philipus Posted February 5, 2014 Share #21 Â Posted February 5, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The physical appearance of the lens is not important other than preferring black. It looks like i am going to need to forget that and go chrome if I stay with a Leica or re-think my budget. Â Ok thanks for clarifying. Â Well there are still plenty of Leitz/Leica options within your budget though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 Hi philipus, Take a look here Want a f1.5 Summarit but.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Julian H Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share #22 Â Posted February 5, 2014 You guys are all speaking so much sense! Â Cal, I had pondered that thought already but I really love the mechanical precision of the Leica. Â The M4 is a -2 in black, the M6 black too. Both are at the "user" end of the price scale. So whilst I could save some, not an awful lot towards a "dream" lens. I may just get a Summarit. I had not realised they were quite as affordable as they seem. I got outbid on one today but not by much.. Ok, so its chrome, I'd have to live with that. :roll eyes: Â John, thanks for confirming what I already suspect. Summarit and black and white street photography, a match made in heaven! Â Tom, the Nokton is top of the non-Leica lens list for me at the mo. I have found a nice one at a good price and might just go for it. Â Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp13 Posted February 5, 2014 Share #23  Posted February 5, 2014 hello julian  whenever someone says ''leica .... f2 is good ..... budget'', i automatically think about the 40mm summicron f2. it's also black, small, light, high performance, and good (read GREAT) value for the money. try one?  cheers  rick  ps. snap is m9/40 ooc jpeg at f2 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! 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/221496-want-a-f15-summarit-but/?do=findComment&comment=2526568'>More sharing options...
Ecar Posted February 6, 2014 Share #24 Â Posted February 6, 2014 Lots of good suggestions above. May I also add the Canon 50/1.4 LTM (black and chrome)? It's an excellent performer and easy to find in good condition at a reasonable price. All you need is an LTM to M adapter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share #25 Â Posted February 6, 2014 Thanks Rick. I already have a soft spot of the 40. Shame its not a 50 otherwise I'd already have bought one. Â I think i am leaning towards a Summarit or mk1 Nokton. Both would be chrome. LOL. Â J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share #26  Posted February 8, 2014 Hi  I have had an eventful day mooching around London and played with several M6's, M4's (one was a beautiful black paint too) and even an wallet busting M7! The M4 (actually a -2) won the day. The viewfinder I found so much preferable than the M6 for me.  I have also seen numerous lenses including several Summarits, an affordable but a bit mouldy Summicron, and a curve ball in the form of a 50mm Hexanon f2. Reading on the net, it appears to be quite a credible alternative to the real 'cron iself. Can any of you experts suggest whether I should add it to my list? It seems to be very affordable and worked quite respectibly given the price.  In anticipation, Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted February 8, 2014 Share #27 Â Posted February 8, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Why not just shoot the Hexanon in the store on an M8 or M9 and see if you like the drawing style. You might also find any faults (or lack thereof). Â When I shop for used lenses in Hong Kong I always bring my computer and shoot a series of images at various distances and apertures. Never just take the dealer's word, as they seldom have time to throughly test every lens that comes in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share #28  Posted February 8, 2014 Thats a damn good idea Stephen. If only i had though of that when I was at the shop  Oh well, maybe next time. I guess I will have to rely on the forum opinion....  Cheers, Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share #29  Posted February 10, 2014 Howdy Gents  OK, so I went for a 50 f1.5 Nokton, the earlier version in LTM. Not as nice as the Summarit I am sure but characterful nonetheless. It will be good enough to get my up and running with my "new" M, the M4-2 for now. Can't wait to get out there using it, hopefully next weekend if it all arrives in time. HP5 in the fridge awaits  Best wishes, and thanks for all the guidance.  Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted February 11, 2014 Share #30  Posted February 11, 2014 Just a thought, but you mentioned that your "preferred lens budget is minimal." What if you switched priorities and made your camera budget minimal and put the emphasis on the lens instead. That could mean maybe a Zeiss Ikon, Konica Hexar RF, or Bessa with a Leica lens. Or a budget priced M2. It's the lens that reveals itself in the photograph and not the camera, and the best part of Leica are their optics (at least for me.)  Anyway, it's just another way of thinking about it and so I'm just tossing it out there only as an option.  This is great advise!  Btw - probably the closest option within your budget to render similar to the 5cm f1.5 Summarit would be the collapsible 5cm f2 Summitar LTM (prevent the 6-bladed version of that lens, if you want the most similar look to the Summarit).  These lenses are gorgeous - great built quality. The Summitar (and many of it's contemporary Leitz lenses) do have quirks, as odd filter sizes (by today's standards), step less aperture controls, etc …  5cm f1.5 Summarit LTM:  far background: portrait - mother and daughter by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  close background: cat and brickwall by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  5cm f2 Summitar LTM:  far background: portrait - young woman with glasses by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  close background: swirl by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  Prevent the 5cm f2 Summar LTM, as it has a completely different look (it is a fantastic lens on it's own though).  In terms of not looking similar to the classic Summarit your choices are basically endless even on a tight budget. I would go Cal's suggested route and safe money on the body, putting it towards lenses - my choice of his mention would be a nice user M2, which had a full CLA by one of the reputed service people within the last 5 years or so - this should last for a wile ;-) Use a mobile phone app as a light meter or if within budget, get a nice handheld incident light meter (my favourite are the tiny Gossen digitals, but less pricey meters are abundant).  [EDIT] - didn't see I am late, keeping the post up though. Congrats on your lens choice - it's a great lens, although very different in imaging from the classic Summarit. Btw - that Hexanon would have been a fantastic choice as well - who doesn't like Konica M mount lenses!? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 11, 2014 Author Share #31  Posted February 11, 2014 Hi Dirk  Thank you for your comprehensive reply, which, in addition to scouring many other forum threads, has demonstrated to me that one must be very open minded about lens choice and not stick with Leica just for the sake of it. Yes, I have bought my "starter" budget lens for my M4-2, It is likely I will be picking up some other 50's in due course*, including perhaps a Hexanon, Jupiter 8 and a Zeiss, as well as perhaps a Summarit [or maybe your suggested Summitar]. I am a big fan of 50mm focal length so I may major on that in the short/medium term and decide which one becomes the long term keeper before I venture to another focal, say a 35 or maybe 28mm. One thing is for sure, I am not a fan of the trend towards ultra sharp lenses, so that should save me some money too  *including my CF Summicron I have been keeping quiet about, on my M3  Cheers, Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 16, 2014 Author Share #32 Â Posted February 16, 2014 Hi Stephen and James. Â You may be interested to know i snagged a Jupiter 8 on eBay. When i saw how much the go for I couldn't resist . Comparing it to the Voightlander should be fun. Â Cheers, Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted February 18, 2014 Share #33 Â Posted February 18, 2014 A Summarit 1.5 and proper shade which you need + screw to bayonet adapter may be old, but it is in collector class and expensive. Also difficult to find in good condition. Â I think you would be most happy with a Zeiss Planar 2.0. Â There are no real "deals" there as Leica is just plain expensive and not a budget camera. I always advise people if you have to think about this financially, buy something else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rirakuma Posted February 18, 2014 Share #34 Â Posted February 18, 2014 You can easily get third party screw in hood for the summarits now. They cost under $10 inc shipping. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share #35  Posted February 18, 2014 There are no real "deals" there as Leica is just plain expensive and not a budget camera. I always advise people if you have to think about this financially, buy something else.  Hi  I realise there are no bargains. I am an SLR person (with a nice R rig that suits me well). I wanted to experience the M system to see if it was for me, hence not spending much at this stage. The M4-2 + Nokton should help me scratch that itch quite nicely.  Cheers, J Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MM311 Posted March 22, 2014 Share #36  Posted March 22, 2014 This is great advise! Btw - probably the closest option within your budget to render similar to the 5cm f1.5 Summarit would be the collapsible 5cm f2 Summitar LTM (prevent the 6-bladed version of that lens, if you want the most similar look to the Summarit).  These lenses are gorgeous - great built quality. The Summitar (and many of it's contemporary Leitz lenses) do have quirks, as odd filter sizes (by today's standards), step less aperture controls, etc …  5cm f1.5 Summarit LTM:  far background: portrait - mother and daughter by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  close background: cat and brickwall by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  5cm f2 Summitar LTM:  far background: portrait - young woman with glasses by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  close background: swirl by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  Prevent the 5cm f2 Summar LTM, as it has a completely different look (it is a fantastic lens on it's own though).  In terms of not looking similar to the classic Summarit your choices are basically endless even on a tight budget. I would go Cal's suggested route and safe money on the body, putting it towards lenses - my choice of his mention would be a nice user M2, which had a full CLA by one of the reputed service people within the last 5 years or so - this should last for a wile ;-) Use a mobile phone app as a light meter or if within budget, get a nice handheld incident light meter (my favourite are the tiny Gossen digitals, but less pricey meters are abundant).  [EDIT] - didn't see I am late, keeping the post up though. Congrats on your lens choice - it's a great lens, although very different in imaging from the classic Summarit. Btw - that Hexanon would have been a fantastic choice as well - who doesn't like Konica M mount lenses!?  Thank you for your post. I am new here and I have been trying to figure out the real differences between a Summarit 50/1.5 and a Summitar 50/2. I have both and love the look (the bokeh) of the Summitar. I've put in my first roll of film on the Summarit and will be taking shots. Other than the bokeh, is there any real difference in photos? Is one more classic than the other?  Thanks again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torgian Posted March 23, 2014 Share #37 Â Posted March 23, 2014 I've jumped back and forth between getting Leica lenses or Zeiss, and so far I've always gone with the Zeiss. To me, you don't sacrifice much image quality for a price that is a few thousand dollars cheaper than Leicas. Â As of now I have a 35mm Biogon and a 50mm f1.5 Sonnar. Both are my go-to lenses, and brand new both were around a thousand US dollars each. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted March 23, 2014 Share #38 Â Posted March 23, 2014 I am new here and I have been trying to figure out the real differences between a Summarit 50/1.5 and a Summitar 50/2. I have both and love the look (the bokeh) of the Summitar. I've put in my first roll of film on the Summarit and will be taking shots. Other than the bokeh, is there any real difference in photos? Is one more classic than the other? Not sure what you mean by "classic" here. The bokeh of the Summitar is quieter, better behaved (if that makes any sense) than the Summarit's, particularly between f/2 and f/4. The Summarit is also more prone to flare in my experience. And there's also the venerable Summar to try for a challenge... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted March 24, 2014 Share #39  Posted March 24, 2014 Thank you for your post. I am new here and I have been trying to figure out the real differences between a Summarit 50/1.5 and a Summitar 50/2. I have both and love the look (the bokeh) of the Summitar. I've put in my first roll of film on the Summarit and will be taking shots. Other than the bokeh, is there any real difference in photos? Is one more classic than the other?  I second the written comment above. Personally I highly prefer a Summitar as a user lens over a 5cm f1.5 Summarit. One should get the Summarit only when the crazy rendering at wide open aperture is a thing you want (it is probably the wildest there is with any classic LTM lens not faster than f1.5).  The Summitar is lightweight, very compact and mechanically often in better condition than the Summarit lenses (which have a tricky barrel construction, prone to uneven/ sticky focussing feel, very hard to perfectly tune and maintain). After the Summarit, Leica entirely changed that mechanical design.  I do prefer other lenses over both of these though in general.  In terms of what you get for your money, there are endlessly many different vintage fast 50mm lenses in my opinion nicer and more interesting than the 50/1.5 Summarit. Take for one some of the Japanese Sonnars, particularly the Nikkor S C 50/1.4 or the early Canon 50/1.5 - or even a well tuned Jupiter 50/1.5 Sonnar (or a genuine Carl Zeiss, if you can find, but a lot more expensive).  My favourite vintage Leitz fast 50 in this price range is clearly the v1 50 Summicron M mount collapsible (but that is an entirely different lens altogether in imaging).  I would advice against a Summar though, expect you are after the very low contrast look (very flare prone as well) - there are only few really good samples left, which indeed are surprisingly good lenses, but you pay a price for condition.  1936 Summar (rare really nice glass on this one): portrait - tourist and sculpture by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  50 f1.4 Nikkor S C in LTM: portrait - Nikkor-S.C 5cm f1.4 - contrast handling by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  50 f2 Summicron v1 in M mount (later non radioactive glass): portrait - man with kite closeup by teknopunk.com, on Flickr  This is the best all rounder - fairly modern yet still very smooth and classic rendering, taking modern E39 filters, not a particularly low contrast lens as the earlier Leitz 50mm lenses … Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted March 24, 2014 Share #40  Posted March 24, 2014 This is the best all rounder - fairly modern yet still very smooth and classic rendering, taking modern E39 filters, not a particularly low contrast lens as the earlier Leitz 50mm lenses …  Yup. And it can render bright popping colors too  M9 + collapsible 1955 Summicron v1  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!   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/221496-want-a-f15-summarit-but/?do=findComment&comment=2555903'>More sharing options...
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