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Summarit-M 50 2.5 or Elmar 50-M 2.8?


bruniroquai

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This summer I have used both of these extensively on the monochrom, while my Summicron-50 has been in the "spa" in solms.

I think you should consider the Cron as well.

 

They are all very very good. Optically, I did not find much difference, they are quite similiar. However, neither is as sharp as the Summicron, at any aperture.

That said, without a hood, both of these are way better than the Summicron when it comes to flare. I have had a hard time making either one flare.

My summicron has a separate hood, and if I remember to use it, then flare is not an issue, unless the sun is in the frame itself.

 

Mechanically, is also a difficult one. The summicron is way tighter and smoother, but also slightly larger. I have the v4 summicron with tabs, the v5 (current) does not have tabs. My summicron is lighter than the summarit!

Elmar is lighter still, but not by much.

They all balance excellently on camera.

 

My main gripe with the elmar, is that it is hard to focus, because the lack of focus tab and the fact that the focus ring is flush with the camera. Also, you must remember to extend it before use. You can always leave it permanently extended, but I feel this slightly negates the point of having such a small lens.

 

My main gripe with the summarit is that the focus ring and aperture ring loosen up too fast. The sample I used was just two years old and was already so loose that I literally had to hold my breath while shooting to make sure focus didnt move. Compare that to my 20 year old summicron which is still almost like new (or, exactly like new, when returned from Spa) .

 

To summar(it)ize:

 

Best optic (slight): cron

 

Smallest: elmar

Largest: cron

 

Least flare: elmar

Most flare: cron

 

Best mechanically: cron

Worst mechanically: summarit

 

Most money: cron

Lest money: any of them used

 

Best focusing: cron (if with tab)

Worst focusing: elmar

 

Special price for coolness: Elmar

 

 

 

Bottom line: get the first one you come across where the price and condition is good.

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I have no experience with the Summarit but the latest Elmar 50/2.8 is my favorite 50mm lens in good light. It has a special rendition that i don't get with any Summilux or pre-apo Summicron 50. A somewhat grainy look that i like much on the Nikon 45/2.8 as well. The Tessar look perhaps, difficult to explain. Worth a try if you can borrow one.

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Thanks guys, I've sold my 3 crons (collap. V5 and 40 C), they are all great lenses but Have already the 50 lux asph. but I don't want to carry MM and 50 asph always, just want something smaller , lighter and good quality!

 

So.. the Summarit is more contrasty than the Elmar, isn't it?

 

Alexey Myakishev use the Summarit lenses, they look quite nice:

 

Alexey Myakishev: Kolodozero on Vimeo

 

 

Could You show me some examples of the Elmar M?

 

Thank You very much!

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Functionally more people will find the summarit more universaly useful and it may even perform better optically, being newer and all. But the elmar-m has the legacy and novelty value and is just fun to carry around and shoot with, where as the summarit is just like any other lens. I'd say if you already have a fast 50s or lenses near that focal length, go with the Elmar-m, or summarit otherwise.

 

I also agree that the elmar-m renders in a very unique way especially in the reproduction of small details. Erwin Puts attributes that to the small number of elements (4) and hence the superior micro contrast. Of all the leica lenses I've had it's my favorite after the 80 summilux-r in overall character.

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  • 2 weeks later...

summarit . no brainer since it is easier to focus due tab. design is pretty solid! Reminds me of S series camera lenses.

 

Much value for every € plus best from ergonomical viewpoint from all 50mm leica lenses available. ;)

 

issue with loose ring can be fixed in repair shop. Bigger balls or something.

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Finally got the Elmar, I think the tessar signature will be nice for portraits!
You won't regret it. I too have the Elmar-M and the Summilux asph. Still getting used to the latter, but they do different things well and complement each other nicely.
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  • 3 weeks later...
The last Elmar 50 is a contrasty lens as well. Couple of pics on the M240 here:

M240 w. Elmar 50 - lctphot's Photos

 

This lens is quite nice and I value the small volume. I collapse only as required, not for every picture. I have stressed mine for flare and it is quite resistant.

 

And the pictures linked are quite lovely. Thank you for showing.

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good choice..the Elmar has the best ergonomics of all 50mm lenses IMO.

 

Very difficult to find a better lens in the 50mm range from Leica...much prefer it to the Cron but of course a matter of taste.

 

the focus and aperture setting are perfect..the rendition just a dream.have fun and enjoy!

 

andy

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