Leica/ Leitz 50mm f2 R lens

I see these on Ebay for a couple hundred dollars and was wondering if they

were decent lenses in terms of contrast, sharpness, and bokeh? The f1.4 lenses

obviously go for more money, but was wondering how good the f2 R version is?

My point of comparison is Canon's f1.4 and f1.8 EF lenses. I'm looking to use

this on EOS bodies with adapter.

Scott, outstanding at all aperatures and distances. Easily one of the top 50mm lenses

made. A great bargain in the Leica world.

I second Ronald's response. Last weekend I showed a 24-year-old male some color prints and some black and white prints acquired with it and he was totally blown away at the resolution, sharpness, and contrast! It is a stunning lens!!

I had both. I kept the Canon f1.4.

 

I compared both on a 5D with Fotodiox adapter. The Canon was at least as sharp from f2 and smaller, and critical focus was more consistently achieved with the AF. I also prefer the Canon's bokeh from 1.4-2.8. The Leica's is inconsistent wide-open.

 

If you truly believe in the "Leica Mystique," you won't lose much if you give it a go for a while. Buy used, sell used. But, i don't think you're going to find any magic in that summicron. The newer ROM-version Summilux, however, is probably a different story.

I'm afraid I cannot agree with Derek..of course it's all so subjective, but I owned both the Canon 50 1.4 & 85 1.8......bought a nice 50 Summicron-R (80s era 3cam), and was just blown away by the richnesss of color & dimensional character in the Leica lens. I sold both Canons and bought a Leica 90 2.8 Elmarit-R (2nd vers.) as well, another killer lens ! The Canons are just as "sharp", if not more, but there is something extra going on with the Leicas....it's not a fantasy, well not in my experience anyway....all the best, Mark

I dont' necessarily agree with Derek, because I did the same test with my 5D and the

Canon 1.4/50 and current 2/50 Summicron-R via an adapter. In addition I also shot b/w

film and compared the two. While testing I used a split-focus screen in the 5D to check

focus, because I found it difficult to do so with the standard, blank screen that ships with

the camera.

 

First off I had some sample variation problems with the Canon lens, because the first

example I received was soft at any stop or distance (Manual or AF). So, back it went to the

dealer and the replacement was greatly improved.

 

I felt that until about f4 or 5.6 the Cron had more contrast and bite. Without a doubt the

Cron was sharper at f2 and f2.8.

 

The Cron flared a little less (and seemed to have more overall contrast), but I did not find

the Canon unpleasant. It has a nice glow to it.

 

That said I think the Canon is a very good lens. Stopped down it is extremely sharp and for

the most part has nice bokeh. It's just not as good wide open as the Cron. Basically you

are seening the same behavior, as if you compared the Cron to the pre-ASPH Summilux.

 

On another note there is no doubt that the Summicron will still be working 10 years after

you buy it, but frankly I don't have that same expectation for the mostly plastic Canon

lens.

 

The 50 is my most used lens and I own about a dozen of them for Leica, Nikon and Canon

cameras and the latest 2/50 Summicron (M or R) is the one to beat in terms of sheer

performance.

 

The Canon 1.4/50 is my favorite non-Leica 50. It has a beautiful signature and is plenty

sharp. I've also shot the 1.4/50 Zeiss, but wasn't too crazy about the bokeh, and while the

lens was sharp it sometimes felt 'harsh'.

Hello,

 

I bought my Leica lenses all 2nd hand (due to lack of funds) and I use the 50 Summicron (1:2) and 28,90 and 135 Elmarit (opening 1:2,8). They are already 20+ years old and surely cannot compete with the actual ASPH LEICA lenses but they make really great pictures and still blow away many of current produced competitors lenses.

 

BTW the 50 is my favourite lens.

 

regards - Richard

I own the 50 Crons (both M and R) and have owned the Canon f/1.8. The Leicas have something going for them in addition to sharpness that is immediately evident. Once you start using the Leica, you'll see for yourself.

The 50mm 'cron R is the best lens I've ever had, although I'll admit all my Leitz lenses are mid-80s or older. It was very sharp at all apertures, and the color is very rich, but then I shot mostly Kodachrome 64 through it. Or Tri-x rated at 200 or Plus-x rated at 80. Like the other poster, said, at ebay prices it's incredible value.

Ok thanks for the answers everyone. Now what Im wondering is what is this 1 cam, 2 cam, 3 cam stuff? And will this interfere with the mirror on EOS?

The 50/2 Summicron is the second best R lens I've ever had. The best is the 60/2.8 macro.

 

The 60 is the only R lens I've got left (sold rest to fund purchase of M gear).

The original "1 cam" was for the original Leicaflex. The Leicaflex SL needed just the "second" cam. Starting with the R series they introduced the "third" cam. I suspect the Leicaflex/R series would have found greater acceptance they all used the same cam. Eventually they even dropped the cams needed for the older cameras so you couldn't update your lenses even though those old Leicaflex bodies were as solid as an M.

For use on an EOS body, all you need is a 1-cam lens. I shoot the 35/50/90 1- cam, as well as the 21 SA and 180 f/4 3 cam R lenses on an EOS 650 and Elan with the Photodiox adapter without any issues.

 

You can pick one up for under $150. Get the 12564 reversing lens hood if you can, and the matching elpros work sweet as well.

 

 

I put a microprism screen in the EOS 650, which makes focusing a snap with the faster lenses. Precise focus is difficult without it. However, the 21 SA (at F/4) is too slow and the microprism is not that usable - zone focus works great though.

 

HD

In this subjective world of photography, Derek is wrong! I've several 'L' lenses which pale in comparison to a R 50 'cron. I also have a Canon NON L lenses which is alsmost as sharp, namely the 100/2.8 USM Macro. Focusing accuracy is an issue with some Canon bodies so maybe this was the problem Derek encountered, I don't know. I can't use any R lens on a 20D an accurately focus it. On the other hand, the focusing accuracy of the 1dsMk2 is excellent so you can really get the best from any lens. The R 50 'cron is extremely sharp, and cheap. Buy one now, you won't regret it (unless you need auto focus and auto everything).

 

JJ

Scott,

 

You cannot go wrong with any Summicron R. The earlier first version with the separate hood is a good one too although not as contrasty at full aperture. I have had both versions and they are pretty well the perfect normal lens and considerably better at apertures wider than f4 than the 50/1/4 FD Canon lens I used to have. The FD lens was good but, in common with many very fast lenses, had bad coma at wide apertures.

One of the best lenses ever made for any money