M42 S-M-C 35 F2 vs S-T F3.5

**Davep** · 03-04-2016, 02:12 PM

I plan to start shooting film again, and have a Super Tak 35 F3.5 which is acknowledged as very sharp. Locally, a S-M-C 35 F2 has come available in incredible condition complete with hood and case, but not cheap.

Way back when I used to shoot film, I stuck with low speed 100 ISO films max and plan to do the same again. (Most of my shooting was 50 or 64.) I'd love to pick up the F2, (LBA you know), but is it worth the money for 1.5 add's stops? I have a number of 50 1.4's, 1.7's, and 55 1.8's and 2's for low light already, but only 24 & 28 F3.5's for wide angle. A faster 35 F2 may be useful.

Also, any idea how the 35 F2 compares to the 35 F3.5 once the F2 is stopped down? Checking the lens database, I gather they are similar.

**From1980** · 03-06-2016, 12:19 PM

That 35 f/3.5 is one of the best 35's around. If you're looking to improve from the f/2 wide open by stopping down it's probably best to save and stick with the f/3.5. From what I read the FA 35/2 was good wide open and most others are just so-so. I have the M 35 f/2, and while I like brighter images in the finder for lower light focusing, the lens is not real great at f/2. I only have it because it was at a clearance price many years ago but I'm tempted to search out a 35 f/3.5 because it is the better lens.

03-04-2016, 02:12 PM	#1
Davep Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 222	M42 S-M-C 35 F2 vs S-T F3.5 I plan to start shooting film again, and have a Super Tak 35 F3.5 which is acknowledged as very sharp. Locally, a S-M-C 35 F2 has come available in incredible condition complete with hood and case, but not cheap. Way back when I used to shoot film, I stuck with low speed 100 ISO films max and plan to do the same again. (Most of my shooting was 50 or 64.) I'd love to pick up the F2, (LBA you know), but is it worth the money for 1.5 add's stops? I have a number of 50 1.4's, 1.7's, and 55 1.8's and 2's for low light already, but only 24 & 28 F3.5's for wide angle. A faster 35 F2 may be useful. Also, any idea how the 35 F2 compares to the 35 F3.5 once the F2 is stopped down? Checking the lens database, I gather they are similar.

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03-06-2016, 12:19 PM	#2
From1980 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Essex, Ontario Posts: 682	That 35 f/3.5 is one of the best 35's around. If you're looking to improve from the f/2 wide open by stopping down it's probably best to save and stick with the f/3.5. From what I read the FA 35/2 was good wide open and most others are just so-so. I have the M 35 f/2, and while I like brighter images in the finder for lower light focusing, the lens is not real great at f/2. I only have it because it was at a clearance price many years ago but I'm tempted to search out a 35 f/3.5 because it is the better lens.