A Summarit Surprise!

doubs43

doubs43

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A few months back I won a Summarit 50mm f/1.5 lens in M-Mount at a very nice price. It's anything but "pristine". The front element looks like it's been cleaned with the sole of a sock after the owner walked a mile in the desert wearing only the sock. Look through the lens at a strong light and there's light - moderate haze to be seen. A perfect prospect for a professional CLA and it's on my list of things to do.

Yesterday, while shooting some test shots with my Bessa-T and four 135mm lenses, I slipped the Summarit on the camera and took this shot at f/4 on EFKE-25 film. I'm amazed at the result. How much better can this lens be after it's CLA'd?

I'll be using it more before I send it off.

Walker
 
The first Summarit I had in my possession had terrible coating separation, fungus, and haze. I took some test shots with it and they still were nice, just as long as there were no strong light sources, but stopped down it was horrible. Needless to say I returned it. I have been anxiously waiting for my replacement for weeks now (I fear it's been lost in transit).

A good copy of this lens, stopped down performs wonderfully; wide open has a very unique fingerprint that is, I guess, an acquired taste. Congrats on your lens. You have a gem.
 
That's a really crisp photo, Walker. However, cleaning out the haze and getting the front element recoated should improve contrast in most situations. I would suggest asking John Van Stelten for an estimate. His email is john@focalpointlens.com
 
richard_l said:
That's a really crisp photo, Walker. However, cleaning out the haze and getting the front element recoated should improve contrast in most situations. I would suggest asking John Van Stelten for an estimate. His email is john@focalpointlens.com
Click to expand...

Thanks Richard. I've written John's information down. Brian Sweeney has also provided the name and address of a CLA service he uses. One can never have too many good references! :)

Walker
 
Brian Sweeney said:
Before CLA:
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=157

After CLA.
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=158

Shot at F1.5.
Click to expand...

Hi Brian, I've seen those shots before and they did, in fact, have an influence on my decision to buy a Summarit. The difference between "before" and "after" is very plain. I know that the newer Leitz lenses are better but they don't fit my budget and I was fortunate enough to get my Summarit for a lot less than they normally sell for. I would have preferred a LTM model Summarit but as long as my Bessa works OK I can live with the M-Mount.

Walker
 
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