50mm Elmar or Summarit

[palmiro]

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Hello Leica Users,

 

i wanna make a light gear with M9; 28mm Asph Elmarit and 90 f4 macro are just in my bags.

 

For 50mm can't decide between 50mm Elmar 2.8 last version and the new 50 summarit.

 

A part of the price (used vs. new wcc..), in terms of IQ and usability what your opinion?

 

Thanks in advance.

[cliffp]

I don't have experience of either of the lenses you mention though I do have a 35mm Summarit. The Summarit is absolutely excellent. Could you not consider a Summicron? I had one of these (only replacing it because I bought a Summilux) and that was also an amazing lens and half a stop faster than the Summarit. I know you are concerned about size/weight but the latest version only weighs 73 g more than the Elmar 2.8. The Summicron has (I recall) a reputation for being prone to flare though I never found it to be a problem.

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[wattsy]

Both are very fine lenses. I currently own the Summarit and have owned the Elmar (though with many years in between so I have no means to make a direct comparison). The half a stop speed difference is of little significance but if buying anew I'd certainly plump for the Summarit because of a) the focussing tab and I'm not very keen on collapsible lenses.

[lct]

I have no experience with the Summarit sorry but IQ wise, and aside from more expensive lenses, i cannot think of a better match than the last Elmar for the 28/2.8 asph.

[jaapv]

I would call the Elmar-M 50 (last version) arguably the most underrated Leica lens. It rivals the asphericals for resolution whilst still retaining the classic leica fingerprint.

[palmiro]

Thanks to all,

 

i have some preference to the Elmar for quality construction (it seems better than summarit) and tiny dimension.

 

Someone have a shot at f/2.8 of the Elmar?

Can you confirme his compatibility with M9 even if collapsible?

 

Another thanks in advance.

[jaapv]

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Yes - it can be collapsed on the M9.

[01af]

I would call the Elmar-M 50 (last version) arguably the most underrated Leica lens.

Well ... I think this prize actually goes to the Summarit-M 50 mm 1:2.5

 

I guess in terms of design quality and image quality, there is no significant difference between the two. The late Elmar-M 50 mm is a strong performer—so is the Summarit-M 50 mm. The latter is physically longer than the collapsed but shorter than the extended Elmar-M 50 mm. The Elmar's minimum focus distance is 0.7 m; the Summarit's is 0.8 m. But the Summarit-M 50 mm has an extra-ordinarily nice, smooth, and natural rendition of things slightly out of focus, it's slightly faster, and it has a hood that doesn't interfere with filters.

 

And, personally, I don't like collapsible lenses. In collapsed state, the camera is not ready to shoot even though it has a lens mounted; in extended state, the lens looks weird and feels vulnerable.

 

I'd say it boils down to this: If you like the idea of a collapsible lens then go for the Elmar. If not then get the Summarit.

[Paul Hart]

I have had both. The only reason I don't have the Summarit any longer is that mine was stolen.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to get the Summarit (had I not bought a Summilux in the meantime). It's every bit as good as the Elmar-M, without the fuss of retracting/extending it.

[david lewis]

Elmar.

[charlesphoto99]

Elmar. Had one, sold it, and now kinda wish I had one again. Saw one for sale the other day with hood for $450. Should've jumped on it though I've pretty much settled on the 50 summicron as my 50 of choice, not a focal length I use that much.

 

Anyway, the Elmar is superb, even and esp wide open. I would just leave it unretracted all the time.

 

Believe it or not, that .7 vs .8 minimum focusing distance can make a big difference if doing portraits. Something to think about and a death knell for me to ever consider the summarits over the more expensive options.

[LeicaBraz]

Elmar - Summarit focusing ring too soft.

[Shade]

I would go for the newer summarit. The elmar is a great performer, but *may* not be as clinical as the new summarit line.

[01af]

... but *may* not be as clinical as the new Summarit line.

'Clinical'? The Summarit line!?

 

That's absurd. Except when 'clinical' was supposed to mean 'very good.'

[jaapv]

I would hardly call the Summarit line clinical, but notwithstanding those are definitely very good lenses, as is the Elmar M. The more exact drawing of the newest lenses is more a characteristic of the asphericals, assuming that is what you mean by clinical.

[jaapv]

Elmar - Summarit focusing ring too soft.

Well, the feel of the Elmar-M is about the worst of all Leica lenses. The focussing and aperture rings often feel loose,

[marknorton]

I disagree! The Elmar has one of the best focussing actions of any Leica lens, though it trails the 50mm Summicron.

[lct]

Well, the feel of the Elmar-M is about the worst of all Leica lenses. The focussing and aperture rings often feel loose,

You've got a problem with your copy my friend. None of my 3 Elmars (1962, 1994, 2004) is like that. Focussing is butter smooth with all and the aperture rings are perfect.

[JLV]

Hi,

 

I would go for the Elmar with no doubt.

It is a match made in heaven with the M9. great lens for portrait. Beautiful colors and softness for skin.

I bought one and was so impressed by its fingerprint that I sent it to Solms for coding and full revision.

With the new summilux and the 75 cron it is a great 3 lenses kit.

It is fully compatible but must be expanded when installed or taken out.

 

All the best,

 

Jean-Luc

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[palmiro]

Hi,

 

I have a heavy set with wate, 35lux, 50lux 90apo, and an old but amazing 135 elmarit F2.8.....my target is a light set with 28 elmarit, 50mm (My preferences are going to Elmar) and new 90macro. M9 in one pouche with 50 and in other pouche. 28 and 90.