50mm choices

[Lflex]

I bought a Elmar-m (the modern version) a few days ago. It is very compact and handles nicely. It comes with a small hood.
I can't comment on its image making qualities yet but I can show you how it looks in profile.

Leica Elmar-M 50mm 2.8 collapsed by mandoflex, on Flickr


Leica Elmar-M 50mm 2.8 extended by mandoflex, on Flickr

 

[presspass]

Another vote for the newer Elmar M. Without the hood, it collapses flat - the hood sticks out a bit. The images are tack sharp. It's getting a bit hard to find, but the optics are wonderful and the f-stops can be adjusted with fire gloves on, so I guess that would work with riding gloves.

 

[sebastel]

from my experience with the elmar-m, the only problem is to extend (uncollapse) the lens without hood, while wearing gloves.
beside that, the newer elmar is a fantastical carry-everywhere lens.

 

[AgentX]

I didn't think the Elmar-M was in my price range but I think I just found one new-old-stock (from a friend of this site, even) for less than a new Heliar. That really does seem like a hell of a walkaround lens for a good price. We'll see if it's still available.

And to think I was inches away from getting an Industar 50/3.5...


Edit: Rats, Sherry Krauter already sold the lens. Sad for me.

MD

 

[ferider]

Try to find the L-Hex 50/2.4. Think of it as a modern, collapsible Summicron. In contrast to the other lenses mentioned here, usable wide open in all situations. There are four on sale on ebay right now.

Roland.

 

[johannielscom]

Try to find the L-Hex 50/2.4. Think of it as a modern, collapsible Summicron. In contrast to the other lenses mentioned here, usable wide open in all situations. There are four on sale on ebay right now.

Roland.

That lens is a great choice and it is tacksharp wide open, unbelievable.

I was put off by the collapsibility of it, too often I wasn't ready to shoot when the shot came up. And, its base was too big to also fit nicely on a Barnack, it seemed so misplaced on that...

Recently I've acquired a Color-Skopar 50/2.5: as sharp wide open, as portable as the collapsed L-Hex 50/2.4 and no need to extend. Focus tab and aperture ring are easily gripped with gloves. Will set you back half the cash spent on the L-Hex 50/2.4.
If you leave the Voigtlander hood off (too shallow, useless anyway), you can mount either a 39mm screw hood or the modern Leitz 'gripping' hoods. I have a hacked IUFOO for a lens hood on this lens.

What's not to like?

 

[ferider]

Well, for one, on the L-Hex, you don't need a hood - it's basically flare proof. Second, to get a "as sharp wide open" Color Skopar, you probably have to buy 3 and pick the best. Or count on your luck.

 

[back alley]

from my cv 2.5...plenty sharp for me...

 

[rover]

from my cv 2.5...plenty sharp for me...

Me too. There are sample variations from all manufacturers. It may be a bit unfair to tie that tag on only the 50 Skopar.

 

[Sparrow]

I'm another very satisfied 50 Skopar user too

 

[Bingley]

Me, too, or three...

 

[AgentX]

Still bouncing around on this, but the Skopar is looking like a good possibility.

For those who mentioned the handling issues with the 3.5 Heliar, what are they specifically?

Also what about changing aperture also changing focus? Is this a mechanical certainty or something that just tends to happen by virtue of ergonomics?

These likely aren't a huge deal for me as I'm not generally doing lightning-fast work, but are certainly worth consideration in the face of a small, simple, easy-to-use rigid Skopar. If the Heliar wasn't so light (half of my old-school Summitar) I wouldn't be deliberating so hard. The talk of its unique roundness of image is icing on the cake...I have no doubt either lens will be sharp enough for me.

 

[haempe]

For those who mentioned the handling issues with the 3.5 Heliar, what are they specifically?

2 problems for me, both not so dramatic, only annoying.
I am accustomed to focusing on the front ring with my hektor/elmar, that work not without the risk change the aperture unintentionally.
The hood/filter screws in the aperture ring. Every touch can change the f-stop. Screw in / unscrew needs two hands to reduce the force exerted to the aperture-mechanics.
Changing aperture will also changing focus is'n a problem for me, the stops are easy to switch without much resistance.
I can't give advise, you have to try it yourself, depends on the personal priorities.
It is a retro-design, slows down taking the photo a bit...
Sometimes nice, otherday not... 🙄

 

[AgentX]

The choice has been made! Found myself an inexpensive, new Color-Skopar. And a Rollei 35TE for $100 off Ebay; I'll give it a whirl and see how I like it, too.

Was very close to buying the barely-used Heliar advertised on Cameraquest's used equipment site (in the new shopping cart feature), but in the end decided the Skopar had some advantages like price, common filter size to what I own, possibly more durability, etc. And either lens will certainly meet my image quality requirements.