Leica lens photos? or Which is which?

Krosya

Konicaze
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Hi All,
As we all talk about different Leica lenses, it gets very confusing (well, at least to me) when it comes to different versions. Take Summicron for example - I'm still unsure how many there are and what each looks like. Well, I know DR and Rigid, but than others start and I'm all cunused which is which.
So, is there a web page, or maybe we can make one here, of the photos of all the versions of all or most common Leica lenses, - as an easy reference guide?
Thanks for your input.
 
Now this is a very good question.

While I am crazy for a Noctilux...finances prohibit such a purchase. While the flikr site is certainly interesting, I am still confused. I suppose it would be nice to have an organized listing of each lens with corresponding photos (preferably the same photo at same location, etc. with different lenses).

I doubt anyone has taken the time and effort to do that but for a Leica newbie myself, it would be great! :angel:

Right now I would settle on just the 35mm/50mm/75mm/90mm comparison with the most common lens spec or whatever. Now that would be a great help.:D
 
Even after a lot of searching I could only conclude that my summicron 50 is the `new' version---this follows from the serial number and a quick reference to http://www.photoethnography.com/equipment.html, just follow the `Leica Lenses' menu in the left column.

There was a thread specifically catering to this question in Leica-users-forum but I couldn't trace it yesterday. I am still confused about the `version' of my lens. I also found this site interesting: http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/scronhist.html
 
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I've been reading Erwin Puts's Leica Lens Compendium, which is actually VERY informative and actually a pretty good read. It is comprenhensive, though and may be more than you want to know. Hove has gone belly up, I hear, so best to get this or the aformentioned Hove pocketbook while they're still available.
 
Xmas said:
Krosya

Stephen's (cameraquest) site is free and simpler.

Noel

Yes, but I don't recall seeing any photos there. I would actually prefer an image of each different version/variation of each Leica lens. While in some case explanation is enough, - in some other cases I think photo would be more simple and easy. For example - in that thread of favorite Summicron - there many listed, yet they don't seem to the same as Leica names them.

Just an idea. Maybe if we all pull together, we can find just about every lens, put a photo and description - all in a separate thread and sticky it. I think it would be beneficial to many.
 
Krosya said:
Just an idea. Maybe if we all pull together, we can find just about every lens, put a photo and description - all in a separate thread and sticky it. I think it would be beneficial to many.

I think that would be a pretty cool idea. I know I've also wondered what a certain version of a lens looked like.
 
The barrel of the lens conceals the optical design, a lens photo wont help much.

The lenses are different in ergonomics and size of your hands and finger tips makes a big difference. e.g. do you need a focus lever? Suggest you need to try each contender on a similar body to the one you intend to use. The hood you need is also to be considered.

Noel
 
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