Elmar 50mm 3.5 vs Summicron 50 Collapsible

[snommis]

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Ive got the opportunity to get either one of these. Both are EX+ and EX respectively and I am looking for a lens that is compact to use with my M10 or MP and M3 that will give a different vibe from my 50 APO or regular Summicron. Im thinking the Elmar would be the one but dont know if it is not much of a difference form the Summicron and the 3.5 to 2 would be better to have the extra speed. Anyone have both and opinions on how it looks?

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[pedaes]

23 minutes ago, snommis said:

Both are EX+ and EX

Just be aware that at this age the lens will have a variable degree of haze, the effects of which you may or may not like. At those grading assessments I would also expect some 'cleaning marks'. 

[nitroplait]

Yeah. The Summicron is really difficult to find without cleaning marks - it is certainly to be expected if graded EX.

I have owned several coated 50/3.5 over the years and have not experienced cleaning marks on any but all had to be cleaned for haze.

The 4 element Elmar would be my choice for a "different vibe". It is directly linked to Leica's history, as it was the lens that contributed markedly to the success of the company in the first half of last century.

Edited July 28, 2023 by nitroplait

[mediumformula]

I would go with the Summicron collapsible.  I love that lens.  I have a LTM version that I shoot on my Barnacks. 

[dpitt]

I have both. Both CLA'd (recommended anyway) and I also have a Rigid Summicron 50 and Summicron v4 to compare.
Also I was fortunate to find and a Summicron 50 collapsible with almost clean front element. The coatings are soft as chalk on this one, so i put on a filter right after the CLA and it did not come off unless really needed. I did not touch it all, just used a blower once in a while.

+ for Elmar

• Weight is in a different league (LTM version is very light, even if you count the adapter). I would not go for the M mount version, because it is much heavier and larger, and does not add IQ
• compactness is wonderful. Your M is completely pocketable, as if it is used with only a body cap on.
• Stopped down to F5.6 or F8 it is tack sharp and has very little distortion. Looks similar to an Elmarit for sharpness.
• Price. It should not be that expensive, certainly compaired to a very good sample of the Summicron collapsible

- for Elmar

• F3.5 is slow by todays standards, on digital you can increase the ISO by 2 stops, on the MP it is hard to compensate for it so it is an outdoor lens for film to me.
• F3.5 gives you less DOF play
• F3.5 is not as soft as the F2.0 on the Summicron 50 coll, you might appreciate that dreamy look for portraits
• filters and sunhoods harder to find and use

+ for Summicron 50 collapsible, other than mentioned above

• F2.0 is fast enough for indoors on film
• F2.0 is the dreamiest of all Summicron's, but still very useable
• Becomes very sharp and good when stopped down
• E39 filter

- For Summicron 50

• Price. And is hard to find unmarked. You can allow some cleaning marks. In most applications they will not degrade the pictures much.
• very soft, so needs carefullness with cleaning, basically unusable without filter on for me

Edited July 30, 2023 by dpitt

[Ray Vonn]

I’d get both. With a F3.5 Elmar it’s not going to break the bank. Both very nice rendering, but different enough to one another to warrant seperate purchases.

[a.noctilux]

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7 hours ago, Ray Vonn said:

I’d get both. With a F3.5 Elmar it’s not going to break the bank. Both very nice rendering, but different enough to one another to warrant seperate purchases.

They are indeed different for different use.

Changing aperture on Elmar need to take care of index nail.

so compact ...

Summicron is heavier and much bigger

 

[Vanillasludge]

I have both lenses and was lucky to find an absolutely perfect, haze and scratch free Summicron.    I have rarely used the Elmar since getting the Summicron, it’s that good.  
 

Neither look “modern”, but the Summicron can come very close when stopped down to f5.6.  
 

You WILL need a lens hood, especially for the Summicron and if you’re using it on digital I recommend a uv/ir filter. 
 

best wishes 

Dan

[D. Burst]

Am 31.7.2023 um 00:27 schrieb Vanillasludge:

I have both lenses and was lucky to find an absolutely perfect, haze and scratch free Summicron.    I have rarely used the Elmar since getting the Summicron, it’s that good.  
Neither look “modern”, but the Summicron can come very close when stopped down to f5.6.  
You WILL need a lens hood, especially for the Summicron and if you’re using it on digital I recommend a uv/ir filter. 
...

I own both too, but mostly used is the more modern Elmar-M 2.8-50 collapsible.
Perhaps your next desire?

@Vanillasludge, wasn't an UV/IR filter only necessary on M8 and M8.2?

[snommis]

I got the Elmar 50. It was definitely cleaner than the Summicron and being I already had 2 including the APO I wanted a different vibe. 

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[earleygallery]

Nice, the M mount 3.5, it's the same as the LTM Red Scale Elmar but with the more conventional design and 39mm filter thread.