Harry Lime
Practitioner
Just a quick clarification on the different versions and their optical formulation:
Collapsible Summicron 2/50, 1953-1960 (Version 1)
Collapsible, focus to 1 m.
Clip on hood.
Chrome finish
This was HBC's favorite 50mm.
Summicron Rigid / DR Dual Range 2/50, 1957-1968 (Version 2, Type 1 and 2)
New optical formula that is shared between the Rigid and DR.
Rigid focuses to 1 m
DR has built in close focus mechanism with goggles (48cm)
Both types use a clip on hood.
Chrome and a handful of black paint ($$$)
Summicron 2/50, 1969-1979 (Version 3)
New optical formula
Focus to .7 meter
Clip on hood.
The thinly grooved focus ring is circa 10mm wide on this version.
No large '50' marking on barrel.
Black chrome only. (Special editions excluded)
Summicron-M 2/50, 1979 - current (Version 4, type 1 and 2)
Summicron 50th Anniversary
New optical formula that is still in use today.
Type 1 - Focus to .7 meter, focus tab, clip on hood.
Type 2 - Focus to .7 meter, no focus tab, collapsible hood.
The thinly grooved focus ring on both types is almost half as thin, as on the previous version (circa 5mm).
Both types are marked '50' next to the scale focusing marks.
Black and chrome, some special editions.
50th Anniversary looks very similar to the 1957 Rigid, but uses the version 4 optical formula. (Chrome, black paint?)
(I'm pretty certain about the dates. There are some discrepancies, between Puts and others, but this is very close.)
Collapsible Summicron 2/50, 1953-1960 (Version 1)
Collapsible, focus to 1 m.
Clip on hood.
Chrome finish
This was HBC's favorite 50mm.
Summicron Rigid / DR Dual Range 2/50, 1957-1968 (Version 2, Type 1 and 2)
New optical formula that is shared between the Rigid and DR.
Rigid focuses to 1 m
DR has built in close focus mechanism with goggles (48cm)
Both types use a clip on hood.
Chrome and a handful of black paint ($$$)
Summicron 2/50, 1969-1979 (Version 3)
New optical formula
Focus to .7 meter
Clip on hood.
The thinly grooved focus ring is circa 10mm wide on this version.
No large '50' marking on barrel.
Black chrome only. (Special editions excluded)
Summicron-M 2/50, 1979 - current (Version 4, type 1 and 2)
Summicron 50th Anniversary
New optical formula that is still in use today.
Type 1 - Focus to .7 meter, focus tab, clip on hood.
Type 2 - Focus to .7 meter, no focus tab, collapsible hood.
The thinly grooved focus ring on both types is almost half as thin, as on the previous version (circa 5mm).
Both types are marked '50' next to the scale focusing marks.
Black and chrome, some special editions.
50th Anniversary looks very similar to the 1957 Rigid, but uses the version 4 optical formula. (Chrome, black paint?)
(I'm pretty certain about the dates. There are some discrepancies, between Puts and others, but this is very close.)
Last edited:
Harry Lime
Practitioner
My favorite are the collapsible and DR. For me the DR is a better shooter, because it's easier to scale focus.
I'm a fan of low contrast, single coated lenses and these two fit that bill perfectly, while still delivering high image quality.
I also have the current version and it is outstanding. My only real complaint is that the hood does not lock in to place. Very annoying, so I use a screw-in type.
I experienced some internal flare, but we are talking about 2 frames out of hundreds. I really need to shoot it more often.
Unfortunately my pre-asph Summilux-M 1.4/50 has sort of stolen their thunder...
There is only so much room in the bag and speed is king...
I'm a fan of low contrast, single coated lenses and these two fit that bill perfectly, while still delivering high image quality.
I also have the current version and it is outstanding. My only real complaint is that the hood does not lock in to place. Very annoying, so I use a screw-in type.
I experienced some internal flare, but we are talking about 2 frames out of hundreds. I really need to shoot it more often.
Unfortunately my pre-asph Summilux-M 1.4/50 has sort of stolen their thunder...
There is only so much room in the bag and speed is king...
Last edited:
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
LOVE that Rigid in your hands ERIK....FANtastic shot of the Crowds & the 2 on Vespas

Last edited:
FPjohn
Well-known
rogerzilla
Well-known
Going old school; M3 with a screwmount collapsible 'cron and an adapter. As you can see from the second picture (at f/2.8), the bokeh is fairly horrible.


Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, HP5, negative scan.
Erik.
Erik.

Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Tmax400, negative scan.
Erik.
Erik.

David Murphy
Veteran
My favorite Summicron is any one that is not covered with coating scratches on the front element - which eliminates a lot of them! Other than that, the DR has the nicest balance of classic feel and performance for my taste.
nicehugoboss
Newbie
cool. Vote . haven't my choice.
I got LTM version. Chrome version. latest version with Built-in hood
lovely
2nd is Rigid.........
LTM fight with Rigid...... @_@
I got LTM version. Chrome version. latest version with Built-in hood
2nd is Rigid.........
LTM fight with Rigid...... @_@
ItsReallyDarren
That's really me
Collapsible Summicron
Collapsible Summicron

Collapsible Summicron

kdemas
Enjoy Life.
Collapsible Summicron
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Collapsible Summicron
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I like the second shot Darren, well done!
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
Fab shots Darren ... Collapsible cron magic !!!!
Just got my collapsible back from Youxin... Can't wIt to see what 'IT' creates
Cheers -h
Just got my collapsible back from Youxin... Can't wIt to see what 'IT' creates
Cheers -h
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Vics
Veteran
I voted Collapsible, then I bought a DR, and LOVED it. Now I've gotten a bit tired of the weight and mostly shoot with the collapsible. I'm trading it to another member for his Summaron 35/2.8. I want to keep my Leica small and light. I'll shoot those portraits with my Rollei TLR. So I'm back to my original vote.
silent1
Well-known
I love my #4 "Wetzlar"!




Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2, Tmax400, negative scan.
Erik.
Erik.

MISH
Well-known
i had to vote collapsible as that is what I have ( and have added a screw mount version recently ) but thought you might enjoy a picture of a little dish I found on EBAY a few years back.

Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Tmax400, negative scan.
Erik.
Erik.

Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2 rigid, Tmax100, negative scan.
Erik.
Erik.

HuubL
hunter-gatherer
Leica M2, Summicron 50mm f/2, Tmax400, negative scan.
Erik.
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Great shots Erik. Is that Hoek van Holland?
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Yes Huub, Hoek van Holland. Not the boy on his skateboard, however, I took that picture in Amsterdam. Thank you for your compliments.
Erik.
Erik.
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