Lens trade, DR Summicron or Elmar E39

[kknox]

I have a DR 5cm Summicron w/eyes. It has just had a full CLA. It will work on my film M, but will not fit on my M8. I have the option to trade the lens for a 6yr old Elmar E39 collapsable that I can use on both cameras. I do have another 50mm I can use on the M8.

Would you keep the DR, or swap fro the Elmar?

 

[f16sunshine]

DR all the way. I just sold one as i'm trimming things up while short on cash. already regret it.

 

[mfogiel]

If you are talking about the Elmar M 50/2.8 v2, then you should not hesitate to swap. Although the DR has its distinctive charm, the Elmar is not a lesser lens at all, and besides being very light and collapsible, it has much better resistance to flare. It is also slightly more contrasty, which will make your colour photos look better. I use this lens very happily as my main walk around lens on my M7. On B&W film, the results are spectacular.

 

[JMQ]

IMHO, the DR is one of the best constructed lenses. The heft and construction detail are second to none. I am disappointed that I cannot use it on my M9, but I would not part with the DR. Others have commented on the signature of the lenses.

 

[Beemermark]

Why won't it fit on the M8?

 

[JMQ]

Discussed here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84964

 

[sleepyhead]

If you shoot or plan to shoot with a film M, then I would keep the DR Summicron.
It is JUST SUCH an amazing combo with a classic body such as the M3.
I have an Elmar-M as well, and it is I think the most underappreciated Leica lens. And it lives on my M4-P.

So I guess what you need are some more bodies!

 

[Pablito]

It is JUST SUCH an amazing combo with a classic body such as the M3.

The lens will produce identical photos on any M body on which it fits, so long as the RF is well calibrated...

 

[denizg7]

just a quick question you guys..

in the late 1950s was the Summarit 1.5 considered the summilux and the Summicron considered the summarit 2.5 and the elmar the summicron.