Compact 50: Summarit vs Elmar-M

[Huss]

If you can get a good example, the collapsible Summicron is a good lens and no larger than the Elmar when collapsed. The infinity lock works as a focus tab when you get used to it. They are all ltm, so you would need an adapter.

My collapsible Summicron is M mount not LTM.

 

[aizan]

On mine the clicks have a sound a bit dull compared to that of a Leica lens, but leave nothing to be desired. The ring is not wiggly.

Thanks for the good news! I’m going to have it checked out.

 

[Huss]

Thanks for the good news! I’m going to have it checked out.

You’re in Torrance? That’s next door to my gallery in San Pedro. You can come down and compare it to my CV 50 2.5

 

[aizan]

Cool, I've been meaning to check out your gallery. I can't go this weekend, but maybe next weekend!

 

[raid]

The 40/2 Summicron-C or the Rokkor come to mnid as inexpensive but first class lenses that are small in size.

If you want to go exotic, get the Pentax-L 43/1.9. There is nothing wrong with the Elmar M (or no M). The Summarit M may be "too modern"? I have never used this lens. The Rollei 50/2.8 is a great lens, and so are the Heliar 50mm lenses. I would pick the lens that you happen to have.

 

[Emile de Leon]

..it just has that certain "something".

 

[helen.HH]

I have used both the 50 Summarit f2.5 version and the 50 Elmar M
Both are outstanding ... Different in Signature, Both Beautiful rendering

The Elmar M richer in deep inky blacks and punchier... so GOOD !
below 50 Elmar



Afternoon snooooze... by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

50 Elmar M on Film




Rock Me... by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

50 2.5 Summarit with FILM

just Lovely more classic rendering...





the Next move... by Helen Hill, on Flickr






everyone is always .....Fiddling by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

on DIGI, Summarit f2.5 on Leica M8




The Smile... Espresso and Rachel by Helen Hill, on Flickr






a wink and a Smile...Musing with Cinematographer JM by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[raid]

WOW Helen!

 

[sebastel]

The Voigtländer Color Skopar 50mm f/2.5 is of a much better mechanical quality. I am using this lens for 18 years now. It has never let me down. Optically it is great too. I prefer it optically to the Elmar-M, it is handier too and mechanically excellent.

When I look at Erik's example pictures from the color skopar 50mm, I have no doubts on its optical qualities. It seems to be mechanically solid as well, and rather compact, too. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Until I try to buy one ...
For several years now, I look into the usual sales channels for used lenses now and then, and yield - nothing. And every time, I reconsider all the other lovely 50mm lenses I have found over time, and wonder whether I really need one more, I come to the conclusion: not really.

So, I go with a motto from the motorcycle scene: run what you brung. That is, for the not too heavy 50mm, a Summicron v. III.
And for cases where weight is not an issue, the v. I Summilux.

Sorry, Voigtländer, no deal!

As for the original topic of this thread: long time ago, I had an Elmar-M. Good performer, but clumsy in use. The need to pull it out and lock before taking the picture, was that step too much for my taste. So, my choice would go to the Summarit, except in reality I did something different.

 

[Hern]

So, I go with a motto from the motorcycle scene: run what you brung.

This is a really great motto to live by!

To get to the point of the question the OP asked though, I would say that the Elmar M is a good choice if perhaps you want a small enough set-up to chuck into a small shoulder sling and still fit a bunch of other items with it.

The collapsing and extending become muscle memory after a week or so of shooting with it, and I find myself only needing to do the ritual when I take the camera out to shoot with, and it stays extended until the camera goes back in the bag.

Otherwise it comes down to whether you prefer a focus ring or a tab. I like a ring myself.

 

[newst]

An alternative option is the Canon 2.2/50 with an LTM adapter.

2020-01-04 Bessa-R Canon 50-22 Tmax 400 +2 000430930022 by newst54, on Flickr

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Another happy user of the CV 50 2.5

 

[jmilkins]

While the OP probably made their choice back in 2019, I like these ongoing threads as reference points for specific lens A vs lens B battles. It has, however, caused GAS over the 15 years I've been hanging around RFF. And I always enjoy the images of those who post examples.

I'd probably choose the CV50 2.5 color skopar for travel, where there might be a bit more wear and tear or dust around. Not to say I don't like the other choices available, and it would depend if I was pairing a 50 with a wide lens too, to try to match the signature across lenses on a trip. Or alternatively to have two different looks out of the camera.

I'l drop this here for interest in sizes of some of the compact 50s. Apologies for the quick phone snap. At the time I didn't think to add the 40s (Rokkor, Rollei CV) which could have given a bit more info.

[/url]Compact/collapsible 50mms - size comparison - Leica screw / M mount by john m, on Flickr[/IMG]

best,

 

[Ionex56]

While the OP probably made their choice back in 2019, I like these ongoing threads as reference points for specific lens A vs lens B battles. It has, however, caused GAS over the 15 years I've been hanging around RFF. And I always enjoy the images of those who post examples.

I'd probably choose the CV50 2.5 color skopar for travel, where there might be a bit more wear and tear or dust around. Not to say I don't like the other choices available, and it would depend if I was pairing a 50 with a wide lens too, to try to match the signature across lenses on a trip. Or alternatively to have two different looks out of the camera.

I'l drop this here for interest in sizes of some of the compact 50s. Apologies for the quick phone snap. At the time I didn't think to add the 40s (Rokkor, Rollei CV) which could have given a bit more info.

best,

Thanks for the comparison, John. It is extremely helpful!

I ended up choosing the Elmar-M 50/2.8 and have been using it for almost a year. I have to say with the hood on, there isn't much of a size advantage over the CV and Summarit, but I am pleasantly surprised that it is tack sharp across all apertures and has the option to be compact for storage/carry. When collapsed it is quite compact, probably second only to the Elmar 50/3.5. For travel I paired it with a Nokton 35/1.4 II for anything low light and I'm quite happy with the combo.

 

[Brian Atherton]

My review of the Elmar-M, written in 2014, is here:

https://asingulareye.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/elmar-m-50mm-f2-8/

Since the review I acquired a M5 but I don't use the Elmar-M with it: I just can't trust myself to not collapse the lens! The lens is still used on my M6, and I still love it.

 

[Hern]

At the time I didn't think to add the 40s (Rokkor, Rollei CV) which could have given a bit more info.

The Rollei 40 shares the same barrel as the CV 50 2.5, so they are the same size.

 

[yossarian123]

My 3 main 50mm lenses are the elmar-m, v4 cron, and v2 summilux. The Elmer is the one I find myself reaching for - something about the image quality is so good. The cron is too contrasty, the lux has too long of a focus throw, but the Elmar-M does so many things so well.