Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>>IMHO, if you don't need the closeness, avoid this lens [[[the 7-element DR Summicron]]]. It is generally more expensive than the rigid (collectors!), offers imvho no measurable optical advantages (the optical formula was the same as the then-current rigid), and ergonomically it is clumsier (ring spacing/closeness) and heavier<<< Actually, it _can_ be better. Those were the days of significant sample variation and much wider manufacturing tolerances than are common now, and Leitz reserved the best optical heads for the DR models. I was told this by Arthur Kramer, optical columnist for the old _Modern Photography_ and good friend to many of the "old guard" at E. Leitz. Also, it can be cheaper...because you can sometimes find the DR without eyes, which makes it a very nice 50mm for $300 or so. - --Mike