Summicron 50mm f2

[Guest]

I just bought this lens and shot two rolls, but the result is not satisfactory -- not sharp as my Nikon or even Minolta, especially wide open. The serial number is 3572478. Has anyone got any exprience about this lens? Thanks first.

 

[Guest]

Dear Allan,

If the results are as you say, the lens should go to Solms or try a higher shutter speed.

I had a similar problem with my new 1:4/35-70 Vario-Elmar-R and when returned to the factory needed its lenses centered.

If it were mine I would send it to Leica Camera AG Service Department attention Gerald Wagner.

Let us know what happens.

Justin

 

[Guest]

Return that lens. The 50mm Summicron is the sharpest lens around in 35mm land and you should get a noticeable improvement over your nikon and minolta lenses.

 

[Guest]

According to some MTF measurements available on the web, the Nikon 24/2.8 is far better than the Leica Elmarit R 24/2.8 or the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Guest]

the Nikon 24/2.8 is far better than the Leica Elmarit R 24/2.8 or the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8.

The Proof is in the pictures....

Different lenses have qualities that can be used for a particular style of picture. MTF may be a useful tool for designers, but it is not the only criteria for choosing a lens.

 

[Guest]

the code # 11221,11257 and 11331 Elmarit-R 2.8
were made by Minolta, both design and elements and Leitz did some of the assembly. I would call them average.Pete

 

[Guest]

I thought this was a 50mm 'cron thread? Anyway, I started using the latest version about 3 weeks ago and am very impressed with the results. I only got it because I had money left on an order when I got a M6ttl and 35mm 'cron, but have actually used the 50 more than the 35.

 

[Guest]

Having a good set of Leica M lenses (21 2.8 asph/28 2 asph/35 2 asph/50 2/50 1 noctilux/90 2 apo asph), I can say the 50mm summicron is the best lens I own. I use it as an all around lens, shoot 70% of time with this lens, in every light condition, at every shutter speed, every aperture and it performs greately evry time. If the lens doesn't produces sharp images or images without a good contrast IMO it's a problem of the single lens in question. Send it to assistance. Taking apart the Noctilux, wich is another kind of lens with specifical purposes, the 50mm summicron is one of the best lens Leica produces.

 

[Guest]

Can anyone tell me whether I'll get the same results from a Canadian Summicron f2 50mm as I will from the same lens made in Germany.

Thanks
Graeme

 

[Guest]

Hi Graeme,

normally all lenses have the same quallity, when the lenses have the same optical design. But later lenses from Leica should be better in komparison to older lensdesigns.

good light, Thomas

 

[Guest]

Graeme questions: Can anyone tell me whether I'll get the same results from a Canadian Summicron f2 50mm as I will from the same lens made in Germany.

You'll possibly get better results with the Canadian Summi, as you will be happy that you paid slightly less for an identical lens, (except for the engraving.)

Sonny, (who lived in Wetzlar, and owns Canadian Summicrons)

 

[Guest]

Dear Sonny,

In thirty five years I have never been able to distinguish the difference in either optical or mechanical quality; and the same with picture taking.

Enjoy your Canadian Summicrons and forget the collectors' snobbery.

Regards,

Justin

 

[Guest]

I bought my f2 Summincron in '69 along with a Focomat Ic enlarger and the bits to use the 'cron as an enlarging lens. A great combination. The f2 makes setting up the exposure so much easier than a traditional f4.5 enlarging lens.

Some years later I contemplated buying a lens just for the enlarger, and suggested using a camera lens as enlarger lenses seemed so much more expensive (I didn't reveal my then current set-up). The knowledgable photoshop owner replied "That's because enlarger lenses have to take the heat. The glue that sticks the elements together in conventional lenses deteriorates and the lens elements separate. Never use a camera lens in an enlarger!". The as an afterthought he added "Except for Leica lenses. They CAN take the heat."

I never did buy that enlarger lens.

 

[Guest]

can somebody tell me the difference between regular Summicron 2/50mm and the new '50 Jahre' model except for their appearance.

thanks!

 

[Guest]

> can somebody tell me the difference between regular Summicron 2/50mm > and the new '50 Jahre' model except for their appearance. > From everything I have read, the optics are identical between the regular 50/2 and the 50 Jahre special edition. The only difference is the construction of the housing, resulting in a totally different appearance. So you can get a 1950's style Summicron with 2000's optics and coatings, all for only twice the price of a regular Summicron Personally, I think the new Summicron 50th anniversary would look great on a sliver MP - that would be my ideal 'retro' combination...

- marc

 

[Guest]

> Personally, I think the new Summicron 50th anniversary would look > great on a sliver MP - that would be my ideal 'retro' combination...

Marc,

And would look even better on the M6J.

Lucien

 

[a_ciel]

Inviting Comments On The Following:

50mm Summicron F/2 (1969-1979). Made in Germany.

I looked at this lens the other day. It has barrel focusing instead of the tab and seemed more solid and smooth in focusing than its Canadian counterpart.

The serial # was 2585075. Not sure how late in the production run this lens was...possibly mid to late 70's?

I would appreciate feedback from photographers who have experience with the performance and/or reputation of this lens. I also welcome recommendations on other 50/summicrons.

 

[erict]

This is an old Type Summicron 50 which is made 1973 a good Lens but the later type’s are optically much better.

I sold my old one and bye the later type, really much better!

Best Regards

eric

 

[m5pro]

Inviting Comments The Following:

50mm Summicron F/2 (1969-1979). Made in Germany

====================================================

At the risk of stating a flame-war, ANY clean, undamaged Summicron is and excellent lens. I sincerely doubt that 90 % of the "Summicron partisans" could identify a print 11"x14" or smaller made with any particiular generation of those lenses.

 

[dodger]

> I'm with Photo Phreak here. ALL the 50 Summis are excellent lenses EVEN the > collapsible original. Each of the computations has been the benchmark lens > of its time, and while they all will exhibit different traits and provide > different atmospheres in their images none of them is to be sneezed at.