50mm Summicrons for M3

Thanks for replies to my query below. Another question.

 

What are peoples opinions on desirability and functionality of the

collapsable 50 Summicron versus the rigid body 50 Summicron both from

the M3 era. Does the collapsable lens barrel represent a possible

entry route for dust / moisture.?

 

Also; is Jerry Lehrer a good guy to deal with?

 

Thanks,

 

Scott

Hi Scott,

Jerry is most trustworthy. I've bought from him and delivery is prompt and the items were ALWAYS as described.

Hi Scott, I don't think the collapsible is any more vulnerable to dust & moisture than the rigid. The rigid is sharper at the widest apertures; actually it is very sharp, albeit lower in contrast than subsequent models. Both these lenses are capable of a "painterly" effect with color film, with the rigid holding the edge for image quality.

My thoughts:<p>

1. Any collapsible lens is likely to be less effective than rigid because of play in the mount<p>

2. I have purchased Six M3 era Summicrons ranging from Exc+ to MINTY, yet all of them had haze from the internal lubricants - I have begun to believe that finding an older Summi that is really minty is nearly impossible<p>

3. Re-sale value on all the Summicrons is fairly high - except the collapsble lenses.<p>

My suggestion - buy new.<p>

www.antiquecameras.net<p>

The lugs that bayonet to make the lens rigid in use do tend to wear which will have an effect on the accuracy of focus. The rigid Summicron is slightly different later computation.

I've got a screwmount 50 Summicron collapsible and it's still as tight as a drum. A few microscopic coating marks on the front element even though it's had a UV filter on it for 30 years and has not been wiped in that time. That's the bane of those and also the rigid Summicrons prior to the 1969 11817, which is my hands-down recommendation for anyone who is concerned with optical quality and economy and plans to use the lens. I'd only buy one of the chrome ones, collapsible or rigid, to fondle.

I purchased an M2 from Jerry and though he shipped and

packed it fine it was quite overated IMHO and I sent it back.

Proceed carefully.

Thanks Stephen,

 

Did Jerry refund your money on the return of the M2.

 

Scott

Scott

 

Of course I did, after deducting $20 to replace the missing take-up

spool. I will gladly refund the $20 upon return of the spool.

 

DAG price for the spool is $20.

 

Jerry

the plot thickens...

I have the rigid chrome Summicron, 11,118, that I bought used some 30 years ago. It's an excellent lens and has no internal haze. Over 60,000 of these lenses were produced and I'm sure that mine is not the only one in pristine condition. There was an interesting discussion on the virtues of the various Summicrons in "Viewfinder", published by the Leica Historical Society of America. Seth Rosner and Erwin Puts had some give-and-take on this subject. You may want to take a look at these articles.

Jerry and I agreed on little.

He claimed the camera was in excellent condition and had seen

very little use.

When I received it I opened the box on my workbench, looked at it

and saw it had excessive use, so much so that the pressure

plate was worn down, had multiple dings and marks and to top it

off the camera jammed after I fired it 3 times.I then put it right

back in the box and called Jerry. This was all on my bench. I

never loaded film nor took out any spool.

I think he got this camera in a lot a never looked at it closely.

I did question him before buying and do feel I was misled.

I also wound up paying for shipping both ways as well as the

$20 deduction.

Scott,

 

If you're wanting a lens from the M3 era hoping for a lower price, then you might also look at the Canon lenses. I really enjoy the Canon 50mm f/1.8. I have the version with the black focus ring and chrome (or aluminum) trim, so it looks great on an M3. It's nice at f/2, small, light, very clear, pretty fast, really precise to focus, and available very clean for under US$ 150. The slightly older chrome version is the same, except for being heavier and less expensive.

Thanks for all the answers guys. I think a rigid 50 Summicron is what I'll aim for.

 

Thanks for the emails and feed back.

 

Scott