summitar 50/2 opinions?

[Michael I.]

Hi!

I have a chance of gettign a summitar 50/2 with slightly scratched back element(allegedly doesn't effect image quality) for 75$.

I have a zorki 4 (with jupiter 9 both from Oleg Khalyavin)to mount it.
I would like to hear your opinions about the lens.I wanted a leica lens for a long time now - is it a good entry?

Thanks.

 

[Perk1518]

Beautiful and fine performing optic. -- Paul

 

[kmack]

It is a good 1950's lens, lower contrast than modern lenses, see this recent disscussion for some more info.

My Canon 50/1.8 is a bit sharper and has more contrast, but I also really like the images I get with my Summitar on the Bessa R.

 

[Michael I.]

hoe does it compare to J-8?

 

[Todd.Hanz]

"glowing" when used wide open:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=24127&cat=5500

sharp enough stopped down:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=26292&cat=5500

todd

 

[kmack]

On a Zorki you may be better off with a good J8, see the famous (here at least) Dante Stella "Ivan the incompatible" page and make your own decision.

 

[Michael I.]

good point. I think I will get it anyway - I think I can resale it for this price

 

[Kim Coxon]

I will swap it for a very nice J8 if you don't like it. 😀

Kim

good point. I think I will get it anyway - I think I can resale it for this price

 

[Michael I.]

i might consider it with a nice canon P body attached 🙂.

but thats to soon to talk now - let me get it ->test it ->dislike it first.

What is it's going price nowdays anyway?

 

[Kim Coxon]

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/c.htm 😉

Kim

What is it's going price nowdays anyway?

 

[Michael I.]

thanks - so I'm guessing I'm making a good deal.

 

[Kim Coxon]

It depends whether tey are cleaning marks or scratches. 😉

Kim

 

[Michael I.]

the back element is a touchy place too.
I'll examine it before I buy - i've seen a picture taken with it wide open and havent seen any blemishes if it says anything.

 

[David Murphy]

Most likely you are in posession of a real winner -- enjoy it

 

[Michael I.]

It is a summitar not a summar! of 1939 vintage

 

[David Murphy]

Hi!

I have a chance of gettign a summitar 50/2 with slightly scratched back element(allegedly doesn't effect image quality) for 75$.

I have a zorki 4 (with jupiter 9 both from Oleg Khalyavin)to mount it.
I would like to hear your opinions about the lens.I wanted a leica lens for a long time now - is it a good entry?

Thanks.

I'd buy it in a heartbeat. If you don't want it I'd be happy buy it.

 

[colyn]

I've used a Summitar for a number of year now and can highly recommend it. Contrast is slightly lower than newer glass but is still an outstanding performer.

 

[jkelly]

I really enjoy my Summitar.

 

[OldNick]

I have a Summitar that produces fine images, though not as contrasty as more recent Leica lenses. When I started using it, I found that the aperture ring was very stiff. I had a CLA done on it and it is now quite smooth. The only digital images I have at the moment from this lens happen to be B&W, as shown below.

Jim N.

 

[Michael I.]

The seller sent me some pictures of the lens - the barell seems to be of a weird color - is it oxidation or brassing or what?