Are collapsible lens good quality?

[fernandez_diez]

Many years ago I had got a collapsible summarit. I always felt that it colould break. I didn,t like it in oposite with rigid lens.
Now I would like to buy a Heliar f 2 50mm lens. It is collapsible and I would like to know an opinnion .
Regards

 

[bennyng]

I was playing with it the Heliar Classic 50 mm f/2 the other day and in my novice opinion, it seems very well built. Did not feel fragile at all and collapsing or extending the lens did not seem to require any special care.

Cheers,

 

[John Noble]

So far so good with my f/2 Heliar Classic. It feels solid to me; I don't worry about breaking it.

 

[naren]

I believe this lens is listed as being true chrome, as opposed to silver anodized. I for one don't care for the silver anodized finish. How do you all like the finish or look of the Heliar? Does it look much like other chrome lenses? I feel the CV silver anodized lenses look odd.

 

[BillBingham2]

Pres K has really stepped up the quality of lens mounts over the past five years. Early CV lenses are not as nicely finished or feel as strong or smooth as more recent designs are. While I have not played with one, this would not be a concern of mine for the Heliar. Besides, it has such a short extension when compared to many others I think this would be the strongest of all.

B2 (;->

 

[xayraa33]

Collapsable Summarit ?
maybe you meant the Summitar.
I never had any problem with collapsable lenses, other than forgeting to lock them when extended( you only do it once and you learn).
even the FSU I-22 is very well built.
I have seen the Heliar in person and it is a gorgeous lens, very well built, it looks like it was made in the 1950s.

 

[Letien]

How about the Canon serenar 1.9. It has a bad rep in Canon forum and it is described as similar to Summitar but mine performs much better than the summitar. This lens is solid and has very nice shining chrome.

 

[BillBingham2]

Letien,

Wonderful shot, spot on in every respect!

B2 (;->

 

[Graham Line]

Used to have a well-worn Summicron 50/2. The pictures were fine but the business of collapsing and uncollapsing it got kind of tedious. Lenses in use now can be so compact the feature seems unnecessary.

 

[former member]

Collapsible Summicron is a favorite of mine. I'll have to add a Collapsible Serenar.

The Leitz lenses have a very strong base, much better at locking into position than the collapsible Nikkor. I'm guessing the Heliar is 1st rate.

 

[Letien]

Letien,

Wonderful shot, spot on in every respect!

B2 (;->

Thanks for your comment. This is very rare moment from this hyperactive 2 years old girl.

 

[mdspace]

I'm an owner of a Heliar Classic 50 from one year ago, is solid, well made, I like the performance and the portability.
RECOMENDED!!!

 

[meven]

I just ordered one today, I played with one a few month ago and kept thinking about it now I just bought it. It is such a good lens, I am replacing my Elmar (which is also a very good collapsible lens) and my rigid cron with the heliar.

Max

 

[shimo-kitasnap]

If you're interested, I've got a chrome one I'm selling in the classifieds, PM me.