50mm on a budget

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boffen

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I'm getting paid back a substantial amount of money soon, and after using my 40mm on my M2, I find that even when I have time to hit the frame line lever to bring up the 35mm lines, I tend not to, as I most often prefer the 50mm framing. So, I've decided that I want to get a 50mm, and mod my 40mm to bring up the 35mm frame lines.

Seeing as my 40mm is very fast (1.4), I wouldn't need the fastest 50mm around, but I'd still like to have a reasonably fast 50mm, making me think that a summicron would be a good choice. I do not, however, know what summicron version I should look for. I'm also interested in Zeiss or CV glass, but I have to admit that I would prefer Leica, if the difference in price/performance is negligible.

As far as financials go, my budget is about 750 (I could spend more, but I have to buy a scanner as well). I don't mind using eBay, but I'm terrible at finding stuff there, and as such, I don't really know what to look for, other than to make sure that the seller has a good rating.
 
the later (.7m close focus, tabbed) summicrons are going to be BARELY attainable at $750US. They have gone up a lot since the M8/9, just like everything else.
They are, however, great lenses.

The next best alternative, IMO, would be the ZM 50/2. it's also fantastic, although i'm not sure about the current market value.

I personally think the best (fast) RF 50 easily found for under $1000 is the Canon LTM 1.4... It is small and takes wonderful pictures.
 
i just picked up a BGN grade (Ebay Exc++ or Mint, judging by most eBay sellers these days) 50 Summicron V3 from KEH for $850, a bit more than $750 for sure but for a little more than $750 50 Summicrons can be had.

failing that, a 50mm Rigid 'cron (1m MFD) could be had for around $750ish.
 
Get a Summicron IV (last version), amazing lens! The 2/50 Planar is almost equal to the 'Cron except for the material it's made of. The 'Cron just feels different, optically both are superb!
 
Just had my Summicron DR CLA'ed and it may be had to find one w/out some haze. JSRocket listed some really nice choices and the VC 50 f1.5 would be my choice and can be had for less than your budget along w/the Canon 50 f1.4 if you like the character of this lens.

Nelson
 
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The OP hasn't said whether vintage glass would be acceptable, or whether he prefers a more modern look. A collapsible summicron or summitar in good condition are well within a $750 budget. The Canon 50/1.4 and 50/1.8 are also very good and inexpensive: KEH had a bargain grade 50/1.4 listed y'day for $364, and a bargain grade 50/1.8 for $199 (I would not hesitate to buy a bargain grade lens from KEH, given the no questions asked return policy). For a more modern lens, I think JSRockit has identified good ones. Since the OP already has a 1.4 lens, he may also want to consider the small and excellent CV Skopar 50/2.5, also well w/in his budget.
 
summitar was the answer for this question I made myself some time ago, found one here which had light fungus, cleaned it myself with recommendations from RFF fellows, lubed the aperture ring and focus and now (despite some light cleaning marks) is a nice performer, check steve huff website for its review
 
My 40mm is the SC version, which means that it is vintage-ish, and I really like the images I get from it between f4 and f11. I don't particularly look for either new nor vintage, but judging from photos I've seen, I seem to prefer something in between.

Also, I've seen four DR Summicrons in Norway the past couple of weeks for very reasonable prices, but the sellers never seems to know what "haze" or "fungus" even means, so I don't really know what shape they're in.
 
hello there
when in (in leica terms) budget territory, try to get Konica M-Hexanon 50/2 (closest to summicron, and not really expensive) or VC Nokton 50/1,5 (really good fast 50 that i know). older lens would not get you what you are used to from your 40 Nokton... keep them for later: )
regards
 
There's currently a CV 50 1.5 and a Summicron V3 on a Norwegian website. I've messaged the sellers asking about haze and fungus. Hopefully the Summicron will be there when I get the money I'm owed.
 
All the Summicrons are great. I've owned both the Collapsable v.1 and the DR v.2. I kept the collapsible and traded the DR for a 35 Summaron. The DR seemed too big and heavy. The V.1 is a wonderful lens in its own way, and very light weight. The DR is the first 'cron to take advantage of the larger M mount, and is better wide open and offers stronger contrast than the V.1. A classic lens for the Leica. I'd love to have the lighter "rigid" version or that lens. Maybe someday. I'm sure the 'crons get better as they go into newer versions. I agree that "no Summicron is a joke."
 
The Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton is a sweet lens that can be found for less then $750.00.

Not sure about availbilty in Norway but Camerquest has three used mint 50's for sale: a Voigtlander 50/3.5 Nickel Heliar with screw mount adapter Mint for 549.00; a Voigtlander 50/2 Nickel Heliar with screw mount adapter Mint for 599.00 and a Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton Black Mint screw mount for 599.00.

You can find some older 50's from the 1950 & 60's for less.

Good luck with your search.
 
I got responses from both sellers, and they both knew their stuff and assured me there was no fungus or haze. I offered the Summicron seller my entire budget (about 30 bucks more than what he was asking) if he kept it on hold until I got the money, and he said yes, so unless something goes wrong, I'll be a Summicron user in a week.

Thanks for the help, as usual.
 
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