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50mm f2.8 Elmar collapsable- recommendations?


kenneth

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To complete my M outfit which consists of an M6 with a 35mm f2 Summicron asph and a 75mm f2.5 Voigtlander Heliar I want to add a 50mm lens. I hear good reports about the above and wondered what people think. I am considering second hand. Should I invest in an M series lens or a leica screw older version as I have a 50-75 adaptor with my Voigtlander lens which I assume would work on both lenses. Also I would feel confident to buy on recommendation through this forum if anyone has a lens suitable

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I just sold my late version 50mm collapsible Elmar a couple of weeks ago, after several years of use. It was sharp and contrasty, which played well for a lot of my work. In the end, though, I discovered that in my pack it took up about the same space as a Summicron and weighed about the same. I liked the extra stop for low or artificial light shots, so made my choice. I don't think you can go wrong with the Elmars. Older ones may need a cla, but I've used them for years (and still use some in different focal lengths)...overall good lenses!!

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You could split the difference and go for a mint first generation collapsable Summicron. They are outstandingly good from 2.8-16 and you can always have F2 when you need it. Small and cool looking also!

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As with most things, it depends on what you are looking for.

 

The current-gen (now discontinued) Elmar 2.8 is very small, only around 2cm collapsed. And I find it excellent. If small size is what you want, there's little beating the Elmar, and you can find it secondhand for US$500 or less. It's sharp but has a bit more classic rendering and lower contrast than the more recent Leica lenses.

 

The Summicron is a superb lens and the recent version with the great retractable hood can be had for US$800 or less. It's bigger, but affords the extra stop.

 

If you want a faster lens and don't want to pay for the Summilux, you might consider the Voigtlander Nokton 1.5 asph. It's insanely sharp, if that's what you're looking for. Since you've already been using a CV lens you know that they are quite excellent. In fact, I have one of these in excellent condition that I'm looking to sell; PM me if you're interested.

 

I haven't tried the new Summarit yet.

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