Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/06/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>There is another variable that should be considered. I have both the second >and third-version of 50 Summicron. The third version appears to produce >contrastier photographs. What is your opinion on this one. >Chris I have the Summicron 50/2 version I plus version III (not the latest with integrated hood). Yes, version III has more contrast. In Leica M Compendium, the author Jonathan Eastland recommends version I for color slides and version III for B/W, because of this. The difference is that version III produces marginally less shadow detail. I have made some large B/W prints with version I, and the quality was amazing. But the Swedish Foto mag claims that the Summicron 50/2 version III is the sharpest lens that they had ever tested, and that statement, together with the less weight made me purchase it. In practice, I tend to follow Mr Eastlands recommendation. When travelling, I only bring version III, though. > >>Hans >>It isn't so much that Leica now makes lenses which are "inferior" to former >>designs. It is more that Leica now makes lenses which are supposed to >>produce adequate images but cost less to manufacture. It's not quite the >>same thing. And some Leica M designs -- the two aspherical 1.4/35 Summilux >>designs and the current 2.8/90 Elmarit -- are improvements over past >>formulations. Sorry, but language nuances are difficult for us foreigners. Inferior was not what I really meant. Of course you are right. >> >>Further information can be had from my source, Mr Joel Tlumak, publisher of >>RFinder Magazine, at jt@jmbm.com -- I just suggested to Joel that he should >>subscribe to LUG. Please tell us about the RFinder Magazine, either you Chris, or Mr Tlumak, if he read this. I am sure that there are many on this list who may be presumptive subscribers! /Hans