Summicron M 50 (V) contrast

[George Stoichev]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi everyone,

I have Summicron M 50mm version V and I use it with my M6 classic.

Summicron M 50mm seems to be a tricky lens.From one side it performs well giving very nice result, but in some areas when the weather is cloudy I got images which lack of contrast which I dislike.

I have Contax G2 with Zeiss 45mm and Nikon FM3a with Zeiss 50mm and both gives more contrasty images.

what is your opinion if you use this lens with film camera? Any advices?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[spydrxx]

Although I no longer own the V version, I used it exclusively with film bodies. To me it was too sharp and exhibited strong contrast in properly exposed shots. Some would describe it as "lacking character" or producing too perfect images.

[lct]

If you want a 50mm lens giving more contrasty images than the Summicron 50/2 v5, the ZM version of the Planar 50/2 could be the way to go. I guess it is similar to the Nikon version you already own though. Only con, to me, it makes for somewhat harsher portraits while the Summicron is more gentle, without being soft, at full aperture. I did keep it for this main reason personally.

[Ouroboros]

22 hours ago, George Stoichev said:

Hi everyone,

I have Summicron M 50mm version V and I use it with my M6 classic.

Summicron M 50mm seems to be a tricky lens.From one side it performs well giving very nice result, but in some areas when the weather is cloudy I got images which lack of contrast which I dislike.

Assuming you are shooting black and white négative film, I  think your problem is more concerned with your film and developer choices and possibly your processing & printing method than a problem with the lens.  I have a v5 safari edition that I use on my film MP and M10-R.  I mainly use Delta 100 DDX and TriX in HC-110 in my MP.  
 

There is a reason why the 50mm summicron in it’s current formula has remained unchanged for so long and it’s generally a well-behaved lens in mixed and contrasty lighting

The 50mm summicron has a really nice render at f2, my main criticism is that it’s prone to a particularly ugly ability to flare at any aperture but when you’re aware of that, you learn work around it.  In cloudy weather, assuming we’re talking about soft and even light,  I’m surprised that you’re getting unacceptably low contrast images.

As you’re using film, it might help you to make some comparisons in various lighting with different films and developers to see what might work best for you.

Take a look at this thread, particularly Colin Templeton’s images from around Glasgow taken in dull overcast winter light on page one .  
 

I think you would agree there is nothing lacking in contrast and accutance:

 

Edited April 3, 2023 by Ouroboros

[George Stoichev]

No, I don’t shot B&W frequently! I shot 95%  with color film. It is interesting that this lens for B&W is amazing, I like T-Max 400 and I got an amazing results, but I could not say the same for color film. Especially portra 400 when is in shadows and there is not enough light the grey of the streets is very charmless.

Due to the flair, I already noticed this and instead of using the built in extensive hood I bought separate and I’m happy with the results.

[hdmesa]

7 hours ago, Ouroboros said:

...I  think your problem is more concerned with your film and developer choices and possibly your processing & printing method than a problem with the lens...

–> In combination with the fact they said the photos were taken on an overcast day. I thought the person was trolling or being sarcastic.

[Ouroboros]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

44 minutes ago, George Stoichev said:

No, I don’t shot B&W frequently! I shot 95%  with color film. It is interesting that this lens for B&W is amazing, I like T-Max 400 and I got an amazing results, but I could not say the same for color film. Especially portra 400 when is in shadows and there is not enough light the grey of the streets is very charmless.

Due to the flair, I already noticed this and instead of using the built in extensive hood I bought separate and I’m happy with the results.

I did wonder weather you might be using colour negative film.  Portra 400 likes light, lots of it, to bring out it’s distinctive pastel palette.  When under exposed, images are often unpleasant with dirty colours and grainy shadows.  Take care with your metering.

[Huss]

No issues w the Cron v5 in sunny or cloudy, B&W or color.  It is a fantastic lens.  If there is an issue, it is with the process, not the lens.

[Huss]

Seeing that the cameras that you say you do not have issues with - the Contax G2 and Nikon FM3a - are auto exposure cameras, I'm thinking the problem lies with your manual metering with the m6.

[LarsHP]

On 4/2/2023 at 6:35 PM, George Stoichev said:

Hi everyone,

I have Summicron M 50mm version V and I use it with my M6 classic.

Summicron M 50mm seems to be a tricky lens.From one side it performs well giving very nice result, but in some areas when the weather is cloudy I got images which lack of contrast which I dislike.

I have Contax G2 with Zeiss 45mm and Nikon FM3a with Zeiss 50mm and both gives more contrasty images.

what is your opinion if you use this lens with film camera? Any advices?

Have you checked whether the lens elements are crystal clear? Point a flashlight through the lens and if you see some "fog" inside the lens (on the glass), you may have haze of some kind, and that certainly creates low contrast, particularly when the light source is large - like a cloudy sky. If this is the problem, you obviously need to get the lens cleaned.

When I bought a used Leica M kit, I discovered that two of the three lenses most likely were put in a car during a hot summer day period. That made the oil evaporate and ended up as fog / haze on the inner lens elements.

Edited April 4, 2023 by LarsHP

[George Stoichev]

29 minutes ago, LarsHP said:

Have you checked whether the lens elements are crystal clear? Point a flashlight through the lens and if you see some "fog" inside the lens (on the glass), you may have haze of some kind, and that certainly creates low contrast, particularly when the light source is large - like a cloudy sky. If this is the problem, you obviously need to get the lens cleaned.

When I bought a used Leica M kit, I discovered that two of the three lenses most likely were put in a car during a hot summer day period. That made the oil evaporate and ended up as fog / haze on the inner lens elements.

I bought the lens brand new and they are in perfect condition