cv 50/2.5 question

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I have had the 50f2.5 since it came out 9 years ago (a a matter of fact - I got three of them, i black and 1 chrome in LTM and 1 in Nikon Rf mount). I is a very good lens, in many ways superior to the Summicron 50 and just about equal to the 2nd version of the Elmar 50f2.8. Very compact - about the size of a 35f2 Summicron v IV. It fits very well on a M2 or a M3 - almost compact enough to slide into a jacket pocket.
When it came out - some people panned it - though I suspect it was mainly user error - or just sour grapes that you could get a Summicron beater for sub $ 300!! Funny enough - non of the people who panned it ever showed any pictures that they took with it!
The Ford Coupe is from 2003, TriX in PCK developer and a M3.
 
It might be a fine little lens, but I will never know. Mine had a severe backfocus issue, so I got a refund from the seller. This kind of burned me on this lens. I suppose the well-adjusted ones are really good.

But beating a Summicron? Except maybe size-wise? Please explain...
 
kossi008 said:
It might be a fine little lens, but I will never know. Mine had a severe backfocus issue, so I got a refund from the seller. This kind of burned me on this lens. I suppose the well-adjusted ones are really good.

But beating a Summicron? Except maybe size-wise? Please explain...
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The backfocus issue is just the lens being out of adjustment. My 50mm Summicron had the same problem, DAG fixed it for me and it focuses PERFECTLY now. So, even the best lenses can need adjusted.
 
The Summicron is an old design, harking back to the early 50's. It has been "massaged" and re-coated multiple times. It is an OK lens, but the 2nd version of the Elmar 50f2.8 is a better lens (yes, a stop slower, I know). I have had virtually every permutation of the Summicron made (except the Compur Summicron) and it's OK. The 50f2.5 Color Skopar is better overall - and it is smaller.
My other problem with the Summicron's - the later version particularly (v IV and V with the forever collapsing hood) is that the aperture 'driver" is "polycarbonate" i.e plastic and I think I have snapped at least three of them altogether.
With the new price of a Summicron 50 approaching $ 1500-1700 - no contest. The CV 50f2.5 is a much smarter buy!
This said. I still have a couple of Summicron 50's - an early black rigid and a DR. Part of it is for sentimental reasons - and the rest for a "vintage" look to images.
 
Thanks Tom. I've always wondered at the Color-Skopar's design. It has 7 elements, which seems a lot for a relatively slow 50 and its not a gauss design. I have the Version 4 Summicron 50 and I really like it.
 
I received my CS today, and it is a very impressive lens. The build quality seems a definite cut above most of my other CV lenses, and it is as small as the 35 CS.

Took a few shots at hunting camp - I look forward to trying it out more this weekend.

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I just got in on the last 50mm f2.5 at B&H. It's on it's way. Should be here Wednesday.
When I receive it I'll do a side by side with it and the 50 Summicron Rigid I have and post the results if nobody else get's around to it first.
 
i'm glad that i started this thread...a few more folks will be (and are) shooting with this fine little lens.
i hope you like it!
 
Tom A said:
The Summicron is an old design, harking back to the early 50's. It has been "massaged" and re-coated multiple times. It is an OK lens, but the 2nd version of the Elmar 50f2.8 is a better lens (yes, a stop slower, I know). I have had virtually every permutation of the Summicron made (except the Compur Summicron) and it's OK. The 50f2.5 Color Skopar is better overall - and it is smaller.
My other problem with the Summicron's - the later version particularly (v IV and V with the forever collapsing hood) is that the aperture 'driver" is "polycarbonate" i.e plastic and I think I have snapped at least three of them altogether.
With the new price of a Summicron 50 approaching $ 1500-1700 - no contest. The CV 50f2.5 is a much smarter buy!
This said. I still have a couple of Summicron 50's - an early black rigid and a DR. Part of it is for sentimental reasons - and the rest for a "vintage" look to images.
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Tom - OT perhaps, but could you also comment on the Konica M-Hexanon 50/2? I've liked the images I've obtained from it but can't make a comparison. I wish it took 39mm filters!
 
ChrisN said:
Tom - OT perhaps, but could you also comment on the Konica M-Hexanon 50/2? I've liked the images I've obtained from it but can't make a comparison. I wish it took 39mm filters!
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I have limited experience with the Konica M-hexanon 50f2 so all I can say it that from the few rolls I shot with a borrowed one some time - it looks fine. Kind of like a late version Summicron 50. A bit big compared to either the 50f2.5 VC or the Summicron 50f2.
 
The VC 50/2.5 on an M4-2, Acros and Caffenol


Substation by Eirik0304, on Flickr


Summer has gone #13 by Eirik0304, on Flickr


Out of this world by Eirik0304, on Flickr

The first two at f5.6 or f8, the last at f2.5

The lens is compact and heavy. But mine is a bit wobbly. The focusing ring feels loose, not the tab - the whole ring. It does however work perfectly. The VC 21/4 is similar in size and build, the one I had was a lot tighter than the 50. I do miss another stop or two though, shooting with the VC 35/1.2 v1 lately, has made me appreciate the extra speed. Especially now that we have about 5 hours of light a day. I will keep the little thing, but I'm considering getting another, faster 50.
 
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