Leica lens

[tennis-joe]

I'm wondering if there are any opinions of the following Leica lens Leica M Lens 50mm f/1.5 Summarit w/Original Hood? I have one and just shot a roll and waiting for the results in processing. I see one on Ebay for $999.00.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

It is the same optical block diagram as the Summilux V1. It is a classic double-Gauss where the rear element is split into two elements of lesser power. The focal length is shorter than the Leica standard, which is most likely to deal with focus shift- which is substantial in this lens. I found close-up was best at ~f2.8, and infinity for F1.5: due to the 51.1mm focal length.

The lens is prone to internal haze, needs to be cleaned every 10~15 years. Coatings are soft, be careful cleaning it.
I changed mine to optimize for F1.5 across the range, changed spacing between the front and back group. On the M Monochrom, wide-open,

 

[Ko.Fe.]

$999.00 is greedy price for such lens.
Where should be threads about this lens on RFF.
I had one. Was heavy. I got J3 instead, does the same.

Protective filter is x10 more important than hood. Very soft glass.

 

[wlewisiii]

Reminds me of why I like my $400 Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.5 instead 😉

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I got good at cleaning the glass on mine. I have one with perfect glass, was $400- several years ago. Days are long gone for buying a $70 Collapsible Summicron and $125 Summarit, or a $95 Nikkor 5cm F1.4 in LTM. About the same time as RFF started up. Coincidence? I bought 4 J-3's for $200 back then, $50 each. My first Voigrlander 50/1.5 Nokton was $15 with the Prominent 1. Those days are gone.

 

[rfaspen]

I got good at cleaning the glass on mine. I have one with perfect glass, was $400- several years ago. Days are long gone for buying a $70 Collapsible Summicron and $125 Summarit, or a $95 Nikkor 5cm F1.4 in LTM. About the same time as RFF started up. Coincidence? I bought 4 J-3's for $200 back then, $50 each. My first Voigrlander 50/1.5 Nokton was $15 with the Prominent 1. Those days are gone.

Sadly this is true 🙁

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Sadly this is true 🙁

I don't miss any of Leitz vintage lenses I have tried and sold. None of them are worth of inflated price.
I just checked prices on Summarit-M lenses, they didn't jumped match. Way better lenses than old Leitz.

Checked Summarit-M 50 1.5. 500+ USD, clean lens on ebay...