Re: [Leica] Build Quality of Lenses

["Steve LeHuray" <icommag@toad.net>]

> 
> Okay, I've now spent a couple of days with a DR Summicron (thanks to
> Ting!), and I have a few thoughts.  While I've never been impressed by the
> argument that holds the M3, M2 and M4 to be superior mechanically to the
> later bodies -- I've worked with both types, and my M4-P is just as nice,
> in every way -- I am now utterly convinced of the the superior build
> quality of the early lenses.  Later, horrendously expensive Leica lenses,
> though reasonably well-constructed, feel about as solid as my old Zuikos,
> and less solid than the fully metal lenses for the Contax SLR.  Frankly,
> the new black Voigtlanders feel better (although I'm less happy with the
> finish on the chrome versions).
>
> This DR Summicron, on the other hand, is about as well made as
> anything I've ever held in my hands.  It's a joy.  I'm determined, now, to
> buy only the earlier lenses, unless the optical performance of the
> recent versions are vastly superior.  Call it a fetish thing.
>
> So.  I'm still searching for that perfect 35mm lens.  How is that old
> chrome Summicron, relative to the fourth generation?  And what about the
> 35/2.8 Summaron?
>
>
> Doug Cooper
>
> (oh, and thanks for the response re:  my IIIc.)
>
>
>
Sure! I have first generation M chrome lenses and current generation and
there is no question IMHO that the first generation chrome lenses feel
better but I cannot say which is the better quality as they were built with
different materials and standards. I know that Irwin will disagree but I do
have trouble telling which picture was shot with which lens. I have shot the
same scene at the same time first with a Summicron collapsible (1953) then
switched to a current Summicron, then had prints (8x10) made, just about
impossible to tell which is which. Going a little further I took a portrait
with a Summitar 50 (1950) on a 111G and the same shot with current Summicron
on a M2 and maybe I need my eyes checked but could not see any difference.
No doubt under scientific conditions there is a big difference but in the
real world, I am not so sure.
Steve
Annapolis