50 Summicron, Type 2 or Type 4?

[xddsixers]

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Hi Guys,

 

I am trying to decide if I want to stick with my type 2 50 Summicron (DR) or should I upgrade it to a type 4. I have a chance to buy a type4 Summicron (German Made version) for 1150 usd which I heard is as sharp and higher contrast compare to the type 2. Is that a deal? I got my Summicron DR without eyes for 640 usd, the glass are perfect and there's a small dent on the filter thread (which didn't affect the function, I can still mount filter on it) the lens body show some sign of uses but still very clean consider its age.

 

I am shooting film, is there signifiant different between the image quality of this two lens? on ebay the DR is going for 900 to 1500 depends on condition and the type 4 is going for 1300 to 1700

 

Personally I don't see any contrast issue for the type 2 but I can't really speak for that as I have never use a type 4

 

I have another option which I can get 50 lux for 1400 usd, which is a bit out of budget but doable

 

Thanks for all of your help in advance!

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[Fgcm]

All Leica 50 are good lenses, but newer ones are usually better.

 

Can I suggest to have a look at 50 Summarit-M 2,5 and at Zeiss planar 50 f 2?

Both are very good lenses. Zeiss cost less than 800$ new.

 

After testing myself, I bought a Summarit 2,5 instead of a summicron IV.

Blasphemy: Summarit has less flare, is smaller, is as sharp as summicron and the half stop speed lost is never a problem.

In the dark, nor summicron neither Summarit are fast enough.

In the dark I use the new Summilux asph or flash or M9 and let M6 to rest at the mooring.

In good light, who cares of half a stop?

 

I did not buy Zeiss planar just because of filter size. All my filters are 39 and 46 and do not fit on Zeiss. I shoot a lot of BW film and I need filters.

Not considering filter size, Zeiss planar is very good.

 

Old Summilux: we have to whait for and old friend to reply. I'm too young to own one

 

Franco

[tobey bilek]

As the 50 mm evolved, the areas of sharp focus at 2.0 and 2.8 expanded from a 12 or 15 mm circle on the Rigid type 2 to nearly full frame on the last type 4.

 

By the time you hit 4 or 5.6, sharpness is equal.

 

The newer the lens, the more contrast and the more clinical the rendering.

 

I use my Rigid on an M9, but if I wanted the very best performance at 2.0, the current lens is definitely better. Keep in mind, most F2 pictures have a centered subject and corners do not matter.

[xddsixers]

I have used a type 2 DR for 4 weeks and I just loan a type 4 canada version to try out. While I heard the type 4 is a bit more contrasty their built are absolutely un-match. The type 2 feels more joyful to use, I almost feel happy just by looking at it.

 

Which one would you guys pick?

1. Type 2 DR with 'eyes' and original box, good condition $925

2. Type 4 Canada version, perfect glass but pretty used barrel condition $920

3. Type 4 German version, mint, 1300 usd

4. 50 lux 1.4, great condition, 1490 usd

5. 50 lux ASPH (from my frd, a really great deal but quite out of my budget) 2300 usd

 

Thanks so much for all of your time, the 50 is my main lens and I am trying to pick it carefully then live with it for a long long time

 

Here's my flickr link which all the images are made by type 2 DR

2012 Selected - a set on Flickr