Did you shim this particular lens? Do they typically need to be shimmed for wide open ?
Nikkor lenses are factory-set for close-up and wide-open use. My Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5- perfect focus on my M9. Same with my Collapsible Nikkor-HC 5cm F2. The F1.4 and F2 lenses - all perfect wide-open.
More with the Rigid Nikkor-HC 5cm F2,


Timmyjoe
Veteran
I'd take the lens that is the cleanest optically. I love the way both lenses render, but I also realize much of that rendering comes down to the sample of the lens you have. Had a Summicron collapsible for a few years, and though I loved it, the fine scratches on the front element (cleaning marks) did affect the image. Would have loved to use that lens as new, before anyone scratched the front element. Same for the Nikkor, though I don't think the front elements of the Nikkor lenses of that period had glass as soft as the Leica on the front element.
Have a great trip, whichever lens you take.
Best,
-Tim
Have a great trip, whichever lens you take.
Best,
-Tim
Sanders McNew
Rolleiflex User
Shooting kids with a fast 5cm lens wide-open is a tall order. Think like a street photographer. Shoot a wide lens (I use a 25mm Snapshot Skopar), stopped down to f/8 or f/11, focused at 4-5 feet, and shoot away. No focus needed.
That said, the Nikkor 50/2 is lovely, and at f/2.8 gives great results. Try setting focus at the minimum distance and moving yourself in relation to your subject to get focus right. It's easier to move the camera than it is to fiddle with the lens. Here's a link to a shot of my niece from yesterday through the Nikkor at f/2.8 using this technique:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO4S5i_rb6_/?igshid=mnsax4ocw33j
Sorry to post an IG link -- I've been away from the forum for many years and forgot how to post images properly here.
Sanders
www.instagram.com/sandersnyc
That said, the Nikkor 50/2 is lovely, and at f/2.8 gives great results. Try setting focus at the minimum distance and moving yourself in relation to your subject to get focus right. It's easier to move the camera than it is to fiddle with the lens. Here's a link to a shot of my niece from yesterday through the Nikkor at f/2.8 using this technique:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO4S5i_rb6_/?igshid=mnsax4ocw33j
Sorry to post an IG link -- I've been away from the forum for many years and forgot how to post images properly here.
Sanders
www.instagram.com/sandersnyc
Erik van Straten
Veteran
When I must choose between the Collapsible Summicron 50mm f/2 and the Nikkor 50mm f/2 for holiday purposes, I would choose the Color Skopar 50mm f/2.5 LTM.
gelatine silver print (color skopar 50mm f2.5) leica m3
Erik.
gelatine silver print (color skopar 50mm f2.5) leica m3
Erik.

raid
Dad Photographer
Shooting kids with a fast 5cm lens wide-open is a tall order. Think like a street photographer. Shoot a wide lens (I use a 25mm Snapshot Skopar), stopped down to f/8 or f/11, focused at 4-5 feet, and shoot away. No focus needed.
That said, the Nikkor 50/2 is lovely, and at f/2.8 gives great results. Try setting focus at the minimum distance and moving yourself in relation to your subject to get focus right. It's easier to move the camera than it is to fiddle with the lens. Here's a link to a shot of my niece from yesterday through the Nikkor at f/2.8 using this technique:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO4S5i_rb6_/?igshid=mnsax4ocw33j
Sorry to post an IG link -- I've been away from the forum for many years and forgot how to post images properly here.
Sanders
www.instagram.com/sandersnyc
Welcome back to RFF, Sanders.
To post an image here:
Place the image file in the middle.
Sanders McNew
Rolleiflex User
raid
Dad Photographer
![url]](http://[url]https://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/5297421-orig.jpg[/url])
Leave out the space after
There are ways for extracting image files from Flickr or Instagram, and I hardly ever use either one.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Sanders McNew
Rolleiflex User
Chloe shows me her Caterpillar
Chloe shows me her Caterpillar
I figured out I could upload the photo to the RFF Gallery, and then post it here from there.
So, this was shot with the Nikkor Tokyo 50/2 (collapsible) @ f/2.8. If it matters, I used a Sony A7 body @ 2500 ISO -- the photo is pretty much out of the camera, cropped to square.
Chloe shows me her Caterpillar

I figured out I could upload the photo to the RFF Gallery, and then post it here from there.
So, this was shot with the Nikkor Tokyo 50/2 (collapsible) @ f/2.8. If it matters, I used a Sony A7 body @ 2500 ISO -- the photo is pretty much out of the camera, cropped to square.
ulrich.von.lich
Well-known
Quick trip coming up, with space at a premium. I am taking an M4. Collapsible Summicron or Nikkor 50mm f.20 LTM via adapter?
If space is priority, I don't think one is much smaller than the other. The collapsible Summicron is slightly thinner when collapsed.
I somehow think collapsible lenses are less weather resistant. So I would probably avoid to take the collapsible Summicron on a trip to the desert, for example.
Having them both, I like low-light pictures from the Nikkor a bit better, but I enjoy day-light f5.6 to f8 pictures from the Summicron a bit more. I think they both have good contrast that is suitable for B&W pictures. My Nikkor copy has been modified to focus closer than 1m which can be useful.
Indeed, welcome back, Sanders; you have been missed.Welcome back to RFF, Sanders.
To post an image here:
![]()
Place the image file in the middle.
Cheers
Brett
bluesun267
Well-known
I have used both and like the Nikkor for people/street shots, or anything closer than 15 feet; and the Summicron for distance (particularly wonderful for landscapes in B/W)
Sanders McNew
Rolleiflex User
Indeed, welcome back, Sanders; you have been missed.
Cheers
Brett
🤗 I feel a bit rusty at this -- in photography, and in the community generally. Thanks for the kind words.
Bingley
Veteran
If you can get a clean collapsible chron, get that. Otherwise, the Nikkor-HC 50mm f2.0 is a stellar lens and the ability to close focus is a real plus.
But I agree with Erik that the better choice is a Voigtlander Color Skopar 50mm f2.5.
But I agree with Erik that the better choice is a Voigtlander Color Skopar 50mm f2.5.
Share:
-
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.