Leica Summicron 50 collapsible.

[Shade]

I have managed to score a pristine (probably cleaned and recalibrated) collapsible 50 cron just recently and Im wondering what other people's opinions of it.

I have heard of the soft glass and coating complaints regarding it but thankfully the lens exhibits no such damages thus far. I also have a uvir in place with a metal hood, as I mount it on my m8.

Havent had the time to take many real shots yet but Im wondering if there is anything I should look out for.. I heard getting this lens in a usable condition is very hard, let alone pristine. Thanks.

 

[kevin_v]

I have a collapsible summicron – though not at all pristine on the front element. It can be pretty sharp; I've found there's a sweet spot around f/4-5.6 (at least in my particular sample). Your lens hood should keep it from flaring, however, if your hood is the metal one that looks like a long filter w/o glass, I believe I've read somewhere that that hood + a filter induces vignetting. All in all though, it's my only lens, and I like it.

 

[mfogiel]

You should be careful. If you load your camera with Tri X and put the Collapsible 50 Summicron on, you risk taking some photos, like these taken by this particularly stubborn photographer, who never wanted to "upgrade" to any new Leica lens. Maybe after all, there has been some reason for his obstinacy, have a look here:
http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?...1=0&pid=2K7O3R14T1LX&nm=Henri Cartier-Bresson

 

[Moriturii]

Here is an example of what a pristine copy (EXC to MINT) of Summicron Collapsbile can do, as far as sharpness and stuff goes. I don't really remember, but it looks wide open or f2.8 (?). Look pretty dang sharp to me, dunno.


No Title by LeonLynchPictures, on Flickr

 

[Shade]

Thanks for the input so far all, really appreciate it. Sharpness is good but its not all Im after, I personally like lenses with characteristics and most of all, I soft glowing flares from backlit sceneries. I have heard that this lens flares easily and thats a plus for me.. Though I certainly wouldnt want it to flare all the time lol..

 

[Jockos]

I had one and loved it. Sold to finance something else, but will try to get another one for winter since it fits perfectly in a coat pocket!

Like you've already read, clean careful since the glass is very soft. Mine had a few cleaning marks, but was still sharp enough.

 

[Shade]

Yes well I think providing a filter to it should solve a temporary problem about cleaning the glass all the time..

 

[BobYIL]

Thanks for the input so far all, really appreciate it. Sharpness is good but its not all Im after, I personally like lenses with characteristics and most of all, I soft glowing flares from backlit sceneries. I have heard that this lens flares easily and thats a plus for me.. Though I certainly wouldnt want it to flare all the time lol..

You will be pleased of it.. The best bokeh of all 50mm Summicrons; medium high contrast a plus point with films to reveal longer gradations. Do you know it was the favorite of a very famous photographer for decades long?

 

[Jockos]

You will be pleased of it.. The best bokeh of all 50mm Summicrons; medium high contrast a plus point with films to reveal longer gradations.

The OOF highlights can get a bit distracting tough. One has to mind what's in the background.

 

[BobYIL]

The OOF highlights can get a bit distracting tough. One has to mind what's in the background.

True.. 50mm Summicrons are not known for bokeh. The third and fourth versions are a shade more distracting. Summilux 50 versions exhibit smoother bokeh.

 

[morback]

Thanks for the input so far all, really appreciate it. Sharpness is good but its not all Im after, I personally like lenses with characteristics and most of all, I soft glowing flares from backlit sceneries. I have heard that this lens flares easily and thats a plus for me.. Though I certainly wouldnt want it to flare all the time lol..

I use it and love it. Great flare:

20111019B_27_ZI+SC by Martin N. Hinze, on Flickr

Great luminosity:

20120415_00_MP+SC by Martin N. Hinze, on Flickr

...and wide open, it's usually the 1/15th that's an obstacle:

20111025_06_ZI+SC by Martin N. Hinze, on Flickr

All of those are shot on film though, no idea how it will behave on an M8. But from what you seem to want, you should be loving this lens.

No problems with OOF so far. I actually quite like them.

Sorry for the reposted pics, have been a bit lazy lately with adding new material...

 

[grandallj]

I just got a collapsible summicron, too, and am eager to see the results. Mine seems to be in fairly good shape optically, though the focus and aperture rings are a little gummy. I plan to shoot on film and find Martin's shots (above) encouraging. Does anyone have thoughts on color film (no preference btw. C41 & E6) that's well suited for the lens?

-Gordon

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

morback: excellent. makes me want to go out and get one 😉

 

[David Murphy]

It's an outstanding prime lens in every respect in my view - a keeper for life.

 

[Melancholy]

I love mine, here on the M4 with another sheep example, tmax 100.

 

[Shade]

Morback: loved the flaring shot, and I would have to agree on great luminosity.

You guys are really knowledgeable on these long heritage lenses. And yes I do know that Bresson have been using it till the end, but what he used may not certainly be what I liked nonetheless..


Thanks! These inputs and samples are really encouraging!

 

[Shade]

Btw is it safe to collapse in while mounted on an m8 body?

 

[Jockos]

I just got a collapsible summicron, too, and am eager to see the results. Mine seems to be in fairly good shape optically, though the focus and aperture rings are a little gummy. I plan to shoot on film and find Martin's shots (above) encouraging. Does anyone have thoughts on color film (no preference btw. C41 & E6) that's well suited for the lens?

-Gordon

The aperture is very easy to clean, since the front optical group can be unscrewed without tools. The focus might be a bit harder to clean, I never tried this myself.
As for good color film, the portra line should complement well with its somewhat muted colors. Depends on your taste tough.

 

[porktaco]

i love my collapsible so much

 

[Timmyjoe]

Btw is it safe to collapse in while mounted on an m8 body?

NO!

I have heard you can bash the sensor if you collapse it on the M8.

I too have an M8 (8.2) and I don't use my 50 collapsible cron with it. Just don't like the look.

That said, I love the look of the 50 collapsible cron on my M2 with Tri-X.

This is Scooter.

Best,
-Tim