Help needed / 50 Summicron : which model is it ?

[ckthual]

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Hi all,

 

I own a 50 Summicron I was using with my Leica M6. I bought it second hand years ago (in 1998 maybe). The serial number is 2985930, which should have been produced in 1979 according to this lens database :

Leica Lens Serial Numbers

I've found information here about the 5th version of the 50 Summicron :

Leica M Lens Users Guide

Here's what they say :

"Fifth version 1980-95 Black lens with "50" on barrel, reintroduced focusing lever, without built in hood. In my opinion this is a better choice in terms of handling than the built in hood version which followed it. I am a fan of both the focusing lever and the larger attachable hood. Nice lightweight lens at only 195 grams 6 elements, recomputed. Earlier lenses are Made in Canada, later Made in Germany."

I have a lever (note the particular shape on the pictures) on this lens, and it was made in Canada, but according to the first link, in 1979, not 1980...

 

Which leads me to my questions :

- Can anyone help me finding which version of the 50 Summicron is that lens ?

- I am, like many of you, waiting for my M9... If someone has experience with this lens on a M9, can you tell me how it performs ?

 

Thanks a lot for your help !

 

The pictures (pardon the poor light)

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[UliWer]

Your version is an early example of the current 50mm Summicron. Today it is produced with built-in hood as you described it. Dates about when it was introduced may differ, most sources say this was in 1979. Usually it is called "version IV", though one might call it "version V" if one separates the "dual focus" or "dual scale" Summicron from the "rigid" Summicron (version II).

 

You find many, many threads and remarks about this most typical lens for the Leica M in this forum. For example here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/115142-question-you-bokeh-50-a.html

 

 

For more information about Leica lenses you can also try this link with download: http://www.imx.nl/photo/downloads/page70.html

Look for "pocket guide"

[jaapv]

And it should be an excellent performer on your M9.

[jklotz]

I've got the same lens, a little newer, but still made in Canada. It has a great "glow" to it. I've got some other 50's also, but I'm keeping this one because it it has such a unique signature and character.

 

Mine has a little play in the focus dial, probably time for a cla....

[ckthual]

Thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate a lot ! :-)

Mine has also some play... I wonder if it will affect focus. I'll see when I get the M9. One day ! ;-)

The one thing I don't like about this lens (apart form the little play) is the lever and its particular shape, I love lever but I prefer the shape of the one on my 35 Summicron IV pre-asph. But the lever doesn't make the picture so what the hell...

Thanks again, I'll post some pictures of the combo in a few weeks... I hope ! ;-)

[ckthual]

PS/ Test shot taken with this lens on the M9 at the Paris Leica Shop the other day. Pleasant bokeh (IMHO). :-)

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/4225475563_50ef85c2d4_b.jpg

[fishblimp]

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I have this same question more or less. I have a 50mm Summicron F/2 that I bought about 4 years ago. It does not have the coded back so when I put it on my M9, I have to select manual lens selection. There are two profiles for a 50 f/2:

 

1) 50 f/2 11817

 

and

 

2) 50 f/2 11819, 11825, 11826, 11816

 

how do i know which is the one to select (I dont know which 50 i have)? does it matter?

[ckthual]

Fishblimp,

 

According to Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Lenses page here :

leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Pages - Leitz and Leica Lens Compendium

 

My lens seems to be that one :

 

Summicron-M (IV) [Lens design by Dr. Walter Mandler]

50mm / f2.0

model : 11 826

1979-?

 

so second option on the M9.

 

11 817 would be the Summicron 50 v.III (1969-1979)

 

KInd regards

[jklotz]

Thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate a lot ! :-)

Mine has also some play... I wonder if it will affect focus.

 

Cedric, I have been thinking about getting mine adjusted. I emailed DAG here in the states, and he said he could firm up the focus for $80, a full CLA (clean, lube, adjust) including the focus for $130. I think I'm going to send it to him and have it done.

 

BTW - I've got an M9 and the play in the focus ring is annoying, but it doesn't seem to be effecting focus.

[lct]

My lens seems to be that one :

Summicron-M (IV) [Lens design by Dr. Walter Mandler]

50mm / f2.0

model : 11 826

1979-?...

More precisely 11819 from 1979. I have the same from 1978. Great little lens indeed. The Summicron 35/2 from same period had a convex tab as well. Both will get a concave one later.

 

[ckthual]

> jklotz : I'm in France so I won't send it at DAG, but it gives me an idea of the price it would cost me. I'll make tests when i get the camera to see if it needs calibration or more.

 

> LCT : thanks a lot for the info, I found a french documentation of the M4P in which there's a picture of the 50 Summicron, it looks indeed the same as mine and the model number is 11819, just like you wrote.

 

http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=5&ved=0CB4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.summilux.net%2Fdocuments%2FLeicaM4-P-brochure.pdf&ei=V0t4S5T1K5CH4QajzbDSCg&usg=AFQjCNFmHLleRe8QGWSInYiWKpGdlEVifA&sig2=kckE9fQAdKBy2CtcoFQjkg

 

So I get the accurate answer to my initial question : it's a 50 Summicron-M (IV) made in 1979, model 11819.

 

Thanks all for your input ! :-)

[ckthual]

PS/ LCT : I was just looking at your picture, and noticed the model number on the box when I realized I had the original box too... and yes, there is the model number, and yes it's 11819 ! I never thought looking on the box !!! ;-) Thanks again !

[lct]

You're welcome.