If you can have one 50mm, which would you choose (all collapsible)

[filmtwit]

Zeiss Planar

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Zeiss Planar

Um, collapsible?

Phil Forrest

 

[Gary E]

I used to shoot mainly with the 40mm/2.0 Summicron-C until I got the VC 50mm/2.0 Heliar. I used to shoot with the 50mm/2.8 Elmar-M, but I mainly shot it in color so can't comment the performance in B&W. They're both lovely lenses and the VC is well built.

 

[msbarnes]

I used to shoot mainly with the 40mm/2.0 Summicron-C until I got the VC 50mm/2.0 Heliar. I used to shoot with the 50mm/2.8 Elmar-M, but I mainly shot it in color so can't comment the performance in B&W. They're both lovely lenses and the VC is well built.

Between those three, how would you rank the size? I'm looking for a compact 50mm (or even 40mm) but I'm having difficulty tracking down all the different sizes. I would like something no larger than my Summaron. I'm not sure how those stack up (Elmar-M is probably the smallest).

 

[raid]

The Heliar 50/2 or 50/3.5 are modern lenses with excellent sharpness and contrast. None of the vintage collapsible lenses have performance that comes even close to what a modern CV Heliar can produce, except the Elmar 50/2.8.

 

[helen.HH]

well I'm there...so my Vote goes to...drum roll
a Collapsible on my IIIC ...the 50 Summicron
just LOVE my Barnack & the cron !!!!!

 

[Bob Michaels]

well I'm there...so my Vote goes to...drum roll
a Collapsible on my IIIC ...the 50 Summicron
just LOVE my Barnack & the cron !!!!!

Helen: we all love you, but you are written about your love for some many different lenses over the years that I am reminded of that old song line "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you are with"

 

[helen.HH]

Hehehe, Yes Bob,
I suppose I have been Quite 'the Tart'
These last few years. 😱

But I have finally settled down :angel:
to one Barnack with a 21 & 50
set and ready to push the Limits with this Humble/Hipster rig
A Modern 21 and a Retro 50

(Mind You, in the drawer safely tucked away is A 35 and an M4)

 

[raid]

If you have love for many, then love them all.

Ahm

Tnis is my version,Bob.

 

[Tom A]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2490/3882296041_07ddc34a28_z.jpg?zz=1

I cant really make up my mind - which is the best one. Most use goes to the Heliar 50f2 - but they are all good.

 

[ramosa]

I started with a Cron latest pre-asph version, moved to a Lux asph, then returned to a Cron latest pre-asph version. For me, the Cron possesses the best set of characteristics, including rendering, size, ergonomics, speed, and price. (My preferred focal length, however, is 35mm.)

 

[raid]

I started with a Cron latest pre-asph version, moved to a Lux asph, then returned to a Cron latest pre-asph version. For me, the Cron possesses the best set of characteristics, including rendering, size, ergonomics, speed, and price. (My preferred focal length, however, is 35mm.)

This thread is about collapsible lenses only.

 

[raid]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2490/3882296041_07ddc34a28_z.jpg?zz=1

I cant really make up my mind - which is the best one. Most use goes to the Heliar 50f2 - but they are all good.

Some people claimed that the Heliar 50/2 has aweful bokeh. I do not agree.

 

[Pioneer]

MS Optical APOQual 50 3.5 Collapsible

MS Optical APOQual 50 3.5 Collapsible

Stunning images from wide open on, very flare resistant, great bokeh, very portable. Really, if I had to chose one lens to weld to the front of my M6 this would be it. And a case of Tri-X (or HP5).

 

[Pioneer]

Elmar 50/3.5

Elmar 50/3.5

Hmmm. Or maybe I would just stay with my trusty little Elmar and my Tower 3. 😉

 

[Vincent.G]

I would love to get my hands on a Summar!

 

[raid]

The Summar is relatively inexpensive. It may be difficult to find a clean one.

 

[krötenblender]

Summitar.

Had the M39 Elmar (1953, I believe), and the Summitar (1949) and kept the Summitar. What a lovely lens. My version has coated glass (probably coated after production, I don't know) and with the higher number of aperture blades. Makes very portable and nice lens with beautiful rendering. I really like it.