Your favourite 50/2 Summicron?

Your favourite 50/2 Summicron?

  • Version 1: Collapsible

    Votes: 147 14.7%

  • Version 2: Rigid

    Votes: 172 17.2%

  • Version 3: Dual Range

    Votes: 200 20.0%

  • Version 4: Black

    Votes: 107 10.7%

  • Version 5: Black with "50"

    Votes: 147 14.7%

  • Version 6: Black with "50" & built-in hood

    Votes: 229 22.9%
  • Total voters
    1,002
ffttklackdedeng said:
Yes! A a rigid or a DR is the way to go for the M3 (got a DR myself). Btw: you made me buy K64!
Click to expand...

Good for you on the K64!

As for me, I kind of blew it last week on a mint rigid. I did not know how much they went for and told the guy I wanted the weekend to "think about it" when offered to me at $500. Within 24 hours, it went up $100 and was listed and as far as I know has sold.

I kind of give up for now, there is nothing in sight and I don't really like the top mount plate on the DR.

So right now, I have three M bodies and two lenses, hahaha!

At least one of them is a 50 aspheric..😀
 
The latest summicron is the finest lens I've ever shot. Like it more than the Asph 35 cron. I regularly print negs from this lens at 1620, and couln't ask for more. I must say I've only shot this Leica 50, and understand that the previous version is the same optically, but I'm not a huge fan of those focusing knobs or lumps or tabs on many of the leica lenses, and don't miss it at all on my 50.
 
Well,

Since it looks like I am not going to find a decent rigid summicron anytime soon, in detail, how does the collapsable compare in all regards?

I have three big projects that I need to get back to, so I just can't spend a ton of time on here pouring over the internet looking for a great lens that is just not out there. I know of two mint collapsables, is the rigid that much better?

I know the DR is a great lens too, I am just not a fan of the plate for the eyes.

Any comments?
 
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I have the collapsible on my M3. It's the only leica lens I'ver ever had so I can't compare. I find it to be a religious experience as long as I'm not shooting against the light. It flares pretty readily. I'm trying to learn techniques that will give me the contre-jour look without the flare. When I look at the prints of my best pictures, it's just something I haven't seen in my 40 years of photography (Nikon, Rollei, Pentax, et al). Erwin Puts says that the DR and the rigid (he says they are the same) are a pretty big step up from the collapsible. Good luck!
 
KM-25 said:
I know the DR is a great lens too, I am just not a fan of the plate for the eyes.

Any comments?
Click to expand...

The look of the plate is not that obvious / disturbing once it's on the camera. In the lens only pictures it grabs more attention imho. E.g.: http://infocam.co.kr/X2-m130/images/082-leica-m4.jpg

I was looking for a nice rigid one (first version, there were 2 of both rigid and DR), too, but finally grabbed a DR and now the plate doesn't bother me at all. I wanted the rigid because of the missing plate and the focussing lever but the DR has the close focusing advantage, just in case. It is a heavy lens and feels like incredible mechanical quality (good match for the M2/3). Assuming the collapsible is more like the Summitar I'd rather pass by the collapsible. Just my opinion of course
 
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...............Still thinking about it.

I have found a like new, perfect glass collapsable with the 12585 hood in the same condition for $400 shipped. I have also been offered a clean DR without the eyes for $320....

Hmmmmm....dunno....

I think for absolute quality from a 50, my 50 Asph will not be beat, especially in the flare department.

But I might like the super soft and classic look of the collapsable, besides, it was HCB's main lens for decades:
 
Well, I scored a really nice 50 collapsable for not very much and I already love it.
It will go in for a CLA as the aperture ring is really tight and there is a good amount of haze in it. But the bokeh? Wow is it nice, very classic looking. I have to say with all the comments about this lens being soft wide open, I am surprised at how sharp it is at 2.0.

I really would not want it to be any sharper, it is perfect! If I want insane sharp, I can use my 50 Asph for that. Glad I got it, beautiful on my M3!!

F/11.0 with Kodak C-41 black and white, scanned with Nikon coolscan, Boosted contrast in PS.
 
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Wide open? Looks like it for the OOF areas, Nice!

DougFord said:
attachment.php


collapsable summicron
Click to expand...
 
Once I get the haze cleaned out, I will give it a try.

For the most part, the M3/ 50 Cron will only see black and white.

I have two M6's for the Kodachrome.

DougFord said:
thanks Daniel. I don't remember the f-stop. I'm thinking f4 or f2.8.
Wonder how some of that kodachrome would render the light that traveled through this lens?
Click to expand...
 
DougFord said:
bnew5.jpg




thanks Daniel. I don't remember the f-stop. I'm thinking f4 or f2.8.
Wonder how some of that kodachrome would render the light that traveled through this lens?
Click to expand...

Beautiful portrait, doug.
 
I've been very surprised at how popular this thread has been - it just refuses to die! 😀


As for me I've had a few regrets about selling the 4th version Summicron I picked up on eBay last year, even though I'm more of a 35mm guy if the truth be told.
I definately see another Leica 50 in my future, but this time I think I'll go for a collapsible Summicron or Summitar for that vintage look.


I find it surprising how even the results of the poll have been, it just goes to show why "Summicron" is such a badge of quality for lenses I guess.
 
I have only used a Summicron DR, so that is my choice. Nice lens optically but way too heavy. It's been lurking in a box for a while now, as I don't have a camera to use it with.
 
I love my 50 collapsable, small, simple and waaaay sharper than people give it credit for. This is a pic of a friend of mine who is battling cancer...at age 38. She is not in town anymore and came to visit taking a break from treatment. It is hard to say how it is going to turn out.

My little silver M3 put a smile on her face...🙂

Ilford XP2, 50 collapsable at F2.0, 1/50 of a second. The M3 and the 50 Col. is the best little happy snap camera I have ever had..
 
only own the collapsable for my m3 but it has done everything i have ever asked of it ..... never noticed a problem with flare as many people have mentioned (i do use a lens hood) just a thing of beauty .... love the tab, love the lock, love the classic look plus i bought it 16 years ago for a total investment of $100 which includes sending it to DAG for CLA (i would rate it very close to mint) wish i could find a deal like that these days
 
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