Summicron 5cm, collapsible.

[dougdarter]

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Hi,

 

Assuming that the lens is clean and clear, how do you feel about this lens, compared to modern version, in terms of sharpness and IQ?

 

I've never owned one, but I have a chance of aquiring one at a very reasonable price ~ $300

 

Thanks,

 

Doug.

[wizard]

Doug, I have a very clear, unscratched sample of that lens. By todays standards, it is almost unusable at f2, but quickly improves, and from f4 offers excellent quality. Contrast is less than with current Leica lenses, and the lens is susceptible to flare in back light situations, but all in all the lens delivers high quality results. Just don't use it in a mix with current lenses and you will most likely be very pleased.

 

Andy

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[Guest flatfour]

I looked into this subject about four years ago and had a wide range of confusing and conflicting answers. Firstly there was the question of whether anyone had mucked around with the elements - I don't know why it should happen so much with this lens. Secondly nowadays people always seem to want full coating. Several of the lenses I looked at had much later coating but how good ? My Summar hasn.'t got it and I have never had a bad flare. Thirdly the lens was expensive then but has now come down. I decided against it on cost but am now looking for good one - very difficult.Even if I find a good one I shall send it away to a specialist to have it checked over.

[luigi bertolotti]

I have one... ok at f2 is not so sharp (less than my very old Summilux at f2) but well usable... but there is the problem of coating : I do not remember well the issue... old items had something strange about... (and someone spoke also of radioactive materials ...)... my one had been recoated. And also the lenses in themselves posed risks of separation, hazing... I think that would be better to have the lens professionally inspected prior to buy... 300$ is not so much, but would be a pity to have a famous lens in conditions that make it hardly usable, unless, of course, you think only in term of collection .... I do have an Elmar 10,5 cm f 6,3... like it a lot... and NEVER make use of.

[steed]

I use mine quite a bit. There are differences between the best modern lens in the world and its precedessor by decades. I see them mostly in color shots. In black and white, one can say that they have different signatures, with the modern lens being more sharp. I love my collapsible Summicron and use it fairly frequently, especially when travelling. Avoid backlight and you'll be fine.

[bscott]

Dear Doug, I have one that I have had for years and it does just fine with no problems. I like the photos with the lens. I bought mine second hand years ago for 150.00 us.

[thrid]

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I have the collapsible, Summicron DR and current version.

 

It's not as sharp as the later versions below f4 or f5.6. At f2 it's fairly soft.

At f8 it's very sharp. Flare is not as well controlled as in the later models.

 

That said it has a beautiful signature and really shines for black and white work.

 

You will probably need have it cleaned to remove the haze. Leica in

New Jersey rebuilt mine and it was greatly improved.

 

BE VERY CAREFUL with the front element. The glass and coatings are very soft

and will scratch very easily. Never clean the front element dry. Use cleaning fluid

and let the weight of the wet tissue do the work.

 

 

Henri Cartier Bresson shot with a collapsible Summicron for over 40 years....

[dougdarter]

Thanks to all, for your helpful replies.

 

On balance, I think I shall add one to my collection, but not expect too much from it.