50mm Summicron - advice

Steve_F

Steve_F

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Hi all,
I've finally got a deposit on an M6 TTL (Mint, boxed) now I need some glass.
Currently looking at a 2004 model s/n 0396****

Any body offer the plus or minus points to this model.
Thanks,

Steve.
 
i've used the older ones (collapsible, dual range) and the newer ones (last two versions). I currently use the latest version with built in hood - my favorite 50mm Summicron: built in hood is useful to me, and the color rendition is perfect, best color rendition of any lens, in MY opinion. Colors have a nice, saturation and subtle warmth that I find lacking in Zeiss. Color with the older lenses seem washed out to me.
 
I also use the current version and agree with lic4's comments.

The second version Summicrons ("rigid" or "dual range") are superb and pretty good value for money. In my opinion the contrast is slightly better on the more recent lenses but these come close to the current version on resolution. For black and white, the older lens may be preferable.

Dan
 
Thanks for the advice.
Another I'm looking at is the last version before 6-bit, mint and boxed with the built in hood. The dealer wants £650 ($975).
You view on this price?
I thought it sounded reasonable (from a Leica newbie point of view) considering some of the older ones are going for £400-£500)

Steve.
 
That's the version I've got. Hooded but not 6-bit.

A great lens IMO. I had the Zeiss Planar f2, prior to getting the 'cron, which I did like very much but it quickly got battered ( starting with paint loss and ending up with a wonky barrel.) I've now had the Summicron for the same amount of time, under the same kind of treatment, and its still perfect. Though to be fair my Planar may have been a bad individual lens?!

As for price, I'm no expert on prices but i'd say that seems fair to me, so long as its in mint condition.
 
Steve_F said:
Thanks for the advice.
Another I'm looking at is the last version before 6-bit, mint and boxed with the built in hood. The dealer wants £650 ($975).
You view on this price?
I thought it sounded reasonable (from a Leica newbie point of view) considering some of the older ones are going for £400-£500)

Steve.
Click to expand...

I would say £600 to £700 depending on condition - £700 should get you a mint chrome lens with all original packaging and a warranty from a dealer.

Dan
 
If its mint, boxed and 6-bit, $ 975 is ok from a dealer - although ebay would be a bit cheaper (but then you assume more risk)..
If you get a return policy from the dealer - its worth it...

Dan
 
My Summicron (latest, as I mentioned earlier) was $750 without 6-bit encoding, so with encoding, it seems to be right.
 
I like my early single scale rigid. I had a version 2 summilux and although very nice, found focusing difficult to get right when wide open. I then had a Hexanon which was fantastic but just lacked something. I couldn't say what, but for me it just did. The nicest 50's that I've used have been the various collapsible old style Elmars and the rigid 'cron. Very sharp even wide open with great colour. People say it's great for b&w but I think the colour pics from it are just as nice.
3414695778_fcde0e3c83_o.jpg
 
3344351640_fa00ebd188_o.jpg


3214575763_1620d37473_o.jpg


A couple from a 50 elmar old version, which, and i've said it before, is probably the best value Leica 50 and can be had for very reasonable money.
 
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