Should I return this Lens ?

Local time
2:58 PM
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Messages
2,022
Hi,

I need advice from my fellow RFFers.

I bought a LTM ScrewMount Collapsible Summicron 50mm from KEH. All my previous Lens purchase were okay, however with this BGN lens, I found that many small scratches in the front and a bit on the back elements.

I am enclosing the following test pictures, can you tell me if the flare is normal for such a flare-prone lens. If it isn't then I will be tempted to return the Summicron.

All pics are captured on 3 different rolls on the CL with adapter on different rolls, the first picture is the worst.

thanks

#1
Image00000.jpg


#2
Image00001.jpg


#3
Image00002.jpg


#4
Image00003.jpg


#5
Image00004.jpg


#6
Image00005.jpg


#7
Image00006.jpg


#8
Image00007.jpg


#9
Image00008.jpg
 
the pics look rather nice actually.
If the lens was not too expensive I would keep it and invest in a decent lens hood for it.
 
For a bargain lens, I would say that it's fine. You didn't pay a premium price, so you really shouldn't expect a lens that's in pristine condition.

But from the photos that you posted, only the first shows a problem. So you just need to be careful about the light when you're shooting with it. The other photos are very nice.
 
I agree that only the first pic is really 'out there' with flare ... the rest are very nice and typical of this lens IMO!

In the first shot I would supect that a strong light source was actually hitting the front element of the lens ... that's controllable with a hood!

After seeing these I feel like dragging my rather ratty version out which also has plenty of cleaning marks front and back! 😀
 
Looks good...
but remember, the older lenses will flare badly (image 1 and 2) with strong back light.
Get a hood and Multi-Coated UV...will help the flare issues
The images without heavy back light are fine, in contrast and tonal range.. sharpness looks on par with vintage lenses too.

If you don't want the lower contrast, close the lens down a few stops and watch the BG light. The older lenses need a bit of user help to get the most out of them as far as fighting flare and low contrast. You'll find that this lens will be perfect for certain subjects and sucks at others. Hence our need to own to many lenses of the same focal length 😀😱😉
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom