rivi1969 Posted June 10, 2015 Share #1 Posted June 10, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Good evening guys, I would like to ask for your recommendations here. I have an M8 paired with a Zeiss ZM 35mm F2 -that was the best I can do at that time- and I been thinking in get a 50mm but my budget is limited to anything between 1000 - 1200... maybe 1300... (if my wife won´t find out) I am looking for a nice piece, as mint as possible, no sticky blades, fungus, scratches or anything, so I think there could be a 50mm Summicron IV in that range or a much newer Summarit. So, besides speed, could you give me your insights regarding image quality? Any lens I get will be with me for years, and hopefully will be use as the main lens in a future M9 or luckily an M-E. Thanks in advance! Ricardo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 10, 2015 Posted June 10, 2015 Hi rivi1969, Take a look here Leica 50mm in the 1000-1250usd range?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pop Posted June 10, 2015 Share #2 Posted June 10, 2015 I would go for the Summarit (1:1.5). As a matter of fact, I did go for it. It is coded, its rendering of the image is very unobtrusive yet crisp, it is quite resistant to flare, it is small and compact. Before I bought it, I had a go at an elderly Summilux (scarcely used it fullly open, too difficult to focus because of my eyes when used fully open, too bulky, heavy) and at a more recent Summicron (too flare prone). The 50mm Summarit practically lives on my M and always comes with me when I have another one mounted. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 10, 2015 Share #3 Posted June 10, 2015 Look at this thread. The little Elmar M is pretty good! (the 'new' version Elmar, although a 3.5 M mount is superb too - same lens as the famous Red Scale). http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/246073-add-elmar-m-50-or-rigid-summicron-to-summilux-50-asph/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Branch Posted June 10, 2015 Share #4 Posted June 10, 2015 I would go for the Summarit (1:1.5)........... This looks like a typo. The 50mm f/1.5 Summarit from 1954 exists as a real lens - but it can't possibly be a recommendation. The current 50mm f/2.4 Summarit-M is certainly a good option. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted June 10, 2015 Share #5 Posted June 10, 2015 This looks like a typo. The 50mm f/1.5 Summarit from 1954 exists as a real lens - but it can't possibly be a recommendation. The current 50mm f/2.4 Summarit-M is certainly a good option. This is, in fact, a typo. Thanks for pointing it out. I meant to write f/2.5, i.e. the last incarnation before the current one; given the price constraint, I suspect you'd have to go for a used one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted June 10, 2015 Share #6 Posted June 10, 2015 I'll second the Summarit 2.5. Although I have a 2-yr old Summicron (which is great), I added a Summarit for its handling and size, and now the 35 & 50 Summarits are my favorite lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enboe Posted June 10, 2015 Share #7 Posted June 10, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Prioritized list: 50/2.5 Summmarit 50/2.8 Elmar-M 50/2.0 Summicron v3 or later 28/2.8 v3 50/2.8 Elmar 50/2.0 Rigid Summicron i added the 28 for a different perspective as the resultant 37mm equivalent is close to the classic 35mm for street photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herr Barnack Posted June 10, 2015 Share #8 Posted June 10, 2015 I would give serious consideration to the latest version of the 50/2.8 Elmar. Take a look at the images embedded in the thread that earleygallery noted in post #3 above. The 50 Elmar is a very affordable lens and as can be seen in the photos posted, it is nothing short of remarkable with regard to the image quality vs. dollars spent equation (based on what we can tell from looking at computer screen images, that is). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted June 10, 2015 Share #9 Posted June 10, 2015 I'd second the 50/2.8 Elmar M. I was amazed by the crispness and contrast of its images when I first got one. If you want a more classic look and aren't interested much in handheld night shooting, the old 50/3.5 Elmar red scale (with a LTM-screwmount to M adapter) is not only affordable but will leave lots of cash in your pocket for other purchases, and when colapsed makes the camera pocketable . After 47 years of trying everything else, I finally got one and love it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted June 10, 2015 Share #10 Posted June 10, 2015 I'd second the 50/2.8 Elmar M. I was amazed by the crispness and contrast of its images when I first got one. If you want a more classic look and aren't interested much in handheld night shooting, the old 50/3.5 Elmar red scale (with a LTM-screwmount to M adapter) is not only affordable but will leave lots of cash in your pocket for other purchases, and when colapsed makes the camera pocketable . After 47 years of trying everything else, I finally got one and love it. If you want to try the Elmar "red scale" - the M-mount version of the 50 3.5 Elmar is the same optically, needs no adapter, and has the convenient aperture control of the 2.8 Elmar. I have both the 2.8 (original) Elmar and the M-mount 3.5m and I think the 3.5 has a slight edge in performance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 10, 2015 Share #11 Posted June 10, 2015 If you want to try the Elmar "red scale" - the M-mount version of the 50 3.5 Elmar is the same optically, needs no adapter, and has the convenient aperture control of the 2.8 Elmar. I have both the 2.8 (original) Elmar and the M-mount 3.5m and I think the 3.5 has a slight edge in performance. As I've already said above. I have the 2.8 M mount and an LTM 3.5 and the 3.5 is the better lens up to about f4/5.6 where they even out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted June 10, 2015 Share #12 Posted June 10, 2015 Summicron. Here's a comparison of a 1969 (about $900-$1000) and the latest ($1,500-$1,800). 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/246177-leica-50mm-in-the-1000-1250usd-range/?do=findComment&comment=2832014'>More sharing options...
michaelwj Posted June 11, 2015 Share #13 Posted June 11, 2015 For less than US$1200 you should be able to find any summicron (apart from the latest and the APO), the 2.5 summarit, or any elmar in excellent condition. As Printmaker so nicely shows above, they're all good. As for the summicrons, If you want a more modern look go the v4 (same optics as latest version), if you want a classic look, go the rigid, if you want somewhere in between, go the v3. If you want a focus tab, go the v4, if not, the v3 or rigid. Close focus? v3 and on go to 0.7, rigid goes to 1m (DR goes closer but needs goggles) Focus throw? Rigid has a longer throw than the v3 which is in turn longer than the v4. The choice is then easy, put your priorities in order and check boxes. Good luck and be patient, it will last a lifetime! Cheers, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted June 11, 2015 Share #14 Posted June 11, 2015 With an M8 I surely would try to find a nice copy of any v4 or v5 Summicron you can find. If it is a v4 Summicron, chances are is produced almost 30 years ago and depending on how it was treated and stored can be hazy. With such an old lens factor in the cost for a professionally done cleaning of the lens by one of the specialists, mentioned here on the site. The choice in 50mm options up to 1300 USD is practically endless and depending on what you are aiming for with the purchase of this lens you really do not need to spend that much money. A great condition 50 f2 Summicron v4 (made in Canada with focus tab and lens hood) will be easily in your price range and is optically identical to the later v5 lens (apart from possible tiny changes in coating and glass formulas over the years). You might be able to find a deal on a v5 if you get lucky (they usually sell a bit higher than your budget) - I would rather prefer a mint and recently checked, good v4 over a unknown beater v5 lens as the only difference in practical terms is the mechanic design and the internal vs clip on lens hood (the older clip on hood being more effective too). If brand names are not a factor but just quality, there is really a great selection of 50mm modern and old in your budget - here is a short list of personal favorites: modern look: 43/1.9 Pentax LTM 50/2 Konica Hexar 50/2 Summicron v4 (Made in Canada, concave focus tab, not "tiger paw") 50/2 Summicron v5 (current version) if can be found within budget 50/2.8 Voigtländer LTM (a tank of a lens with truly beautiful, heavy brass built and beautiful rendering) 50/2.5 Summarit-M (with all these alternative choices at less or similar cost, the Summarit does not look to favorable to me, it is a very, very fine lens though I would never frown upon - I would take a Summicron v4 over the Summarit any day though at the small price difference, especially with the ISO limited M8 sensor) "vintage" look: 50/2 Summicron v1 M-mount (collapsible) 50/2 Summicron Rigid 50/2 Nikkor LTM (Sonnar design) 50/1.4 Nikkor LTM (Sonnar design) 50/1.5 Canon LTM (Sonnar design) 50/1.5 Carl Zeiss Jena LTM (VERY HARD to find a genuine good sample - price is though perfectly within your budget, the trick is to find a reputable seller who sells you a genuine, good condition lens - many Russian fakes and many "hacked lenses" around to confuse an uneducated buyer - the rewards are very high though) 50/3.5 Elmar LTM (preferably a "Red Scale" or even one of the very late, coated samples made in the 1950's) Have fun, researching some of these and good luck with you search! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted June 11, 2015 Share #15 Posted June 11, 2015 get youself a nice V3 pre asph summicron- can't go wrong. I got mine for a lot less than your budget allows. Worth every cent. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted June 11, 2015 Share #16 Posted June 11, 2015 PM me if you want to discuss the same CLAed by DAG V3 Cron shown in the sample for well under your budget Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted June 11, 2015 Share #17 Posted June 11, 2015 In that price range, V3 or V4 (tabbed version) Summicrons can be had with perfect glass and mechanics. I see no reason to give up f/2. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
run23 Posted June 13, 2015 Share #18 Posted June 13, 2015 You should be able to find a V4 Summicron for $1,250 if you are patient. [edit] e.g, http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/forum/?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=2389 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piblondin Posted June 13, 2015 Share #19 Posted June 13, 2015 I would get the current version Summicron. If I could only keep one lens, that would be it. Small, light, fast, and easier to focus than my Summiluxes. You can find one for your price target if you're patient. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted June 15, 2015 Share #20 Posted June 15, 2015 I just see a Leica 50/1.4 Summilux vII in the classifieds over at RFF for 1250 USD (don't know the seller and have no affiliation with him or the transaction). I was not aware of these lenses for selling so low. When I bought mine some years ago, I paid a lot more than that, which ultimately lead to the purchase of the latest incarnation of this optical design - the latest pre ASPH Summilux which reputedly is very, very close in it's optical design. This is a lens which fit's perfectly to a Leica M8 sensor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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