Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/04/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Larry, I have no personal experience with this lens. I did like the little (modern version) collapsible Elmar but I think that one gives a modern rendition. Mine gave very soft pictures only when I forgot to extend it fully! I follow what you are saying on the lens making the camera a little more compact. I'm not quite with you on the resolution/contrast changes in design. I thought that you couldn't have great practical resolution unless the contrast was very good as well. However, not trying to pick a fight there! You might know that I am an asph kinda guy. Anyhoo, do you have some pics uploaded from your collapsible Summicron? Never stop learning and thinking here. I must revisit Luis' gallery as well. Cheers Hoppy -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+hoppyman=bigpond.net.au@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+hoppyman=bigpond.net.au@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Lawrence Zeitlin Sent: Monday, 23 April 2007 05:40 To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: [Leica] Re: Collapsible 50mm Summicron On Apr 22, 2007, at 10:52 AM, Luis wrote: > I agree with you, the background is distracting. I've purchased the 50 > Collapsible at Leica Bei Master, by mail order and I'm fully > satified with > him. I'm still experimenting with this lens, it gives a great grey > tones, > and I like this aspect very much, is the first time I shot with it > an slow > film as 50 ASA, and I'm very happy with the results. Luis, The collapsible 50 mm Summicron is a great lens - often underrated by Leica gear heads. While not as critically razor sharp as the follow on Summicron DR, it gives a lovely rendition to middle tones and a very slightly warmer aspect to color photos. Now that image contrast is far easier to alter than it was in the days when the lens was new, Leica's sacrifice of resolution for contrast in subsequent lenses seems no longer necessary. I bought a collapsible Summicron with my first Leica M3 in 1954 and I have it to this day. I wouldn't part with it. Good as the ASPH lenses are, the pictures are not as pleasing as those taken with the 50+ year old Summicron. Besides, it lets the camera fit into your pocket. Larry Z _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information