50mm most similar to 35 Summicron functionality wise

[nightfly]

I've got a 35mm Summicron v3 with the little focusing tab that is a joy to use. However I've been getting into a more narrow mode of shooting/seeing and would love to get a 50 that is as easy to use (quick focusing, short throw, focusing tab).

My current 50mm Summicron is great (not sure of the version) but it has a significantly longer throw, no tab and is generally a slower to use lens.

Are there any 50's that are more like the older 35 Summicrons. Would love great image quality obviously but would sacrifice a little for quicker use. Or is the nature of 50's just a slower more deliberate process?

 

[tuanvinh2000]

50mm f2.5 skopar in ltm! Even shaped like a summicron 35. Or a v4 tab summicron 50 for a bit more speed.

 

[jsrockit]

Best option is the 50mm Leica Summarit 2.4 or 2.5 ... super short focus throw (about 90 degrees if not a little less) and a its a tiny 50mm (smaller than any 50mm summicron). It's such an underrated lens since 2.4 and 2.5 are not sexy in todays bokeh crazed world. Next best would be the CV 50mm Color-Skopar 2.5.

 

[michaelwj]

Or a v4 summicron?
Short focus throw, tab, high quality, small.

 

[nightfly]

The V4 Summicron looks like what I'd want so as not to sacrifice any speed. Although the Summarit is a good option as well, thanks.

If anyone would want to trade a V4 for a V3 in excellent condition PM me.

Not sure if it's apples to apples or it's like the 35mm Summicrons where the v4 commands a premium over the V3. Looks like some people prefer the V3 and some the V4.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Richard G]

I love the tabbed Summicron and admire the compactness of the new Summarit which I don't have or need. I know this is very un-RFF but couldn't you maybe just manage with the V3 Summicron?

 

[maddoc]

I have and like the 50mm Summicron v4 (with the tab) because of the size and focus tab. However the contrast is higher as compared to my 35mm Summicron vs3.

The V4 Summicron looks like what I'd want so as not to sacrifice any speed. Although the Summarit is a good option as well, thanks.

If anyone would want to trade a V4 for a V3 in excellent condition PM me.

Not sure if it's apples to apples or it's like the 35mm Summicrons where the v4 commands a premium over the V3. Looks like some people prefer the V3 and some the V4.

Thanks for the info.

 

[nightfly]

Can manage just fine with V3.

Just find I gravitate toward my 35mm and end up cropping because it is easier to use as I tend to shoot mostly street and focus quickly. Would rather use more of the frame without a crop.

Have had the 50 for several years and it mostly stays home or in the bag. Figure I might as well have one that I use.

 

[froyd]

Another vote for the 50 Skopar 2.5 which has excellent ergonomics, very similar to a Summicron and a Summaron.

When it comes to M-lenses and bodies, ergonomics are what matter the most to me, so I was very happy to finally hunt down a copy of the CV lens... took me over 3 months!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I recall comments about D.A.G. adding Leica tabs on Leica lenses.

 

[jsrockit]

Can manage just fine with V3.

Just find I gravitate toward my 35mm and end up cropping because it is easier to use as I tend to shoot mostly street and focus quickly.

I would seriously look into the 50mm Summarit. The focus throw is the smallest of any 50mm I have ever used. It is the exact reason I used it.

 

[maggieo]

Can manage just fine with V3.

Just find I gravitate toward my 35mm and end up cropping because it is easier to use as I tend to shoot mostly street and focus quickly. Would rather use more of the frame without a crop.

Have had the 50 for several years and it mostly stays home or in the bag. Figure I might as well have one that I use.

Maybe you really don't want a 50 for your street shooting, maybe you just want to get in closer to your subjects?

Heck, if nothing else, it'd be a good project.

 

[nightfly]

I've shot for many years with just a 28 or just a 35 so I'm pretty comfortable with close distances.

Have just changed what I'm paying attention to and what is drawing my eye and a 50 feels about right for this. It has that slight telephoto feel where it flattens and compresses distances and lends itself more to geometry and abstraction.

In any case, I'll keep an eye out for a used V4 or Summarit and shoot with my V3 in the meantime.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[jsrockit]

...and a 50 feels about right for this. It has that slight telephoto feel where it flattens and compresses distances and lends itself more to geometry and abstraction.

Agreed....

 

[Richard G]

Have just changed what I'm paying attention to and what is drawing my eye and a 50 feels about right for this. It has that slight telephoto feel where it flattens and compresses distances and lends itself more to geometry and abstraction.

Beautifully said.

 

[raid]

I love using the Rigid Summicron 50/2. It is for me "the best 50mm lens" for my photography needs.

I got other 50mm lenses to try them out, and I should have sold them but I still have them and I use them too.

50/1.5 original Voigtlaender Prominent
50/1.5 Nokton CV
50/1.5 Zeiss (original)
50/1.5 Canon ltm
50/1.8 Canon ltm
50/1.4 Nikon (w. the S2000)
50/2 Summar
50/1.5 Summarit
CV Heliar 50/3.5
CV Heliar 50/2
Konica Hexanon ltm 50/1.9
Jupiter 3 50/1.5 ltm
Jupiter 8 50/2
[others?]

 

[Richard G]

Raid, I feel sorry for you with such a narrow sample and not experiencing the highlights of M and LTM 50s:

My stable:

Uncoated Nickel Elmer
Coated 1950 Elmar
Version 2 Summilux (long ago)
ZM C Sonnar
Elmar M2.8
V4 Summicron
DR Summicron (equivalent to your rigid but more fun)

 

[raid]

There is no need for your sorrow, Richard.
I left some lenses out, in my list above such as the DR Summicron and the Elmar 50/2.8. I also have uncoated Elmar 5cm/3.5.

 

[Chris101]

Figured I wanted a 50mm Summicron. I wasn't sure which version tho: 3, 4 or 5. Turns out the 5 is too big, and the 3 too old-fashioned, but the 4 is just right so I bought it.

(My lens and M4P both originate from the same Canadian factory. Perhaps they knew each other before.)

I drew this picture to help me to discern the various versions on sight:

 

[Chris101]

I don't really get the focus tab though. My hands are either in the way, or I need to hold the camera very awkwardly. Are there any recommended techniques for focus-tab camera manipulation?