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Summicron 50mm collapsible / Version 1 on Leica Monochrom


Elmoo

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Hello,

I'm wondering if someone uses this lens on Leica Monochrom and can give me some advice. I was not happy with my Summicron 50mm collabsible on my Monochrom because of blury pics in the center. For those who wonder the front lens is in perfect condition. So I send it to Leica Service in Wetzlar. The repair would cost 520€. Now I'm wondering if someone can give me some example pictures of this lesns (in better shape) on the Monochrom, so that I can decide if I'll invest this amount of mony or if I save it for a later version of the Summicron.

Thanks!

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In my experience, the collapsible Summicron is a somewhat strange lens. One of the best Lens repairman around has said that on his equipement a collapsible Summicron was the sharpest Leica lens he has ever tested. He recoated one of mine and it still is less centrally sharp than a Summitar.  On the other hand, I have never encountered a rigid Summicron that was less than excellent unless their were visible flaws! I do believe the rigid Summicron is the surer deal, particularly given the needed repair price.  I have two older rigid Summicrons in use and have no plans for replacing either. Hope this is of some help. Regards, Ron

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In my experience, the collapsible Summicron is a somewhat strange lens. One of the best Lens repairman around has said that on his equipement a collapsible Summicron was the sharpest Leica lens he has ever tested. He recoated one of mine and it still is less centrally sharp than a Summitar.  On the other hand, I have never encountered a rigid Summicron that was less than excellent unless their were visible flaws! I do believe the rigid Summicron is the surer deal, particularly given the needed repair price.  I have two older rigid Summicrons in use and have no plans for replacing either. Hope this is of some help. Regards, Ron

 So in conclusion you would advice me not to repair my collabsible summicron and save the money for a rigid Summicron? Unitl now I thought i'll save for a pre aspherical version (4 or 5) knowing that I'll loose the analog character of my pictures but maby the rigid version is a good idea as well. Do you miss the close focus < than 1m while making portraits with the rigid version?

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If I remember correctly, by their own figures, the 1930's 5cm Summar is sharper in the centre, wide open, than the early Sumicron.  Of course, pretty well everything else about the Summicron is better than the Summar, but the latter is still a nice lens to use.

 

Susie

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If I remember correctly, by their own figures, the 1930's 5cm Summar is sharper in the centre, wide open, than the early Sumicron.  Of course, pretty well everything else about the Summicron is better than the Summar, but the latter is still a nice lens to use.

 

Susie

That pretty much agrees with Ken Rockwell's review of the Summar in 2014. However, mine has quite low contrast, which makes the newer models seem sharper on film.
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If you need collapsible, the last version Elmar 50 2.8 is wonderful and .7m focusing.  The old Summi's collapsibles were never very good (1m) - but Ver 4 rigid is really great (.7m)

I inherited my collabsible Summicron build in 1954 from my grand uncle. So i did not decide to have a collapsible lense for size reasons. Maybe my first post was not that clear. The question is: would anyone invest 500€ in a summicron collapsible instead of buying a new version?

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Sorry to be so slow but have been away for the day.  I would definitely go for any rigid Summicron in good shape.  If you are working with film Leica, the Dual Range Summicron is really ideal. For clarities sake: no I would not invest that much money for a repair that may or may not yield first class results.  I'm sure this will get some raised eyebrows, but if I were you and wanted a collapsible lens for a digital I would buy the Voigtlander F:3.5 Heliar which is, arguably, the sharpest lens corner to corner available at any price. It retails for less than $700 USD. I have one and it is superb. Regards, Ron

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Hello,

I'm wondering if someone uses this lens on Leica Monochrom and can give me some advice. I was not happy with my Summicron 50mm collabsible on my Monochrom because of blury pics in the center. For those who wonder the front lens is in perfect condition. So I send it to Leica Service in Wetzlar. The repair would cost 520€. Now I'm wondering if someone can give me some example pictures of this lesns (in better shape) on the Monochrom, so that I can decide if I'll invest this amount of mony or if I save it for a later version of the Summicron.

Thanks!

Whilst I am unable to give examples with a Monochrom, I can with M9 & M7. Taken with M9 & a 1951 5cm Collapsible Summicron:- 

 

8482066820_a464910602_o.jpg

 

Flickr library of mostly M7 + Summicron.

 

I have had the lens about four years and remain delighted with its performance.

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I once more called customer care in Wetzlar to ask if they have any experience with serviced collapsible summicrons and its performence on digital. And it arised that there is in fact a guy that has started his careere in the workshop repairing lenses and he is known as an expert in questions about old lenses. Unfortunately he is not avaliable until 10st of february. But anyway I'll get an opinion more that I'll share with you, as soon as possible.

Until then I will be happy to get more example pictures from you taken with collapsibles and more opinions.

Thanks

Moritz

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