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Summilux 50mm screw mount vs LTM


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Hi all

 

I have seen that there is are LTM and screw mount versions of the 50mm Summilux II. Apart from the need for an adapter in order to use the screw mount version, is there any difference between the lenses, such as image or build quality-wise? I assume both have 1m as closest focusing distance?

 

Is there a difference in "collectibility" and, therefore, value?

 

Cheers

Philip

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x

?? 'LTM means 'Leica Thread Mount' which is the same thing as 'screw mount'. I presume you mean 'screw mount and bayonet mount'. A fairly small series of the lens, in a retro-style silver chrome screw mount, the V-Summilux, code no. 11621, was manufactured around 2001 for the Japanese market (there was also a parellel 50mm V-Summicron).

 

The old man from the Screwy Age

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Hi all

 

I have seen that there is are LTM and screw mount versions of the 50mm Summilux II. Apart from the need for an adapter in order to use the screw mount version, is there any difference between the lenses, such as image or build quality-wise? I assume both have 1m as closest focusing distance?

 

Is there a difference in "collectibility" and, therefore, value?

 

Cheers

Philip

 

LTM (Leica Thread Mount) is a 'modern' term for what us oldies always knew as Leica screw mount. I think a screw mount Summilux is a rare beast.

The bayonet mount one is much more common, I have one myself and its lovely (not a technical review, merely a subjective appraisal!)

 

Gerry

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If you mean this V-Summilux LTM of 1999 (code 11621 Summilux II):

50/1.4 Leica Summilux August 1999 Amazingly Leica is releasing a limited production screw mount just for the Japanese market, chrome only. Recognizable from earlier 1950's lenses due to "50" on lens barrel.

These are sure to become instant collector's items, and are doubtless the sharpest 50/1.4's ever made in LTM mount. Alas, inexpensive they are not.

 

(cameraquest)

 

that's a collectable and usable choice of very nice Summilux 50mm.

 

...

If you mean original 50mm Summilux I (code 11014 or SOWGE), only about 550 made ...

that's another long story.

 

Arnaud

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...

If you mean original 50mm Summilux I (code 11014 or SOWGE), only about 550 made ...

that's another long story.

 

Arnaud

;;;

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Thank you every body for the quick and informative replies.

 

Yes I meant the 11621 (and indeed, I meant "vs bayonet mount". I have no idea why I wrote LTM. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the corrections).

 

So are such lenses as the 11621 also lenses one can use or are they best kept in a bookshelf or vault or such?

 

And how much more do they cost compared to the similar-looking pre-ASPH Summilux (called version II in the latest LFI magazine, I believe).

 

I mean, I realise that they've been built to be used but how is value affected by use? I find this a bit confusing. For instance, really worn down black M3s can be worth 1000s of Euros.

 

Cheers

Philip

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I think the 11621 was made in 500 items around... and most of them, I think have been treated by buyers as collectibles (to say, used, but with MUCH care) ... they appear time to time for sale... if I remember well, prices are around +70%/+100% of a comparable bayonet mount version (in very good conditions, of course...a "standard" Summilux can have been used "normally" and show signs of time, like mine... :o)

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If you mean this V-Summilux LTM of 1999 (code 11621 Summilux II):

50/1.4 Leica Summilux August 1999 Amazingly Leica is releasing a limited production screw mount just for the Japanese market, chrome only. Recognizable from earlier 1950's lenses due to "50" on lens barrel.

These are sure to become instant collector's items, and are doubtless the sharpest 50/1.4's ever made in LTM mount. Alas, inexpensive they are not.

 

(cameraquest)

 

that's a collectable and usable choice of very nice Summilux 50mm.

 

...

If you mean original 50mm Summilux I (code 11014 or SOWGE), only about 550 made ...

that's another long story.

 

Arnaud

 

I'm a little confused by that Cameraquest quote. Surely they must be recognisable from earlier 1950s lenses by the shape of the barrel? Doesn't the 11621 look like the pre-ASPH, ie this one but with screw mount?

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Yes. The built-in hood is the most noticeable feature, the filter mount is E46 (E43 the V1) and the chroming is different, and the fonts of the engravings too : is impossible not to distinguish one from the other; note that the 11621 "limited edition" focuses to 1 meter, while the BM version focuses to 0,7 mtr.

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Thank you very much for the clarification, Luigi.

note that the 11621 "limited edition" focuses to 1 meter, while the BM version focuses to 0,7 mtr.

Ah, this is very interesting. Does it have to do with the different mount? Or does it indicate that the optics are somewhat different as well?

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Hi Philipus

 

I have the pleasure of owning both the 50mm LTM Summilux and the 35mm LTM Summicron, images of both are below.

 

I use mine constantly. I have a subjective feel that whilst the optical formulation matches the similar M series lenses exactly, something of a 'golden sample' principle may have been applied, though I have no way of confirmimng this.

 

Here is a picture of both lenses on a 111f Red Dial.

 

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The Summilux is a touch heavy on the 111f but perfect on any M series camera.

 

Currently a 50mm Summilux is available in London for GBP1999

 

http://www.reddotcameras.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=34_36&products_id=3604#menu

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Ps. If you search me on the forum, I've posted loads of images with both.

 

Here's a recent one

 

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't LTMs originally called M39? Or was it M42? With the number indicating the diameter of the lens opening on the camera body? I remember reading that if you had an M39 lens, you can screw it into a variety of Durst enlargers, which means a Leica lens on a Durst enlarger!

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't LTMs originally called M39? Or was it M42? With the number indicating the diameter of the lens opening on the camera body? I remember reading that if you had an M39 lens, you can screw it into a variety of Durst enlargers, which means a Leica lens on a Durst enlarger!

 

M39 is leica screw, M42 is Pentax/Edixa.

As for Durst enlargers, they (like many enlargers) have lens mounts available for all sorts of lenses, M39 is one of them, most Schneider lenses have smaller size threads than that, 25mm being typical if I remember.

I have used my 2.8/50 Elmar on enlargers regularly, its a better enlarger lens than the 2.8/50mm offerings from Schneider, Rodenstock or Nikon

 

Gerry

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