Lens help!

[caseyjames]

Okay, I know the answers will most likely be varied and highly subjective, but I am just looking for input. I have been scouring the internet, this message board, other boards, and even Sherry Krauter for what 50mm lens I should get for my M2. This is what I know for sure: I want a collapsible lens.

I am actually just getting into shooting 35mm as I've primarily shot only 120. I shoot b&w and intend to use my M2 for mostly street photography (it's less obtrusive than my Autocord). I am looking for a lens that will help accentuate a sort of vintage look.

I keep going back and forth on:

Summitar
Summicron
Elmar 2.8

I was all set to get a Summicron but then I talked to Sherry and she sort of sold me on the Summitar, so now I am conflicted. Than I read lots of stuff on the Elmar lens.

So, with this information (street, b&w, look), what do you think is the best fit for me?

I appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you.

 

[former member]

The Summitar has "swirly Bokeh", sharp center, and not as sharp at the edges. It is a larger lens than the Summicron. The Summitar is a bit lower contrast.

The Summicron is sharper edge-to-edge, slightly higher contrast, and does not have swirly Bokeh.

The Summitar uses special "fluted", hard to find filters. The Summicron uses standard 39mm filters.

I favor the later collapsible Summicrons in the 13xxxxx range. The coatings are improved over the earlier lenses. Avoid the "thorium" lenses, under 105xxxx. They are rare and collectible, cost more, and get a yellowish cast that must be bleached out for most use.

 

[maddoc]

I only have the Summitar as collapsible lens and agree with Brian`s statement about it. If I would have to buy a coll. 50mm again, I would go for the Summicron.

 

[caseyjames]

See, that is what I originally had in mind and then I talked to Sherry and she really talked up the Summitar and then I started to wonder and blah.

 

[former member]

I've owned two Summitars. They are nice lenses. Sold one, and traded the other.

The Summicrons are "better optics".

13xxxxx Collapsible Summicron on the M2, wide-open, Fujicolor 200.

More Summicron shots here:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...apsible-summicron-type-i-rigid-summicron.html

 

[Tom A]

It depends what speed you need too. The 50f2 Summicron is OK - but I have never really liked it. A bit "wishy-washy" rendition compared to the rigid's (all right I am going to hide under the table until the mud-slinging is over).
The 50f2.8 I st version is ok - a bit prone to flare, but sharp when stopped down. Not that great @ f2.8 (OK, I will stay under the table a bit longer).
The 50f2.8 II is superb. Very sharp, nice contrast and in many ways better than the later Summicrons. However, if you are looking for a period look, the version I is a better choice.
The Summitar 50f2 is fine, but soft at f2 and just acceptable the rest of the time. Flare's easily and as mentioned, uses tapered thread filters if you are using such things. It is also a 50+ year old lens with a complex (though gorgeous aperture blade set). Difficult to find with mint glass and often have aperture blades sticking or jamming. I find the rendition a bit too vintage for my taste!
Modern alternative would be a Konica Hexanon 50f2.4 collapsibe. Very sharp and nice contrast. Difficult to find though as they only made 800 of them in the mid-90's - and tend to be a bit high priced.
The VC Heliar 50f2 is nominally collapsibe (only reduces lengths by 8-10 mm), but it has a nice mix of vintage look and modern resolution.
As always, check Flickr for samples from the lenses you are interested in - they are fairly low res - but gives you an idea about tonality and color rendition.

 

[former member]

Wishy Washy Colors! You have to watch for internal haze and coating damage on the Summicrons. Also, have to watch for the same on the Summitars and other early coated Leitz lenses. I have 6 of the collapsible Summicrons, and "cherry Picked" the good ones to shoot with. Cleaned the haze out of them, and kept ones with good coatings. The 13x lenses seem to be the best. Two of mine are thorium lenses, need to bleach the new one with a UV lamp.

Coll Summicron, wide-open at F2.

I prefer the term "muted colors". As opposed to Picture-Postcard colors!

Mud being shipped International Priority to Canada...

 

[35mmdelux]

From the list you posted Id take the 50 Summicron without hesitation.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Summicron 50mm f/2 collapsible, Leica MP, Tmax400 printed on Ilford MGIV fb.

Erik.