Summitar or Elmar 2.8 ltm

[bucs]

I'm deciding which to keep. I've used both and I like how the summitar renders especially when using color film. But I do a lot of portraits and i feel that the elmar 2.8 shines in this regard.

When i say portraits, i mean up close and wide open. The elmar's oof areas are smoother. I'd like to keep one only since I tend to stick to one lens.

 

[Rob-F]

I'm deciding which to keep. I've used both and I like how the summitar renders especially when using color film. But I do a lot of portraits and i feel that the elmar 2.8 shines in this regard.

When i say portraits, i mean up close and wide open. The elmar's oof areas are smoother. I'd like to keep one only since I tend to stick to one lens.

Sounds like you have outgrown the one-lens approach. Time to be a two-lens guy!

 

[raydm6]

Nathan, I've never used the Elmar 2.8 but these (if it helps) are Summitar shots (albeit not wide open - more like f8 and group shots indoors/outdoors) using Kodak Gold 200. The Summitar is a 1949 coated version.


Cousins #1 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #2 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #3 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #4 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #5 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #6 by rdc154, on Flickr


Cousins #7 by rdc154, on Flickr

 

[traveler_101]

Some nice shots with the Summitar. The lady to the left in the first photograph looks a lot like my old Italian aunt.

Id the Summitar better than the Elmar for black and white?

 

[FrankS]

Take more time to decide while you use both and really get to know them.
Then you won't have to ask others to make up your mind.

 

[maxmadco]

I agree with FrankS and what is the rush to sell a lens you like?
You may regret it.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I would sell both and get Cron or Scopar 50 2.5 (also ltm and will get you closer at 0.75m).

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a great lens. I prefer it to the Summitar 50mm f/2. The Summitar suffers from pincushion distortion. The Elmar is a stop slower, but also easier to handle. I would choose the Elmar 50mm f/2.8.

Erik.

 

[ferider]

The Elmar 50mm f/2.8 is a great lens. I prefer it to the Summitar 50mm f/2. The Summitar suffers from pincushion distortion. The Elmar is a stop slower, but also easier to handle. I would choose the Elmar 50mm f/2.8.

Erik.

Me too. Also, my Elmar is at least as sharp as my Summicron, at the same f-stops.

Roland.

 

[Bingley]

I had the Elmar 2.8 ltm and have a couple of Summitars now. The Elmar is a fine lens but I didn't like the fact that the aperture ring rotates when you turn the focusing ring. A post-war coated Summitar is a lovely lens for b&w. I haven't noticed pincushion distortion on my sample but I haven't looked for it either. Lots of photos with the Summitar over on my Flickr. I prefer the CV 50/2.5 to the Elmar 2.8 - I think it's sharper and has better flare resistance. It's also more compact in use.

 

[Erik van Straten]

ring. A post-war coated Summitar is a lovely lens for b&w. I haven't noticed pincushion distortion on my sample but I haven't looked for it either.

It would be interesting to know if the post war coated Summitar is better corrected for pincushion distortion. My uncoated 508151 suffers badly from this. Because I like straight lines in my pictures, it is for me unusable.

Erik.

 

[aoresteen]

I understand your issue. I have two normal lenses for my IIIf. A Canon 50mm f.1.8 and an Industar 55 f/2.8. I kept them both because they do different tasks.

Just keep them both. Whichever one you sell you will regret it and end up getting it back. Like I did !

 

[Liquid Fusion]

Just bought a Summitar 50mm F2!!! Like how it "pops" subjects into the image with intense energy. Nice shots.

Before you decide, you really ought to try shooting Fujicolor 200 - set at ASA 100. Then open up a few extra stops using the "Sunny 16 Rule."

Example: bright sunny day F16 at 1/ASA = F16 at 1 100 (halving the ASA 200). Then open up to F 11 and even F8 - bracket shots. Reference: Metering For Film.
Now make your choice.

Indoor photos have yellow tint. Kodak Gold?

 

[rfaspen]

Let me just say I don't understand this "one lens guy" stuff. Is there really any reason why you can't keep both lenses. I mean, you already have them in possession, you already identified strengths for each, and they hardly take up space.

So I say, keep em both. Use em both. Show us what they can do.

Oddly I don't own either of those lenses. I've come very close to getting the summitar several times. I don't really know the 2.8 elmar. Maybe I should. My 3.5 elmar is a capable lens that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Some would say that's because I have too many lenses. Um, well, more than 2 anyway.