Summicron 50mm (1969) vs. ZM Sonnar 1.5

[Maxapple88]

I'm thinking about selling my Summicron from 1969 for the faster and modern Sonnar 1.5 50mm.

Would this be a good idea? or would it be a downgrade?

 

[renard]

If you sell your Summicron, I would be interested 🙄

 

[J. Borger]

I have a very early 50mm rigid summicron, a 50 summilux asph and a 50mm sonnar.
If i could keep only one it would be the rigid summicron!
My advise: first try the sonnar before selling the summicron!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Pure personal taste. I sold my 1980s Summicron in the 90s because I never used it. I use the C-Sonnar all the time.

Of course, my tastes may have changed too -- but I use the C-Sonnar far more than the DR Summicron I have on loan from a friemd.

Objectively, the Summicron delivers better illumination and better edge-to-edge sharpness. The Sonnar has a 'magic', at least for me, that no 50mm Summicron has ever had.

So no-one can advise you. As already suggested, try the Sonnar first.

Cheers,

Roger