Your favourite 50/2 Summicron?

[JNewell]

The short answer is: all. They've never made a bad one. Currently have a collapsible, a last-run DR and a type III (Wetzlar).

 

[jcr]

I just added my vote for the last version ...

Looks like those who voted for it are not so much into writing, 'coz if based on what was written, it would not be the leader of the pack ...

The one thing I liked in my 4th version was the distance scales. They were easier to pre-focus than this current one, which are all printed so close to each other.

here's one snapshot from the 6th :

50mm shot at f/2, 1/30, on Ilford Delta 3200, processed at 3200 (it was really dark ...)

.

 

[awilder]

Optically speaking, I find version 5 or 6 to be the best of all 50's including the 50/1.4 ASPH for evenly sharp imaging across the frame regardless of aperture or distance setting. However, despite my dislike of the tab on a focal length as long as 50 mm, I think the tabbed version (5) performs a little better than the current version 6. Version 5's rf cam is tweaked more for wide open performance to compensate for the small amount of spherical aberration (SA) at f/2. I base this on the tendecy of various version 6 samples I've seen where rf patch focus goes just a tad past infinity at the infinty setting and focus bracket tests at closer distances also indicate a tendency to focus just slightly past the subject thus optimizing sharpness for smaller aperture like f/4 where SA is elliminated. I thought it might simply be my camera's adjustment except in comparison, versions 2, 3, 4 and 5 all focus spot on perfect at infinity at least a mile or two away. The inferior built-in hood of version 6 is a non-issue because cheap screw-in vented hood are plentiful and the clip-on hood tends to wear down the finish of version 5.

 

[edodo]

KM-25 your first pic made me sadly miss the beautiful rendering and the compactness of this true gem summicron. The M3 with the collapsible is a winner combo!

 

[Paul T.]

Well, I vote for the collapsible, because it's the one I own and because it's, well, collapsible...

 

[LightWave]

I just added my vote for the last version ...

Looks like those who voted for it are not so much into writing, 'coz if based on what was written, it would not be the leader of the pack ...

The one thing I liked in my 4th version was the distance scales. They were easier to pre-focus than this current one, which are all printed so close to each other.

here's one snapshot from the 6th :

50mm shot at f/2, 1/30, on Ilford Delta 3200, processed at 3200 (it was really dark ...)

.

Wow, how did you get such good grain size with Delta 3200 @ 3200? I tried a roll of Delta 3200 @ 3200, my lab processed it using Xtol. It didn't turn out great... What developer did you use?

 

[Fausto]

Rather than start a new thread....

Rather than start a new thread....

I'll just ask my question here....

My freshly acquired collapsible Summicron needs a protective filter, but the front element seems quite prominent - will a standard 39mm filter injure the lens?

 

[raid]

KM-25 your first pic made me sadly miss the beautiful rendering and the compactness of this true gem summicron. The M3 with the collapsible is a winner combo!

I am so happy that I have the M3 and the collapsible Summicron. The first version rigid Summicron also is a great lens on the M3. Mine is mint lens on mint camera.

 

[Timmy P]

I'm using a version 4 and so far so good. I posted a couple of samples a while back, there's even more in that gallery now too

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timjpower/sets/72157600551841692/

Overall, it's just great! The bokeh is very nice. And 50mm I think is better for street, since any wider and you have to be REAL close, and I think shooting from the hip etc is cheating, but find putting the camera to your eye at that closer than 50mm range a tad intimdating.

Cheers,

-Tim

 

[raid]

It has been mentioned that the collapsible Summicron has closeness in performance to the Summitar and to the rigid Summicron to some degree. Here are three images to look at:


Summitar @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288243


Summicron Rigid (First) @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288200

Summicron Collapsible @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288220

Compare to the Zeiss Sonnar 50mm/2.0: @ 4.0
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288225


or to the old Elmar 50/3.5🙁fist frame of roll) @ 4.0
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288156


Canon lenses are great too.

Canon 50mm/1.2 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288268


Canon 50mm/1.5 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288258

Canon 50mm/1.8 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288230


Also, the Nikon 50/2 is a good lens. Here. @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288252

FSU lenses are embarassingly good.

J-8 50mm/2.0 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288213

Industrar 50/3.5 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288163

Jupiter 3 50mm/1.5 @ 4.0:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5288274


I see all lenses here doing well.

 

[photocrazy]

Image quality, the latest one,
Build quality, rigid one,[

Photo below was shot with M6 and current Summicron 50


IMG]http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=66450[/IMG]

 

[Ronald M]

There are no bad ones, just different ones.

If I had to pick one, 1969.

 

[markinlondon]

I'm going to have to change my vote here. My collapsible is just fantastic despite the "cleaning marks" and the stiff focus. It flares but so does my tabbed version. The first frame here was at f2-2.8 and close, the second at maybe f8-11. "Low contrast " maybe, but the detail is staggering, not to mention the drawing. Both on Delta 100 processed in HC-110.

 

[sirius]

Thanks for bumping this Mark. It answers a lot of questions...

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I love very mutch the rendition of my Dual Range, simply superb.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[czamagni]

I've had 2 collapsible Summicrons, a 1954 lanthanium and a 1956 non-lanthanium (I still own this one). Both were great: Soft in the corner and with some noticeable coma. Otherwise they are exceptional.
I've also a last formula Summicron from 1989 (tab version): this one is by far superior in any respects to the collapsibles and, as far as I know, to all other versions.
Still, I have voted for the collapsible: it is always with me because of its compactness, while this is not the case with the other Summicron...
Regards

 

[RHaroldP]

I have the tabbed version. It is the lens I judge all others by.

 

[Maxapple88]

I have one from 1970, was a good deal. Which version is it? Can i be happy with it? Its on its way now, haven't used it yet.

 

[peterm1]

I have a DR from the late 1950s, and a Summi from the 1980s. Originally and for a long while, I preferred the latter as it was more contrasty. Now that has changed and I prefer the former's softer "1950s" look although I am sure the later lens is technically better. I must admit I like to lug around that half a ton of metal in the earlier lens too. Makes me feel macho :^)

 

[maddoc]

I have one called "version 4" in this poll, it is black, has no "50" engraved and its SN # 253****. Like it for it's size and signature. One example shot: (M4-P Kodak Portra 400UC)

Cheers,

maddoc