Deliberate1 Posted August 24, 2011 Share #1 Posted August 24, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) In my search for a Summicron 50mm I feel like I am making progress distinguishing among the various iterations. I can spot different versions by looking at nothing more than the shape of the f stop arrow. And then at other times I feel like I am falling down the rabbit hole. Current conundrum is distinguishing between two identical looking specimens - one that comes from a white box, and another that comes from a black one. Often they are both represented as the "latest" version. But the black box versions are typically $500 or more expensive than the white hat ones. Are I right in assuming that the truly most recent versions do come from the black box since they have the most recent numbers, and perhaps are coded as well unlike their white box siblings. Any other differences between the two, other than the snazzy black box? Thanks David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 24, 2011 Posted August 24, 2011 Hi Deliberate1, Take a look here What does "latest" version of Summicron 50mm really mean?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
dbraid Posted August 24, 2011 Share #2 Posted August 24, 2011 There are a number of different sources I have found useful for determining the key differences in models. There is a great document on Leica M Lenses Steven Gandy's Camera Quest site under the link "classic camera profiles (CameraQuest Home Page). I also have a good chart that I believe originated with Erwin Puts, but it is at home and I cannot find it online. You might want to look at his lens compendium, however. Donald Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
likalar Posted August 24, 2011 Share #3 Posted August 24, 2011 David, Your question is a good one. I have seen sellers that will offer the "latest version" 50 Summicron, but they are referring only to the element design/grouping, which is, I believe, the same glass design as the "current latest version". The "current latest version" is coded and has a telescoping hood built in. I have the version with built-in hood, but no coding. So I guess I have the previous current latest version. Sorry, I don't know about box colors, but I hope this helped a bit. BTW, the 50 Summicron is an amazingly useful, real-world lens, and one you will use and keep. The size is very appealing, and performance is top-notch. Classic! Corrections welcomed, of course. Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramosa Posted August 24, 2011 Share #4 Posted August 24, 2011 David, Don't worry. There's a sharp curve to figuring out all things RF. Here's another good site that lists the sequences of lenses: http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamlenses.html R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted August 24, 2011 Share #5 Posted August 24, 2011 Just ask those sellers or dealers what they mean exactly by "latest version". If they can't say, don't do business with them. Don't automatically assume that the other guy is more savvy than you. The old man from the Age of the Collapsible Summicron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el.nino Posted August 24, 2011 Share #6 Posted August 24, 2011 All 50mm Summicrons from 1979 until now share the same optical formula, so the optical performance is identical. The latest one has the built in hood and the two ones before have an external hood. One of them also has a focus tab. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted August 24, 2011 Share #7 Posted August 24, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) The current (or latest) 50 Summicron has been around for at least 10 years (probably much longer) and has been sold in both white boxes (the type used until around 2004) and the black/silver boxes. The lens inside is identical. The only change that has occurred since the black/silver boxes is the advent of 6-bit coding. However, lenses with 6-bit coding, whilst perhaps more desirable to many users, can hardly be considered to be a newer version of the lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted August 24, 2011 Share #8 Posted August 24, 2011 When you see "latest version" on eBay it often means "w/o 6 bit coding". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidbaddley Posted August 25, 2011 Share #9 Posted August 25, 2011 All 50mm Summicrons from 1979 until now share the same optical formula, so the optical performance is identical.The latest one has the built in hood and the two ones before have an external hood. One of them also has a focus tab. My Summicron has a built-in hood, and I bought it back in '90 or '91 (in a white box). Quite a run for the latest version, and an excellent "practical" lens. - David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted August 25, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted August 25, 2011 I am the OP. I have come across a recent version that says it is "6 bit." Does that mean the lens is coded for digital recognition? Thanks David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 25, 2011 Share #11 Posted August 25, 2011 Yes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted August 25, 2011 Share #12 Posted August 25, 2011 If the term "6 bit coded" is used properly, it means that the lens will be automatically recognized on the M8 and M9, so you have the focal length in the EXIf-data It does not mean that you'll see any relevant difference on the photos - with a 50mm or longer focal length. If somebody offers a lens with "6 bit" it does not mean, that it must be the last version, as you can also code older lenses afterwards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilm3 Posted August 29, 2011 Share #13 Posted August 29, 2011 The best version of the type IV, of course (asbestos jacket and pith helmet on), is the tabbed version from 1978-1984. Smaller, Thinner, Lighter, Clip-on Lens Hood, much more Beautiful, and in Black - not chrome or titanium. It can be sent in and defiled with coding (ducks), or do it with decals. Otherwise, they all share the same optical formula. A new (type V?) ASPH is in the works, or so go the rumors, and will be announced in the fall. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted August 29, 2011 Share #14 Posted August 29, 2011 The last tabbed Summicron 50/2 is my favorite as well. Did exist in black anodized (1979-1994 # 11819) and chrome (1992-1994 # 11825) versions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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