I think I'm going to look for a "classic" 50 for my new M3

Ken Ford

Ken Ford

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I just purchased an M3 DS from KEH - it should be delivered today. I plan on using this body mostly with my two CL lenses - a 40 Cron and 90 Elmar-C. However, I think I'd be missing out if I didn't also pick up a classic 50 that is contemporary with the M3. I love the rendering you get from older Leica glass, and it would be a nice occasional change of pace.

Collapsible Summicron? Other Leica suggestions?
 
Congrats, Ken !

Not Leitz, but this is my favorite on my M3 - contemporary, too:

119214512-M.jpg


Cheers,

Roland.
 
You can't go wrong with a 50 'cron, Ken. A DR would be ideal but a bit late to really "match" a DS M3. A collapsible 'cron or maybe even an Elmar would be spot on and very convenient to boot.
 
Good suggestions from Frank et al. Having owned a collapsible Summicron and Elmar f2.8, and acknowledging sample variation, lens age, etc., I would choose the Elmar over the Summicron. I found my Summicron too soft at f2. Handling-wise, I'd give the edge to the Summicron, but image-wise, I liked the Elmar a lot more. Again, my caveat is the issue of age, condition, etc. If you are worried about haze, look for a mid-60s Elmar; though it will not be the contemporary of your DS M3, it will be less likely to have haze or other issues.
 
My Elmar was also a tad more crisp and contrasty at other apertures. When I think of classic, I think of the Elmar.
 
Ken Ford said:
I just purchased an M3 DS from KEH - it should be delivered today. I plan on using this body mostly with my two CL lenses - a 40 Cron and 90 Elmar-C. However, I think I'd be missing out if I didn't also pick up a classic 50 that is contemporary with the M3. I love the rendering you get from older Leica glass, and it would be a nice occasional change of pace.

Collapsible Summicron? Other Leica suggestions?
Click to expand...

Hi Ken,

Congratulation on your purchase. I am curious as to actual condition of the camera you bought from KEH vs their grading system. I am thinking of buying an M3 from KEH too. Thank you.

Regards,

Nelson
 
Type I Rigid Summicron.

Wide-Open, pointed into the Sun.

276616558_6c97b45dc2.jpg


Tight Crop:

276616559_c2befd9f78_o.jpg


CLA'd this one myself. Had some residual discoloration in one layer of Balsam. No big deal.
 
You can't go wrong with any of the "classics" (the Summar and Summarit are an exception, you go into "taste" territory), unless there's separation, fungus or irreparable scratching.

Any of the Summicrons is fine. I have a special place in my heart (aww) for the Summitar. You want a "vintage" feel? That's the lens to use. You want nice and crispy? The f/2.8 Elmars or all Summicrons (except the 1969 version, that is not quite as "crispy")

Ask Todd Hanz about "Summilust", though. Resistance is futile 😉
 
All of the Leitz glass is excellent of course. I prefer the rigid Summicron which lives on my M3.

As for classic glass, don't over look the Nikkor 50/2 or Canon 50/1.5, both are contemporary to your M3 and will look damn good on it too.
 
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