Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I just became a Leica owner and joined this list when I bought an M6 and the new 35/2 Asph. Since the 35/2 Asph is back ordered for 6-8 weeks I decided to get a used 50/2 so I can use the camera. In the course of finding the used lens, I had a discussion with a used Leica dealer who indicated that older 50/2 lenses, ser. 24XXxxx were better suited (he used the word optimized) to B/W than somewhat newer 50/2 lenses, say ser. 30XXxxx and above, that were better suited to color. He also said that the older lenses were sharper while newer lenses had higher contrast. These differences accounted for his B/W and color film distinction. Since I shoot mostly B/W, if he is correct, I can cancel the back ordered 35/2 Asph, buy a used 35/2 of the appropriate vintage and save money. If he is more or less wrong, I should wait for the 35/2 Asph. Thanks for thoughts and comments in advance. Rob