Recommendation for a 50mm Summicron

[Jewl]

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Yes I might get an original hood later but until then I will add a B&W or Urth filter, have one on my FLE and also dont have the feeling I get reflections at night or additional flaring! But thanks for pointing this out 🙂 

[lct]

https://www.theschoolofphotography.com/tutorials/camera-lens-hoods

[rulnacco]

On 8/12/2023 at 1:32 AM, lct said:

My own take with code numbers and no version 6 FWIW.

LeicaM_5020_Versions.pdf 44.5 kB · 40 downloads

Mmmmm, I'm not sure I'd agree with that entirely. I've always heard Version 1 refer specifically only to the *collapsible* version. There *was*, although they're rather rare, a rigid version with Leica screw mount, but I'm pretty sure that had the same optics as the Version 2 M-mount (which encompassed both the standard rigid and the dual-range Summicron as they shared the same optics.

So--and I'm quite happy to be corrected if wrong--I'd think it should look like this, based on the optics of the lenses:

Version 1 - Collapsible (LTM and M mount)

Version 2 - Rigid M mount, dual-range M, and rigid LTM mount

And then the rest of it goes the way you have it.

Ken Rockwell says pretty much the same thing, and has the corresponding part numbers. The only other thing I think he could have included is that the rigid M-mount  actually came in two body versions (although optically they were the same), even more if you count whether they were chrome or black. The first version of the rigid M had a focusing ring with narrow scallops which had grooves on the raised part of the scallops, and a distance scale in feet or metres, but not both. The second version had wider scallops with the grooves in the indentions, and a distance scale showing both metres and feet. I once owned the first version, and now have the second, both in chrome.

The dual range also followed the same early/late body pattern--I've seen this, at my dealer, but have regrettably never owned a dual range. In fact, if you look at Rockwell's page on the dual range, you'll see both versions: his photos are of an early version (metres only), but if you scroll down to the bit from the Leica manual, you'll see *both* early and late versions. The photos at the top of the manual page are of the late body version, and the one at the bottom--showing the removable head--is of the early body, with distance in feet only.

Probably more information than you wanted to know, but there you go.

Edited September 1, 2023 by rulnacco
Completeness.

[lct]

Interesting thank you. What difference do you make between 11118 and 11818 then?

[Jewl]

I am really struggling with the Leica Service tbh. I had a call with them last week as my 50cron v4 needs an adjustment, the focus tab does not properly align with the rangefinder patch of my M11 at infinity. It works for my MP. They mentioned it will take 7 months. Also asked whether they cannot accept the service request and I send it in as soon as they have a slot as I do not want it to rest on their shelves for 6 months to get serviced then for 1 week or so. But they are totally unflexible. Also sent a feedback mail to customer care… i find this really not acceptable.

[Jewl]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb VailJohnson:

I would only send something to Leica if it’s a fix under warranty for something I purchased new. 

For your lens anyone can do this that has a reputable shop. Like DAG. Or search in your area. Calibrating a lens shouldn’t take 7 months. 
 

Personally I would sell it and get a brand new v5. It’ll work perfectly. 

Might make sense to look for a 3rd party. But buying the new version does not necessarily fix this problem. My brand new 35mm simmilux also needed a CLA with the M11. Exact same problem as with the 50mm cron v4. Sure, this was then under warranty but nevertheless, took also quite some time etc. - and sending in 2 brand new pieces for re-adjustment is also quite awkward!

Edited September 3, 2023 by Jewl

[a.noctilux]

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Recommendation for a 50mm Summicron

 

If not already done,

each 50mm Summicron can do ...

Buy one *,

use it happily,

 

* or two or more 😆

...

end of story 😉

[Warton]

5 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Recommendation for a 50mm Summicron

 

If not already done,

each 50mm Summicron can do ...

Buy one *,

use it happily,

 

* or two or more 😆

...

end of story 😉

I concur!

50mm is the most boring yet interesting focal, SUMMICRON with f/2 is more boring and interesting.

That makes this type of lenses extremely easy to make. You can't go wrong with any summicron 50, except the collapsible one which I personally found it's a weird and over-engineering designed.

[a.noctilux]

On 9/5/2023 at 4:32 PM, Warton said:

except the collapsible one which I personally found it's a weird and over-engineering designed.

Buy one in good shape, use it a while, then you will see that collapsible Summicron 50mm can do what other Summicron 50mm can NOT.

I have one of the "yellow" LTM mount, only aperture blades are something else *, so the "blobs" are rounder than most when close down a bit.

As the front glass is soft, many collapsible are less than good units.

So maybe ...

The bad reputations of these are from the not-in-good-shape glasses.

...

*

have a look here comparing with LTM Canon 1.4/50 lens

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Edited September 7, 2023 by a.noctilux

[Lelmer]

Exactly...the M Summicron 5cm collapsible is a discreet gem 🙂

[Warton]

3 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Buy one in good shape, use it a while, then you will see that collapsible Summicron 50mm can do what other Summicron 50mm can NOT.

I have one of the "yellow" LTM mount, only aperture blades are something else *, so the "blobs" are rounder than most when close down a bit.

As the front glass is soft, many collapsible are less than good units.

So maybe ...

The bad reputations of these are from the not-in-good-shape glasses.

...

*

have a look here comparing with LTM Canon 1.4/50 lens

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!

 

ok, educate me please. why is the collapsible is optically better than other versions?

It's hard to find one to try it out now, besides I heard the collapsible mechanism may hurt the sensor or the mounting thread? I just feel this kind of in and out movement is unnecessary.

[Bronco McBeast]

Collapsible is absolutely great. I own 5... what can I say, the market was blinded by the newer ones so I snapped a few. Three of my copies are mint like-new. The other 2 are scratched, and I love them equally. GREAT PERFORMER!

[a.noctilux]

1 hour ago, Warton said:

why is the collapsible is optically better than other versions?

Sorry I can not answer, I can only say after using a while that collapsible Summicron is not optically better than others,

in my practice it's much more than that, only using the lens for a while can answer.

Not logic or scientific but real.

...

One of the most renowned Leica user did use one, for a while (based on the brassing), even if he could choose what ever he wanted.

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seen here already

[spydrxx]

I agree the collapsible is a true gem...along with others. What it can do which others can not, is collapse, making a smaller footprint. Optically very similar in rendition to early rigid. If you want the collapsing feature but very modern rendition, look for the collapsible Elmar-M  50/2.8 (1994-2007), if you don't need the extra stop.