Which 50?

A

alfisti

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(for those who saw my other posting, titled "which Elmar?" - stop laughing!)

I have two 50mm lenses, and I THINK I will need to sell one to cover some purchase costs. I could use some advice on which to keep.

I have a Summicron-C that is in perfect working shape, but with one major flaw. While the image quality is stunning, the center ring (that filters attach to) is crooked. I guess it took a hit from the previous owner at some point (maybe dropped). It appears that the only impact is that I can't screw in filters all the way - if I tighten the filter, the aperture ring won't turn due to contact. (kind of like a preset lens! Har!).

This is a bit of a challenge since I have an M8, and really need filters "most" of the time.

I've had this lens for nearly a year and I love it.

I have just obtained a Canon 50mm 1.8 in LTM mount. My experience after shooting with it for a bit seems to indicate in the corners, it's softer wide open than the Summicron-C. It's in the same ballpark for size/weight, although I do have a hood for the Summicron-C and none for the Canon. The canon has a nice focusing throw that is VERY long - awkward at first, but I believe more precise.

The Canon, like the Summicron, looks to be in PERFECT shape. No blemishes, cosmetically great - and the glass is totally clear. Smooth operation as well.

I'm leaning to keeping the Summicron. I don't know if it's financially sound to pay for a repair (it may cost more than the lens is worth) but I seem to be OK using it as is.

Anyone have any opinions on which to keep? Am I correct in thinking the Summicron-C is a better lens to hold onto?

Thanks
-Glenn
 
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If you really are leaning on the Summicron-C (which is 40mm, though, right? not 50mm?), there might be a potentially inexpensive solution, albiet a not-so-elegant one, to the filter problem. If filters screw in – say at least half-way – and you can get a hold of a spare filter, you may be able to remove the glass from the spare and screw it in partially with a *tiny* bit of superglue/epoxy. Then you would be able to use filters more securely. It may pose a vignetting problem at wide apertures, but... just my 2 cents.
 
you're right!

you're right!

You're right... my mistake, the Summicron-C is a 40mm. I actually like the 40mm focal length on the M8, though... but good point, It is closer to a 35 than to a 50. But I use it like a 50.
 
p.s. an empty filter as a "spacer" is an interesting idea. That might just work...

Vignetting is not likely to be a problem on the M8, but could be on an M9 or film body. Hmmm.
 
not the problem...

not the problem...

Thanks, I know about the filter pitch. The actual ring in the middle of the lens is on an angle. Think... leaning tower of Pisa. Screwing in a filter all the way causes contact with the aperture ring on one side.

I have a step-up ring that converts to standard 39mm, and have a 39mm UV/IR Cut filter + hood, so I'm OK there. Thanks
 
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