Fifty-Fifty

[Jon Warwick]

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6 minutes ago, hansvons said:

I love curvature on my 35mm Summicron for the reasons you described. However, my 50mm V4 (same optics) doesn’t show that in the same way and certainly diminishes entirely at f/4 and infinity. What strikes me is that you say bottom edges. Are the top corners/edges not affected? If so, your lens is de-centered. 

Hi, what is in pin sharp focus is an area that is reminiscent of an upside-down version of a “U” or “V”. So infinity on the far left and right hand sides are both equally out of focus, but infinity in the middle is tack sharp. And closer to the camera, on left and right, are also pin sharp. I print quite large to 45”, and so maybe (maybe not) that means the field curvature becomes clearer at that size? The characteristic of this field curvature is the same as I had on a prior v5, so I’ve been assuming it’s just a feature. Still, I’m surprised that f5.6 wouldn’t completely eliminate it though, even when deploying very large prints.

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[hansvons]

21 minutes ago, Datsch said:

For the best 50mm review IMHO: https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-4

Quite elaborate. And he knows things. However, two crucial features were not considered:

1. Flares are not bad perse. They can add a lot to the mood of a picture. However, their look is pivotal. Unfortunately no comments here.

2. Colour rendering is essential. His test left that out completely. 

[hansvons]

5 minutes ago, Jon Warwick said:

Still, I’m surprised that f5.6 wouldn’t completely eliminate it though, even when deploying very large prints.

Agree. I print large too and require tack-sharp corners for landscapes. f/5.6 should remedy any curvature at infinity with that lens. Warrants a deeper investigation.

One issue that comes to mind could be your infinity setting being off (ie 20 metres). So, the centre reaches somewhat infinity at f/5.6 but the edges not. Assuming you shoot with an M camera that shouldn’t be an issue. But it can be a problem with adapters and DSLRs. 

[John Robinson]

My two favourite lenses on M (M9 or M3) are Summilux-M 50mm ASPH and Elmar-M 50/2.8.  If you can't find/afford the Summilux, go for the Elmar-M.  You won't be disappointed.  If you can't find an Elmar-M, any Summicron will give you hours of fun.  I have the old collapsible version (chosen after trying two other "V2" versions) and it is still excellent but with a quite different rendering compared with the modern lenses.  Hard to describe the differences beyond "old-fashioned, glow" vs clean look (Elmar-M).  Summilux is in a different class altogether:  two lenses in one.  Wide-open one kind of look, at f/4 something quite different.

On Leica digital Ms there is a benefit of sticking to Leica lenses which is the lens profiles in the firmware.  I have tried various third-party lenses (Zeiss and Voigtlander) and discovered that there is quite a lot of trial and error involved in working out which built-in lens profile works best.  With Leica lenses, no problem.

Edited July 7, 2024 by John Robinson

[pippy]

2 hours ago, Datsch said:

For the best 50mm review IMHO: https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-4

Very interesting review.

Many good points are made although, curiously, his scathing conclusions about one of the lenses tested are the polar opposite of my own experience with the same item. I do realise that there are a few areas which seem to be important to his optical-preferences (sunstars; boke; flare) which are of no importance to me whatsoever (and, conversely, other aspects which I require from a lens are passed-over) so careful reading of the content is advisable!

Philip.

Edited July 7, 2024 by pippy

[LeicaR10]

CP93,  As you can read from the numerous posts there are many photographers with many years of experience who will offer their sage advice to include myself.  Based on my 50+ years of using Leicas of all types, you will have many choices to consider when it comes to lenses.  My suggestion to you is to first, consider your genres of photography that would benefit best using a 50mm lens.  Then consider the purpose of your photograph, i.e. content.  How you "see" the scene using light, composition, shadow, texture, tone, hue, etc., albeit important, it is the content that will make the difference between a mere photo and masterpiece photograph.  There are many 50mm lenses that will help you and I suggest you check out this link to the many various Leica and other brands lenses that illustrate how each lens renders a scene.  Last, I suggest you consider trusting your own instincts and preference rather than relying on others to help you decide.  When all said and done, it will be solely your decision which 50mm lens is right for you.   r/ Mark

Try:  www.onfotolife.com 

[CP93]

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Thank you to everyone who responded. I've ordered an NIB Planar (for roughly half the cost of one from B&H), and will explore other options (an older Elmar in 35mm?) as time goes on.

Your kindness to a n00b is appreciated.

~ CP

Edited July 7, 2024 by CP93

[Strmbrg]

I had the Summicron from 1984 before. Then I bought the latest Summilux instead.
It felt "a little" too expensive of course, but I think that that decision "made it to the final point in just one step", so to say.
A little more philosophical aspect: Even if there will come some even better 50 after this one - it doesn't matter to me.
I am not so comparison-minded (which is good) and the one I have is of course all the same and enough good even if something better will come. 

PS
The Summicron was slightly modified to get correct focus with some incorrect camera (filed down cam, I happened to notice after some shooting.)

[AHAB]

11 hours ago, Datsch said:

For the best 50mm review IMHO: https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-4

I ended up with the Voigtlander 1.5 Nokton Version 2 which is compact and yet gives summilux-style rendering when needed as well as sharp everyday f5.6 shooting

As you don't seem to require f1.4, the Leica Summarit f2.4 (now discontinued) gets very good reviews for sharpness and ergonomics. Just be aware it only focuses to 0.8m, not 0.7m like most Rf lenses ...

This was exactly the result of my research from the last weeks / months

I ended up with a 1,5 Nokton II and a Summarit 2,5 50mm

[Danner]

IMHO, start with a Summicron V4 or V5, and go from there.

[ta3583]

Planar - and finished 

[Erik van Straten]

On 7/8/2024 at 3:47 AM, Danner said:

IMHO, start with a Summicron V4 or V5, and go from there.

IMHO, start with the Anastigmat 50mm f3.5 (1925) and go from there!

[Erik van Straten]

gelatin silver print (elmar 50mm f3.5) leica Ia (1928)

Sloterplas, Amsterdam, 2018