Elmarit or Summicron?

[eric23]

Hi Guys,

I am in the process of getting a RF setup again. I think I might have found a body. I am not to sure what Leica lens to get.

I was thinking of getting a a 50mm F2.8 Elmarit is that a good choice or should I pend the extra cash and get an 50mm F2 Summicron?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[sepiareverb]

In use I find the Summicron a bit easier in the hand, but if size of the whole camera is an issue the Elmar-M is the way to go. Neither the Elmar-M or the Summicron should disappoint for signature.

 

[Avotius]

Dont rule out that new 50 summarit. You will get the smaller size of the elmar with the handiness of a tab, if you like the tabs. I do. If you dont, consider the summicron. Used they can be had for a nice price.

 

[edodo]

sepiareverb is right, it only matters the size you like your combo to be. Voigt cosina is making a 50mm 2.5 that is really compact. Summicron is also faster of the lot but bulky (not super bulky but you know amongst all those tiny RF lenses it is)... I would also consider a clean glass collapsible summicron as it is both compact and fast and has the vintage look too!

 

[Rob-F]

Excellent comments. all! A little more about focusing tabs: The version IV Summicron does have a tab. In fact, it has been made with a convex-shaped one, and also with the more traditional concave finger rest. If a tab is not preferred, niether the version III nor the present version has one. They are all fine lenses! To continue, the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar has a tab, as does the collapsible Summicron. I have always found the forward-facing button on the latter two to be especially easy to use. I just find it more "ergonomic" that way. Nothing wrong with the other kind, though.

The current 50mm Elmar has such a fine reputation that I believe the choice should probably be made (at least the choice between Elmar and Summicron) on the basis of whether the Summicron's extra stop will be needed for the type of shooting you do. If you shoot in daylight and stop down for DOF routinely, the Summicron's f/2 aperture might go unused! And with only 3 groups instead of 4, the Elmar should be a bit higher in contrast--sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. OTOH, the Summicron is more versatile when the light is low and/or a shallow DOF is desired.

 

[WoolenMammoth]

the new 50mm elmar is such an incredible lens, if you are thinking about getting one, go for it. However, if you take lots of portraits, you might be a bit happier with a summicron. They have very very different looks. My setup for a long time was a 70's cron for people and the elmar for everything else.

 

[Photon42]

admitted it's not in the solution set -- have you thought about a zeiss planar?

Rgds
Ivo

 

[DwF]

I would suggest the Summicron. It is faster, allows shallower dof which can be used to good advantage. While the new Elmar is a good lens, if you consider that walking around with it open and with a hood, it is no smaller than the Summicron, but a bit more hassle if you have it collapsed when the moment arises.
FWIW The German (Wetzlar 3rd depending on how you count 'em) version of the 50 Summicron sells very reasonably (same as Elmar) and I actually prefer the look to the newer version. After I compared the two, I ended up selling the newer one and never regretted that. The newer version does allow closer focus and has a slightly easier throw to focus.
David

 

[BNF]

admitted it's not in the solution set -- have you thought about a zeiss planar?

Rgds
Ivo

+1 to that. 🙂

 

[oscroft]

the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar has a tab

I have the newest version of the 50/2.8 Elmar-M, and it does not have a tab.

 

[eric23]

Thanks for all your feedback.

I ordered a used 50/2.8 Elmar-M lens from B&H today. I hope it will work good on the M6 body I picked up.


Thanks,

Eric

 

[WoolenMammoth]

While the new Elmar is a good lens, if you consider that walking around with it open and with a hood, it is no smaller than the Summicron, but a bit more hassle if you have it collapsed when the moment arises.

IMO this is a non argument. If I had to keep only 2 lenses it would be a 70's cron and the new elmar. Walking around with either is a vastly different experience, especially considering that youd have to have pretty big ones to shoot a cron without a hood at which point any size comparison is really reaching... The real footnote is how light a black one is compared to any version of the summicrons. Its a fantastically light lens that makes pocketing a heavy m6 really managable compared to the same body with a cron. Lots of times that makes the difference between leaving the house with a camera or not... With the hood, its lighter than any of the collapsible lenses from the 50's. You cant go wrong with either lens, but the weight of a black elmar really sets it apart from any of the other 50mm lenses Ive tried. Also, the focusing cam is incredibly, incredibly, incredibly fast which is awesome if you are shooting candids. Any version of the summicron is still much better suited for portraits though, especially if you are shooting women, the elmar is a very high contrast, very sharp lens.

 

[Rico]

The classic Leitz 50/2.8 Elmar has attributes that make it attractive to some shooters, including me. While small, the brass construction makes it relatively heavy, but balance on the camera is perfect. Image contrast is moderate and suitable for the ladies. Focus throw is long, allowing a generous DOF scale (the engravings are a work of art). In collapsed state, the rig slips into a coat pocket, or a corner of your camera bag.