Summilux or Summicron?

isfint

isfint

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Sep 20, 2005
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Hi,

I just bought a Leica M4 1969 and have no lens. But I'm interested in two lenses:

Summicron 50mm DR
Summilux 50mm 1.4 (1961)

Streetfotogaphy, portraits,...

Who can help me buying my first M-lens?

Thank you all!
 
http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

I am pretty biased towards the Summicrons. The DR is a remarkably well made lens, perhaps the best build quality of any lens in the history of photography. The optical quality is great too. A Rigid Summicron has the same optical formula, but is prettier. I think it looks great on an M4.
 
Hello: In general, purchase the one in better condition. The Summicron, with eyes, is my personal best "walking around lens"-very sharp, slightly prone to flare and needs a hood.
yours
Frank
 
Well,


I think the lensens are both outstanding. But can anyone tell me which one is sharper?

Notice that I never held a Leica and never saw a Leica Lens before!

THX
 
If sharpness is the issue, then the DR Summicron is the winner. It tested as having the highest resolution of any lens I believe. But I think you will find that both lenses are very sharp.

Sorry, I know that this probably sounds like a cop out, but as you say, you are choosing between two A+ lenses.

Have you seen images from both? Perhaps one has a "character" that is more appealing to you than the other.
 
Leica lens

Leica lens

Hello:Much that you need to known can be had from Steve Gandy at

"http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm"
"http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm"

yours
Frank
 
rover's right, you need to look at pictures from both lenses and see which one is right for you. I think its likely that the Summicron is sharpest but you should also put both lenses on your camera to test whether you like the ergonomics. I've had two current Summicrons (too sharp for me) and now I use an Emar-M and a Summilux, but that's just me. You need to find out what you like.

Photos by lens

 
The first version Summilux is very similar in performance to the Summarit. It will be softer wide-open and close-up when compared to the Summicron. At F4, I have a hard time telling the Summarit from the Type 1 Rigid Summicron. I use both lenses, and tend to favor the Summarit for a "pleasing" portrait.
 
over the years i've had the good fortune to have used many of the different versions of the 50 summicron and 2 different summilux 50s and a summilux 35. i still have the current 50'cron with built in hood and a beautiful 50 collapsible. i've enjoyed them all, and for different reasons.
when last i had a 50 summilux, i was proudly showing it off to a friend, and highly respected member of the leica community, when he commented that yes it was nice but an old design. he was hot for the 50/1.5 nokton...which now i have, and am quite impressed by its performance.
 
peter_n said:
Yes it is an old design but that's the charm for some I think... :)

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Agreed!

Old, new, fast or whatever, the joy I have found with my RF kit and the reason I have many 50mm lenses is that they all have their own character. A brand new Asph 50 Summilux is not necessarily better than a $30 Jupiter 8 if you fall in love with the charms of the FSU gem. It really can be a personal choice, that is why I enjoy looking through online galleries so much. Take a look in RML's gallery as an example.
 
rover said:
http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

I am pretty biased towards the Summicrons. The DR is a remarkably well made lens, perhaps the best build quality of any lens in the history of photography. The optical quality is great too. A Rigid Summicron has the same optical formula, but is prettier. I think it looks great on an M4.
Click to expand...

Even better on an M3. I got lucky when I found a 1957 lens to go with body from the same year. Bootiful!!! :D
 
Leica lens

Leica lens

Hello: The Summicron belongs to the large family of Leitz lenses that take 39E filters and associated accessories-lens hoods, polarizers, etc. It's no small matter to accumulate these in more than one size if you aquire additional lenses.
yours
Frank
 
Hi,

THX to all. I finally bought the DR 50mm Summicron with caps, leather case, and matching serialnr. "eyes" for 325 USD. I think it was a bargain!
No scratches, fully working, and....Heavy weight!

Seen the PICS in my Summicron gallery!

Thx again guys!
 
I concur.. $325 and WITH the eyes is a great deal for a good lens !!!

I vacilate about both the lux and the cron but after having the taste of my first cron (collapsible M) I don't think I can look back at many other lenses as being as sharp and more fun to use.

Congrats :)
Dave
 
tajart said:
over the years i've had the good fortune to have used many of the different versions of the 50 summicron and 2 different summilux 50s and a summilux 35. i still have the current 50'cron with built in hood and a beautiful 50 collapsible. i've enjoyed them all, and for different reasons.
when last i had a 50 summilux, i was proudly showing it off to a friend, and highly respected member of the leica community, when he commented that yes it was nice but an old design. he was hot for the 50/1.5 nokton...which now i have, and am quite impressed by its performance.
Click to expand...


The choice among these lenses comes down to personal preference in the end, assuming that the choice is among lenses in similar good condition. The Summicron will generally be less expensive.

It is worth commenting that the Nokton 1.5 is razor sharp wide open, impressive performance indeed. It is a very large lenses for a 50mm.
 
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