50 cron calibration or Sharpest 50

[Arielv13]

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I purchased a used old style (Canadian Built - Snap on Hood) 50 cron. I was having a really hard time getting sharp images from the lens. At first I thought that I may be having a hard time focusing this lens. I consistently get sharp imagery from my 24, 35 lux, and when I use it my 90 cron. So I did a very impromtu focus test. Once again, I could not get a really sharp image out of the lens.

 

I was wondering whether or not I should just return it, and get another 50. The next question would be, should I try and find a used 50 lux, a used 50 cron, or a new CV 50 f1.5. My other option would be to spend a bit more money and get the lens calibrated. BTW - I have no idea how to do this. I would assume that I would need to send it off the Leica.

 

Well, any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get a solid 50. I like the focal length on my M8. It's funny, I never shot with it on my M6.

 

Thanks

 

Arielv13

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[JWW]

I notice that with my M8 my Rigid 50 Summicron focuses right on (close in) but on my collapsible 50 the sharpest focus (at f2 and closest in) seems to an inch or two further back. My 28 cron, 35 lux focus fine. Never noticed any of this with my M7.

 

Jan

[lct]

If you mean the lens on the left (Summicron-M, 50/2.0, # 11819) it is a keeper IMHO. Small, sharp, smooth bokeh.

The pre-asph Summilux-M 50/1.4 (# 11868, middle) is very close, a bit sharper at f/2, but is is bulkier and heavier of course.

The Summilux-M 50/1.4 asph (# 11891, right) is the champion of sharpness but its bokeh is a bit harsher.

Bought the 50/2 in 1978, never regretted.

I would not hesitate to get it CLAd if i were you.

 

 

Here one FF pic and two 100% crops with the 50/2 on the R-D1.