Summilux or Summicron?

FWIW, my DR Summicron earns disproving regard from my spouse. She thinks it's not flattering. With slower film, it is merciless on less youthful faces. I'm now casting about for another of the Summi's, an older -lux, a -rit, or maybe even a -tar. Or maybe one of the faster Canon fifties - very agreeable prices on the latter.

Some of the faster Summi's have the wonderful property of softening up a bit wide open and then sharpening as you stop them down, as Brian and others have noted. This makes them very nice for both portraits and general purpose shooting.

I like my Cron very much otherwise. Guess I've got a good excuse to get another 50mm.
 
Mike I've had two Summicrons and I'm equally disapproving of the "merciless" effect. It doesn't help that the color rendering is a bit on the cool side. One member on another forum memorably said that you don't need a dermatology lesson with every Summicron snap. :)

I find the current Elmar-M to be a lot kinder. Still sharp but with a slightly warmer color rendition that is kind to people. Lovely lens.

 
Mike and Peter, I'm pretty sure that the Optical Engineer's wife drove the design of the Summarit. Gentle on faces close-up and wide-open, plenty sharp closed down and mid-range when they went on vacation.

One for sell now, $130...
 
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Brian, I'll take it if it's still FS. PM me, pls and thanks.

Peter, I've admired it, yes. I'd like to try the current one, if & when funds permit. I like its look, at least what I've seen in the galleries.

Ahh, I'm a bit slow on the uptake today, Brian. I found it in the Classifieds and got my ample behind in line for a chance at it. Stunner price, eh!
 
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The DR is an old design and will not be as sharp as newer designed Summicrons.
 
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