Is this Summicron 50/2 any good?

[akptc]

Hi, I just bought my first Leica M lens - a 50/2 Summicron - to go with my first Leica M body. I spent a lot of time researching the Leica M/LTM lenses but am still a bit confused about this specific one. Could someone pleas help me place it in the lineup of the 50mm Summicrons?

According to the "Leica Pocket Book" (7th Edition), this one was made between 1969 and 1979 (based on s/n), i.e. it would be Summicron III, but I would appreciate a confirmation.

The book makes a point of remarking that Summicron IV has better microcontrast "which gives the definition of fine detail it's sparkle..." Relative to IV, how far "behind" in the “sparkle” department would you say version III is?

Thanks a bunch,

 

[pvdhaar]

Is this Summicron 50/2 any good?

No, it's horrid, and there's only one thing you can do.. send it to me and I'll give you my FED-50/3.5. The FED is much better because it's collapsible, and it has a focussing tab.. 😀

Come on, what could be wrong with your lens? I'm certain you'll be able to put it to good use, and that last grain of microcontrast will go unnoticed in any kind of meaningful photography..

 

[plummerl]

This is the same lens I picked up from KEH (serial #2535xxx) and was Bargain Grade for about $50 more. Using various guides, I placed it at around 1972. Yours appears to be in much better shape, although mine at least has perfect optics. Gandy describes it as a version four, out of six (his count?) http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm. My impression of the lens is that I love it! This is also my first Leica glass, I have since picked up a 35 and 90. No regrets so far.

 

[akptc]

Peter, give me your address; will you cover the shipping?-) But, seriously, you're probably right - I had a feeling I was getting a good lens. Actually, I was certain my bid would be left in the dust, so this one is for sheer luck 🙂

Larry, thanks. I can't wait to give this one a workout. I am using CV lenses for other lenghts since I blew my Leica budget on the M7. But I've already started lusting after the 28mm 🙂

 

[raid]

All Summicron 50mm lenses are excellent. It does not really matter [to me]which version the lens is.Use it and take many photos with it.

Raid

 

[David Murphy]

After about the early fifites or so it is said that Leica's lens quality started to match their camera quality, i.e. outstanding. I am constantly dazzled by the results from my 50mm Summitar from the early 50's and I know your lens must be even better as it is a more sophisticated design.

 

[FrankS]

This is the same version of Summicron that I have as my most modern Leica glass. The difference in optical performance between this version and the latest is insignificant. (I've read) The biggest difference is the focus throw which is much longer and thus more precise on this version than on the later versions (which are quicker to focus due to their short focus throw.)

 

[akptc]

It shipped today 😀 5 more days and off Summicron shootin' I go - yeee-haa!

 

[David Murphy]

Post a few shots to indulge us when you can !

 

[raid]

I own the first version rigid Summicron, and I love it. I also enjoy using the collapsible Summicron. I also enjoy using the Zeiss Sonnar 5cm lens. I also enjoy using the Nikkor 5cm lens. I also enjoy using the Canon 50mm lenses.

There seems to be a pattern here 🙂