibility in challenging conditions. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a piece of Leica’s legendary craftsmanship that’ll elevate your work.

These lenses aren’t just tools—they’re investments in your storytelling. Whether you’re capturing a wedding, a documentary, or a personal project, they’ll help you create footage that stands out. I’ve loved using both, and I’m excited for you to experience their magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which lens is better for low-light videography?
   The Summicron’s f/2 aperture makes it superior for low light, reducing noise and offering creative control.
2. Is the image quality significantly different?
   Both are excellent, but the Summicron may edge out slightly in sharpness when stopped down and has warmer tones.
3. Can I use these on modern cameras?
   Yes, with adapters, they work on mirrorless cameras, making them versatile for today’s setups.
4. How’s the build quality?
   Both have durable metal bodies. The Summicron is heavier, but both are built to last.
5. Which is better for portrait videography?
   The Summicron’s shallower depth of field is ideal for isolating subjects, though the Elmarit is also great.
6. Do they handle focus breathing differently?
   Both have minimal focus breathing, but the Summicron’s longer throw aids precise focus pulls.
7. How do they compare for flare?
   Both manage flare well, with the Summicron producing a slightly warmer, cinematic effect.
8. Are they suitable for fast-paced shoots?
   The Elmarit’s quicker focus throw is better for fast action, while the Summicron suits controlled setups.
9. Can I use filters with these lenses?
   Yes, both accept 55mm filters, perfect for ND or polarizing effects.
10. Is the Summicron’s extra stop worth it?
    For low-light or creative work, the Summicron’s f/2 aperture justifies the investment, but the Elmarit is sufficient for many scenarios.

Thanks for joining me on this lens journey! Whether you go for the Elmarit or Summicron, you’re in for a treat. Drop me a line if you want to chat more about gear—I’m always up for it!