How should i shoot with a 50/f2 Summar ?

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Hi,

I am undecided on how to use the Summar 50/f2 lens.

Should i use it for color wide-open where it produces glowy, sometimes pastel sometimes saturated colors ? I like Raid's example of portrait against the window-look.

or

should i use it for B&W which is my main medium.

Other questions:
* Hood yes ?
* Filter No ?

I bought an expensive uncoated Summar because I think the look is unlike modern lenses.

raytoei

 

[back alley]

both?


.

 

[Brian Legge]

I had the good fortune to buy one with clean glass. I have a filter on it permanently so that I don't have to clean the front element from time to time. I'm too nervous about scratching this particular lens to use it without one.

I don't have a good on it yet so I use it primarily on overcast days with softer light. Fortunately we have plenty in Seattle. 😉

 

[kokoshawnuff]

All of the above. No point in limiting how you intend to use a lens

 

[FrankS]

Hi,

I am undecided on how to use the Summar 50/f2 lens.

Should i use it for color wide-open where it produces glowy, sometimes pastel sometimes saturated colors ? I like Raid's example of portrait against the window-look.

or

should i use it for B&W which is my main medium.

Other questions:
* Hood yes ?
* Filter No ?

I bought an expensive uncoated Summar because I think the look is unlike modern lenses.

raytoei

Yes !

😉

 

[traveler_101]

Hi,

I am undecided on how to use the Summar 50/f2 lens.

Should i use it for color wide-open where it produces glowy, sometimes pastel sometimes saturated colors ? I like Raid's example of portrait against the window-look.

or

should i use it for B&W which is my main medium.

Other questions:
* Hood yes ?
* Filter No ?

I bought an expensive uncoated Summar because I think the look is unlike modern lenses.

raytoei

I read about these "special qualities" of the Summar as well and have been toying with the idea of purchasing one. Presently I have the 3.5 Elmar coated and have no complaints at all. From what I have read (no experience), the Summar strikes me as a lens best used in limited and specific settings and likely to be difficult in other circumstances, but others might disagree. Best of luck with yours!

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

my summar arrived from the uk yesterday. 1938 uncoated,
and no scratches, some undefined spots but i didn't really care.

the glow is definitely there, one thing which surprised me is that
while it is not as sharp as my collapsible cron wide open, it isn't
that soft either, i suspect the softness could be caused by cleaning marks/scratches ?

both pictures taken on the r-d1, 2nd picture had the r-d1 setting
turned to "Film 3, high contrast"

 

[hipsterdufus]

Quickly becoming my favorite lens for portraits because of shots like this. Beautiful job/model. Looks like you got a good copy.

 

[helen.HH]

Hi Ray
How should You shoot...
with Conviction 😛...😀

See your off to a GREAT start with the Summar !

The summar is sooooo Fab
Unfortunately it is Underrated & gets a slightly bad rap

here is a shot from my 1937 IIIa and a 1938 copy uncoated as well...
chasing the Pied Piper.... by helenhill_HH, on Flickr

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

excellent!

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I find when using the Summar and Summitar on the R-D1 their characteristics change quite a bit. Less softness and glow.

That, Raytoei, is an AWESOME portrait.