Collapsable 50mm Summicron?

Collapsible Summicron 5cm

Collapsible Summicron 5cm

1953-1960 or thereabouts, 7 element double Gauss design
Began as threadmount; in 1954 M mount (but relatively rare- someone correct me if I'm wrong!). The threadmount lenses are very common, about 60,000 made. Soft coatings prone to "cleaning marks". Some examples employed lanthanum glass.

Rigid version started production in 1956; lasted till 1968

Nearest focus is 1m or 40 inches; the SOOKY (later SOOKY-M) allows nearer focussing.

No doubt others will chip in regarding performance, bokeh etc.

David
 
David,

I think you said it all, but I don't think they are that rare in M mount, I have seen plenty - mostly with badly scratched front elements. I just sold a nice one to a member in Hong Kong.

Results are on a par with the Summitar and f2.8 Elmar, but not as sharp as a Summilux.
 
That's the descriptions taken care of, here are some pictures all taken with a 1953 model collapsible with pronounced coating marks. I was especially surpised by the performance close up at wide apertures which I'd always heard was the failing of this lens. I think it renders fine detail better than my f2.8 Elmar but has slightly higher flare and distortion.
 
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I've an old scratched collapsible in LTM, it's my only Leica glass, and it performs well for its age and condition.

If you can afford a newer 'cron, however, buy it instead of the old one. You'll find the newer ones are going to be in better condition and with better coatings.
 
i have one of those "rare"(or not) m-mount versions. Bought it with my M2.
It has some very light coating marks indeed, on the front surface.
Performs quite good, but as said above flare can be a problem.
I like using it except the ridiculously narrow focus ring (the tab is not my cup of coffee). But i guess it is made like that to allow collapsing it.

It's my only Leitz lens.
 
I have this lens. It depends what you are looking for.

The lens has all the wonderful qualities of a Leica lens such as beautiful out of focus areas, a 3D quality to pictures, and lots of tones and microcontrast. It also has all the failings of a vintage lens such as pronounce flaring when compared to modern lenses. The Summicron DR and rigid (apparently perform the same) has a look that many shooters love (very sharp with less contrast than modern lenses).

I read something by Erwin Putts (on his website) that says this lens performs better when photographing something close-up and with within 6ft (?) or so. I would agree with this. Most of the photos I've seen and liked by this lens have been close subjects. I like the performance wide open but I'm not a professional.

It is the last of the collapsible 50mm f2 lenses (modern f2.5 and f2.8 are around now). If collapsing/portability is important to you it may be the best bet.

regards,
 
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I have a 1956 M one, and to me is a great portrait lens.
Very soft at corners. And also much coma in the corners, while not so in the center.
The first ones had a yellowish coating and are made with radioactive lanthanium. Mine has the more common last type of coating and I have found it with no marks, thought I brought from a professional photograph that was its first owner. So, either he didn't use it that much, or it's not true they all have scratches in the front lens!
It's better than its fame!
 
I lucked out with mine, also from a professional photographer and a cinematographer before that. It looks like it was always used with a UV filter. However, that could account for the flare I tend to get...
 
It is difficult to find one that has not been scratched, and there is a premium.

They are low contrast.

Noel
 
I also have a rare (or not) 50mm Collapsable Summicron in M-mount that is very clean. I love it softness-- the only problem I have is switching between my new CV glass and old Leica glass is the long throw of the Leica focusing lever.
Check out my gallery for a few shots.

-Dan P.
 
I have one in M mount and I love it a lot! I have a Dual Range, but for up close and for portraits it's wonderful! This are two of my favorite examples. I like the tab, though.
 

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I had bought a strongly scratched collapsible Summicron for less than $50. John van Stelten did a very good job on polishing, recoating and CLA'ing it. Nice 50ies look, soft bokeh, when stopped down largely sharp enough for me. Collapsed it fits nicely in most jacket pockets, with R-D1 or M6.

Some samples: 1 2 3

Didier
 
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here are a couple from dpetrzelka's collapsible 'cron, it's a great lens that's excellent as a carrying around kit.

sharp stopped down
boat_II.jpg


and beautiful bokeh wide open
50mm_coll_bokeh.jpg


Todd
 
I have one that, unlike most out there, has no coating marks/scratches. Not using it myself so if anyone is interested in it just let me know. Guess I should put up an ad in the classifieds but haven't gotten around to it yet.

-Randy
 
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