M-Hex 50, Nokton 50 ASPH or Summicron 50

[ZebGoesZeiss]

This is very strange. I have 3 Hexanons - 50/2, 90/2.8 and 28/2.8 and all are superb. I actually chose Hexanon 50 over Summicrons and a Planar. Maybe yours is faulty/misadjusted?

I'm sure it is. I don't have a scanner yet, so I'm afraid I can't post any images. Since everybody else are raving about them, I'm sure that it is my lens. And I won't discourage anyone from trying it out.

 

[awilder]

Zeb, I would hold onto my Summicron until you've had a chance to test the Planar. I found that if your goal is tack shapness wide open, the 50 Summicron beats the Planar or Hexanon by a small margin. However, nothing beats the Planar or Hexanon for flare and ghost suppression, an area that the Summicron is a little weak. Your milage will vary.

 

[lic4]

Doesn't the most current Summicron beat the Hexanon in flare? I own both; I was surprised to find that the Hexanon seems better built!

 

[sepiareverb]

I had the Hexanon concurrently with the latest Summicron, and found the Hexanon a tad less good in the corners wide open, and a bit less good in big enlargements (1620) when it came to very fine detail. The Hexanon also showed slightly less contrast, a good thing if you're shooting chromes. The Summicron is absolutely top-notch, but if you're printing smaller than 1417 I'd say either should be fine. Note the Hexanon takes bigger filters (40.5 correct?) if that figures into your decision.

I never noticed much difference in flare, even going toward the sun, only using those little pull out hoods, but I don't shoot that direction a lot.

In the end I sold the Hexanon, tried the Planar, and ended up with a second Summicron.