Buy Newer Summicron or keep 1950s Rigid?

[HMojo]

Hello out there, fellow RFFers.

I've been saving up for a bit to purchase a new model 50mm Summicron (pre-ASPH, Chrome), but have been wondering if I should just save my $$$ and keep the 1950s Rigid Summicron I currently possess. I've taken some great pics with this older lens but (as silly as this may sound) I like the way the newer style Summicron matches my chrome M6 TTL body. In addition, I've been wondering at the difference in image quality between the two.

Can someone out there, who has shot with both of these lenses, give me a brief pro + con of the two? Also, is it worth it to replace my current Summicron?

Thanks in advance!

 

[rover]

Both are great, the image quality is pretty similar, though the more recent version will be slightly sharper and more contrasty. I have both a Rigid and a tabbed Summicron. If I had to choose I would stick with the Rigid. I like the look of the shots from it a bit more and it is much better made. Is yours in good shape?

 

[markinlondon]

It's been said many times before, but I'll say it again, "never sell Leica equipment , you'll only end up buying another one just the same".

The current version 'cron is very nice, more contrasty than the rigid. The previous version is optically identical but with a focus tab and removable hood. Quality is subjective and I can't say which you would prefer.

Mark

PS, there is no such thing as an ASPH 50mm Summicron.

 

[HMojo]

(in response to Rover) Yes, the Rigid 'cron I have is in good cosmetic shape... though there is some residue on the blades. Takes great pics, no issues there...

 

[FrankS]

Get both, and then some more. 🙂

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

First, there is no asph versus pre-asph summicron, none of them are aspherical 🙂

The rigid is an excellent lens. I've shot the DR cron which is the same optical formula as the rigid. Compared to the current version (as well as the penultimate version), the rigid/DR has slightly less contrast and is heavier weight wise. That is about it.

So it depends on whether you prefer your lens to be higher or lower in contrast. All versions of the cron are stellar lenses, good luck.

 

[ezio gallino]

Does non exists 50 f2 summicron asph: only ASPH summilux 50 F1:14) this is important befoure do big buys.aniyway summicron is an excellemt lens and Might be a little les sharper on some lens: these could non be less than stellar anyway after 50 years of best manufacturing.buy sure, no risk.

 

[HMojo]

Sorry about the ASPH snafu there! 🙂 I'm still a relative Leica newbie.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I may stick with the rigid Summicron afterall.

 

[dadsm3]

LOL...Frank you'd better start saving end caps that can be glued to the inside ceiling of your casket! That way you can take all those 50's with ya'!

 

[FrankS]

LOL...Frank you'd better start saving end caps that can be glued to the inside ceiling of your casket! That way you can take all those 50's with ya'!

How about attaching them to the outside bodywork of my car? No, this stuff I'm passing on to my kids/grandkids.

 

[rover]

Sorry about the ASPH snafu there! 🙂 I'm still a relative Leica newbie.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I may stick with the rigid Summicron afterall.

It is a great lens. Keep an eye on the glass, if you notice any haze in the future send her in for a CLA. Your rigid will take wonderful pictures for you for year to come.

 

[Ben Z]

I had the latest optical Cron, compared it to my 1969-68 version and sold the later lens. I couldn't see any difference in practical use, the older lens seems built better, and I got more money back from selling the later one. A bit later on I bought a 50s rigid along with an M3, because I wanted "the" M Leica. Those two are a permanent pair, receiving very occasional use. The M3 finder is useless to me, a frequent 35mm user, and the 50s Cron is tricky to use in oncoming light because it likes to wash out from flare (no, there's no haze or cleaning marks, and yes, I use a hood). That said since I got a Summilux I haven't used any Cron. If I had to keep just one it'd surely be the Lux.

 

[summilux]

what Leica said in its brochure was true, the summilux does not flare, the rigid summicron flares a lot, not a problem if you like those flare/glow look, the elmar of the same vintage however does not flare, less air to glass surface certainly helps here. yes, the lux is the best bet.

 

[Ronald M]

The flare issues discussed above.

The big increase in contrast came after the collapsible with the DR/Rigid. Further increases are very small.

Maximum resolution full open at 2 and 2.8 covers a much smaller circle in the center of the field with DR/Rigid compared to the last version.

Mechanical build of older lenses is with more heavy brass/chrome. They will look good longer if they are the chrome version. Mechanically the wear should be similar.