My grail Leica lens at last - Leitz 5cm f2 Summicron L39.

[Dralowid]

Hmmm.

This thread has started me thinking. Bad habit I know. I wonder whether I should trade my Summarit for a Summicron?

Hmmm. Dunno. Summicron is handier and results more consistent (from memory) but the Summarit can do rather special odd things at f1.5.

 

[Hari]

Just got my first ever Summicron, the 50 ltm
to use on my Leica II with SBIOO 50mm finder.

 

[Brooktaw]

I bought a 1955 double stroke M3 yesterday with a 5cm Summicron. The serial number is NR1217448. I haven't yet researched the date and the likely glass.

I need to get a suitable filter for protective purposes and a lense hood. Is the IR00A bayonet hood correct for the collapsible 5cm?

I've seen several IR00A hoods advertised for rigid 50mm Summicrons but no reference to the 5cm

Thanks in advance for any help on this. Pictures to follow.

Chris

 

[bayernfan]

i stumbled on an LTM summicron for cheap as well. Mine has perfect glass, not a scratch or mark on it. A rare thing apparently.

 

[lynnb]

My copy is in excellent condition and performs very well IMO. See samples here - my judgment is through comparison with Summitar, Summar, J8, I-61 and Nikkor 5cm f2; and with more modern Nikon/Canon lenses.

I haven't tried it with colour film. For b&w I find the results very pleasing, lots of detail and lower contrast than newer designs.

I can't speak for the Elmar. I like what I see from the Elmar.

 

[Ong]

Had mine repolish and recoated in Japan and it's a nice lens to have in the arsenal.

Works well with colour


Japan_AgfaCT100_Hakodate_03
by Eugene Ong, on Flickr


Japan_AgfaCT100_Hakodate_01
by Eugene Ong, on Flickr

 

[GarageBoy]

How much coating wear is considered acceptable for these? Impossible to find one perfect sub $800+

 

[Pioneer]

This is interesting. I have a very nice LTM Summicron 50 and the glass appears to be almost new. I am pretty astounded since I had no idea that nice examples were so rare.

Now I'm nervous to use it.

 

[lynnb]

This is interesting. I have a very nice LTM Summicron 50 and the glass appears to be almost new. I am pretty astounded since I had no idea that nice examples were so rare.

Now I'm nervous to use it.

Why be nervous? It's meant to be used - go out and enjoy!

 

[Dralowid]

This is interesting. I have a very nice LTM Summicron 50 and the glass appears to be almost new. I am pretty astounded since I had no idea that nice examples were so rare.

Now I'm nervous to use it.

I don't think they are THAT rare, maybe you haver read too many tales of lenses bought over the internet.

 

[Pioneer]

Why be nervous? It's meant to be used - go out and enjoy!

Certainly. Mine came to me with a very nice Leitz Skylight Filter on it which may have been the reason the glass was in such nice shape.

 

[mpaniagua]

I bought a 1955 double stroke M3 yesterday with a 5cm Summicron. The serial number is NR1217448. I haven't yet researched the date and the likely glass.

I need to get a suitable filter for protective purposes and a lense hood. Is the IR00A bayonet hood correct for the collapsible 5cm?

I've seen several IR00A hoods advertised for rigid 50mm Summicrons but no reference to the 5cm

Thanks in advance for any help on this. Pictures to follow.

Chris

Got pretty much the same setup for my M3 kit. I normally use the Leica 12585 on it. Same hood that my other Summicrons (50 rigid V2 and 35 V1 no googles).

I haven't had any issues with that hood on the collapsible, except that I need to remove it when I collapse it because infinity lock gets on the way.

Very pretty setup. Enjoy.

Marcelo.

 

[splitimageview]

How much coating wear is considered acceptable for these? Impossible to find one perfect sub $800+

Not impossible, mine was much less than half of that and is flawless, and bonus radioactivity 🙂

 

[ferider]

How much coating wear is considered acceptable for these? Impossible to find one perfect sub $800+

I'll sell you a clean one for $799 🙂

 

[BLKRCAT]

There was one of these in the local classifieds for less than $500. What gives...

 

[Erik van Straten]

The early ones have a yellowish coating wich is always scratched. Later ones (mine has number 1319235) have a purplish coating that seems to be much stronger.

Leica MP, Summicron 50mm f/2 collapsible, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Pioneer]

Mine has the purple colored coating. Actually quite pretty. Serial number is 1115xxx.

 

[HuubL]

Left 1952 yellowish radioactive #1021748, right 1953 bluish non-radioactive #1105724

Both nice glass, no coating damage, scratches. Just a few cleaning marks.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Collapsible is safe to use on the M5. It can be collapsed without touching the light meter arm.

Erik.

 

[Dralowid]

Hmmm.

This thread has started me thinking. Bad habit I know. I wonder whether I should trade my Summarit for a Summicron?

Hmmm. Dunno. Summicron is handier and results more consistent (from memory) but the Summarit can do rather special odd things at f1.5.

Well I sold the Summarit and don't miss it. Next question, do I get a Summicron again or stay with trusty Elmars and Summar (coated).

I think I know the answer.