Summicron-M 50mm vs Summicron-R 50mm

[Endzeit]

Has anyone compared the Leica Summicron-M 50mm to the Summicron-R 50mm? Since I’d be using either on a digital body, I’m wondering if the R version can deliver a similar look for a fraction of the cost.

 

[shawn]

There are two versions of the Summicron-R. The second version (takes 55mm filters) is a very good lens. Being built for an SLR could also give better performance on a digital camera with a thicker filter stack. It will be bigger though and the adapter will be larger than the M version too.

 

[Godfrey]

Has anyone compared the Leica Summicron-M 50mm to the Summicron-R 50mm? Since I’d be using either on a digital body, I’m wondering if the R version can deliver a similar look for a fraction of the cost.

I have both a current series Summicron-M 50mm f/2 and an ancient 1963ish Summicron-R 50mm f/2. I don't know how my 50R compares to the series II model, but it is a very sharp lens with lovely rendering qualities; it's also the best performing lens I own for doing high magnification negative copy (Minox 8x11 to FF digital is a 2.7:1 magnification). It takes Series 6 filters.

The "look" however you interpret that is similar, albeit not the same, between the two lenses. Although similar, the lens designs differ somewhat of necessity due to the mount registration difference.

If you're talking about using the 50R on an M Adapter R with something like a Leica M10 vs the 50M ... well, unless you use the LCD or a Visoflex EVF all the time and are used to how different that makes a Leica M in use, I wouldn't recommend the 50R be substituted for the 50M. I've used the 50R extensively on other EVF cameras (Panasonic G1, Sony A7, Leica SL) and it works well, but I mostly use it nowadays with the M10-M or M10-R for tripod-mounted tabletop and macro work only.

G

Oh yes: comparison photo: Summicron-M 50 and Summicron-R 50 mounted on Leica M10-M (with lens shades fitted/extended):

 

[AlanLee]

I haven't actually done a direct comparison. But theoretically, the Summicron-M 50mm V should be better. The reasoning is that it's been around for 50 years, with continuous product upgrades, so its performance should be excellent. Another point is that its shorter flange distance means it's less affected by changes in airflow.
Of course, I think both are excellent. But if price isn't a factor, I think the smaller size would be more appealing.