Please help to identify which version this 50mm Cron-M is

[blueskyoveraquatic]

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Hello,

I need your helps 

1. to identify which version this 50mm Cron-M is (is it 50mm Summicron-M rigid or DR?)

2. should I buy this lens (classic for $950) or Leica 50mm Summarit-M (modern for $850) - both used in 'Excellent condition"

    if I am going to buy 50mm Summicron-M, is there anything I should watch out for?

 

I am going to use this lens on my Leica T, and later, Leica M ( when I save enough money to buy it)

Thank you in advance for your helps

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Edited May 25, 2017 by blueskyoveraquatic

[adan]

That is the Dual-Range or Close-Focus version: the tipoffs are the "flange with a ball bearing" on the top, which is where the closeup goggles attach, and right in front of that, the square stairstep around the focus index mark, where you pull the spring-loaded focus ring forward to twist and switch into the close-up range (36"- 20" more or less).

 

The close range is a little tricky to use without the goggles - you must use digital "live view", and the interlocks mean occasionally pushing down on the ball bearing to unlock focus from the "0.9m" position. Or just live with the 1-meter to infinity range. Some digital bodies have trouble mounting and getting infinity focus with the DR due to the extra cam for close range focusing jamming on the inside of the camera - I got one to (just barely) work on an M10, but others have reported trouble even with that body.

 

In general resolution, the DR and the Summarit f/2.4-5 are not terribly different (i.e, the 1950s Summicron is surprising "modern" in crispness). The newer lens has more contrast and a bit warmer color - and of course, 6-bit coding for digital use.

 

NB - the Rigid Summicron and DR are optically identical. The plain vanilla non-DR is a bit more functional on digital than the DR (lighter weight, no jamming) - unless you really want the extra close-up capability.

Edited May 25, 2017 by adan

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[blueskyoveraquatic]

That is the Dual-Range or Close-Focus version: the tipoffs are the "flange with a ball bearing" on the top, which is where the closeup goggles attach, and right in front of that, the square stairstep around the focus index mark, where you pull the spring-loaded focus ring forward to twist and switch into the close-up range (36"- 20" more or less).

 

The close range is a little tricky to use without the goggles - you must use digital "live view", and the interlocks mean occasionally pushing down on the ball bearing to unlock focus from the "0.9m" position. Or just live with the 1-meter to infinity range. Some digital bodies have trouble mounting and getting infinity focus with the DR due to the extra cam for close range focusing jamming on the inside of the camera - I got one to (just barely) work on an M10, but others have reported trouble even with that body.

 

In general performance, the DR and the Summarit f/2.4-5 are pretty close. The newer lens has more contrast and a bit redder color - and of course, 6-bit coding for digital use

Andy,

Thank you very much!

Dennis

[jaapv]

Looking at the image, it appears to me that this lens needs at least an extensive CLA, the front element appears to have the haze of ages inside.

The caked dirt on the outside suggests that it has not been taken care of properly for a long time.

Add 250$ to the price for an overhaul.

After that it will be fine, it appears to be in a decent basic condition.

[Ecar]

Looking at the image, it appears to me that this lens needs at least an extensive CLA, the front element appears to have the haze of ages inside.

The caked dirt on the outside suggests that it has not been taken care of properly for a long time.

Add 250$ to the price for an overhaul.

+1

Doesn't look in "excellent condition" to me...

[jaapv]

Indeed. From the photographs I would rate it B-  with the potential to be turned into an A rated lens.

The caps are not original - always a warning sign.

[Ecar]

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To the OP: given the circumstances, the Summarit (assuming it's in good condition) is perhaps a safer bet, with less hassle.

[luigi bertolotti]

I agree (provided that the Summarit is in really good shape) : btw, taking a Summicron Dual Range without its goggles, and with need of a CLA as it looks, is in my opinion not a wise buy (add also that goggles for near distance are anywy unusable on digital Ms) : if you do prefer a Summicron (which is ALWAYS an excellent lens)... look elsewhere : very good items are available from many sources, typically in the range of 1000 $/€... and about which to choose... think mostly at :

 

1) Like or dislike the use of focusing tab/knob (I like, personally)

2) Consider important or not the minimum focus of 70 cm

3) (marginal) value or not the built-in hood (featured only in the last version)

Edited May 25, 2017 by luigi bertolotti

[Rob L]

Also the haze that is so common in these old Summicrons very often does not clean up that well. Look for a good one!

[blueskyoveraquatic]

I would like to thank all of you for your helpful comments!

I am buying these lenses from an online store which I had purchased many used items.  Their rating had been accurate for accurate for me.

Here are their rating system:  "Like New", "Excellent", "Good", and "Well Used".  The Summicron-M DR in the photo has been rated "Excellent", and the Summarit has been rated "Excellent".

I agree with your assessments and tips for the Cron-M DR lens.  Indeed, I am worried about haze and possible scratches on the 'soft' quoting.  There is another 'red' flag as followed:  I had looked up the serial number of the DR lens, and Leica wiki says that it is not a DR lens (

1961001 1964000 Summicron f= 5 cm 1:2 (M-rigid-chrom-11818) 1962

).   So, I am worried that the front piece of the lens belongs to a M-Rigid, and the back piece of the lens belongs to a M-DR-Rigid.  If this is the case, then I do not want to own this lens.

 

I will buy the Summarit instead.

 

Once again, thank you all!