Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Interestingly, the 50 DR Summicron had the highest resolution of any lens ever tested by Modern Photography. Apparently the later 50 Summicrons have higher contrast, but lower resolution. Like all Leica 50's of the 50's, what a way with words, it does have a problem in having an unusually soft front coating. For some reason, the 50 Summicron front coating was the softest of the lot. Its resale value, driven by collectors, is lower than the standard chrome rigid model. Apparently this is due to the aesthetics of the lens, not the performance. Its not unusual to find the lens without the close focusing eyes. Deduct about $100-125. Sometimes the eyes will have edge separation. Unless its incredibly bad, the separation will have no effect on use, but will save you an additional $50 or so. Occassionally you might find the eyes by themselves, sitting forlorn and mis-identified in a non Leica camera shop. Bargains await the sharp eyed. Stephen Gandy