Summicron: Collapsible vs non Collapsible

[starsailor]

Hello!

Looking for a 50mm lens I recognized that the (old?) collapsible summicrons are offered much cheaper than the (newer?) non collapsibles. Is there a real dealbreaker for the collapsibles (I know that I will have to pay attention with collapsing in my bessa). Is there an improved optical performance with the non collapsibles? What would be a fair deal for a good collapsible/ non collapsible?

starsailor

 

[Austerby]

The newer versions are improved but many like the look of the older lenses. Condition is everything - older lenses are inevitably more likely to have faults than newer ones.

A good old lens can certainly compare very well to a good modern lens in many respects - so if you can find a good one at a low price then go for it with confidence.

I like the look of the older lenses and my collapsible summicron is a favourite amongst my set. I've owned and since sold newer summicrons and summiluxes.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The collapsible Summicrons are prone to coating damage and inner haze. A good one is within a hair of the Rigid Summicrons.

See this thread for examples with a near-perfect Summicron, and those that are damaged.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81311

Do not get one that has suffered from radiation damage, even though it will cost more.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Well that thread was moved out of the optics section to the Leica Screw Mount section. It had an early M-Mount Summicron, early LTM with Thorium glass, and late Summicron in M-Mount, talked about radiation damage and coating damage effecting color rendition, Rigid M-Mount Summicron vs Collapsible Summicrons. And a Summar and Sonnar for comparison. Thought that seemed somewhat appropriate and technical enough. Guess I was wrong so I deleted it.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Photo's with the late near-mint collapsible Summicron, recoated Summicron, radiation damaged Summicron, Rigid Summicron, Summar, and Sonnar from the deleted thread are here:

http://ziforums.com/album.php?albumid=157