Summicron 50 Collapsible vs. DR vs Rigid vs Rigid Type 2

[tgilliam]

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Hello everyone, 

I have been able to find good optical condition Collapsible for $700, DR for $800, Type 2 Rigid for $1000, Original Rigid (Brass body) for $1300. 

 

I've read through threads about the optical quality differences (Original Rigid=DR > Type 2 Rigid > Collapsible), and it is really hard for me to choose because it is my first lens, and going over $1000 feels like a bit too much, but I still want the original rigid the most. Could anyone give me some insight about the prices I got and which will be the best bargain for me? 

[shirubadanieru]

they are very different lens, if it will be your main lens I recommend type 2 rigid as it's a very good and reliable lens. If you'll use it for portraits and like old style bokeh, the collapsible or rigid type 1 are better choices with a more uniue signature (btw the type 1 is heavier than type 2 by a bit). I've had all these lenses & regret selling the collapsible as it's quite hard to find a good copy and I love its rendering, but I shoot 35mm 70% of the time though. 

[Reini]

 

[luigi bertolotti]

First of all : which camera do you plan to use with your Summicron 50 ? I ask because the DR is one of the most desirable Summicrons, but is not fully enjoyable on digital Ms, and the collapsible, too is reccomended not to be collapsed (even if that's not an absolute truth).  On film, the collapsible is fine to use, whilst on digital we are accustomed to a someway higher level of sharpness on the whole frame… , and the rigids give something more on this matter ; about the prices you quote, I observe that the DR is rather "cheap"... (it is typically valued more than the rigid 1st type) : pay attention to the conditions, if you tend towards it : the DR has a superb mechanical build...but as any very old item it can have some defect more or less evident.  As a general opinion on rigids, I'd say that supposed that the 2nd and 1st you have quoted are in basically the same conditions (glass + mechanics) , for that price difference I'd choose the 1st type : I have a V1 and a V3 rigid… and for usage I almost always take the V1 with me : same image quality, and I like the focus through knob (and, frankly… … I like to have a chrome lens on my chrome M240...)

Edited November 2, 2019 by luigi bertolotti

[tobey bilek]

Original 50 with dull chrome is optically between collapsible and type,  All are better optically than the collapsible.  Type 2 and DR have the same optics and both have bright chrome.    The DR is the exact 52.5 mm focus as designed, the rigid tolerance varies slightly.   The eyes must be the type that matches 1 or 2.    They do not interchange and probably will not work on digital.  I sold my mint one. Kept the Rigid 2.  

If you are not getting the eyes,  DR has issues with later M digitals.   

Type one is a decent lens,  but not worth 1300 except to a collector.

Coatings are soft on all these lenses.  be careful.