Leica LTM Collapsible Summicron

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses

Collapsible Summicron

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    108
  • Poll closed .
I have 2 of these collapsible Summicrons, this one received the "full monty" from JVS at Focal Point several years ago. John really does great work. I just felt I wanted to restore it and I've never regretted it. Here's one in color.

M6, 50mm Collapsible Summicron f/2, Provia (I think)



Michigan football fans for the last seven years!
 
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Finally took the plunge today - instead of getting an f/2.8 Elmar, I ordered a 'yellow glass' Summicron with an IROOA hood. I'll post a shot of it once it arrives, and maybe a couple of sample shots....
 
I just sent a Thorium Summicron to Focalpoint, the front surface had heavy cleaning marks. That puts me at three "Hot-Glass" Collapsible Summicrons, one early "regular" Collapsible Summicron, and two late collapsible Summicrons. I also have two type 1 Rigid Summicrons. Two of the Thorium lenses were bleached, but still give a yellow color-tint.

The late collapsible Summicrons are "within a hair" of the Rigid Summicrons for performance. I just like the collapsibles.
 
Late collapsible Summicron, wide-open on the M8:

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100% crops, sharp enough to produce color-aliasing artifacts.

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The M8 images are crisper than what I get with film, make it easier to spot the exact point of focus. All of the Summicrons were spot-on when moving over from film cameras to the M8. I changed the shim on converted Sonnar and a pair of J-3's.

So- pixel peeping, brings out subtle differences that would not be seen on film.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
I just sent a Thorium Summicron to Focalpoint, the front surface had heavy cleaning marks. That puts me at three "Hot-Glass" Collapsible Summicrons, one early "regular" Collapsible Summicron, and two late collapsible Summicrons. I also have two type 1 Rigid Summicrons. Two of the Thorium lenses were bleached, but still give a yellow color-tint.

The late collapsible Summicrons are "within a hair" of the Rigid Summicrons for performance. I just like the collapsibles.
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Since you are my mentor and guide in 50mm lenses, should I be looking for such a Thorium lens? :cool:
 
Raid
I have the collapsible and the DR. I really like the light weight of the collapsible, but pocket-able? Not in any of my pockets, Not on an M camera. Many of my favorite pictures were made with that lens, but I have to admit that the DR is much easier to print from with its improved contrast and wide open performance. I think I agree with Erwin Puts that all Leica lenses are built for color.
 
Vic,
I have a collapsible Summicron, and I meant the Thorium version that I do not own. Is Thorium glass that important or is it more a defect?
 
I just ordered a thorium one myself. I've read some things that allude to the thorium one having slightly better resolution. That being said, if you're a positive film shooter, then the yellow cast may not be what you're looking for.
 
One of my Thorium lenses has a very good front element, the second one has some marks. In my opinion, the Late collapsible Summicrons are optically better. There was some "tweeking" that took place in the optics during the run of the collapsible Summicrons. I'll have a good test when the Thorium Summicron (my third) comes back from Focalpoint.
 
Brian,
So if my collapsible Cron is a late model lens without Thorium, then in your opinion it could still be excellent and even better than the collectible Thorium Cron.
 
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I think that is what Brian is saying. However, I've heard reference to the contrary. I think a shootout with the two versions of the collapsible summicron on an M8/M9 would be a fun idea. We aren't the first ones to wonder I'm sure.
 
raid said:
Brian,
So if my collapsible Cron is a late model lens without Thorium, then in your opinion it could still be excellent and even better than the collectible Thorium Cron.
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Yes- I believe that the later Collapsible Summicrons are optically better than the Thorium Summicrons. The Thorium lenses cost more, are more collectible, and are rare. Most users have never shot with one, let alone three. Using two lenses in comparable condition, one Thorium and the other shown here- my opinion is the later lens is better. I'll post some shots with the Thorium Summicron that comes back from Focalpoint, it is "in the queue".
 
The M-Mount debuted in the 112x range, the use of thorium stopped by 106x. My best Summicrons are in the 13x range. At some point into production, past the 115x range, the coatings changed. Difference between my 115x lens and 13x lenses is noticeable.
 
My lens is in the 13x range. It has a small chip in the front glass which I have darkened out.
 
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