Leica LTM Leica 5cm Lenses: Which would you recommend?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses

Leica 5cm Lenses: Which would you recommend?

  • Elmar 5cm 3.5

    Votes: 122 32.1%

  • Summar

    Votes: 65 17.1%

  • Summarit

    Votes: 68 17.9%

  • Summitar

    Votes: 120 31.6%

  • Collapsible Summicron

    Votes: 100 26.3%

  • Rigid Summicron

    Votes: 88 23.2%

  • Summicron DR

    Votes: 80 21.1%

  • Other [old] Leica 5cm lens

    Votes: 54 14.2%
  • Total voters
    380
  • Poll closed .
Jamie,

I have always viewed the Leica 50mm lenses as the only true Leica lenses. To me, the rest of the lenses are optional. Leica photography was based mainly on 5cm lenses,and it is those lenses that made Leica famous over the years.

This is my version of "Leica History". Maybe it is inaccurate ...
 
Jaimie,
The 40mm Summicron is a lens with a modern look. I would match it with a Summicron rigid or DR from the list of the vintage lenses listed with better sharpness wide open. I once compared it with a loaner Pentax 43mm limited edition RF lens. The results were very similar. It is flare resistant and it is of medium to high contrast. It is a GREAT bargain lens to have and not to let go of.
 
raid said:
Jaimie,
The 40mm Summicron is a lens with a modern look. I would match it with a Summicron rigid or DR from the list of the vintage lenses listed with better sharpness wide open. I once compared it with a loaner Pentax 43mm limited edition RF lens. The results were very similar. It is flare resistant and it is of medium to high contrast. It is a GREAT bargain lens to have and not to let go of.
Click to expand...

Raid,
Unfortunately the price of 40mm Summicron has gone up ever since you said this.😀
Dennis
P.S. - I like this lens a lot though.
 
attachment.php
Summitar uncoated and Kodak NC 160. Aperture 4-ish. No hood.
 
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DennisPT said:
Raid,
Unfortunately the price of 40mm Summicron has gone up ever since you said this.😀
Dennis
P.S. - I like this lens a lot though.
Click to expand...

Dennis,
I made the mistake of selling the Leica CL on which the Summicron-C was mounted. Now the CL prices are much higher than they used to be.
 
It would be useful to list here the production numbers of these lenses. The Elmar 3.5, the collapsible Summicron, the DR, and the Summitar have a clear lead in terms of the numbers in the polls.
 
raid said:
Roland,

The DR is a lens that I am getting more interested in trying out or buying. The fact that it focus closeand that it is a very well built Summicron makes it a very attractive package for me.

What is a "good price" for a DR these weeks?
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Raid,
I remember I bought a user DR with no goggles and multiple clean marks for US$180 2-3 years ago. DR has become more sought after in the past 8-9 months, user ones are sub $300 and better ones can go for $600 or up.🙁
I don't like the photos taken by this lens and that's why I don't keep it; but it's personnal.
Dennis
 
DennisPT said:
Raid,
I remember I bought a user DR with no goggles and multiple clean marks for US$180 2-3 years ago. DR has become more sought after in the past 8-9 months, user ones are sub $300 and better ones can go for $600 or up.🙁
I don't like the photos taken by this lens and that's why I don't keep it; but it's personnal.
Dennis
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Dennis,
I have the rigid Summicron in mint condition, so I don't really "need" a DR. I am just curious about its close focusing capabilities. Maybe I should get a Summarit that is sharp and not soft focus instead. There is one for $300 on sale. Is this a good price?
 
Hello Raid:

Elmar 50 f3.5 379,050
Summar 122,860
DR 55,145
Summicron col. 110,681
Summicron Rigid 64,215
Summitar 170,761
Summarit 64,870

Production nos. from Hove Pocket Book 5th Ed.

yours
FPJ
 
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FPjohn said:
Hello Raid:

Elmar 50 f3.5 379,050
Summar 122,860
DR 55,145
Summicron col. 110,681
Summicron Rigid 64,215
Summitar 170,761
Summarit 64,870

Production nos. from Hove Pocket Book 5th Ed.

yours
FPJ
Click to expand...


Hello John,

Thanks for the production numbers. The Elmar and the Summitar were produced in larger quantities than the rest, so our RFF sample reflects this. The DR is most likely favored by users who want the close-focus capability in addition to its reputation. The Summar's low poll number suggests that users wanted something else from Leica.

I know that I am freelancing here! It's just a hunch...
 
raid said:
Dennis,
I have the rigid Summicron in mint condition, so I don't really "need" a DR. I am just curious about its close focusing capabilities. Maybe I should get a Summarit that is sharp and not soft focus instead. There is one for $300 on sale. Is this a good price?
Click to expand...

Raid,
Summarit is prone to have hazing, I was lucky as it only took me twice to find a decent one. I'll be cautionus in the glass condition before pulling the trigger.
Hope it helps.
Dennis
 
Thanks Raid,
I'm beginning to understand the usefulness of high and low contrast lenses (flat light lens, bright daytime lens, etc.). So I think I'm going to keep the 40 for early morning, late evening, and these S.F. Bay Area foggy summer days, assuming I can get it running right.
Jamie
 
Jamie Pillers said:
Thanks Raid,
I'm beginning to understand the usefulness of high and low contrast lenses (flat light lens, bright daytime lens, etc.). So I think I'm going to keep the 40 for early morning, late evening, and these S.F. Bay Area foggy summer days, assuming I can get it running right.
Jamie
Click to expand...


Jamie,
Using different types of film also helps with vintage lenses. I find Fuji Reala 100 wonderful with the old lenses. You get pastel renditions of colors.
 
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