Leitz Leica Summicron 1:2/35mm V4 - The ”King of Bokeh“ - Germany vs Canada - Christian Doffing
In this article I want to write about the differences between the Summicron 35 ”King of Bokeh“.
The ones assembled in Germany and the ones built in Canada.
This is a frequently asked question on social media and the opinions are very divers.
I think, this won’t be a very long article, because to make it short, there is no difference in depiction. Maybe I disappoint some expectations, but there is no logical reason why there has to be a difference. The lenses were made by the same blueprint, at the same machines, by people who work at the same high quality-standards.
It’s the same thing as the modern versions from Portugal. They are the same lenses, only from different factories. But to form your own opinion, I added some pictures from both versions. The first shots are made with the German Summicron, the second with the Canadian.
Top: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Germany) - Bottom: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Canada)
Top: Summicron 35 mm f5.6 (Germany) - Bottom: Summicron 35 mm f5.6 (Canada)
Left: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Germany) - Right: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Canada)
Top: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Germany) - Bottom: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Canada)
In the end I want to say something about the look of this Summicron. Or to be specific, is the name ”King of Bokeh“ justified? Undeniable the bokeh of the Summicron and the overall look is great. It’s Leica-typic and iconic. In the middle part of the picture the lens is extremely sharp and clear, also the contrast is very pleasing. For people who like that, the lens has a slightly glow in the highlights and the iconic ”pop“ to release the foreground from the back. Towards the corners, the lens looses some sharpness, but not significantly.
The bokeh is sharp drawn but not too sharp, so the background is a little bit creamy. It has a barely noticeable swirl, but only if you look twice. So yes, the Summicron 35mm f2 V4 is a king, but not the overall outstanding king of all lenses. There are lenses with a much sharper or a creamier bokeh, depending on what you like and what’s your style of photography. In addition to this, you'll see two ”bokeh-pictures” and you can decide yourself.
Top: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Germany) - Bottom: Summicron 35 mm f2 (Canada)
