raid
Dad Photographer
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 ...
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 ...
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Raid,
Do you have a sense of where the 40mm Summicron-C would fall, character-wise amonst these lenses? Thanks.
Jamie
Do you have a sense of where the 40mm Summicron-C would fall, character-wise amonst these lenses? Thanks.
Jamie
raid
Dad Photographer
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.
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.
DennisPT
Well-known
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.
DennisPT
Well-known
Last edited:
raid
Dad Photographer
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.
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.
raid
Dad Photographer
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.
DennisPT
Well-known
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
raid
Dad Photographer
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
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?
FPjohn
Well-known
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
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
Last edited:
raid
Dad Photographer
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...
DennisPT
Well-known
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
DennisPT
Well-known
Hektor in LTM: 9646 according to Identifying Leica Lenses 1999.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
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
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
raid
Dad Photographer
Is $300 a good price for a Summarit?
raid
Dad Photographer
Thanks, Dennis. This is then a low production lens. I wonder who owns one here.
raid
Dad Photographer
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.
DennisPT
Well-known
I was wrong. Just shot with hektor and elmar side by side on film and the hektor is much flatter in terms of color. Memory fading, sign of getting elder. My bad.