Summicron DR or M-Hexanon 50/2?

[DNG]

Does the DR work on the M5?
Looking at one of these myself as a smaller 50 when I don't need the f/1.1.

 

[Steve M.]

They're both very, very good lenses, but my most memorable shots come from the DR. Condition is everything (they're old lenses), so I would count on sending it off for a CLA just as a matter of course. But if you get one just shoot it first. You never know, it might be right just as it is.

 

[sanmich]

I have the DR, and the center sharpness IS kind of incredible.
To say that the DR has the edge over the hex in terms of build quality doesn't mean that the hex is not well built. On the contrary.
I have a couple of Hex's, and they are probably a match for current Leica production (some say better).
That being said, if I had to choose to have only one 50, I would go for the Hex for two main reasons:
The minimum Focus distance is .7m while the DR stops at 1m.
The throw is shorter on the hex.

I think the weight is also a pro for the hex.
So overall, for my type of shooting, I would go for versatility, because the drawbacks are really minimal.
If I was shooting BW portraits or landscapes, I may have switch the choices.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Build quality on the crons is better, in my experience. There are parts in the Hex which are glued in place, where the cron uses set screws and is more adjustable. If your lens is well adjusted, there will be no issue with this. The Hex is going to have better contrast, being a modern multicoated lens. Ditto minimum focus, which is a tad shorter on the Hex. Cron is heavier. But I like that feeling of solidity. I use a lot of B&W film, or did before this year.

Ben Marks

 

[makeitmine]

I had experiences with both lenses and they both render black and white images rather differently, dr less contrast ,slightly more details.the hexanon on the other hand has higher contrast. As for colour, i didnt shoot colour on dr cron but the hex render colour really well🙂 For me, weight and size is an issue and i prefer versatility in a lens, so in the end i kept the hexanon🙂

 

[payasam]

With a 40mm M Rokkor you should not need a Hexanon 50/2 (though I can vouch for its excellent performance).

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

Summicron DR, of course, i'm very happy with this fantastic standard lens.
Ciao.
Vincenzo