Nick De Marco Posted October 23, 2012 Share #1 Posted October 23, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Since re-discovering my love of LTM screw cameras (thanks to finding such a wonderful iiif in CPH) and really enjoying using it, I have been trying to find out which is the 50 LTM lens I most like to use for day-to-day shooting. I ran a little, unscientific, test on Monday - shooting the dozen or so 50 and longer screw lenses I have at home on an M9 (and some on an iiic but don't have the negs back yet), just boring slef-ps in the mirror. I have a very bad, fogged Summitar f2 which is only good for putting on display, a good collipsible Summicron f2, the mint red Elmar f3.5 which came with the mint iiif, at least 3 Canons (50/1.2, 50/1.4 and 50 1.8) a Nikkor-HC 50 f2 LTM (Sonnar design) and a few, very variable, Russians (the best of whic is the Jupiter 3). I whittled it down to 6 (one of which is an 85, not a 50), and of the 5 remaining 50s have decided I like best either the Nikkor f2 or the Jupiter - 3 (but at fs) for the Sonnarish dreamy look wide open, but with the mint Elmar 50/3.5 a very close second, and if I don't want to shoot wide open given its size etc a first. The Summicron is a great all round performer, but I think I prefer the look of the Nikkor or the Elmar. Gues sit looks more vintage, or something, which is what I want when shooting screw. The Canons were either too sharp (nevertheless good lenses) such as the 50/1.8 or too soft and big, such as the 50/1.2. The 50/1.4 is a good compromise though and comes in 4th for me, it gives you sharpness and yet can do well, not so sharp, at f1.4 so if very fast. Plus not too big. I have never tried a Summarit 1.5 but guess it is unlikely to give me anything the 50 Nikkor or Jupiter 3 cannot. Am I right? I think if I buy another 50 Leica it will be another 50 Elmar f3.5, but a user one this time as my mint one is only aloud out on special days. Here are my favourite 3 (no clues what is what), and link to the other 3 below (which also has the answers). I'm interested to know what 50 screws others prefer, and why... Leica screw mount (LTM) lenses - a set on Flickr Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2149005'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Hi Nick De Marco, Take a look here Finding the best 50 LTM lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted October 25, 2012 Share #2 Posted October 25, 2012 Hi Nick, I told you you'd like the Elmar If you haven't already got one, you really must get a nice 5cm f2 Summar. Good ones are harder to find but you can enjoy the hunt! It has more of a vintage look and lovely bokeh wide open. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted October 26, 2012 Share #3 Posted October 26, 2012 Hooked ! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted October 26, 2012 Share #4 Posted October 26, 2012 My 1948 Summitar is an excellent performer, as is the IIIc my aunt bought with it back then in Germany - although the IIIc chrome is now rough. I have a 1941 f3.5 Elmar that is better than expected, but usually use a later f2.8 Elmar on my IIIf. I also have a Nikkor 50 f2 that came on a Nicca (Tower), Canon 50 f1.8 and f1.4 that are nice, and an early Zunow 50 f1.1 (type 1) that is still out for repair. For modern LTMs I have Voigtlander 50 f2.5 that is nice size for the cameras, but not too sharp; a nickel-plated Heliar 50 f2.0 that is very nice in size and results (except for focus shift); and a 50 Nokton f1.5 that is the best performing of my LTMs, but too big and blocks too much of the finders. (Very nice with adapter on M bodies though.) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted October 27, 2012 Share #5 Posted October 27, 2012 Nick, Glad to hear that you're taken with your 50/3.5 Elmar it's a beauty! You might like to consider a Nippon Kogaku 50/1.4 (Nikkor), which is also a Sonnar with all the delicious dreaminess wide open but nicely sharp when stopped down. They're a little more difficult to find in LTM but they're around. I have one and if you'd like to try it PM to arrange to meet up. Pete. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share #6 Posted October 28, 2012 Pete - I cetainly will! Tom - how does the Summitar compare to the Nikon 50/2 in your opinion? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted October 28, 2012 Share #7 Posted October 28, 2012 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Comparison between Summitar and Nikkor depends on what you value - some may prefer either one. Also - I don't think my Nikkor has been serviced since new, so the "glow" and softness may be hazy coatings, and looking close I think it tends to near-focus a bit. But, since you asked, here are some 100% M9 crops taken in a mirror, handheld. I know most would say you need to compare only tripod-mounted, etc. - but that's not how I use them; so shake and body movement may contribute, etc. I much prefer using the Summitar to the Nikkor. The handling and focusing are faster and easier for me. Besides the Summitar and Nikkor, I threw in the modern Heliar and Nokton as reference. All at f2.0. (Nokton is an f1.5 Aspherical lens.) The Heliar also has nice handling, and is styled like the '30s-'40s lenses, so it fits the LTM cameras well. I like the images wide open, and it gains "snap" as stopped down - but does shift focus. The 1.5 Nokton has very fast focusing, image quality near that of a v2 Summilux, but the body is too large diameter for a III series Leica, as even the BACK of the lens blocks part of the viewfinder. First: indicated focus on my eye, Summitar thru Nokton as above: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Then focus on the front of lens, same order: Edited October 28, 2012 by TomB_tx 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Then focus on the front of lens, same order: ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2153176'>More sharing options...
bill Posted October 29, 2012 Share #8 Posted October 29, 2012 I have to say, if you want a "modern" rendition (which I don't particularly, on LTM) I have high praise for the CV 50mm 2.5 in screw mount. I had one for a while and it was a very good performer. Regards. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted October 29, 2012 Share #9 Posted October 29, 2012 The Skopar 2.5 is a nice little lens for an LTM - styling matches, compact, and short even with the supplied hood: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! The silver model is actually chromed brass, unlike most Voigtlander silver lenses. The sample I have is quite soft wide open compared to my other LTM lenses, which is why I didn't propose this one. Sean Reid has seen sample variation, and shows one sample that is much sharper than mine. It is nice to use, small enough that it just barely visible in the bottom of the IIIc viewfinder window 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! The silver model is actually chromed brass, unlike most Voigtlander silver lenses. The sample I have is quite soft wide open compared to my other LTM lenses, which is why I didn't propose this one. Sean Reid has seen sample variation, and shows one sample that is much sharper than mine. It is nice to use, small enough that it just barely visible in the bottom of the IIIc viewfinder window ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2153731'>More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted October 30, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted October 30, 2012 Thanks for the comments and tips Since using the LTMs every day, and the lenses on my M9 too, I'm still very wedded to the Nikkor f2, I am finding the Elmar 50 3.5 very consistent and good (I had to buy another user one I like it so much) and, I found a good priced, good condition Summarit today to add to my collection. So far very happy with the Summarit - will ost some photos on my blog soon when I get them done... Meanwhile, moving away from 50, I'm really enjoying the Canon 35/2 LTM I dusted off. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp13 Posted October 30, 2012 Share #11 Posted October 30, 2012 i was thinking you should try the summarit 50/1.5 and, lo and behold, you've found one already! i'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. greetings from hamburg rick Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2154149'>More sharing options...
andym911 Posted October 30, 2012 Share #12 Posted October 30, 2012 Nick keep searching for the ultimate 50mm LTM, I wish you luck....but you will always come back to the Elmar;) best andy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith (M) Posted October 31, 2012 Share #13 Posted October 31, 2012 A very interesting thread! For me, it is indisputable that the best 50mm LTM lens is the Elmar f3.5 - absolutely no question... It is the only one I have. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2155004'>More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted October 31, 2012 Share #14 Posted October 31, 2012 I think that the 2 best of are the 2 shown on this pict : Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/190796-finding-the-best-50-ltm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2155029'>More sharing options...
farnz Posted October 31, 2012 Share #15 Posted October 31, 2012 (edited) I think that the 2 best of are the 2 shown on this pict : Oooh that screwmount Summilux looks lovely, JC! Is that one from the special issue made for the Asian market in c. 2000? Pete. Edited October 31, 2012 by farnz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted October 31, 2012 Share #16 Posted October 31, 2012 Is that one from the special issue made for the Asian market in c. 2000? Nope, that is this Summilux. I love it but it's not very "Barnack". Unless I'm entirely mistaken JC's showing the Summilux I. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan2010 Posted October 31, 2012 Share #17 Posted October 31, 2012 My favorite is also the elmar 3.5 - it is small, doesn't block even with hood the finder and sharp enough. Furthermore its in my opinion the best looking combination with a III Stefan 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted October 31, 2012 Share #18 Posted October 31, 2012 (edited) Oooh that screwmount Summilux looks lovely, JC!Is that one from the special issue made for the Asian market in c. 2000? Pete. No it is the one described by philipus : Nope, that is this Summilux. I love it but it's not very "Barnack". Unless I'm entirely mistaken JC's showing the Summilux I. Absolutely ! as the Summicron 2/50 Rigid on the left Edited October 31, 2012 by jc_braconi 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesk8752 Posted November 2, 2012 Share #19 Posted November 2, 2012 The CV 50mm f3.5 Heliar is an outstanding lens (if you can find a copy). Puts considers it as good as or possibly even better than the Elmar 50mm f3.5. My copy is certainly a great performer but I can't say it's better than my RS Elmar. Of course I don't have an optical bench... Regards, Jim Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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