badpets Posted February 26, 2010 Share #1 Posted February 26, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Must every Leica lover own this lens??? I've found one in very good condition with serial number starting 19xxxxxxx ... Should I buy it ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 26, 2010 Posted February 26, 2010 Hi badpets, Take a look here Summicron 50mm F2 Rigid is Legendary???. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Ronazle Posted February 26, 2010 Share #2 Posted February 26, 2010 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 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted February 26, 2010 Share #3 Posted February 26, 2010 It's a way of being part of history from 50 years ago. Then later one can move forward to more present time lenses. But it really has an historic look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
badpets Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share #4 Posted February 26, 2010 I see. Thank you for both of your advice! Maybe I should save the cash for buying the new Sumilux 35mm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted February 26, 2010 Share #5 Posted February 26, 2010 The lens you mention is still superb for b&w, but for color photography modern Leica lenses have more snap (more contrast, more vivid color rendition). Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted February 26, 2010 Share #6 Posted February 26, 2010 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. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted February 26, 2010 Share #7 Posted February 26, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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