fergi Posted February 27, 2009 Share #1 Posted February 27, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello... My 1st post ... I have just acquired a M2 + 50/2 summicron (I think last pre aspherical version). A very nice 50th birthday present, lovely to handle and work with. My initial results are a 4Meg scan (local camera shop) from Fuji Reala 100 through this combination had more real detail and beautiful tonality than my Canon G9 12Meg files. It's nice to know that the quality of the Leica equipment is fantastic - even though that obviously does not translate directly to any photographic or artistic merit. So, if you dont mind, and are not completely bored by useless beginners like me, I would really appreciate anyone's advice...... I am looking at a second hand 35/2 summicron 1979/80 (V4 or V3, dealer yet to confirm) or a new 35/2.5 Summarit, the price is the same. I realise it is difficult to understand what aspects of lens characteristics are relevant or appealing to each individuals taste, but if anyone can offer me some pointers as to what which direction i should go in (if indeed there is a perceptible difference between the lenses) it would be most appreciated. I am very confused by all the various posts on the net ref resolution/contrast/bokeh - can anyone summarise these lenses in a nutshell? Basically i suppose I am looking for some concise comment to just inspire me to go one route or the other, or to free me from the indescision and toss a coin - its an awfull (or possibly an enlightening) thing having to spend all your spare cash for a very long time on one lens, and have to then live with the consequences... If it makes any difference - my intention is to be printing my black and white ilford film results using the old fashioned chemical darkroom arrangement (in process of setting up). Occasionally using colour print film (lab processed). I may be setting myself up here - but i cant see any real advantage in colour slide anymore - it seems you are just giving your film camera the possible biggest handicap of the digital camera - limited dynamic range. johnferguson612@btinternet.com many thanks in hopefull anticipation that someone can end my indecisiveness! John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 Hi fergi, Take a look here Bewildered.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
topoxforddoc Posted February 27, 2009 Share #2 Posted February 27, 2009 John, I would buy the used 35/2 summicron. Even if you don't like it, you won't lose any money on it. The market in used summicrons is still strong as they've long been a favourite lens for M shooters. Best wishes, Charlie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbaron Posted February 27, 2009 Share #3 Posted February 27, 2009 John, As a general rule, I would normally suggest the newer lens. But it depends on which factors are more important to you. (warranty, resolution, etc) Have a read of Erwin's review here: Summarit range Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted February 27, 2009 Share #4 Posted February 27, 2009 I am very confused by all the various posts on the net ref resolution/contrast/bokeh - can anyone summarise these lenses in a nutshell? In a nutshell? Don't worry about them. As far as I'm aware there isn't a 'bad' Leica M lens. Buy the newest, fastest lens you can afford. If you can't afford new, buy speed (wider aperture) over newness - i.e. buy an older f2 lens over a newer f2.5. Don't worry about bokeh, don't worry about contrast, they are all very capable. That's the advice I've taught myself after buying Leica lenses over the last 10 + years. If you can't afford Leica buy Voigtlander - the only poor lens of their's I've seen reviewed is the 35mm f1.4. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marke Posted February 28, 2009 Share #5 Posted February 28, 2009 John, congrats on your M2! I shoot film in a similar manner, mostly home-processed B&W, with an occasional color roll sent to the lab. But I recently began shooting color slide again, and specifically Kodachrome. I am part of The Kodachrome Project. If it wouldn't be for that though, I wouldn't be shooting any slide film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hiles Posted February 28, 2009 Share #6 Posted February 28, 2009 Let me add my congratulations on your M2/Summicron 50mm. I have been using exactly that combination since the mountains were cooling. It is, in my view, the high point of Leicas. It is photography's Stradivarius. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
russell c. greenberg Posted February 28, 2009 Share #7 Posted February 28, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) John, If you have a dealer with a good stock of used and demo 35 mm lenses, and you can either rent( or shoot pictures in the store),do this before purchasing.Then you can make a decision before laying out serious money. Hope this helps. Russell Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fergi Posted March 1, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted March 1, 2009 Thanks all for your messages, I have gone for the Summicron. Its a version 4, alledgedly mint and it gets delivered on Tuesday. I figured I'd always regret not trying one, and it seemed a good deal (well, in comparison to some things i have seen on ebay recently) at £650. So about the same price as the Summarit would have been, from the right dealer, with the Leica 15% cash back. Next time I'm passing a Leica dealer I will see if i can do a quick comparison against a Summarit - I can always trade the Summicron if the Summarit is really outstandingly "better" to my taste. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pangur Ban Posted March 1, 2009 Share #9 Posted March 1, 2009 I may be setting myself up here - but i cant see any real advantage in colour slide anymore - it seems you are just giving your film camera the possible biggest handicap of the digital camera - limited dynamic range. Try it for yourself when you have the right occasion - you may be pleasantly surprised with what the Leica lenses can do with colour slide film. Don't disregard slide film completely, I don't use it much but it does have its place. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted March 1, 2009 Share #10 Posted March 1, 2009 I get infinitely better results with Astia than I do with any colour negative film. The colours "pop" much more than any negative, and are much better, IMO than from an M8 (which is taken to be the de facto standard round here these days). My DMR would come close to a decent slide, but still not quite make it. YMMV, of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted March 2, 2009 Share #11 Posted March 2, 2009 I agree. Fuji Astia 100F is very capable at handling contrast and catching both highlight and shadow detail, and it scans very well. Worth a go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fergi Posted March 2, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted March 2, 2009 and I forgot to add... Michael - the M2 might be a Stradivarius, unfortunatley I doubt I'm a Yehudi Menuhin! Steve - Love your photo at the top of the Eifel Tower. Also I have spent a few happy evenings in the Albion in Chester. David, Andy, Pangur, Mike - oh, all right then.... I'll give a roll of Astia a go when I get a nice spring day! Many thanks all Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted March 2, 2009 Share #13 Posted March 2, 2009 There is no 50 mm apsh Summicron, therefore no pre asph. Supposedly the current one is ASPH, but not advertised as such. The previous optical formula was 1969/79. If you wish to match color and contrast as closely as possible, get the 35 Summicron. Check pricing as I think it may be high if it is the same as a new 35 2.5. If you pay too much, the advantage of being able to resell it for what you paid is gone. Versions 2 and 3 are the least desirable from a resale point. 1 and 4 are the most and command premium money. Optically, a toss up pretty much from 2 to 4. 1 has a charactor like the the DR/Rigid Summicrons. Those who like it will pay a premium for what is technically inferior optics. You need to check it for interior fog with a pen light or keychain light from the reverse side. Clean and relube costs money, perhaps $100. Also check for scratches and smooth movement of the diaphragm and focus. There should be no problems with a new Summarit, however considering sales of new ones are slow, I presume the demand for used is low. I think it comes down to how long you will keep it. A Summicron will need service sooner than a new lens. The Summicron is now 20 years old or more. As someone else said, photos processed by consumer labs mask a differences in lenses. Version 4 has a glued front set that tends to break loose or be assembled crooked so the proper rectangular shade does not sit straight. Do not grab the front when locking on a camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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