First roll with a Summicron

[efirmage]

Finally got my hands on the lens that gets seemingly endless praise, the 50mm Summicron. Now I know why, boy what a lens. This is V4, the current optical formula but with a focus tab rather than the usual focusing method. I didn't like it at first, but now I actually quite enjoy using it.

My setup with on these was an M6, Summicron, and Fujicolor 100 film. I would call this the ultimate Leica experience. Will probably stick to portra from now on because the lens really shows off the lesser quality of the film. Still, very happy with the results.


Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr

 

[Vics]

Nice! Congratulations and welcome to Club 'Cron! I have v.1, the collapsible which I love, and for a couple of years I had a DR, and it was worthy of its legend. I found it too heavy, and usually traveled with the collapsible, so I traded it for a 35mm lens, a Summaron 2.8. Enjoy your lens! I'm sure the Portra will knock your socks off!

 

[efirmage]

The sharpness is truly remarkable. I've shot with a 90mm Tele Elmarit and a Zeiss 28mm, both are sharp but neither can touch the Summicron.

 

[Vics]

I agree. Leica is all about the optics.

 

[andredossantos]

Beautiful colors. I have a Rigid Cron and love it. Also killer for B&W.

 

[efirmage]

A few more:


Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr

 

[filmfan]

A few more:


Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr

Great one.

 

[nobbylon]

Great one.

I like this shot, very nice. The v5 or as some say v4 is the best Summicron for handling, weight and sharpness out of the lot.

 

[Dr Gaspar]

Outstanding.

Would you mind me asking how much did you pay for it?

 

[bobby_novatron]

I like the same one that FilmFan chose ... nice shot!

Makes me want to pick up a gently used Summicron!

 

[N.delaRua]

My summicron has fungus in it, and its still sharp as a tack... They are amazing. Best 50 mm I have ever used.

 

[efirmage]

Outstanding.

Would you mind me asking how much did you pay for it?

Bought it here for $1150. The exterior was in user condition but the optics were mint. Also came with the lens hood which has been quite handy.

I think I'd go for the current version for looks and for the built in lens hood, but in practical terms the V4 is near unbeatable.

 

[efirmage]

I'm amazed at what this thing can do at f/2. Most of these are at f/2 at 1/60th of a second, the first was at 1/30th.



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr



Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr




Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr




Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr

 

[useless generation]

Some nice shots! I just got a v4 cron also this week running my first roll through it now look foward to seeing the results!

 

[kosta_g]

I can't wait to get my old cron recoated to give it a bit of love. not in a happy state at the moment but they are beautiful lenses. nice work from all posters.

 

[efirmage]

Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr


Untitled by Ed Firmage, on Flickr

 

[John Elder]

I picked up a version iv 50 cron with tab and it is the second sharpest lens I have ever used, Best 50mm lens I have used, better the the 2nd version lux. Sharpest lens i ever had was the last pre ash 28mm elmarit( iv)

 

[Vics]

Do I understand correctly that V.4 and the current version are the same optical cell?

 

[MaZo]

Do I understand correctly that V.4 and the current version are the same optical cell?

Absolutely. Look here: http://www.antiquecameras.net/50summicronmlenses.html

 

[semilog]

Do I understand correctly that V.4 and the current version are the same optical cell?

As MaZo says, same (optical) cross section. The mounting edges for the elements are a little different. Rockwell shows the comparison here.