ReturningToFilm Posted May 14, 2015 Share #1  Posted May 14, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi All My first post having just bought a 1967 m4 this week. This may have been covered before but on a look through I can't find it (please point me in the right direction if I have overlooked a thread that answers my question!). My plan is to start with a Summicron 50/2 lens initially. I will be buying used. Looking at price differentials here in London the version 3 lens goes for circa £700 and a version 5 for circa £1000. While I have read up on the technical differences and I think that either would be more than good enough for my photography skills, can I get some views on whether the version 4 is "worth" the extra money? I'm aware that this is going to be pretty subjective. I have been told that the version 3 renders in a more "classic Leica" way with a creamy appearance. I am going to be shooting black and White and likely to re-start home developing, having not done so for several years, so that may inform opinions? Anyone who is able to give personal experience of both versions would be very much appreciated!  Thanks in advance! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 14, 2015 Posted May 14, 2015 Hi ReturningToFilm, Take a look here Summicron 50mm f2 version 3 vs version 5. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Paulus Posted May 14, 2015 Share #2  Posted May 14, 2015 Hi All My first post having just bought a 1967 m4 this week. This may have been covered before but on a look through I can't find it (please point me in the right direction if I have overlooked a thread that answers my question!). My plan is to start with a Summicron 50/2 lens initially. I will be buying used. Looking at price differentials here in London the version 3 lens goes for circa £700 and a version 5 for circa £1000. While I have read up on the technical differences and I think that either would be more than good enough for my photography skills, can I get some views on whether the version 4 is "worth" the extra money? I'm aware that this is going to be pretty subjective. I have been told that the version 3 renders in a more "classic Leica" way with a creamy appearance. I am going to be shooting black and White and likely to re-start home developing, having not done so for several years, so that may inform opinions? Anyone who is able to give personal experience of both versions would be very much appreciated!  Thanks in advance! Welcome to the forum!  The summicron version 4 is a great lens. Legendary quality.  I still use it next to my Summilux asph 50 mm.  I don't know what it costs in the UK, but in Holland the are for sale second had for reasonable prices between € 750 and € 900,- Some mayor Dutch shops sometimes have them in ( used ) stock. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted May 14, 2015 Share #3  Posted May 14, 2015 Version "4" optics have been used in a couple of different mounts, the latest having a built-in hood. Some call that the "v5" although most  call it the v4 because the optics are the same. After using a v3 since 1969 I finally bought a new v4 (or 5 if you prefer) a couple years ago. While the two are very close (both designed by Mandler), there is a clear edge in performance to the later version. Center of frame wide open are fine on both, contrast is higher in the latest version - which I do notice. The built in hood is convenient, if not as effective as the snap on. Both tend to get central veil of flare shooting into light sources, even with the hood. Once you realize that you know what angles to avoid and work around it. My Zeiss Planar 50 is less fussy about flare, and is equally sharp - but the images look different. Some prefer the Planar over the Summicron, and it is a bargain price. I also picked up a 50 Summarit 2.5 (I have a thing for 50s...) and I like the handling of it better than any of the above, so I've been using it lately. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReturningToFilm Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share #4  Posted May 14, 2015 Thanks Tom and Paulus  I had looked at the Zeiss but have been a bit swayed by the prospect of Leica glass and legendary quality for not much price differential (can't seem to find the Zeiss lens 2nd hand readily)... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodluvan Posted May 15, 2015 Share #5  Posted May 15, 2015 Thanks Tom and Paulus  I had looked at the Zeiss but have been a bit swayed by the prospect of Leica glass and legendary quality for not much price differential (can't seem to find the Zeiss lens 2nd hand readily)... didn't you say you were in London? the used market must be huge (consider me, I'm in Stockholm and even here the planar pops up now and again).  anyway, I can vouch for the planar, especially if you like me, aren't much into pixel-peeping and are going to use it on a an M4 (I use it on a M4-P). I was expecting a more clinical look, but it delivers an almost 'classic' rendering, much like my 'cron Version 2, only much higher contrast.  also, I don't think potential difference in 'quality' in this range, has any bearing on actual life. the planar has 1/3 stop aperture settings that can be handy (although not overly important).  good luck with your decision! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
uhoh7 Posted May 15, 2015 Share #6  Posted May 15, 2015 v4 tabbed is the smallest and probably cheapest of the modern optics, often seen for 1KUSD. The ZM planar is awesome but the 50 cron is better yet. V4 and up that is. The older lens is very nice, but I would take the Planar over V3, for sure.  My v4 50 tabbed two nights ago:  Spring Evening by unoh7, on Flickr  all that said, I would advise starting with a 35 if you will only have one lens. But it's debatable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwj Posted May 16, 2015 Share #7 Â Posted May 16, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a v3, and have only very limited experience with the v4/5. I like the more mellow look of the v3, but it depends on what you want to shoot. I believe that the v4/5 is sharper accross the frame, but i find it hard to tell the difference. More impotant to me is the ergonomics; if youm want a tab, get the v4, if you want a short focus throw, get the v5, if you like it a bit longer, get the v3. I found the built in hood a bit of a let down, and prefer the clip on style. Which ever you choose will be great, it's a summicron! Â Cheers, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReturningToFilm Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share #8 Â Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for the replies everyone! Have gone with V3. Currently doing some test shots with my first roll through my M4, so looking forward to the results... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnfell Posted May 18, 2015 Share #9  Posted May 18, 2015 My best tip is to try to find a "version 4".  This means the one introduced in 1979. It has the exact same optics as the current one, but is significantly smaller, has a focus tab (BIG plus) and a removable round hood. I find this hood better than the built in version of type 5. Also, it can be updated to 6bit if it has not alerady been. (some older lenses can not be coded easily)  One exception: if you use the monochrom, you might want to keep your eye out for the type 2 is said to be fantastic for that use since it provides low contrast, high sharpness images. However, these tend to be so expensive that I wouldnt bother.       Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelwj Posted May 18, 2015 Share #10  Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for the replies everyone! Have gone with V3. Currently doing some test shots with my first roll through my M4, so looking forward to the results...  Enjoy it, and make sure you don't second guess yourself - it can get expensive quickly. Did you manage to get one made the same year as your M4?  Cheers, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted May 18, 2015 Share #11 Â Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for the replies everyone! Have gone with V3. Currently doing some test shots with my first roll through my M4, so looking forward to the results... Good match. I bought my M4 in 1968, and used the V3 with it (along with a v2 35 Summicron) for decades. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted May 18, 2015 Share #12  Posted May 18, 2015 I had the 11817 (what you call a V3) for many years and tens of thousands of photographs. Never let me down. The only reason I sold it was I picked up a Summilux from the early 80s and the characteristics were quite similar (sharp in center, softer in the corners until stopped down to at least f/5.6). Picked up a 11819 Summicron which is the one I have now. It's not built as solidly/finely as the 11817 though. Enjoy yours! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReturningToFilm Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share #13 Â Posted May 18, 2015 Thanks for the encouraging comments.....enjoying shooting thus far, a real pleasure to get back to a manual camera, pure simplicity; very well made and solid feel. Â @michaelwj - the lens is from 1973, my year of birth, so doesn't match my m4 but still in the "vintage" realm?? Â Quick subsequent question - can I find a Leica hood and cap that will fit this lens? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted May 18, 2015 Share #14  Posted May 18, 2015 OEM Hood: 12585. Cap for said hood: 14033. Note the cap fits when the hood is reversed over the lens. IIRC I used to use a generic pushbutton cap on the hood in it's forward position, forgot the size, probably a 52.   Usually in plentiful supply used. There are other options as well including screw-on hoods from China on fleabay. Can't vouch for those however having never used one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted May 18, 2015 Share #15 Â Posted May 18, 2015 . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReturningToFilm Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share #16 Â Posted May 19, 2015 Thanks bocaburger- is it a question of looking on eb'y or do you know of any other sources to find one? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted May 19, 2015 Share #17  Posted May 19, 2015 You mean for the original Leica items or the Chinese aftermarket items? For the former, keh.com would be the first place I'd look, then B&H and other Leica dealers. For the latter, Idk if they can be bought elsewhere than fleabay, I've never considered them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 20, 2015 Share #18  Posted May 20, 2015 12585 and 12585H hoods can be found easily on e**y. Both will fit  the 50/2 v3 with no problem at all. Same for the 12538 hood which is a plastic made 12585.  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/245039-summicron-50mm-f2-version-3-vs-version-5/?do=findComment&comment=2818850'>More sharing options...
ReturningToFilm Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share #19 Â Posted May 20, 2015 Many thanks! Browsing the market site as we speak! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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