50 cron question

[Avotius]

Ok I got my sights on a 50 cron. Eventually I will buy a current one or the current lux but for the meantime I really want a vintage lens. The problem is I dont know which cron to get because there are too many versions!!!

Here is what im looking for:
Good lens character. I really like the photos that come out of my yashica gsn's lens but wish maybe it was a weeee bit more contrasty and plus I dislike the gsn's body and veiwfinder.

Cant get the DR cron because eventually im gona move into a m8 or whatever zeiss comes up with so need to be able to use it on that.

Dont want to spend more then 4-500 dollars.

Please help me oh leica guru's!

 

[markinlondon]

The problem is that they're all good, they just vary in character slightly. I love my current model but would probably be just as happy with a rigid version. Remember the last two "versions" are optically identical as are the rigid and DR. So that's two fewer choices to start with.

 

[Avotius]

hm....I might want to look at a rigid then, is that the one that looks like the lens in the attachment? I like the idea of this lens, the big grippy part looks easy to use plus the little finger tab.

 

[pvenables]

Why can't you use a DR Summicron on an M8 ??

 

[Kim Coxon]

Unlike the googled 35's, you can use the DR cron without the googles. Indeed they are quite often sold without them. If you like the idea of a focus tab, the 4th generation one just before the present one has a plastic tab which is better that the old infinity lock type tab.

Kim

 

[ben lloyd]

Avotius,

Yes, the picture you posted is of the rigid 'cron. But you will pay handsomely for a black paint version like that, its pretty rare. Chrome was the standard finish.

Ben

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Avotius]

Avotius,

Yes, the picture you posted is of the rigid 'cron. But you will pay handsomely for a black paint version like that, its pretty rare. Chrome was the standard finish.

Ben

yeah, im not looking for a black one, I just couldnt find a picture of a chrome one ;p

hm...looks like I will have to start shopping around then, thanks everyone

 

[Ronald M]

That is the first design DR/rigid. There was a later one, mostly cosmetic differences, with wider and more shallow ribs in the focus ring.

These and the 1969/79 model only in black had optical units that could be removed from the focus mount. Make sure the last 4 or 5 numbers of the serial number match the engraved number inside the focus mount.

These make excellent enlarging lenses for LARGE prints if you can get the proper adapter to mount the optical cell on 39mm threads.

A mint black paint mint one like the one shown was sold to the Japanese not to long ago for $850. Like someone said, most are chrome. My friend sold it.

 

[Avotius]

I would be looking for a chrome one, the black one in the photo is because I dont have a chrome photo on hand

 

[pvenables]

Avotius

If you want a vintage lens I would go for a DR Summicron. You can use it without the eyes as suggested above, it is beautifully built, produces stunning pictures, and cheap [well mine was, anyway]. If you're going to swop it for a "better" lens later on, why spend loads of money in the first place ??. If I can post a sample shot later I will.

Paul

 

[pvenables]

This is the first time I've posted a picture. Hope it works. I think this is wide open at 1/50th. It's only a JPEG so it won't look stellar, but I hope it will give you an idea of what the DR is capable of.

Paul

 

[venchka]

Aye! The DR is a keeper!

 

[pvenables]

Sorry guys

The picture I posted looks horrible. I'll have to mug up on this file-reducing lark before I post another one. It does no justice to the DR, nor my lovely wife.

Paul

 

[Ben Z]

My favorite 50 Summicron is the 1969 version. It has stronger coatings, less flare, and focuses closer than the older rigid and DR. It has a longer focus ring turning circle than the later versions and in my practical comparisons in real-life photography I can't see any optical improvement to the later ones. That said I rarely use a Summicron since I got a late 43mm-filter-type Summilux. I think the differences are highly overstated in terms of practical photography vs chart tests.