Can anyone place this lens?

[Talus]

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I'm asking about a 50mm Summicron. This guy isn't sure which gen it is. Here's what he knows. Can anyone tell me which it is? I'm thinking it's 4th.

 

"I am not sure which version, howver the lens is black and has the original plastic shade. Serial number is 3338xxx. I questimate the lens is from the 80's. It is Canadian."

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Greg

[lct]

#11819 with convex or concave focus tab from 1984:

 

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[Talus]

Thanks! I now have the choice of this lens or the next gen model, which I found for about $150 more. Any suggestions as to which one to go with?

 

-Greg

[lct]

I don't own the current version (#11826, or 11816 in chrome) sorry.

You will read here and there that 11819 and 11826 have the same optical formula, which is true, and that their only difference lies in the mount, which i doubt.

My feeling is that the current version is somewhat more contrasty with a bit harsher bokeh but again i don't own it so take what i say with a pinch of salt.

What is sure is the 11819 has a focus tab. You may like it or hate it or you may prefer the concave or convex one. It is an important matter in practice. I would ask how is the focus tab if i were you.

The current version has no focus tab and is a bit larger and heavier. You may prefer this if you have large hands for instance. Matter of personal tastes obviously.

Also there are at least 11 years between a 11819 from 1984 and any current 11826 (1995-2007). The 150$ difference won't count much if the 11819 needs a CLA needless to say.

Happy snaps.

[Talus]

Thanks again lct. I thought I read that they're both the same optically, the other differences might be negligible. I like the idea of the focus tab but I like the idea of a built in lens hood & a newer generation model even more. I appreciate all of the help.

 

Greg

[doubice]

Greg,

 

The built-in lens hood is quite shallow, making it not very useful. I prefer the older style clip-on metal shades, like the 12585. Those not only provide more shielding, but also offer more protection against bumping the lens into doorways etc. They are specially angled and have cut-outs so that you can see 'through' them, without any finder blockage and can be reversed over the lens for storage.

 

These older hoods will only fit on Summicrons that do not have one built in.

 

Best,

 

Jan

[lct]

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...The built-in lens hood is quite shallow, making it not very useful...

Yes and built-in hoods are totally useless with a filter on, like UV-IR's for instance.

Now one can use screw-in metal hoods instead but they tend to damage filter threads in case of bump or drop of lenses.

[cbretteville]

Get the tabbed one, its a joy to use.

 

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Here is a shot from a while back shot with that lens on an M4-P at f2.4, 1/125 sec on XP2 super.

 

- Carl

[Talus]

Good points. Because it's going to be a one lens-mostly travel-setup, I thought that having the built in hood would have been more compact. I have an SLR that I take with me a lot and the hood on those lenses are so freaking huge. I suppose on the Leica it'd be different given the small size and the fact that it can be reversed on the lens for storage. I've heard that it's not good to store hoods on the lenses so I avoided it with my SLR.

 

 

Nice pic Carl. Looks like a happy little guy.

 

This is a great forum.

[tobey bilek]

When you look off axis at the glass, the short narrow shade is just as effective as the vented shade. The vented model is for 35 and 50 so it really is for a 35.

 

Both are poor and the design is compromised in the name of compactness

[lct]

I have been using the #12585 hood (here with 'cron #11817) for 30+ years with Summicron and Elmar 50 lenses.

It is not perfect of course but makes a good job IMHO and remains usefull with a filter on contrary to built-in hoods.

 

[Talus]

I picked up an almost new 50 Summicron and I haven't had any problems with the lens hood and the filter. It still works fine. I was talking with one of the Leica gurus at the shop and he told me that there is a local guy here in the states that can put focusing tabs on the newer Crons. Having played with mine tonight I realize why it's such a sought after lens. Having a tab would make focusing quite a bit more comfortable. Anyway, i'm going through my first roll of film with my first leica. Great camera!