The Summarit: another roll

[raid]

I tried out my Summarit recently. I wanted to see if this lens is useful or not in the condition that I happen to have one in. The lens has a heavy and solid feel to it. A 50mm/1.5, but much more solid than the sharper J-3 that I have.

I took some photos just before sunset at 1.5. Here are some of these photos:

The light level was low,and any softness is due to me and not the lens. I used Fuji Reala rated at ASA100.

Raid

 

[thomasw_]

hey raid,
the second to last shot is very subtle. this is my favourite 50mm lens by leica after the summilux. though many do not like its signature, i think it is the most underrated vintage lens from leica. i was fortunate to obtain a clean sample with only a few dust specks that don't affect its performance, and i think the problems others have had with the summarit stem from haze and other negative optical conditions.

good cheer, thomas

 

[Ororaro]

This lens is just great and very sharp with Great Boke, probably the most pleasing Boke in the Leica lineup.
The bad rap it receives is only from unscrupulous or ignorant (in the true sense) users that judge the lens while forgetting to have it cleaned. Many fogged samples out there but once they are cleaned and lubed, they become quite a jewel.

The summarit is a top performer.

 

[raid]

I had my lens cleaned, but it still may have some "problems". I like it anyways.

 

[Ororaro]

Raid, as long as you judge by knowing your own sample's issues, then it's perfectly fine 🙂

 

[thomasw_]

what are its optical issues raid? haze? cleaning scuffs or scratches? dust can be cleaned and usually isn't an issue. any fungi?

 

[Morca007]

I really like the second photo, very dream-like.

 

[payasam]

This test doesn't seem fair to the lens.

 

[richard_l]

Raid, I know you to be a good photographer. Those pictures are blurry, and the bokeh is rather rough. It must be the fault of the lens. If it improves a lot when stopped down, that's the way I would use it.

Richard

 

[Meleica]

while one can do nice things with this lens - its a serious under-performer in contrast with internal reflections and flare issues (even if with a professional CLA).

Dan

 

[raid]

I will send this lens to either DAG or Sherry Krauter to save it from its misery! I don't lnow what is wrong with the lens. I had it once cleaned by a local camera repairman. I used 1/15 in the shots above, and usually I do better than this. I have another roll in which half the frames were taken with the Summarit and alf with a I-50. You can see where in the roll I switched lenses; the I-50 photos are tack sharp and contrasty.

 

[raid]

Raid, as long as you judge by knowing your own sample's issues, then it's perfectly fine 🙂

I know that I have lenses that offer me a different look than this specific sample of a Summarit. I have no 1.4 or 1.5 lenses except the J-3 and this Summarit, so I find it is worth while to let an expert repair person take a third look at it.

 

[raid]

This test doesn't seem fair to the lens.

It is not a test, and there is nothing about fairness or unfairness here. This is simply the lens that I bought a year ago from someone, and this is the way it performs for me. We all know that vintage lenses can greatly differ in optical performance due to inherent variations and optical problems that may occur. I am not stating that this is the way a Summarit should perform; just the opposite.

 

[raid]

while one can do nice things with this lens - its a serious under-performer in contrast with internal reflections and flare issues (even if with a professional CLA).

Dan

Dan,

Are you telling me that I should not waste my money on another CLA for this lens?

Raid

 

[FrankS]

Wide open this lens is soft and dream-like. Name another lens that is capable of this. Perhaps the Summar. If this is an effect you want, you will have a very diffiuclt time obtaining it with any other lens. Stop down the Summarit a bit, and it becomes sharp, but still with nice creaminess.

OOF highlights can go a bit wild with the Summarit.

 

[raid]

Frank,

In your opinion, does my lens benefit from another CLA ?
Raid

 

[Nick R.]

I'll agree that the summarit is a great lens. Easily the best bargain in Leica glass. I like it better than my now sold first gen summilux. Nice sofa, too 🙂

 

[Meleica]

Raid - the Summarit is not for me....the contrast is just too low for me...I wouldnt waste the coin....but I am sure others will disagree. I have used a coated Xenon and Summarit, and disliked both.... I like the Summitar better....

Dan

PS - here is what Erwin Puts says: "wide open, overall contrast is low with a smooth lowering of contrast when going from center to corners..........lens is flare prone at wider apertures......lens delivers a pleasant type of imagery with a smooth definition of fine details"

my real world translation: low contrast, flare-y, and medicore resolution....

My point is this....I can take a Summicron and mount a filter with vaseline on it, to mimic the Summarit....but the Summarit cant mimic the Summicron......

 

[raid]

 

[raid]

The photos are dreamy looking with the Summarit. Actually, I like the effect here.

Raid