50mm DR

L

loneranger

Well-known
Local time
12:43 PM
Joined
Feb 14, 2006
Messages
427
I need some suggestions for a 50mm lens, specifically looking for one that is closest in character to the 50 cron DR, but no so large and bulky, I can live even with a slower lens. I love the images from that lens, but could not get used to the size, are there any smaller alternatives?
 
Hello:

The Type Three is a different beast but you might consider it. These things are a matter of taste so, for what it's worth, my personal preference is first for the Summicron Collapsible , DR, then the Type Three.

yours
FPJ
 
Brian Sweeney said:
The collapsible Summicron is very close to the first-generation Rigid and DR Summicron. It is not quite as sharp, but is very close in terms on contrast and Bokeh.

Look for a later one, in the 13x SN range. The coatings changed, and optical formula was tweeked from the earlier ones.

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81311&highlight=Summicron
Click to expand...

I tried a late serial number collapsible cron, and although it had it's own charm, it lacked the brilliance of the DR,
I have not tried the Zeiss 50, but the pics I've seen are too contrasty and modern,
 
I'm just like you. I had a Collapsible, but I craved the DR. Bought one from KEH and it was great, but as you say, heavy and large. I think a Leica should be small and light. I traded the DR even for a 35/2.8 Summaron, and now I'm happy with my collapsible 'cron 50 and my Summaron. Lesson: Get a collapsible and only shoot it wide open when you want sharp but dreamy pictures. Other than wide open, it's hard for me to tell which is which.
 
You're in luck. Just find a collapsible Summicron that's in excellent condition and you're set. Or get a beater and send it off for a CLA. These are excellent lenses when they're clean, and sharp as a tack. If you get a good one and use a hood I'd bet it would be very similar to a DR. That's been my experience anyway.

Lenses are funny, especially Leicas. Condition is everything, yet two of the sharpest lenses I ever used were a 90 Elmar and a collapsible Summicron 50, and both had considerable fungus.
 
Last edited:
Try to find a good Nikkor 50/2. Completely different designs, I know, but I found the images very similar. Center vs. corner, contrast, close up vs. infinity, flare resistance .... everything.

I don't find the DR bulky at all, but the Nikkor is also smaller.

Roland.
 
If you think a 50mm DR Summicron is large and bulky, carry a Pentax 6x7 with 105mm lens around for a day.
I own both of your 35mm lenses & a DR Summicron. Perfect combination. Sure, the wee 35mm lenses are small. However, nothing looks like a DR Summicron. If you like the way a DR Summicron makes photos, get one.
Just do it! Nothing else will satisfy you.
Good luck!
 
I think what you look is elmar-m 5cm f2.8 (early M version-usually screw mount I think). It is great little lens with beautiful soft bokeh and nice sharpness. Low-medium contrast too.

Here is an example from me...

U25431I1313522014.SEQ.0.jpg
 
Last edited:
LeicaFoReVer said:
I think what you look is elmar-m 5cm f2.8 (early M version-usually screw mount I think). It is great little lens with beautiful soft bokeh and nice sharpness. Low-medium contrast too.
Click to expand...

I was going to agree with this, but thought to check prices. Did that, only to find very few for sale, and the price has shot up to what I paid for it mounted on a mint- M2, my first Leica setup. In case you come across an inexpensive one... The rigid Cron is apparently a bit sharper, but the Elmar also gives you a nice image. I don’t have the patience for testing, so can’t comment on a side by side comparison. I like what I get from both.

A sample in colour from me, and the one that follows on my flickr is also from the Elmar.


corn by found fotos, on Flickr
 
LeicaFoReVer said:
I think what you look is elmar-m 5cm f2.8 (early M version-usually screw mount I think). It is great little lens with beautiful soft bokeh and nice sharpness. Low-medium contrast too.

Here is an example from me...

U25431I1313522014.SEQ.0.jpg
Click to expand...

Excuse me, but this is an brilliant picture. You should, if you haven't, properly wet print it on a nice paper and put it on a wall / your portfolio.
 
The last screwmount Elmar 50/3.5 ("red scale") is a belter, but may be too slow for your needs. Bokeh is smooth and infinitely better than the DR's, which is actually quite nasty. In terms of sharpness, it's very good from wide open to f/16. Max Berek knew the limitations of his glass and the Tessar design, and an f/3.5 maximum aperture avoids most of the aberrations.
 
If these are nasty, I will gladly live with it. There is but one 50mm/2.0 Dual Range Summicron. Mine dates to 1961. Looks and works the same today as the day it was born. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. ;) :cool:

FH000002-1-1.jpg


FH000006-8-8.jpg


Grey-Grey-Black.jpg
 
Since a number of posters have recommended a collapsible 'chron as a smaller alternative to a DR, I'm curious whether a coated Summitar would also be a reasonable alternative, or is that pushing the design envelope too far back in time?
 
... never in my life would I describe a summicron DR as big or bulky. But I guess size is al relative. Now I would call it a little hefty (weight)...
 
thomasw_ said:
My thoughts are echoed in these words. The DR and a M3 are a sweet little combination and easy on the neck when carried all day. Unless you are a small hobbit ;)
Click to expand...
I am a fairly small (and old) hobbit, but I like to carry my camera around in my hand, and not around my neck. One long day in San Francisco with the DR and I had to ice my wrist. Never had that with the collapsible. My M3 with the DR weighed as much or more than my Nikon F with 50/2 Nikkor-H. When I got to Leica, I was hoping for something smaller and lighter than my SLRs had been.
 
110g or less. That is the difference betwee the collapsible and the DR. The front of both lenses is the same diameter. Extended they are the same length. Heavy? Hefty? Translation: Rugged. Solid. Bulletproof.
Bigfoot loves to hold the DR all day.
Y'all couldn't hang with this Geezer. Canon 1DIII and 70-200/2.8 all day on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Now that is a big and bulky combination
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom