Summicron 50mm f2 M version 3

[FlickM]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi All,

I've just bought an immaculate looking German made copy of this lens, circa 1970, for my M 262. I've read that it's contrasty, but it's really super contrasty. I have the Voigtlander 40mm f 2.8 Heliar, the Voigtlander 21mm f4 Color Skopar and the Elmar 90mm f4, none of which are that contrasty, in fact the Elmar is fairly flat colour wise, so the Summicron is a learning curve. It's fine in even lighting, but outside today it's been wild, even when I've underexposed by up to a stop, and/or exposed for the highlights. To be fair, it's sunny today, so not ideal conditions, but the latitude between deep shadows and bright highlights is really marked, and highlights have blown easily. The lens is lovely otherwise, sharp and nice colour, quite filmic, and when I want really contrasty images with highlight detail but deep shadows, it's going to be amazing, I'm sure. Anyone owning this lens got any comments? 

Thanks in advance,

Flick 

Edited April 30, 2024 by FlickM

[dpitt]

For a vintage lens it is contrasty. Yes, it is a fine lens, but I either like the v2 or v4(or v5 that is optically the same) better for some reason. IMO it is in many aspects a 'transition' lens between the classic vintage (v1 and v2) and more modern rendering. The v4 is even a bit more contrasty, it is sharper wide open anyway, and behaves like a modern lens. No wonder it was in production until recently.
Maybe use the HDR sliders a bit more to bring up the shadows and expose for the highlights.

Still, compared to 90s and 2000s ASPH Leica lenses the v3,4, and 5 have less contrast and a little bit more DOF because the transition between unsharp and sharp zones is smoother.
 

Edited April 30, 2024 by dpitt

[FlickM]

1 minute ago, dpitt said:

For a vintage lens it is contrasty. Yes, it is a fine lens, but I either like the v2 or v4(or v5 that is optically the same) better for some reason. IMO it is in many aspects a 'transition' lens between the classic vintage (v1 and v2) and more modern rendering. The v4 is even a bit more contrasty, it is sharper wide open anyway, and behaves like a mothern lens. No wonder it was in production until recently.
Maybe use the HDR sliders a bit more to bring up the shadows and expose for the highlights.

Still, compared to 90s and 2000s ASPH Leica lenses the v3,4, and 5 have less contrast and a little bit more DOF because the transition between unsharp and sharp zones is smoother.
 

Hi Dirk, thank you. Yes,I don't have a problem editing the images from it, I was just interested in opinions on it. Interesting what you say about the DOF on the older versus newer lenses.

[TomB_tx]

I used the v3 Summicron (1969) as my main M lens for over 40 years - of course mainly on film. The only issue I noticed was "central veiling flare" potential with a bright light source just outside the frame - but even the V5 can have the same issue, as could the early 50 APO Summicron (and the R versions of Summicron). After adding digital M bodies I got a new v5 Summicron out of curiosity and find the difference slight - a bit more snap wide open. I still use the V3 quite a bit. but on M10 I prefer the 2.5 Summitar.

[FlickM]

6 minutes ago, TomB_tx said:

I used the v3 Summicron (1969) as my main M lens for over 40 years - of course mainly on film. The only issue I noticed was "central veiling flare" potential with a bright light source just outside the frame - but even the V5 can have the same issue, as could the early 50 APO Summicron (and the R versions of Summicron). After adding digital M bodies I got a new v5 Summicron out of curiosity and find the difference slight - a bit more snap wide open. I still use the V3 quite a bit. but on M10 I prefer the 2.5 Summitar.

Thanks for this. I read about the veiling flare when I was researching the lens. I'm really pleased with the lens, it looks as if it's hardly been used, absolutely pristine. I'm looking forward to getting to know it better. BTW, why "of course" only on film? Is that because you use film primarily, or because it performs better on film?

Edited April 30, 2024 by FlickM

[TomB_tx]

BTW, I also have a 50 ZM Planar that I got for comparison. Almost no flare potential, but if you thing the Summicron is too contrasty stay away from the Planar! 

[lct]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The Summicron 50/2 v3 was my first Leica lens in 1971. More contrasty than earlier lenses but less so than Summicron v4 or v5. Both v3 and v4/v5 are a bit soft at f/2, especially on corners and edges, and are plenty sharp above but v3 has more veiling flare. Can give v3 pics a dreamy look that v4/v5 don’t have. Matter of tastes if you buy a lens for its character. Now if optical perfection is what you’re after none can compete with a Summicron 50/2 apo or a Planar 50/2 in its own Zeiss rights.

[FlickM]

23 minutes ago, TomB_tx said:

BTW, I also have a 50 ZM Planar that I got for comparison. Almost no flare potential, but if you thing the Summicron is too contrasty stay away from the Planar! 

haha yes, point taken. Though I'm not complaining about the contrast, just it's so different to my other lenses 

[FlickM]

17 minutes ago, lct said:

. Can give v3 pics a dreamy look that v4/v5 don’t have. Matter of tastes if you buy a lens for its character. Now if optical perfection is what you’re after none can compete with a Summicron 50/2 apo or a Planar 50/2 in its own Zeiss rights.

Ah, even if I had the money for optical perfection, I would still choose character. I love the bokeh on the v3. For me, photography is about emotion. If a picture moves you, do you really notice sharpness etc? 

Edited April 30, 2024 by FlickM

[grahamc]

I have the v3 and love it, however mine isn’t noticeably contrasty, less contrast than later produced lenses in all focal lengths I own (35,50,90).  perhaps it’s had haze at some point whatever the cause , I love the dreamy look it can produce  

I agree with all the comments so far made about v3 versus v4/v5 and I prefer v3. 

[FlickM]

10 hours ago, grahamc said:

I have the v3 and love it, however mine isn’t noticeably contrasty, less contrast than later produced lenses in all focal lengths I own (35,50,90).  perhaps it’s had haze at some point whatever the cause , I love the dreamy look it can produce  

I agree with all the comments so far made about v3 versus v4/v5 and I prefer v3. 

Hi Graham, in fairness, it was a very contrasty day light wise. This is my second day of shooting lots with it and I love it. It’s in such amazing condition too. It looks as if somebody bought it, barely used it, then stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it for decades. 

[grahamc]

2 hours ago, FlickM said:

Hi Graham, in fairness, it was a very contrasty day light wise. This is my second day of shooting lots with it and I love it. It’s in such amazing condition too. It looks as if somebody bought it, barely used it, then stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it for decades. 

Sounds great ! Looks forward to hearing how it is on a less contrasty day 

[FlickM]

22 minutes ago, grahamc said:

Sounds great ! Looks forward to hearing how it is on a less contrasty day 

The test images I uploaded to my post about advice on focusing the rangefinder (240/262 forum) were taken today under more even light, except the one with the orange tulip. For some reason they are refusing to load with this reply, so can't add here -  

Edited May 1, 2024 by FlickM

[espelt]

I use a very similar combination:
M-P 240 and a Summicron 50 V3. And I really like the two of them in this constellation. Especially the contrast. That works for me. I usually add a little more during editing.
My Summicron is from '68. It came to me along with a '68 M4. A wonderful combination... But I also find the lens very attractive digitally. Especially if you have a little time and want to focus very precisely. The relatively long focus path without a tab is very precise. Anyway, I like it a lot...

Analog...

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!

M4 . Summicron 50 V3 . HP5 in Rodinal

[espelt]

Digital

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!

M-P 240 . Summicron 50 V3

[espelt]

And I also like the color reproduction. Although I'm always looking for an individual look in the post. And always view the data from the camera as raw material.

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!

M-P 240 . Summicron 50 V3