Summicron M

[lscaglio]

I I'm new to the forum - I got a Leica M6 with a Summaron 35 mm and I would like to have a 50 mm. How much should I pay for a Summicron M? Is it better a Voitlanger?
Please help!! :bang:

 

[Stephanie Brim]

600-700 USD is a decent price for a 4th generation Summicron, IIRC. They can be found on Ebay and you can sometimes get them cheaper than that depending on when/where you're looking. User lenses, those that aren't in great cosmetic shape but are fine optically, tend to go for less than mint.

The Summicron has a reputation as pretty much the greatest 50mm lens. I haven't gotten to shoot with one yet, but my time will come. I suggest it. If you can't do the Summicron, the Nokton is a great lens as well. It's faster, too, so you'll be able to shoot handheld in more situations. The drawback is that you have to get an adapter to use it on an M-mount.

The choices are there. Both the lenses have good reputations. What kind of shooting do you want to do with it?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You can also buy a Leica Thread Mount Summicron and get an adapter for it. There is a great deal on a collapsible Summicron now at RFF, check the classifieds. An adapter will run under $50. Puts you at about 1/2 the price of a Summicron-M. A little softer -still plenty sharp-, lower contrast -ie, highlights not washed out-, a classic look in optics that is not replicated today.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Yeah, that's a good option as well. It really depends on what you'll be shooting. For sharpness, the rigid Summicron-M would probably be the best idea. Speed for lower light shooting would be the Voigtlander's department. A softer, artier feel could be gotten with the collapsible screwmount 'cron. All great choices. All that's left now is to work out the budget. 🙂

 

[photodog]

The Summicrons are a bit pricey. Brian's got the right idea about using LTM lenses with an adapter. I would suggest looking for a Canon 50mm f/1.8 late black version. I have one that's sharp with good contrast. There's also the earlier Canon chrome model and a Canon f/1.5 and f/1.4. Expect to pay $100-200. A bit more for the faster models.

The older Summicrons usually have cleaning marks and maybe haze. If you find a clean one, get it.