Lazzaros Posted June 26, 2010 Share #1 Posted June 26, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I have to admit I am a little new to M system... I'm using one M7 + Elmar-M 50/2.8 and I really like the feeling (as I'm waiting for the first developed films and I don't know the results) but I think I'll prefer to use wider apertures as I use really small dof's... I know that one stop is not anything so special but I can't afford the Summilux version right now (I thought about the Nokton 50/1.1 too) so the Summicron is the way...The problem is that I see so many versions with different prices and I don't know what would be the better choice... I can't spend more than 700/750€ so I think that the lastest versions are not possible to include in this budget correct?...But...How can I know which version is it? What are the differences? Sorry if this is a very discussed topic but I did a quick search and I didn't find anything that helps me... Regards, Ivo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 26, 2010 Posted June 26, 2010 Hi Lazzaros, Take a look here Which Summicron 50/2? - So many versions!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tobey bilek Posted June 26, 2010 Share #2 Posted June 26, 2010 As you progress thru the generations, the size of the circle of really sharp definition at f 2.0 increases in size from around a 12mm circle in the DR/Rigid series ( same optics) to sharp right into the corners with the last one. Contrast increases also. The 1969/1981 version 3 is a decent balance between the two. The first 50 2.8 made in the 1950`s is very similar to the DR/Rigid lens except no F 2.0. The last 50 2.8 recently discontinued is much like the 50 1.4 current or 50 2.0 current, very sharp but it has not lost so much of the character of older Leica lenses. Mine lives on my M cameras. The 90 4.0 current and 35 2.0 version 4 are my usual kit. No complaints. I don`t carry fast lenses unless I know I need them. Other lenses to explore are 75 1.4 and 2.0. My 125 2.5 on a viso, Leica R or adapted to Nikon full frame digital is winner. I will never part with mine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazzaros Posted June 26, 2010 Author Share #3 Posted June 26, 2010 Thanks for your comment. But how can I know which version x lens is? By serial number? (I know that the design changes too but some are very similar...) Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted June 26, 2010 Share #4 Posted June 26, 2010 Hi Yes serial number is simplest mechanism. The later type IV have a collapsible hood, last are coded for M8... The early type IV a 'knob' on focus ring. Forgotten about type III The III and IV are ok but if you already have the late post '94 Elmar you are only losing a stop of speed I'd live with it or buy a CV f/1.5 as well, for low light. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazzaros Posted June 26, 2010 Author Share #5 Posted June 26, 2010 Thanks Noel, and about the fair prices for them (the "usual ones...")? Sorry about these questions but when I want to spend some money I like to be informed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted June 27, 2010 Share #6 Posted June 27, 2010 Ivo all of the Summicron 50's will make fine photos of course. If you are looking at buying an older one you need to check its condition, just as with any older lens naturally. The last couple of versions are optically the same and I would suggest that you get that version (version four) if you want the most modern and best corrected. This one is really a standard benchmark and is known for extremely accurate and neutral reproduction. If you would like to look at a lot of information on the different models you may like to vist the web-site of Erwin Puts. He has two free downloadable documents in his download section. The Leica pocket book is also excellent if you would like a reference to learn a lot about Leica. For an idea on prices eBay is probably the easiest resource. Search for completed sales. Naturally the BEST way to learn is to find a good dealer and support them as well as learning from them. Good Leica dealers are not on every street corner though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
}{B Posted June 27, 2010 Share #7 Posted June 27, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) If you have not seen this web site before it is well worth a look as it will show you the different types of 50mm lenses. Leica Lens Tests Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazzaros Posted June 27, 2010 Author Share #8 Posted June 27, 2010 Many thanks This will be a good help. Unfortunally Portugal has no oficial Leica dealer. We have one or two places that sell Leica cameras but they are photography shops with many brands etc... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted June 28, 2010 Share #9 Posted June 28, 2010 They are all very good. The last two models (which have the same optical formula) are best. It's a cracking lens. I recently sold a 50 Summilux asph, because the Summicron was so good and so much smaller. I like small lenses. This might be heresy, but the Cosina made Zeiss Ikon 50mm planar is equally good, and a lot less $$. Build construction seems good too. I've always liked the Zeiss lenses for color, but still prefer Leica for B&W. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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