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Summicron 50mm F2 Rigid is Legendary???


badpets

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Without getting a book out, the lens (based on sn and my failing memory) appears to be a early 1960's one. They are quite good lenses, even by today's standards. However, they are not as contrastly or as sharp at all apertures as the current production Leica lenses. Having said that, if you do not have a good 50mm lens, acquiring an older Summicron is not a bad idea.

 

Be advised, fungus (in and on these lenses) and "spotted coating" (the coating is soft) are frequently encountered conditions. Either of which are difficult and very expensive to effectively remedy. ron

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I see. Thank you for both of your advice! Maybe I should save the cash for buying the new Sumilux 35mm.

 

Well, you cannot really compare those two lenses in any respect: one may be a legend the other may be a dream - nobody knows. The rigid Summicron is a good lens - though it's main qualities are how it looks like. It's legend is perhaps more based on photos made of it on a chrome M3 or M2 than on photos made with it.

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If you do not own an old lens, how are you going to evaluate the new. It becomes a baseline lens which some like better than the new lenses.

 

The new lens has more contrast and is sharp at F 2 way into the corners. The Rigid/DR lens only has the central 12 mm or so sharp at F 2.

 

Just do not buy one that has fog inside or any other defects. Put a pen light in one end and look thru the other, then reverse. The glass is supposed to be crystal clear. Focus and diaphragn must move smoothly and no hard spots or binds.

 

I will not sell mine, but I appreciate the new formulas also.

 

If you want a new ~Lux, do not mix vintages.

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