Leica 50mm f2 Summicron

[scorpius73]

I have seen different versions of the Summicron. Some with built in hoods, some made in Canada, some made in Germany, some with 6 bit coding. My question is are they all optically the same? Is there a particular version that is better than the other? Thanks.

 

[sepiareverb]

Let the battles begin!

I quite like the current and just previous ones, which are optically the same. I had a version with a very flat focus tab that handled much less well to my hands.

 

[scorpius73]

Let the battles begin!

Uh oh. I wasn't looking for a battle. 😱 I just wanted to know if they are the same optically. Meaning the same contrast and sharpness.

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

No, they are not. There have been numerous versions of the Summicron, with different optical formulas and mechanical construction.

The average putzenheimer here wouldn't know the difference in images produced with the different versions except in their vivid imaginations.

 

[payasam]

All or most different, but all good.

 

[DwF]

different, but all are good

different, but all are good

It depends what you prefer in terms of contrast. Beyond that there are subtle differences. The early collapsible is a really nice lens but lower contrast. The OOF is particularly smooth with this one. The Dual Range Summicron is considered by many to be the "best" it is IMHO a wonderful lens but I find a bit clunky to use. When you mount the hood it is a bit difficult to workt he aperture ring. Nor does it work on all bodies easily so take care before purchasing one of these.

The German (Wetzlar) version that came after (I don't have the # handy) but I love this version. It precedes the most recent two versions which are optically similar. The most current of those has built in hood and no focusing tab....the other has no hood but has the tab.

I would personally suggest looking for any of these three versions. Note that the Wetzlar lens does not focus in as close as the more recent lenses and the throw in focus is longer so the latter two are easier to use from that standpoint especially the penultimate version with focus tab.

Hope this helps...I will have my morning coffee now 🙂

Cheers,
David

 

[Tim Gray]

I think the last two versions were essentially the same, though optical coatings might have been improved upon. I really like the last version with the built in hood. Since it's built in, its always there and used, and probably improved contrast.

Scroll down about 2/3rds on this page (camera quest) to read about the 6 versions of the 50 cron.

 

[edodo]

All modern ones are tack sharp with good contrast. The vintage one have less contrast. An important factor is to have one that is mechanically sound, especially the older ones. Shooting a test roll is not possible with virtual second hand acquisition so it's always a bet...

PS: yes handling is like the icing on the cake, and they are very different in handling. I like the "no hood version with tab" the most, I got the chrome version wich is heavier, I use a canadian plastic hood, I like the handling of the combo a lot. Also The collapsible cron has a nice compact feel, but not so compact compared to the elmar, so get a cron plus an elmar!
I may be off subject but I think that if you want a leica superb performer nowadays, you would probably better invest in the new 50mm summarit wich is with no doubt a superb lens capable of blowing away when use with skills (discretion assured)!