Which Summicron 50 to match my Summaron 35/2.8?

[oldwino]

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I have a Summaron 35/2.8 which I absolutely love. The size is perfect, the build amazing and the image quality has a perfect balance of contrast, acutance and charm.

 

Which of the many versions of the 50mm Summicron would be a match for this lens? I currently have a version 1 Summilux, which I enjoy most everything about (other than the weight), and a Summarit 2.5 which has a very modern look to it (but the size and weight are perfect). I have to think that one of the Summicron versions would come close to the look of the Summaron. But which?

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[farnz]

I would think a Rigid Summicron would be a pretty good match but you'd need to make sure it has no haze (caused by the gradual decay of the Canada Balsam adhesive used to cement the lens groups).

 

Pete.

[TomB_tx]

I agree, the Rigid would be a good match. I also used to use an older 2.8 Elmar 50 and a Summaron and really enjoyed the Elmar, but it is a bit softer at 2.8. The later Elmar-M might also be a good match, and has the small size and weight to match.

[Ko.Fe.]

Rigid is very good lens for color film. And very fine lens on digital. Personally, I was just not impressed by it on bw film.

I discovered it in Elmar-M 50 2.8 latest version, it just not build like the Unimog. But 35 2.8 is.

[Ccoppola82]

I love my Summaron as well and struggled with the same question. I ended up with 5 50's and am down to 4 now. I like the rigid but find I've grabbed the collapsible cron more lately for bw film. If you'd like I can do a comparison shoot between the following

Rigid

Collapsible

1934 sonnar 1.5

Nokton 1.5

[antigallican]

I have a Summaron 35/2.8 which I absolutely love. The size is perfect, the build amazing and the image quality has a perfect balance of contrast, acutance and charm.

 

Which of the many versions of the 50mm Summicron would be a match for this lens? I currently have a version 1 Summilux, which I enjoy most everything about (other than the weight), and a Summarit 2.5 which has a very modern look to it (but the size and weight are perfect). I have to think that one of the Summicron versions would come close to the look of the Summaron. But which?

I have one of those Summarons too and agree with your opinion - I use it on an M9 and an SL. I have a mid eighties Canadian Summicron 50 and it's not bad, but it's no match. I'll be very interested to hear how you resolve this. By the way a 1980's 2.8 90 isn't a great match either - maybe nothing is!

[antigallican]

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I love my Summaron as well and struggled with the same question. I ended up with 5 50's and am down to 4 now. I like the rigid but find I've grabbed the collapsible cron more lately for bw film. If you'd like I can do a comparison shoot between the following

Rigid

Collapsible

1934 sonnar 1.5

Nokton 1.5

I'd love to see this.

[4X5B&W]

The 50 Rigid to me is the perfect match.

Surprised to hear a comment about it not being a good B&W film match, it is my go to MM1 lens at that focal length and I have used it on film forever.

 

What I would say is that mine is in mint condition having been serviced and adjusted for use with my Monochrom.

All rigids need to be cleaned as they are now 60 years old.......it does make a difference !!

Edited January 10, 2018 by 4X5B&W

[a.noctilux]

I have a Summaron 35/2.8 which I absolutely love. The size is perfect, the build amazing and the image quality has a perfect balance of contrast, acutance and charm.

 

Which of the many versions of the 50mm Summicron would be a match for this lens? I currently have a version 1 Summilux, which I enjoy most everything about (other than the weight), and a Summarit 2.5 which has a very modern look to it (but the size and weight are perfect). I have to think that one of the Summicron versions would come close to the look of the Summaron. But which?

 

I think that you have already the best match 50mm for your Summaron 2.8/35 : Summarit-M 2.5/50mm.

 

Over time, I have used  almost every existed Summicron 50mm (from 1951 collapsible, II, Rigid/DR, III, latest formula in multiple mounts), but none has the Summaron 35 rendering (considering overall of its IQ like flare, smooth OOF, and something unique not easy to define as "Summaron character" seen also in "newly released" 5.6/28mm).

Elmar or Elmar-M 50mm do have some of the Summaron IQ but not smoothness.

 

If used from f/2.8 onward, the Summicron III (my favorite / first Summicron 50 used from 1980's) may be the best candidate to match Summaron.

Now, using a tabbed focus is prefered, so I use now Summarit-M 2.5/50mm on film and digital.

 

Arnaud

Edited January 10, 2018 by a.noctilux

[oldwino]

I love my Summaron as well and struggled with the same question. I ended up with 5 50's and am down to 4 now. I like the rigid but find I've grabbed the collapsible cron more lately for bw film. If you'd like I can do a comparison shoot between the following

Rigid

Collapsible

1934 sonnar 1.5

Nokton 1.5

This would be interesting. Though I have owned the Nokton in the past and sold it on.

[oldwino]

I think that you have already the best match 50mm for your Summaron 2.8/35 : Summarit-M 2.5/50mm.

 

Over time, I have used  almost every existed Summicron 50mm (from 1951 collapsible, II, Rigid/DR, III, latest formula in multiple mounts), but none has the Summaron 35 rendering (considering overall of its IQ like flare, smooth OOF, and something unique not easy to define as "Summaron character" seen also in "newly released" 5.6/28mm).

Elmar or Elmar-M 50mm do have some of the Summaron IQ but not smoothness.

 

If used from f/2.8 onward, the Summicron III (my favorite / first Summicron 50 used from 1980's) may be the best candidate to match Summaron.

Now, using a tabbed focus is prefered, so I use now Summarit-M 2.5/50mm on film and digital.

 

Arnaud

You may be right here. I just developed a roll of Tri-x yesterday, shot with both the Summaron and the Summarit. Looking at the scans this morning, I am amazed how well the two lenses work with each other, especially wide (or nearly-wide) open. The Summaron has a bit more of the “vintage” look to the bokeh, but the two are pretty harmonious.

 

Amazing really. Either the summarit is a nod to the past, or the Summaron was just way ahead of its time!

 

Still interested in finding a nice clean Rigid to try out though...

[Ccoppola82]

What developer would you guys like to see? I'll use hp5 @200 or 400. Your choice. I have hc110, rodinal, pyrocat hd, ddx, fx2, or Thornton 2 bath. I'm thinking hc110 dil B might be the most universal option for a test.

[a.noctilux]

You may be right here. I just developed a roll of Tri-x yesterday, shot with both the Summaron and the Summarit. Looking at the scans this morning, I am amazed how well the two lenses work with each other, especially wide (or nearly-wide) open. The Summaron has a bit more of the “vintage” look to the bokeh, but the two are pretty harmonious.

 

Amazing really. Either the summarit is a nod to the past, or the Summaron was just way ahead of its time!

 

Still interested in finding a nice clean Rigid to try out though...

 

I second that.

Clean copy ...

 

Just don't forget the Summicron DR, same optical formula as "Rigid" but usable to 48cm with goggles.

And DR don't have this infinity lock that drive some people mad .

[oldwino]

What developer would you guys like to see? I'll use hp5 @200 or 400. Your choice. I have hc110, rodinal, pyrocat hd, ddx, fx2, or Thornton 2 bath. I'm thinking hc110 dil B might be the most universal option for a test.

Well, I’m a big fan of replenished Xtol...but that may be getting too specific...

[albertknappmd]

let me reiterate... RIGID 50!

 

Albert        

[luigi bertolotti]

A Summicron Rigid in good conditions is simply  never a mistake... but if you pay attention to the size/weight factor (I see that quote your Summilux in this context) , don't disregard the collapsible : it's a bit more critical to find a really good item (the front element is more prone to scratches) but it can give you slightly more of "old style character" , considering that for top sharpness / modern contrast you have the Summarit. ; even the search for a good collapsible can be pleasant...  items to look at are in the 1.2xx.xxx/1.3xx.xxx and are anyway not rare.