innerimager Posted February 24, 2008 Share #1 Posted February 24, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I came to leica via the M8, and started putting together a lens kit. I was fortunate in that I did this mostly before the M8 was released and found modern lenses such as the 35 lux asph, 75/1.4, 90/2.8 new version, and even the noctilux in new condition at a fraction of current prices. But they were still pretty pricey. Before finding the noctilux, I picked up the rigid summicron, (1st edition) in excellent condition. I was amazed at the quality of craftsmanship, the focus ring smoother than any of the new ones. It was by far the least expensive leica lens I bought, but it hasn't gotten much use. So, I got an M7 after falling in love with RF shooting and wanting to explore film B&W. I've been using the 35mm on it mostly. This weekend I decided it's time to pair my vintage lens with the old fashioned M7 (yes I know, the M7 can never be considered that) film body. First, having a chrome M7, I love the look of them together, but seeing the images I love that look even more! Here are a few examples.... http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/landscape-travel/46775-finally-snow-new-york.html I think the cron is my new lens cap for the M7. best....Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 Hi innerimager, Take a look here "rigid" 50mm summicron. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tobey bilek Posted February 24, 2008 Share #2 Posted February 24, 2008 Do not sell it without fully trying out a new one first. The DR/Rigid lens plus the next one first sold in 1969 are my favorites. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerimager Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted February 24, 2008 Do not sell it without fully trying out a new one first. The DR/Rigid lens plus the next one first sold in 1969 are my favorites. Don't worry, there's absolutely no chance I'll sell this lens! It has wonderful tonal gradient, and is extremely sharp. Beautiful lens .....Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianv Posted February 24, 2008 Share #4 Posted February 24, 2008 I certainly agree about the tonal gradient of the older Leitz lenses setting them apart from the "pack". I would also urge you to try a good Collapsible Summicron as well. Not quite as sharp as the Rigid, but within a hair. A bit lower contrast,and a great portrait lens. They are not very expensive (in Leica terms!), but might need a CLA after picking one up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerimager Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share #5 Posted February 25, 2008 I certainly agree about the tonal gradient of the older Leitz lenses setting them apart from the "pack". I would also urge you to try a good Collapsible Summicron as well. Not quite as sharp as the Rigid, but within a hair. A bit lower contrast,and a great portrait lens. They are not very expensive (in Leica terms!), but might need a CLA after picking one up. oh man, just what I need, another lens to tempt me! ;>) best...Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theodor Heinrichsohn Posted February 25, 2008 Share #6 Posted February 25, 2008 oh man, just what I need, another lens to tempt me! ;>) best...Peter As a long standing admirer of the older Leica glass, especially the ones designed by Mandler (do refer to the available threads on him in the forum) I suggest you try your rigid 50/2 as well as one of the early 35mm Summicrons and/or the second version of the 35/1.4 Summilux. Also try out these and other older lenses such as the 28/5.6 Summaron, the 90mm Elmar 3 element or the 90/2.8 Elmarit 1st version (I could name a host of others) with the new Kodak 400 b&w films. The old lenses have more optical imperfections and lower contrast. This often results in a longer tonal scale which tends towards more pastel shades that I find particularly pleasing. The same can be said for high contrast colour slides as f.i. with Fuji Velvia 50. Wishing you lots of fun, Teddy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Antony Posted February 25, 2008 Share #7 Posted February 25, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm someone who also likes the older lenses. I have a 50 F2,8 Elmar and a 90mm F4 Elmar. Of course its nice to have modern lenses as well which are sharper and better corrected, but for their price the oldies have their uses. What I like is the way they seem to have lower contrast until 2-3 stops down, if you have to push to say 1600 with B&W the lower contrast of the oldies can give a softening, along with the fact that when pushing film you're not looking to the maximum lpm. Thats not to say that the old simple Elmar isn't sharp. Taken on a 90mm F4 Elmar Pretty good for a lens that cost me £50 Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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