What other Leica lenses rival the Rigid/DR Summicron for B&W photography?

mfogiel

mfogiel

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I shoot predominantly with modern, high micro and macrocontrast Zeiss lenses. I love their bite and flare resistance. I also like the bokeh they produce. I have not found any of these characteristics in the modern Leica lenses I have shot with so far. However, I have a DR Summicron that never fails to amaze me for the gentle gray gradations and particular, paintery but articulated bokeh. It isn't a monster of sharpness wide open, which has been a pity in case of this shot:

2607557643_94a3be5e40_b.jpg


However, for portraiture, I find f2.0 acceptable:

3527814572_407898a644_b.jpg


Stopped down to f5.6 and put on a tripod, it can pull out some remarkable detail even for landscape:
2686607460_a8a5a088ab_b.jpg


My question to the Leica fans is: what would be the equivalents to this lens for B&W in other focal lengths? I am mainly thinking of 28,35 and 90mm.
Thanks
 
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35/2.8 Summaron and 90/2.8 v1 Elmarit.

Fit the DR 50/2 better than the 35/2 and 90/2 v1, IMO.

There is really nothing similar on the 28mm side, unless you consider the 28/1.9 Ultron.

Note that I'm a color shooter, but believe I can draw the parallel to shadow and color rendition in color negatives.

Roland.
 
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I second the 35/2.8 Summaron. I only recently acquired it but I couldn't be happier with a lens. I find that the photos I take with Summaron are technically superb to those taken with DR Summicron: it delivers higher contrast (that Leica feel) but still wonderful gray gradations and the sharpness is excellent. I am especially amazed by the results that I get when shooting against sun or in the harsh light. I haven't tried them with color film yet. I'm waiting now for my second M3 to arrive so that I will be able to use both lenses each on own body ;-) Note there were quite many versions of Summaron - let me quote some useful info from l-camera-forum.com:
1) Summaron 35 f 3,5 screw mount, rotating lens (the only one that is so), filter A36
2) Summaron 35 f 3,5 screw mount, filter E 39 (as all the subsequents)
3) Summaron 35 f 2,8, screw mount
4) Summaron 35 f 3,5 bayonet early model for M3, does NOT bring up 35 frame on M2/4 etc.
5) Summaron 35 f 3,5 bayonet with goggles well usable also on M2/4 etc. (I use on M8 )
6) Summaron 35 f 3,5 bayonet (ungoggled) brings up 35 frame on M2/4 etc.
7) Summaron 35 f 2,8 bayonet with goggles
8) Summaron 35 f 2,8 bayonet no goggles, brings up 35 frame on M2/4 etc.
 
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35 Summaron, any kind, 90 2.8 Elmarit, 90 Summicrion first version, 50 2.8 Elmar first, 35 2.0 first version, 135 4.5.
 
I don't know about the 28mm FL but Leica would probably say the 35mm Summicron v.1 and the 90mm Summicron v.1 as I think they were touted as a kit in the 60's.
 
My choice would be the 40mm F2 Summicron-C. Can check out the samples in my flickr.

3 points on why its a winner for me.

1.) Bokeh and the way it renders from OOF to in focus

2.) The size is tiny and does not attract much attention

3.) Price.. one of the cheapest summicrons your money can get
 
Thanks for the answers. I already have the 40/2 C Summicron, and it is not bad, but less sharp and more contrasty than the DR. I had the 28 Elmarit 2nd version, and I sold it because I thought it was a lens with too many problems, it has also been higher contrast anyway. So I will try to find a Summaron, and maybe the v1 Elmarit 90. BTW, are there any optical preferences between the 2.8 and 3.5 Summarits ?
Thanks.
 
Have you had experience with the other 50mm Summicrons? A Ist generation Collapsible might suit you. The 35mm f2.8 Summaron has already been suggested. It is reputed to be "Summicron" like while the f3.5, which I have and appreciate, is a different and somewhat low contrast beast.

Fine images with the DR.

yours
FPJ
 
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mfogiel said:
Thanks for the answers. I already have the 40/2 C Summicron, and it is not bad, but less sharp and more contrasty than the DR. I had the 28 Elmarit 2nd version, and I sold it because I thought it was a lens with too many problems, it has also been higher contrast anyway. So I will try to find a Summaron, and maybe the v1 Elmarit 90. BTW, are there any optical preferences between the 2.8 and 3.5 Summarits ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Do you mean Summarons?
There was v1 Elmarit 90 in the classifieds recently: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/15811
I have no connexion with the seller except I considered this lens for purchase myself :)
 
@marduk
Yes, sorry that was meant to be Summarons... If the 3.5 version is lower contrast, then it is fine for me, as to the seller of the 90 Elmarit, I sent him a PM and he does not answer... probably away on vacation.
 
Summarit [optically challenged]:

776403-R1-15-15small.jpg


Zeiss Jena 5cm 2.0:

sonnar5cm201.jpg


While the two examples are in color, these lenses are great with both color and with B&W. I know, the Zeiss lens in not a Leica lens.

I suggest the Version 1 Leica lenses as complements to what you have. The 35/2 and the 90/2 are awesome.

Summar:

RF_Summar_12.jpg
 
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