Leica LTM Summar or Summarit

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Spider67

Spider67

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Please can you give me some advice as an opportunity popped up to get them at decent prices (the summar is cheaper!).
Can you give me some material for further thought which I should choose?
Unfortunately it can only be one!
But life isn't kife without some tough choices!
Thanks in advance!
 
HI,

The summitar is a later design and supposed to be better.
Especially when the summiitar is coated. The summar is very likely not coated.
I'd go for the Summitar.

Best regards,

Michiel Fokkema
 
Here's how I'd look at the dilemma, if I can only have *one* Leica lens, I'd go for the Summarit. It's more predictable and sharp.

But if I already have another sharp glass (Zeiss or leica), I'd go for the Summar for those vintage, more artistic -look.
 
Thanks folks,

As I just had hearsay at my disposal like Summar=bad and summitar (yes I think it's a summitar)=? your post's helped me a lot!
It's still trying my luck as the prices are low, which could mean anything...
........and just too late zo get any of them!
 
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Summitar = early design of the Summicron. Nice lenses, with desirable qualities (bokeh etc.) when wide open.

Summarit = Xenon design? Precursor to more modern (and more flare-resistant high-speed optics). I love this lens; filters, hoods are difficult to find due to oddball filter size and threading (40.5?). My first Leica 50 was a Summarit. Wide open it can flare. Often single-coated.

I had a Summar once too. It's got an uncoated, 1930's look to it. The Summitar is superior optically, in my opinion, but it really depends on what you're looking for.

Summitar, Summar = collapsible, LTM (Leica thread mount).
Summarit = rigid (tend to be M-mount, but they made some in LTM as well).
 
Special thanks to Benjamin for saving me some browsing! (Especially as the first hits always tend to be auction sites
Des
 
An internally clean Summarit without cleaning marks is a beautiful lens. The Sumar is the very first f2 and it vignetts wide open. All were originally uncoated and therefore lacked color saturation. Mine appears to have a faint blue cast to the front, not like a true coated lens but not uncoated either. I don`t know where it spent its first 50 years, I have had it for 20. The images are flat compared to my Summarit and flat compared to any other 50 Leica lens I own. But they have a certain charm so I keep it.

My pick would be the Summarit if I shined a light thru it and it was clean inside. I carry a small light when I buy lenses. Coatings are super soft so mine wears a UV ( E41) and the required shade is expensive as it flares.

Old Leica glass is not for amateurs so be careful. You may be better off getting a 50 2.8 from a reputable dealer like Sherry at GoldenTouchCamera.
It will have been checked out by someone competent.
 
Probably the Summarit. However, its got quite a different signature to the Summar. Some people here have mentioned the Summitar. That would be better than either. If you decide on the Summarit try shooting it stopped down first or you may be disappointed as they tend to be soft wide open. (On second tought that goes for both lenses) Check both carefully and shine a light thru them. If they have not been cleaned both may have internal haze on the elements. Especially if mild (e.g. only visible when a flashlight is shine thru the lens) do not necessarily let this bother you too much but take it into account when you make an offer as the lens should be professionally cleaned and this should be taken account of in the price paid. Bear in mind that these do not perform like modern lenses although many people like them. e.g the Summar has a nice rendition for black and white - gives a kind of old fashioned look and the Summarit is often preferred because it is very low contrast and works well with color film and in contrasty situations. Good luck
 
shadowfox said:
Here's how I'd look at the dilemma, if I can only have *one* Leica lens, I'd go for the Summarit. It's more predictable and sharp.

But if I already have another sharp glass (Zeiss or leica), I'd go for the Summar for those vintage, more artistic -look.
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That`s the best advice I`ve read so-far

The Summar is a great "art" lens if that what you like and want and the Summarit is`nt as "soft" as many people state , if it was my call I`d go for the Summarit, you can always sell it and buy another Summar and have money to take the wife or girlfriend out to dinner afterwards, or have enough money to buy
one really good Summitar for what you get out of it
(that`s sound resale advice, a Summarit just sold tonight on evilbay for $485!)
*and it was a normal one, not the rarer Taylor Hobson engraved one*

Summarit`s in good fog/haze free condition are uncommon and sought after by Photographer`s and Collectors alike

I was just offered today an estate sale 1956 Summarit near mint with both caps and a
Bolex 16mm Cine adapter today for under $100 - needless to say that`s my next major equipment buy.....

Tom
 
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sienarot said:
Yup. Everyone go buy a summarit or summitar.

It'll make looking for a summar easier for me! Hahaha
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Too bad you missed my last Summar I sold last month it was mint minus and
I sold it for $105!

Tom
 
I used a Summarit for several years and got fine results, but my sample had mechanical problems and I became frustrated with it and swapped it for a Summitar. I still feel that the Summitar is a better all-round choice.

Jim N.
 
LeicaTom said:
Too bad you missed my last Summar I sold last month it was mint minus and
I sold it for $105!
Click to expand...
I wish I could get my hands on a "Mint-" Summar. Mine is in "Fair" condition. And I got it for $90 (including shipping) over two years ago!

And the Summar is a completely different beast from the Summarit.
 
The summarit 5cm 1.5 is one of my favorite lenses. People that bash this lens have a filthy or problematic sample.
Mine was CLA'd and I can tell you, this lens rocks! It's a unique lens. Of course, all Leicas are unique, but Summarit, 35 lux pre-asph and 21 S-A are the "Leica look" trio. IMO.
 
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