Have Hexanon 50mm, what will I gain by getting a summicron?

<p>Okay, I understand, Christian.</p>

<p>If you have never tried a Leica lens, then you ought to at least try, shouldn't you?<br>

When Konica made the Hexa, they were out to get Leica. I think it was because Leica's range-finder patent had expired. I remember that reviews were initially skeptical but later on it was almost all praise. But by then it was too late, Konica threw in the towel and the rest is history. At that time I was on the verge of buying into the Hexa myself.<br>

I can confirm the focussing issue. In fact, if I remember correctly, Puts wrote an article on it.<br>

I had a fixed lens Hexa for many years and the lens was very good, but contrast was not as high as the Leica lenses. This is not a sign of inferiority of the lens, but the preference of the Japanese consumer, at which the Hexa was targeted.<br>

So in the end it boils down to personal preference. If you like rich colour and high contrast, the Leica is probably for you (but only the ones from the 1970's and later).</p>

<p>Some people like Leica lenses while others prefer Zeiss lenses or CV lenses or Konica lenses. It really is unimportant which modern 50mm lens you buy. Make good use of the lens you like. A different 50mm lens will not make you a better or worse photographer. I love using my rigid Summicron 50/2, but I also like using the CZJ 5cm/1.5 from the 1930's. They offer different contrast levels and they render colors differently. Both are very sharp lenses.</p>

<p>Nee Sung - that is what I thought! But, now the other responses have saved me a lot of cash...and you are putting bad ideas back into my head. ;-)</p>

<p>Christian: it need not cost you much, just buy a 70's Summicron. If you don't like it you can always sell it for close to what you pay for it. Just treat the difference as rental for the lens.<br>

I just thought that despite what people tell you, you really ought to decide for yourself.<br>

People keep on saying that it's the photographer, not the camera, that counts, but as the artist you should be free to choose the tool that presents the images you want. Choosing the right tool is part of the job of the photographer. It is only by trying out the tool that you can tell whether it does a better or worse job than your existing tool. It's your perogative as an artist. Exercise it.</p>

<p>Christian - if Nee Sungs answer is putting "bad" ideas back into your had, then there is only one answer to your question after all the comments made already. You have to buy a leica lens - but you should be aware, that there is no reason to do so because of better performance - its just a psychological thing. That's ok and nothing bad about it, but you shouldn't keep telling yourself that doing so your image quality will gain. (and I have both: the hex and the Summicron, in case that matters...)</p>

<p>I've used both and never found much difference if any in my B&W prints of 10 x 15 and even 12 x 18 inches (which is getting close to the limit of my enlarger lens in the field area). Erwin Puts once mentioned that the modern Cosina Zeiss normal lenses were better in terms of digital sensor compatability (Leica M8) than the Summicron, as they were better corrected for the sensor reception of light rays. Another writer compared digital Schneider lenses to the Hasselblad Zeiss normal (80mm) lens and found the older design Zeiss lens worse. Again in a digital imaging role.</p>

<p>Even though the bo-ke of modern lenses is less smooth than many older ones, I would agree that a modern lens from Leica, Zeiss or Konica (well, fairly modern) is better than 30 or 40 year old lens formulas. The difference between the modern ones seems to be getting slimmer and slimmer, provided you get a good production sample.</p>

<p>After using the Hexar RF with the Hexanon M 50, and an M6 classic with Summicron 50 since each was introduced, I have never had issues with either body or lens. I like both bodies and both lenses. I use the Hexanon more on both bodies. It is the equal of any Summicron 50, and just feels nice to use. Save your money.</p>

<p>You would gain a much lighter wallet.</p>