paulfish4570
Veteran
Raid, might you boil down your tests to a brief paragraph, or point me to where you gave the final opinions in words?
Collapsible Summicron
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Roninman
Established
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!
M6, 50mm Collapsible Summicron f/2, Provia (I think)
Michigan football fans for the last seven years!
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Vince Lupo
Whatever
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....
F
former member
Guest
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.
The late collapsible Summicrons are "within a hair" of the Rigid Summicrons for performance. I just like the collapsibles.
F
former member
Guest
Late collapsible Summicron, wide-open on the M8:
100% crops, sharp enough to produce color-aliasing artifacts.
100% crops, sharp enough to produce color-aliasing artifacts.
raid
Dad Photographer
These are nice looking images, Brian. Does the M8 slightly affect the outcomes?
F
former member
Guest
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.
So- pixel peeping, brings out subtle differences that would not be seen on film.
raid
Dad Photographer
Since you are my mentor and guide in 50mm lenses, should I be looking for such a Thorium lens? 😎
Vics
Veteran
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.
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.
raid
Dad Photographer
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 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?
leicamshooter
Established
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.
F
former member
Guest
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.
raid
Dad Photographer
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.
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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leicamshooter
Established
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.
F
former member
Guest
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".
raid
Dad Photographer
My Collapsible has the M mount, so it could be a late model.
F
former member
Guest
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.
raid
Dad Photographer
My lens is in the 13x range. It has a small chip in the front glass which I have darkened out.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M8, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid (same as DR) @ full aperture.
Erik.
Erik.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M8, Summicron 50mm f/2 collapsible @ full aperture.
Erik.
Erik.
