who likes collapsable lenses?

The only collapsible I've had is the Heliar f/2, and it doesn't collapse enough to be a problem on any camera AFAIK. I think of the collapsing as a charming eccentricity. I wanted to discover the character of this uniquely fast Heliar.
 
Last edited:
I have a 1955 collapsible Summicron in LTM; like others have said, the ergonomics of use are kind of a pain, but the images make it a keeper. I'm not sure I'll ever sell it as I'd thought I would.

The form factor certainly does make it easier to carry around. I shoot it almost religiously with a 12585 hood to control flare. It probably does deserve a CLA, though.

2738607806_0ce8f0c6b5.jpg



Cheers,
--joe.
 
My three collapsibles are the Elmar RS 50, classic Elmar 50/2.8, and Elmar 90. Collapsing is a real space-saver for stowage in a shoulder bag, but I always keep lens extended when deployed. Ironically, the feature makes the 90 too heavy for a travel lens, so I carry a rigid Elmar.
 
Yes, wonderful exposure, filtering, development, composition and framing of the person into the scene... A very pleasing and interesting photograph... Makes me feel life is beautiful! An almost religious image, in a very modern and lyrical way... Congratulations!

Cheers,

Juan
 
Last edited:
Great tone, Roland. I hope I'll have a chance to try out Hex 50/2.4 at some point in the future.

One more shot from Elmar-M 50/2.8.

4368834219_2fc8e5b2cf_z.jpg

Arista Premium (Tri-X) pushed to 1600 in D-76, printed on Ilford MGIV FB.

Unlike the older generation of Elmar 50/2.8, front element won't move with focus and aperture ring is set to very light so you can change aperture without unlocking the lens from extended position. Sure it can't match with rigid barrel lens when it comes to ergonomics, but this size is just irreplaceable and I really love how it renders.
 
Last edited:
coelacanth said:
Great tone, Roland. I hope I'll have a chance to try out Hex 50/2.4 at some point in the future.

One more shot from Elmar-M 50/2.8.

4368834219_2fc8e5b2cf_z.jpg

Arista Premium (Tri-X) pushed to 1600 in D-76, printed on Ilford MGIV FB.

Unlike the older generation of Elmar 50/2.8, front element won't move with focus and aperture ring is set to very light so you can change aperture without unlocking the lens from extended position. Sure it can't match with rigid barrel lens when it comes to ergonomics, but this size is just irreplaceable and I really love how it renders.
Click to expand...
Great shot, and you have more of them in your flickr gallery. Added to friends.
 
Doug said:
The only collapsible I've had is the Heliar f/2, and it doesn't collapse enough to be a problem on any camera AFAIK. I think of the collapsing as a charming eccentricity. I wanted to discover the character of this uniquely fast Heliar.
Click to expand...
I've never really seen the point in the f/2 Heliar being collapsible. It doesn't save much space and it adds a potential point of instability to the lens's structure.
 
I believe this was also a hexanon 50/2.4, portra - likely 5.6 as it was in the covered arcade.
800
4859423485_c763f5c51a.jpg
 
Last edited:
I ADORE the Collapsible Cron / an early version too
but
I did not fare well with the 50 2/8 Elmar early version...way too fiddly for me
 
I use a Summitar and a couple of Jupiters, and whatever camera they are one is pocketable. There's something deliberate about unlimbering the camera and lens for use.

That said, I much prefer collapsing cameras: Retina II and IIa; Voigtlander 6x6 cameras. Pocketable, very deliberate in photo choice, and people just don't react to them as they do to other cameras. The medium format Graphic absolutely draws a crowd, but isn't quite pocketable.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks a lot, Marek, Juan and Sug.

A week ago I tried color again, and it's not the same anymore ....

Roland.
 
Leica M2 and Elmar 50/2.8

Leica M2 and Elmar 50/2.8

I've been using an Leica M2 with Elmar 5cm/2.8 for many (+20) years.
I loved it! I now have an Collapsible Summicron and a 'new' Elmar 5cm/2.8 from 1962. I prefer the Elmar still, since it just fits in my shirt pocket. The Collapsible Summicron is to big.

But for the real stuff I use an Leica IIIc/f with an Elmar 5cm/3.5.
Small and simple.
 
I love my Summicron Collapsable!

I personally don't think that the collapsable feature is that important to me... I just love the lens and I think it's kinda cute...!

I would not buy a lens only to reduce it size when I don't use it...
 
I've a bit of a love/hate relationship with the FED50/3.5 collapsible. The image quality is fine and being able to collapse it makes it pocketable. But it's a bit iffy to properly extend and lock it in place. Every so often, I'll have it not completely pulled out and focus is all over the place..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom