50mm lens - Planar or Summicron Rigid V2 / V4 or any other candidate?

[cesc]

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I started with a 35mm Summicron v4 attached to my M6, then added a 50mm v4. However, I eventually sold everything and transitioned to an M3 with a 50mm Sonnar. The journey continued, and now, as I focus primarily on shooting indoor documentary family photos, the 35mm has become my preferred focal length. Yet, I've found myself missing the experience of shooting with a 50mm lens, especially when I'm outdoors and prefer to maintain some distance from my subjects.

Consequently, I am contemplating acquiring a budget-friendly 50mm lens. While I appreciated the Sonnar, the focus shift and the minimum focus distance of 0.9m are aspects I'd like to avoid in my main 50mm lens, or everyday lens.

I particularly enjoyed the Summicron v4 due to its focus tab, finding it to be quick and efficient for focusing. Although I haven't had the chance to try the Rigid v2, I am drawn to its design. Admittedly, it might seem trivial, but I believe it would complement my chrome MP beautifully.

Additionally, I am considering the Planar (in chrome) as a strong contender for the role of my everyday 50mm lens.

Your experiences with those lenses could really help me figure out my decision.

I lean more towards vintage lenses rather than razor-sharp, contrasty images. I shoot film, mainly in black and white. I actually sold my 35 FLE because it felt too perfect for my taste. Right now, I'm really enjoying the Nokton 35 1.4 vII, and I've been considering moving to a pre-asph lux someday. Just thought I'd share that info to help with the decision for the 50mm focal length.

 

 

 

 

[Ecar]

On 11/20/2023 at 10:48 PM, cesc said:

I lean more towards vintage lenses rather than razor-sharp, contrasty images.

Get the Rigid.

[fotografr]

2 hours ago, Ecar said:

Get the Rigid.

Take this advice. He knows what he's talking about. 

[TomB_tx]

I have a Planar and consider it to be a viable alternative to a modern Summicron - but its high-contrast rendering isn't "vintage".

[Ecar]

If you want to split hairs, there are actually two slightly different versions of the Rigid: the most visible cosmetic difference is the thinner focus ring of the earlier version. Although the optical formula is in principle the same, I find that the later version renders a bit more modern, possibly due to different coatings. Not a huge difference, but noticeable upon close inspection, esp. in the corners.

As for the Planar, it's definitely one of the sharpest/highest-contrast lenses I own. Too much for my taste in most circumstances - at least on digital.

The Rigid is a great choice, but if your 50mm doesn't need to be in native M mount and you are happy to use an LTM->M adapter ring, there are dozens of other vintage options available.

[skahde]

The suggestion for the Rigid-Summicron is a good one but as you are alreday considering the v4, II had the the Summicron v4 and v5 for several years and I think the v4 really fits the description you are giving. I loved to use it as my main 50 mm on the M6 especially for b&w. It has a nice character and doesnt look to modern in my book. If you want to go a bit more vintage with no focus shift, there is lots of third party lenses in LTM like the Jupiter 8 and the Canon 1.8 which are cheap enough to buy before you try and have differing amounts and kinds of character. Honestly I think you are trying to end a voyage buy entering the ship to "the best" for you 50 mm. Welcome on board! 😂

Edited January 2, 2024 by skahde

[rtai]

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On 11/24/2023 at 1:48 PM, Ecar said:

If you want to split hairs, there are actually two slightly different versions of the Rigid: the most visible cosmetic difference is the thinner focus ring of the earlier version. Although the optical formula is in principle the same, I find that the later version renders a bit more modern, possibly due to different coatings. Not a huge difference, but noticeable upon close inspection, esp. in the corners.

As for the Planar, it's definitely one of the sharpest/highest-contrast lenses I own. Too much for my taste in most circumstances - at least on digital.

The Rigid is a great choice, but if your 50mm doesn't need to be in native M mount and you are happy to use an LTM->M adapter ring, there are dozens of other vintage options available.

How do the early and late Rigid versions compare to the DR? Are they the same lens other than close up possibilities with the DR?

 

 

 

[Ecar]

3 hours ago, rtai said:

How do the early and late Rigid versions compare to the DR? Are they the same lens other than close up possibilities with the DR?

To the best of my knowledge, the close focus ability is the only difference. However, while I own the two versions of the rigid, I only briefly had a DR in my hands a few years ago, which I ended up returning (the coating of the front element was falling apart). I then lost interest in the DR and moved on to other "lens adventures". People who have or have had both may be able to give you a more definitive answer.