summicron 50's -- the differences?

[timeUnit]

Hello!

Would someone please explain (or point me to the right site) the differences in construction and handling when it somes to the different versions of summicron 50's. I have read there are "DR", "Collapsible", "Rigid", Pre-Aspherical etc.

What are the differences and how do I tell them apart? I think I can spot the "Collapsibles" but I don't understand how they work. Is the collapsibility only to make it smaller when not in use?

Thanks!

 

[rover]

This should help...

http://www.kbcamera.com/summicron50m.htm

And yes, the collapsible is just a way to make the lens more compact when not being used. It doesn't save a whole lot of space, but it does work.

 

[timeUnit]

Thanks!

A good read. A question: of the four types, which one focuses the closest on a Bessa R3A?

 

[former member]

The Type 3 and Type 4 go down to 0.7m. I have read that the Dual-Range Summicron CANNOT be mounted on the Bessa due to physical differences in the lens' mount; I think the portion to accommodate the "eyes".

 

[laptoprob]

The DR Summicron will not mount on various cameras with an internal metering system because the second, close focus cam protudes deeper into the body. Older M cameras (M2, M3, M4...) don't have an internal meter and therefore more space.
Bessa's have internal meters, DR lacks space to fit properly. That is part of the reason I switched to an optically similar 50's Rigid Summicron.
And yes, it is possible the outer 'eyes' mount prevents mounting on some cameras.

Hope this helps.

Rob.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The rigid and DR have a classic and heavy construction. The penultimate has an attachable external hood and a tab. The current has no tab and a built-in hood.

The penultimate and the current models have the same optical formula and tend to be more contrasty than the earlier models. All are great lenses.

 

[Ben Z]

The MTF graphics for these lenses would indicate the type 1 rigid/DR (same optics) and type IV (both mounts, same optics) have more even performance across the entire image, with the latest version difference mainly in higher overall contrast and flare suppression. Whereas the type III has higher contrast than the Type 1 (and equal to the type IV) but stronger performance in the center of the image than towards the outer edges. In practice (I've owned all three) there is so little difference from about f/4 on down, save for the type 1 being sensitive to light sources just outside the frame and the type IV being prone to some weird internal reflections, that it's a toss-up for anyone who isn't really into scrutinizing slides looking for lens differences. I kept the type 1 because it looks appropriate on my M3, and I never use one without the other. And I kept the type III because I could get more money selling the type IV (probably to someone who is really into scrutinizing for lens differences). I also like the way the type III takes more turning to focus, because it lets me fine-tune it more.

 

[kajabbi]

The SummicronDR will work on all Leica M cameras. The problem is not with the internal focusing cams. I use Drs exclusively with my M5s. The only adjustment necessary is to remove the plastic nipple on the rear of the eyepiece. The internal on the M5 does not come close to the lens.With any other "M" type camera os that no other viewfinder windows line up with the "eyes" of the Dr.

 

[35mmdelux]

you really ought to consider investing in the LEICA Pocket Book. Its worth its weight in gold, has all lens and camera types and nuances. It also has the serial numbers, which is key to nailing down the various versions.