which Summicron 50 would you sell ?

[srtiwari]

Over the years went crazy and ended up with 3 summicron 50s; would like to sell one and want some advice on which to sell,why, and how much to ask ?

Type I Rigid chrome, Germany, Ex+ condition, 2092xxx, glass perfect, with possible hint of haze (I cannot tell), some stickiness to focus ring movement, minimal oil on blades, snappy f click stops, barrel minmal marks, the little 'nub' missing on infinity lock lever, can probably be resurrected to Mint/Mint- condition with CLA.

Type II Rigid, Black, Germany, Ext++/Mint- condition, 2349xxx, glass perfect, smooth focus, snappy click stops, minimal wear on barrel, no oil on blades, rear and front caps.

Type 4 Rigid, Black (telescoping hood), Mint, 3803xxx, glass/barrel perfect, no oil on blades, all movements smooth like new, caps.


Naturally, can post pics if needed.
I am interested in getting some opinions re: which 2 to keep in terms of 'signature' differences, desirability, value etc.
Subhash

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

If it were me, I'd sell the Type II (1969 version). But that's me. I think those go for about $100 less than the Type IV in the same condition.

Of course, it's not me, so I'll say sell me the Type I 😉

 

[rover]

I am considering selling 2 Summicons. The two I will keep will be the Type 1 Rigid and Tabbed Type 3 I guess. If I were you I would keep the Rigid and the current version. The rigid is a dream and the current is as good as any 50 ever made from 2.0 on down.

 

[former member]

You need a Collapsible.

 

[srtiwari]

You need a Collapsible.

I don't think thats very nice- suggesting a drink to an alcoholic.

 

[rover]

I am going to post my DR for sale. Still thinking about the Collapsible.

 

[MCTuomey]

Well, I tried to sell my DR to no avail. Which I interpret as unseen hands suggesting it's meant to be kept. So I say keep the rigid, keep the newbie, and sell the middlin' vintage. It's usually the things on the far end of any spectrum that provide interest.

 

[MCTuomey]

Well, I tried to sell my DR to no avail. Which I interpret as unseen hands suggesting it's meant to be kept. So I say keep the rigid, keep the newbie, and sell the middlin' vintage. It's usually the things on the far end of any spectrum that provide interest.

This from someone who prefers his Summarit to a lux or a cron.

 

[lightwriter]

If you decide to sell the Type 4, let me know. Been looking for another one. The last one I had would not focus to infinity - BH took it back and gave me a credit. Hesitant to buy another one that has not been "proven" by someone.
-Carlos

 

[wlewisiii]

To me, this is an interesting thread as I never really thought that there was anything to the Summicron mystique until I got back the first couple of rolls from the 40/2 Summicron...

Yikes! :angel:

I've got a collapsible 50/2 at DAG right now and I really can't wait for it to get back. From what I understand it won't be quite as sharp, but I hope that the rest of the signature is ... well, I've used lots of Tessars and Tessar Clones; if the 'crons have a family resemblance the way the Tessars do, I'll be a very happy camper, indeed... 🙂

Good luck choosing. From everything I've read, each has it's pluses and minuses so I'm sure it won't be too easy - my own choice would be to keep the Type 1 Rigid and sell the other 2, but I don't pretend that my eyes see anything like yours do. If you have shots you know which one shot, look to them. If not, do a double blind test and see which _you_ like best. That, in the end, is the only metric that matters...

William

 

[ERV]

I would definitely keep the type 1 rigid. I have one and it's amazing, sharp with low contrast.
It is also more difficult to find than type 2 or 4.

 

[srtiwari]

Amazing ! I will probably sell the Type II, even though it is cleaner than the type I, and keep the TYpe I and the current one. Thank you (all) for your help.
Subhash

 

[Ken F.]

Yup, keep the type l for sure!
I made the mistake of selling mine years ago, ending up re-purchasing another at a later date!

Cheers,
kf

 

[Ben Z]

I ended up with four 50 Crons at one time, the collapsible, rigid-I, 11817 and current. I have to have the collapsible because it's LTM and the only one that fits my IIIf. The Type-1 rigid lives on my M3, which I use very occasionally but mostly I wanted them for their historical significance. Otherwise the M3 is useless to me, a 35mm-lens user, and the Type-1 rigid is a PITA because it locks every time I go to infinity (and I don't want to butcher the lens) and only focuses to 1m. I made a thorough test between the 11817 and current lenses (and by thorough I mean the kind of photography I do, not shots of the funny papers pasted to a wall) and sold the current one because there was no difference in performance and I could get almost $200 more for it at that time. Perhaps it's just my subjective feeling but IMO the 1969 version is of a higher order of finish and construction than the later lens.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Keep the newbie, but I am a high contrast fiend 🙂

 

[srtiwari]

1. I ended up with four 50 Crons at one time, ......
2. Perhaps it's just my subjective feeling but IMO the 1969 version is of a higher order of finish and construction than the later lens.

I guess I don't feel so weird having three. 😀

Just when I thought I knew what I was going to do. Now I guess I'll just have to break down and go and actually shoot some pictures to figure it out.. :bang:

 

[telenous]

I would also keep the type I rigid Summicron. I found one in mint condition in my fifth (yes, fifth!) attempt. This lens is in class apart in terms of signature and built and it is my favourite lens bar none. The fourth could also be a keeper. By reductio, the odd one out is the second version.

 

[rover]

I have decided, I am keeping the Rigid and Tabbed Summicrons, sold the DR and have the Collapsible on the block.