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

[ferider]

Nothing wrong with putting a Zonnar (or J-3) on it, as well

Or a Nikkor (photo from Gregory which made me buy the camera)

Or a "Japanese Summilux"

Etc., etc., ad infinitum.

Roland.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Since we're in Porn Mode...

My former M3 with 50mm Summarit

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

This is actually not fair, because I have the Contax-to-Leica adapter, but still, a classic-on-classic:

Leica M3 with 50mm Zeiss-Opton Sonnar f/1.5

 

[venchka]

Boff of 'em

Boff of 'em

A 50/1.4 Nikkor because it's the proper vintage.

A DR Summicron for 2 reasons: 1. Be 2. Cause.

I own both. 😀 Love them. Can't go wrong!

 

[jja]

I agree with Wayne on the Nikkor. Of all the lenses I've owned, I miss my Nikkor 50/1.4 the most. Roland, that M3/Nikkor combo is stunning.

 

[Ken Ford]

I just found a collapsible Cron... and I think I'm going to look for a Canon 50/1.2, too!

 

[back alley]

the canon 50/1.2 is a sweet lens, i like what it does wide open and it gets sharper as you stop down.
plus, they are easy to take apart and clean yourself.

joe

 

[peter_n]

No, a rigid Summicron; my third Summicron and the only one I've liked.

 

[MelanieC]

Did someone say "rigid Summicron?"

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Yep, as opposed to the collapsible version. When talking in terms of Summicrons, you have to specify. Especially when talking about the screwmount variety...rigids for the screwmount cameras were made in a special edition a few years ago and never made again...they fetch a high price and rightly so.

 

[Tom A]

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?

Dont overlook the 50/3,5 Elmar in collapsible M-mount. I have found that it outperforms the 50/2,8. It would also be a nice match with early DS M3. The 2,8 is a good lens, but i find that it is a bit soft at 2,8. The 50/3,5 is sharp already at 3.5. The other alternative is the 50/2 DR even though it might be a couple of years "younger" than the M3. If you can find a clean one it will hold its own against even a late 50/2 and with the goggles it will work well as a "mid-range " macro lens. It is also an example of Leica build quality that most likely has not been surpassed yet. Check that the goggles go on smoothly as on early DR's they can give you problems. Also check for de-cemented prisms in the goggles. Once you have that kit, look around for the 90/4 Collapsible - another example of Leica build quality at its best!
I have never been a great fan of the collapsible Summicron. Usually soft at f2 and mediocre performer for the rest. They also had very soft coatings on the front element and to find a clean one is not easy. Also can suffer from "sticky" aperture ring to boot. Have a great time using the M3.

 

[JCT]

I just have to chime in that this thread really epitomizes why I enjoy these forums so much.

As a recent "migrant" to Leica, one of the most confusing aspects of putting together a "starter" kit has been to make sense of the 50+ years of lens options. Now that I have overcome my activation barrier regarding the purchase of lenses that are the same age that I am 🙄 -- I am starting to have some fun and learning a ton with every thread I read.

Not to mention the fact that Tom A. just made me grin with his praise for the first Leica lens that I did end up purchasing -- the 50/2 DR Summicron. Followed almost immediately by a goggled Summaron 35/2.8 -- I really agree with the OP about the "classic" look. I just wish this cold snap would break so I could go shooting!

Now if I can only decide on a 90mm f2.8 that won't break my bank (and annoy my husband). --

Thanks to all,

JT

 

[ferider]

Now if I can only decide on a 90mm f2.8 that won't break my bank (and annoy my husband). --

Thanks to all,

JT

Hi JT,

for the 90/2.8 the choice is real easy. Get a clean Elmarit from the early 60s. Hard to beat price/performace/size on this one. Should run you around US 300.

Roland.

 

[venchka]

90mm Elmarit-1960s vintage

90mm Elmarit-1960s vintage

Hi JT,

for the 90/2.8 the choice is real easy. Get a clean Elmarit from the early 60s. Hard to beat price/performace/size on this one. Should run you around US 300.

Roland.

Amen, Roland! Even the mid-60s too. Fine lens in all regards. Roland failed to mention that the lens is sharp.

Great lens. Uses the same 39mm filters as the 35mm & 50mm Summicrons.

They look nice too.

 

[gus]

I got a 50mm F2.8 collapsable elmar for sale almost like new. Gus.

 

[thomasw_]

My Elmar was also a tad more crisp and contrasty at other apertures. When I think of classic, I think of the Elmar.

^^^well said.

 

[jkelly]

Here is my early (1954) DS M3 with a contemporary Summitar. I love this lens.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have two very clean examples of Collapsible Summicrons, one M-mount, the other LTM. One of them I CLA'd myself. They are very close to the Type I rigid Summicron. They have very clean front elements, fairly rare. If you can get a clean one, go for it. But you will need an inspection period with a return policy.

The Type I Rigid Summicron and the DR summicron have the same optics modules. They unscrew from the mount.

The Type 2 Rigid does quite well, but for some reason is the "Black Sheep" of the 50/2 Summicron Family. It focusses to .7m. I have a June 1976 Pop Photo comparing "Lots" of 50mm lenses, and it was the sharpest.

Leica M3, 1/1000th, Type 2 Rigid Summicron, @f4:

 

[raid]

I need to check out which model my rigid Summicron is. Most likely, it is the first version. It came in mint condition with a mint M3 that I bought many years ago. I am working on "unminting" both. My collapsible 'Cron also has clean optics.

Raid

 

[xayraa33]

Dont overlook the 50/3,5 Elmar in collapsible M-mount. I have found that it outperforms the 50/2,8. It would also be a nice match with early DS M3. The 2,8 is a good lens, but i find that it is a bit soft at 2,8. The 50/3,5 is sharp already at 3.5. The other alternative is the 50/2 DR even though it might be a couple of years "younger" than the M3. If you can find a clean one it will hold its own against even a late 50/2 and with the goggles it will work well as a "mid-range " macro lens. It is also an example of Leica build quality that most likely has not been surpassed yet. Check that the goggles go on smoothly as on early DR's they can give you problems. Also check for de-cemented prisms in the goggles. Once you have that kit, look around for the 90/4 Collapsible - another example of Leica build quality at its best!
I have never been a great fan of the collapsible Summicron. Usually soft at f2 and mediocre performer for the rest. They also had very soft coatings on the front element and to find a clean one is not easy. Also can suffer from "sticky" aperture ring to boot. Have a great time using the M3.

and I thought I was the only person to prefer the f3.5 M Elmar to the f2.8 version.
right on with your observation.