Poll: What 50mm lens for BW for Leica M?

Poll: What 50mm lens for BW for Leica M?

  • Elmar 50 old

    Votes: 39 4.5%

  • Elmar-M (new)

    Votes: 45 5.2%

  • Summarit

    Votes: 43 5.0%

  • Summicron rigid/DR

    Votes: 194 22.5%

  • Summilux pre-asph (version1/2)

    Votes: 125 14.5%

  • Summicron tabbed/current

    Votes: 120 13.9%

  • Summilux ASPH

    Votes: 88 10.2%

  • Zeiss Planar

    Votes: 79 9.2%

  • Zeiss Sonnar

    Votes: 77 8.9%

  • Konica M-Hexanon

    Votes: 51 5.9%
  • Total voters
    861
michaelbialecki said:
I voted for the "Summilux pre-asph (version1/2)" considering that I have the 1st version, then again, I have never used another 50mm on my leica, so I don't have any experience with the other lenses. I am pleased with the results that I get with the 1st version summilux, I like the "look/signature" that it has. I am aware that it is different than my other "more modern lenses". That said, I couldn't even afford a different lens if I wanted one.....I shoot mostly tri-x and I use a medium yellow filter on all my lenses (except the cv15mm)...here is an example with the 50mm

2232347432_889a59b1dd_b.jpg


cheers, michael
Click to expand...

Nice one Micheal
 
It's not in the poll but I'd like to give the Canon 50mm f1.2 a plug ... these things really have some character. I've had mine for a couple of years now and I would have to regard it as my favourite rangefinder lens. It's fabulous for portraits IMO!


ashbren03.jpg



BoticPartyR_02.jpg
 
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Summicron is of course so nice because it's the cheapest leica m lens or at least it used to be. Great part of having an effective technique is master all the process from exposure to darkroom. the cron is for me the first rf lens I ever got and I never changed. Develloping and composure are great variables which can be mastered slowly with time and experience, but a 50mm is just a lens after all, better get one and stick with it get to know every single aspect of it so it becomes like a second nature imho.

cron50
Pros: great lens, HCB used one that's cool!, love the contraste very smooth, that's the lens I have since the beginning...
Cons: big, heavy, flares like mofo, fragile
Conclusion like many have said over the great years of RFF : the best lens is the lens you have!
 
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Currently I have the DR Summicron, Summilux, and Summitar, and formerly an Elmar as well. My BW lens of choice is the DR. Number 2 goes to the Summitar, though mine is very flare-prone.
 
This thread had it's all too usual effect on me. I had a rigid cron that was traded in part for a lovely BP 50 pre-lux. But I missed the look of the rigid, especially in flat light. So I picked up a DR with eyes, and not only appreciate having that look back, but I'm greatly enjoying the closer shooting allowed with this lens and eyes. Thanks for the GAS everyone! best....Peter
 
first is pre aspherical summilux. i prefer this lenses bokeh and tone, too bad i don't have one anymore, i should get on that.

second is rigid summicron, i prefer this for ergonomics and sharpness, and in my opinion it is the king of the leica 50mm's, they should have stopped here.
 
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taken with a 'broken' DR Summicron (lots of haze, cleaning marks and perhaps some seperation and front element coating damage). still sharp, though contrast had to be adjusted in Photoshop.

looking forward to getting back as clean as possible.

4726080822_e4796c643a_b.jpg
 
The summicron DR is really a good lens for B&W. It gives very gradual contrast in negatives and nice tones. I got it as my first 50 cron and has never entertained a thought to sell it for anything else.

4763402156_2c859a4f07.jpg

M2 | Kodak Tri-X pushed to 1600 with TMAX developer.

In addition, it offers versatility in terms of close-up with the goggle.

4102787054_294b973cc4.jpg

M2 | Ilford XP2
 
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