catacore Posted April 7, 2023 Share #1 Posted April 7, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello everyone! I have just come across one Summarex for sale in my area and I start reserching it a bit. Not much info, really, scarce as the lens itself. I would like to ask here, if anyone could care to share few info or impressions of this lens. I did like the images I could find on the www shot on this lens, what I don't really like is its size and weight (although not sure about the actual weight, what I could compile was that the black version would be at 700+ grams while the silver/nickel one weights only +/-500 gr). Also could not find any dimensions, but I have seen pictures with the lens mounted on different Leica M bodies, so I got an idea about its size (I guess its about 11-12cm long without the hood). The lens offered for sale is missing the tripod mounting plate/knob, so I was wondering how big of a problem this might be (from the cross section of the lens one can see the hole left by the tripod mounting "knob" is behind the last lens element, so there is not a problem from the "dirt entering the lens" point of view). Appart from my GAS, another point is aquiring this lens is that I don't have any lens between 50mm (Nokton 1.5 II and LLL SPII) and 135mm (Tele-Elmar-M). I was debating which 90mm to get (I still have a Sigma 90mm for my A7C) in M-mount when this lens poped-up. I understand this might not be an "everyday" lens, but still..... And since I have just received my Light Lens Lab Cooke Speed Panchro II replica lens, I was wondering how similar this and the Summarex would render.... Any input would be much appreciated! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 7, 2023 Posted April 7, 2023 Hi catacore, Take a look here Summarex 8.5cm impressions. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
derleicaman Posted April 7, 2023 Share #2 Posted April 7, 2023 This lens is important historically to Leica, but not very friendly for the modern user. As you have noted, it is a relatively heavy lens. I have both the original black version as well as the chrome version. I don't have them at hand, but I can check the weights on them, but I do not recall much difference. For future resale it is unfortunate that the tripod mount is missing. This was the first lens that came coated from the factory. First deliveries were to the military in 1943. Look on the thread on this forum in the historical section. I show some of the delivery records for it. Performance wise, there are many more lenses that are smaller, cheaper and perform better for modern users. From Leica and CV. But if you appreciate vintage lenses with a history, this is a fun lens to have. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 7, 2023 Author Share #3 Posted April 7, 2023 (edited) Thank you for replying @derleicaman, I've seen that thread where you were showing those interesting record pages for lenses' delivery. I was, somehow, interested to find out what is to love about this lens appart from its history side. Being quite rare is a bonus, eventually (IIRC 4000+ only in chrome finish, plus a couple hundred in black paint). I am not necesary looking for a modern rendering and, the more I see/hear about "AI stuff", the more I get inclined towards "character/vintage/classical" rendering. Better deals are those "dual character" lenses - is it the case with the "Rex"? Also, I haven't mentioned the price, which is firm at 1700 EUR, and this makes me a bit anxious, since I have recently sold my most expensive lens to date, a Sony 50/1.2 GM for, more or less, the same price. I know the Leica prices are high, but still... Edited April 7, 2023 by catacore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted April 7, 2023 Share #4 Posted April 7, 2023 1 hour ago, catacore said: And since I have just received my Light Lens Lab Cooke Speed Panchro II replica lens, I was wondering how similar this and the Summarex would render.... The search function is your friend. If you look at results from 'the view through older glass' thread you will see pictures that will give you a good idea of the Summarex's rendering. Pete. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtai Posted April 7, 2023 Share #5 Posted April 7, 2023 (edited) The 85mm Summarex is an excellent lens with even more character than the 75mm Summilux but it’s an 80 year old lens. Here’s a shot at f1.5 minimum focusing distance indoors with M10M by window light. Click on the image and look at the eye where it was focuses. If you use this lens outside you need to take care of lighting conditions and resulting flare and contrast issues. Live view helps a lot. 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! Edited April 7, 2023 by rtai 12 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375218-summarex-85cm-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=4745150'>More sharing options...
Mech-Dragon Posted April 7, 2023 Share #6 Posted April 7, 2023 I've owned my Summarex for about a year now, and it is a very wonderful lens. Yeah it's heavy, yeah the hood is equally bonkers in size, and yeah it's not a "modern" performer. Do I care? No not really. It's an 85mm lens that opens up to 1.5! Of course it'll be large. Wide open is not very sharp, glowy, and busy bokeh depending on the background. But sharpness improves greatly beyond 1.5, only improving from there. Below are two test shots. One at 1.5, one at 2.8: 1.5 (M240) : 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! 2.8: Focus is on the little purple flower. Here's more examples on Pan F 50. The first one is at f2, where the glow is still obvious but it's really appealing on the bright chrome. The second i believe was somewhere in between f2-f4, I don't remember. I don't know about you, but that's plenty sharp for me. And this was a flatbed scan, I'll need to rescan this roll with a DSLR. I'm not super subjective, but I know I really love this lens. For something smaller, I've got the LTM 9cm Elmar. PS, I've yet to use my tripod mount on the lens. Might be a downside of you use a tripod though. 8 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2.8: Focus is on the little purple flower. Here's more examples on Pan F 50. The first one is at f2, where the glow is still obvious but it's really appealing on the bright chrome. The second i believe was somewhere in between f2-f4, I don't remember. I don't know about you, but that's plenty sharp for me. And this was a flatbed scan, I'll need to rescan this roll with a DSLR. I'm not super subjective, but I know I really love this lens. For something smaller, I've got the LTM 9cm Elmar. PS, I've yet to use my tripod mount on the lens. Might be a downside of you use a tripod though. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375218-summarex-85cm-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=4745170'>More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 8, 2023 Author Share #7 Posted April 8, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes, pretty sharp when apperture is closed a bit. As for the tripod mount, I don't plan to use it on a tripod, I was concerned about the hole it left open the missing plate/knob. As for the images, I know I like them. The first one in B&W with the car at f2, to me it looks very "cinematic"... I'm affraid my wallet is in danger 🥺 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdg1371 Posted April 8, 2023 Share #8 Posted April 8, 2023 (edited) Would not be without mine. 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! Edited April 8, 2023 by mdg1371 11 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375218-summarex-85cm-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=4745774'>More sharing options...
mdg1371 Posted April 8, 2023 Share #9 Posted April 8, 2023 few more examples 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! 12 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375218-summarex-85cm-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=4745781'>More sharing options...
rpsawin Posted April 8, 2023 Share #10 Posted April 8, 2023 https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summarex_f%3D_8.5_cm_1:1.5 I hope this helps. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkT Posted April 8, 2023 Share #11 Posted April 8, 2023 disamble and overhauling of the Summarex https://www.flickr.com/photos/lensrepair/albums/72177720306805629 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
derleicaman Posted April 8, 2023 Share #12 Posted April 8, 2023 3 hours ago, rpsawin said: https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summarex_f%3D_8.5_cm_1:1.5 I hope this helps. The Wiki entry is interesting, but right off the bat, there is an error I spotted. A look at the delivery records I show in the other Summarex thread will highlight more errors. My lens, # 593285, a Black version, according to the Wiki entry was produced in 1943 as part of the first batch of 500. According to the delivery records, my lens was acutally produced in 1949 and sent to E. Leitz New York. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 10, 2023 Author Share #13 Posted April 10, 2023 On 4/8/2023 at 8:53 PM, monkT said: disamble and overhauling of the Summarex https://www.flickr.com/photos/lensrepair/albums/72177720306805629 Another one here: https://gigantoptik.com/1682 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted April 11, 2023 Share #14 Posted April 11, 2023 I'm definitely keeping mine, although it only sees occasional use, mostly due to size and weight - as well as "internal competition" with other lenses. Here wide open on the M10. 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! 9 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/375218-summarex-85cm-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=4747475'>More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share #15 Posted April 11, 2023 On 4/8/2023 at 7:05 PM, rpsawin said: https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Summarex_f%3D_8.5_cm_1:1.5 I hope this helps. Yes, but the physical dimensions mistery still remains. Could not find anywhere a diameter x lenght input for this lens.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 11, 2023 Author Share #16 Posted April 11, 2023 (edited) 21 hours ago, Al Brown said: This veteran Bokeh Monster is full of character, glowy with a sharper center and softer edges wide open and in a way reminiscent of ultra fast Chinese tele lenses (75, 90) of today at fastetst speeds. It has its fanbase and most certainly its collector base (black version). I did not keep mine. 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! Would you care to elaborate on why you did not keep yours? Was it not your favorite focal lenght? Was it for its size/weight? Seeing those pictures from @Ecar and @mdg1371 simply pushes me towards buying it, but I'm affraid I'll end up not using it as much as I initially think. Image wise I'm totally sold, I'm just affraid of its physical size that might prevent me carrying with me often enough to give it a good use (read: justify the investment). I have no lens between 50mm and 135mm and, while pondering which 90mm to, eventually, buy (not that I really need one) - looking for the smalest and lightest option, I ended up giving more than a serious thought to this (big and heavy) "Rex" of which I was not ever aware it exists. Life has its strange ways.... Edited April 11, 2023 by catacore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 12, 2023 Author Share #17 Posted April 12, 2023 (edited) It looks like I have decided to buy it, so now I need the M39(LTM) - M adapter. Is there anything in particular for this adapter that I need to be aware of? I'm guessing it should be the one that brings the 90mm framelines (so, the 28/90 one), would also the 50/75 one be suitable? Which is the actual smallest difference when framing: inside the 90mm or outside the 75mm? As for brands, I have readily available those from K&F (the 50/75 in two versions "regular" and "pro", and the 28/90 only in "regular" version). Are those good? Edited April 12, 2023 by catacore 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 12, 2023 Author Share #18 Posted April 12, 2023 (edited) Oh well, I have just found out this: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/324423-is-it-possible-a-leica-ltm-to-m-adapter-can-be-off/ Discussing nothing less than the Summarex and LTM to M adapters. This just opens up new possibilities (in a bad way, of course). Edited April 12, 2023 by catacore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 13, 2023 Author Share #19 Posted April 13, 2023 23 hours ago, catacore said: Which is the actual smallest difference when framing: inside the 90mm or outside the 75mm? Obviously, it's the other way around 😳 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catacore Posted April 20, 2023 Author Share #20 Posted April 20, 2023 Well, it looks like I fel for that Summarex that was for sale close to my place. Plan is to pick it up on Monday. Now comes in the lottery, as I have ordered not one, but two adapters for it - one from K&F and another from Urth. My problem/mistake is that I have ordered M39 variant (as there does not seem to be a L39 variant, anyway), so now I hope that, at least one of them would fit the LTM (which, as far as my understanding goes, does not have a metric thread pitch of 1mm, but 26 pitches/inch). Well, we'll see.... Disclaimer: I think there are quite few adapters on the market that use the L39 and M39 designations interchangeably. So I might have some luck. Some even state L(M39) on them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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