User Feedback On 50 Summicron Ver 3

[wjlapier]

I'm seeking user feedback on the 50mm Summicron Ver 3 ( rigid II ). AntiquesCameras says the lens is "least popular of all version". Why is that? Those who own it, and if you've owned the DR cron and or current Cron, how does it compare in contrast and sharpness--especially wide open? I looking at one to purchase.

Thanx in advance--Bill

 

[helen.HH]

hey Bill
Lovely Lens
Beautifully Crisp ...sharper than the Collapsible & less fall off...trix & rodinal
A winner !!

 

[helen.HH]

another shot / a 1970 Cron / tmax400 & Rodinal

 

[helen.HH]

did GREAT at night in a Dark Club ...Lovely Colour ! forgot which film I used

 

[nobbylon]

Bill,
i've had rigid's, a dr, 3 v3's and 2 tabbed v4's.
On colour film I can't see any differences although the '57 rigid I had was bitingly sharp wide open. They were all sharp with nice bokeh and the 'cron that I've kept is a v3 scalloped barrel version, product code 11817. Same 6 element formula as the regular 11817 but the rare scallop focus barrel. i prefer lenses without focus tabs.

 

[helen.HH]

kind of has a Touch of Retro FEEL but a MODERN Edge as well

 

[ferider]

A great lens - very well built. You'll be hard pressed to find any difference in output when compared to v4 versions.

Reala 100:

I had them all. Kept the DR.

Roland.

 

[wjlapier]

Love the first one Helen.

The one I'm looking at is '68 vintage, made in Germany, no focus tab. Photos thus far look great. I think I'll get it.

I'd like to see more photos 🙂

 

[John Elder]

From what i've read the 3rd version is very similar to the 4th version. I did my research 3 months ago when I got a great deal on a 4th version. Alot of my reaearch came from Puts. If the price is right buy it. There are no bad summicrons and the 3rd version is very good.

 

[ferider]

Here are many more pictures, BTW:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/86731438@N00/pool/tags/LeicaSummicron50mmf2.0III

Roland.

 

[helen.HH]

Thanks for the Link Roland

might add some photos to that Fab Collection...!

 

[AnteyPole]

-First with multi- and strong coating (previous coating is very soft)
-First with 0.7 m (0.7 m vs 1 m with Rigid I or 0.45 m DR with googles) and new 6-element formula,
-10 blades
wide open:

 

[nobbylon]

Some nice pictures in this post and I particularly like Roland's beach shot with seal.
For 'the least popular Summicron', it seems pretty popular to me. Prices have steadily risen on this lens along with all Summicrons.

 

[wjlapier]

Some nice pictures in this post and I particularly like Roland's beach shot with seal.
For 'the least popular Summicron', it seems pretty popular to me. Prices have steadily risen on this lens along with all Summicrons.

I wonder about "the least popular Summicron". Lots of very nice photos posted. I looked at a bunch on Flickr too.

I made the purchase, now anxiously waiting for it.

FWIW, I had the current version I purchased for $800 about two years ago. Sold it, and now I'm looking at them again, their prices have almost doubled. Hence, my interest in the previous version. Amazing how prices have increased so much.

 

[rlouzan]

A real collectors item! I've heard of them, but never seen one in the flesh 😱. I imagine that it is heavier than the regular 11817.

Bill,
i've had rigid's, a dr, 3 v3's and 2 tabbed v4's.
On colour film I can't see any differences although the '57 rigid I had was bitingly sharp wide open. They were all sharp with nice bokeh and the 'cron that I've kept is a v3 scalloped barrel version, product code 11817. Same 6 element formula as the regular 11817 but the rare scallop focus barrel. i prefer lenses without focus tabs.

 

[David Murphy]

I'm seeking user feedback on the 50mm Summicron Ver 3 ( rigid II ). AntiquesCameras says the lens is "least popular of all version". Why is that? Those who own it, and if you've owned the DR cron and or current Cron, how does it compare in contrast and sharpness--especially wide open? I looking at one to purchase.

Thanx in advance--Bill

I love that Web site, but he is wrong about that. It has killer sharpness and contrast - frikin awesome in fact. They are expensive by my standard, but worth it if you have the money (starting at $700).

 

[rlouzan]

The ELCAN lens has always been cheaper than the Leitz Wetzlar one ... 😉

 

[aldobonnard]

did GREAT at night in a Dark Club ...Lovely Colour ! forgot which film I used

very nice!
I too have a 1969 black cron, and it is great for colour films (great with slide films)

 

[leica M2 fan]

I have a version 3 rigid ll I bought in 1974.

I have a version 3 rigid ll I bought in 1974.

It is definitely one of the best I've ever seen. Saturation, contrast, sharpness in all respects a great one! I was digging for some pictures from it but wasn't able to come up with any. Using it with Velvia 50 or 100 will startle your eyes. I will never get rid of it.

 

[ferider]

These lenses were made for Velvia 50, Tony. Much like my 35/2 v3 or the infamous R-mount 35/1.4. Think about the period and what film professionals used ....

Cheers,

Roland.