Differences in character between Summarit 50mm 2.5 and Summicron 50

[Captain Kidd]

Im trying to figure out what the main characteristic differences there are between the Summarit 50mm 2.5 and a Summicron 50mm, the summicromn I have in mind is the Type 4 with the focus tab.

It can be difficult searching for these using Flickr because of different film types used.

I was just hoping people here with experience using both could tell me what characteristics stand out to them that might sum up their experience with these lenses.

Much appreciated

 

[Captain Kidd]

And would those who have used both be confident in being able to tell the difference if a selection of images were shown to them and they were left to guess which pictures are from which lens.

(It would be nice if there was a site that showed the same scene photographed with the same camera multiple times but with different lenses)

 

[Daryl J.]

Disqualifier: I use neither lens.

As a layman with a camera, what I see is that the Summarit "gets more information onto the film" than the Summicron V.4. And the background is far more smooth.

I'd love to see exactly what you describe above: same scene, a few lenses. In a consistent format. These techno-numbskulls are pretty insistent on introducing additional, confusing variables in their "tests".

I'd quite like to have the Summarit to compliment my pre-ASPH Summilux but in 2.4 form. And that is simply because the rubber focus grip on my 2.5/75 Summarit is already oxidizing. But the Summarit looks to be an excellent lens and its praises are solidly undersung.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Thanks Daryl, the thing I love about the summarit is its size, it's 11mm shorter in length, i also like its screw in hood, a feature mind you some people don't like. The summicron with its hood is quite large but that said if it's a significantly better lens then I might sacrifice the size issue for quality.

The summarit seems to get little appreciation, and from a lot of people I get the impression have never used one, that's why I'm curious to hear from people with experience its both lenses.

And yes a comparison of the same shot, same camera, different lenses would be great.

 

[Jockos]

I have not used the v4 cron, but I do have a summarit. It's quite close to my Summilux ASPH in rendering, except that it doesn't handle oof highlights as well. If you have a smooth background the bokeh is great, but difficult backgrounds get.. well.. difficult!

Handling is great, it's very smooth and quick. It shares the same filters as my 90 macro and 21 skopar as well!

In this picture you can see the good bokeh, and the "bad" (slightly nervous) up in the left corner:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showphoto.php?photoid=266309

 

[Captain Kidd]

Thanks Jockos, thats very helpful though when you say it doesnt handle highlights very well, do you mean of strong brightness? ie light and shadows?

 

[Daryl J.]

It's good to see that there are others who see similarities in the renderings of the Summarit and the Summilux.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Similarities in contrast? colour?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Summarit-M 50 2.5 has no rubber on it. It is very similar in built to 35 and optical schema is same as well. I have book with images taken with Summarit-M 50 and 35. They are amazing.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Thanks Ko.Fe.

Thats good to hear, maybe all this is impossible to put into words and i have to try the lens, one persons high contrast is another persons low contrast, only difficulty is getting my hands on them to try.

 

[Jockos]

Thanks Jockos, thats very helpful though when you say it doesnt handle highlights very well, do you mean of strong brightness? ie light and shadows?

The OOF (out of focus) highlights, they tend to get a tad nervous! Although not as bad as say the Nokton 40/1.4 wide open 🙂

 

[Bill Clark]

One thing I notice about my f2.5 50 Summarit is when I set the fstop on 2.5 it looks like it could open a little more. Could the lenses be made on the same equipment as say a f2.0 lens?

 

[Captain Kidd]

The OOF (out of focus) highlights, they tend to get a tad nervous! Although not as bad as say the Nokton 40/1.4 wide open 🙂

Thanks for explaining

 

[Daryl J.]

A tad nervous.

General observation question: why do photographers point out difficulty with backgrounds with "lesser" lenses but skip shooting the same background under precisely the same curcumstances with these so-called "greater" lenses? Eg: swap the lens out, don't move the tripod, use the same shutter speed and aperture.

Busy is busy is busy no matter the lens. Some are just more busy in certain settings to my largely untrained eye.
Now busy with swirl vs busy with no swirl?
Or bokeh balls vs bokeh rings?
A background of mist or a background that vibrates?
They're just different features to me with different applications and advantages.
There doesn't seem to be a 50mm out there that has a razor sharp point of focus with the background blown all to mist.

That the 2.5/50mm Summarit has no rubber on it boosts its desirability to me. Thanks Ko.Fe.

 

[helen.HH]

Indulge me if You may
I have used BOTH Lenses ... Both did Grand

here are a few Summarit 2.5 on the M8



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




@Panelli's by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

Film with the 50 2.5 summarit on FILM



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




this is Junko who i befriended while waiting for the lirr... by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

50Summicron v5 same optics
here on FILM



Deal me a Hand by Helen Hill, on Flickr




Celebrating their Marriage in Central Park by Helen Hill, on Flickr




oblivious ..while Texting by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

Differences to my Eye...purely Subjective.... Love them BOTH

Summarit overall tad softer , less jumpy oof / Love the 'Glow' of the summarit, very atmospheric

Summicron v5 way sharper but more jittery oof / Love the Crisp Sharp coolness of the Summicron

 

[Daryl J.]

Helen Hill, that was very helpful. Thank you.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Daryl, you make a good point, not dismissing anyone else's comments, but when points are made about particular issues, maybe the fault or result at hand is not one unique to the particular lens but one that might suffer the majority of lenses in one shape or form.

Identical shots would be great to see with a variation of lenses.

Helen, thank you so much for taking the time to upload those lovely images, and it's great to hear from someone who uses both, I think separating the two lenses as having any type of identifiable characteristics might be an impossible pursuit, and it's certainly bordering obsessive. Sharpness isn't a major issues for me, and I like the summarits size, especially with the hood, hopefully I'll be able to try a summicron some day.

They both do grand, I think that's probably the best way to put it. Thanks everyone for the comments.