50mm, but which?

[Pikapig]

im also in the same dilemma as the Thread starter.

My budget allows me a few choices...the summicron, summitar collapsable....or maybe a canon 50mm f1.4? A jupiter 8 which is obviously alot cheaper..

The issue is i already own a nokton 50mm f1.5....and i just wanted another 50mm....for no reasons...🙂

 

[PatrickONeill]

The Summicron v3 produced from 1969 to 1979 is a sleeper as no profilic writer to my knowledge has singled it out. The lens provide modern contrast with a generally pleasant OOF rendition. Modern hard coating is also a plus.
The only complaint I have, is the very long focus throw but it only bothers me when I haven't used it for a while.


M2 & Summicron 50mm by mandoflex, on Flickr

I want the v3 as well. very underrated lens, when it was designed (hear-say says it was optimized for slide film) and it's the perfect match for my 35 cron v3.

Now if only my saving could keep up with the steady raising prices of Leica Optics before it gets too silly expensive.

 

[porktaco]

the correct answer is...

ALL OF THEM

 

[Moriturii]

Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f2? It's basically the latest version of Summicron for all intents and purposes regarding... well everything. And it's about... 500 bucks?

 

[waltere]

I am been studying the archives of LHSA's "The Viewfinder"! Some really good & interesting opinions, article's etc. on the many versions of the Summicron 50-am learning lots! I have made a decision and will let all know when it arrives!

🙂

 

[Krosya]

Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f2? It's basically the latest version of Summicron for all intents and purposes regarding... well everything. And it's about... 500 bucks?

$500? If you are lucky. From what I have seen lately - those prices are long gone...

 

[Krosya]

im also in the same dilemma as the Thread starter.

My budget allows me a few choices...the summicron, summitar collapsable....or maybe a canon 50mm f1.4? A jupiter 8 which is obviously alot cheaper..

The issue is i already own a nokton 50mm f1.5....and i just wanted another 50mm....for no reasons...🙂

Since you already own a modern 50mm, I'd suggest trying a Summitar for it's vintage amazing signature. Personally I much prefer it to most other Leica 50s and it's my ONLY lens that says "Leica" on it.

 

[semilog]

Planar or Summicron v. 3. Since you're used to the ergos on the ZM Biogon, I'd go with the Planar.

 

[Hibbs]

I'd also suggest the Planar...but I also have a Canon 50/1.5 which I would recommend. If you can find one.

~ Hibbs

 

[f/14]

I recommend looking through the example pictures at http://www.summicron.de/ . There you can flip back and forth and see the differences between the 50mm Elmars, the Summicrons and the Summiluxes. Both in BW and in colour.
You can also find some examples by moving on from the page http://www.summilux.net/m_system/objectifs.html to see details.
Stared over here with the pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux-M 10 years ago. I was new to Leica and everyone told me this was the right and decent thing to do. Not bad at all, but I always wanted some more sharpness when compared with SLRs ranging from Leica R with Summicron-R (and yes, even) to Nikkor f/1,8 and f/1,2. Sold it off and lived with the latest version of 50mm Summicron-M for a few years and felt it was pretty ok. The Summicron-R still felt just a trifle better though. By chance an extraordinary good offer for a Summilux-M 50mm ASPH came along this winter. Finally a keeper. After testing that I sold the Summicron-M.
During all this I tried a few of the Voigtlander's. Decent enough, but no cigar.

 

[Moriturii]

I recommend looking through the example pictures at http://www.summicron.de/ . There you can flip back and forth and see the differences between the 50mm Elmars, the Summicrons and the Summiluxes. Both in BW and in colour.
You can also find some examples by moving on from the page http://www.summilux.net/m_system/objectifs.html to see details.
Stared over here with the pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux-M 10 years ago. I was new to Leica and everyone told me this was the right and decent thing to do. Not bad at all, but I always wanted some more sharpness when compared with SLRs ranging from Leica R with Summicron-R (and yes, even) to Nikkor f/1,8 and f/1,2. Sold it off and lived with the latest version of 50mm Summicron-M for a few years and felt it was pretty ok. The Summicron-R still felt just a trifle better though. By chance an extraordinary good offer for a Summilux-M 50mm ASPH came along this winter. Finally a keeper. After testing that I sold the Summicron-M.
During all this I tried a few of the Voigtlander's. Decent enough, but no cigar.

What's your thing and must have very sharp pictures? I don't get it.

 

[waltere]

I got a DR at a really great price, very clean glass and the later one with dual scale focus markings. No eyes, but I have no plans for using it close anyway...but, I'm not wild about the infinity lock, can this be fixed or undone by Leica?

 

[ferider]

I got a DR at a really great price, very clean glass and the later one with dual scale focus markings. No eyes, but I have no plans for using it close anyway...but, I'm not wild about the infinity lock, can this be fixed or undone by Leica?

The DR does not have an infinity lock.

If you mean the rigid or collapsible, the lock can be simply un-screwed.

Roland.

 

[waltere]

Hmmm, I am having a focus lock at infin and the "eyes" button unlocks it.....??

 

[Roberto V.]

For what you are describing I would suggest the Elmar. The Elmar is best at f8-f16, a great lens for full sun. And were talking more like $300 or less...

What Elmar are we talking about? The older one or the Elmar-M? I kinda want an older Elmar 2.8, seems more compact than the latest version.

 

[waltere]

when I get to infinity, it locks....i have to depress the "eyes" button to release it!

 

[zauhar]

when I get to infinity, it locks....i have to depress the "eyes" button to release it!

The "eyes" button meaning the little knob that locks the eyes in place?

Something does not sound right, unless your version of the lens is very different from what I have.

Or do you mean that you have the lens in close-up mode? Then you need to pull it out and turn it to switch it back to normal mode. But it doesn't lock like an infinity lock.

Randy

 

[waltere]

ok, i will check it!

 

[ferider]

This shows you how it works, Walter: http://www.cameraquest.com/m50dr.htm

Roland.

 

[waltere]

Thanks Roland...I don't have the eyes for it...not sure why I cannot keep it unlocked at infinity....the button for the eyes releases it, of course....hmmmm??