Leica M 50mm f/2, which version is the best?

[magicord]

Can anyone share their opinions on the best 50m f/2? Thanks.

[jtdnyc]

The recent 50 Jahre Anniversary model, which put the latest optics in the classic barrel from the 1950s and appears to have been built to tighter tolerances than the regular production model, is my nominee for "best"...though they're all good!

 

(See Erwin Puts's aricle on the subject for confirmation of the "built to tighter tolerances" claim."

[alan_wilder1]

I think most will say the best constucted were any Wetzlar versions especially the chrome versions during the late 50's thru the late 60's. Optical performance is all over the map depending on one's preference of classic imaging from the earlier designs of the first and second versions to the technically (optics-wise) improved but to some, less pleasing designs with each formula change after the earlier versions. This debate will probably never be settled as it becomes a matter of the shooter's personal taste in the image characteristic of each design.

[torben_daltoft]

Are you talking about the Summicrons? And, best for what? The Summitar is very nice!

[Troll]

There's no such thing as a bad Summicron.

[ronald_moravec1]

They are all nice. My favorite is the DR/Rigid if you can get a good one or the 1969/79 version 3 which is more contrasty but sharper further into the corners at 2.0 .

 

I rate collapsible `crons and Summitars ok only.

[joel aron]

50DR.. my personal favorite. circa 1974.

i find myself going to the 50dr more than my 35 summi' asph. There's something about how choppy the edges are, and how the razor sharp the center is. Unique. I've also heard stories about how the 50DR is a better than the rigid from the same era. Not sure if it's true, but i'm certainly happy with it's performance!<br><br>

 

image from yesterday..

<a href=" title="The Cinematographer by mrhollygolightly, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2396817685_25b465ed7c_o.jpg" width="720" height="484" alt="The Cinematographer" /></a>

[frederick_muller]

Any of the Type 1 Rigid models, including the Dual Range, which was a Type 1 formula in a close-focus mount. Alternatively, the Type 3 Rigid, or "Tabbed" Summicron - it is the same formula as the latest model, but without the dumb built-in hood. The Type 1 Rigid models have lower contrast and might be better for black and white. Both are wonderfully sharp.

[paul_neuthaler]

the first version of the 50 Summicron R -- seriously any of the Mandler versions, 1979 -- seem to have a little "edge" IMHO.

[kelly_flanigan1]

Here I like the chrome new type Rigid LTM Summicron 50mm F2; since it fits Zorki, Fed; Epson R; RD-1; and my M3; and 16mm cine with my leitz LTM to c mount adapter. Mounted on my Zorki 3C; I have the best of both worlds.:)

[wai_leong_lee]

Best for what? Optically, every generation makes advances over the previous. Cosmetically, people feel that the old ones are better. Size-wise, the collapsibles can't be beat. Black and white, the older crons are better. Bokeh-wise, the older ones are better.

 

So what do you want?

[rudymerz]

Wai-Leong Lee, in what way are the older ones better in Black and White?

[noah]

I have the current model and have been very happy with it. I don't think you can go wrong

with any of the versions, so it will come down to personal preference or what's available to

you.

[Philip Freedman]

I have just put my current model 50 Summicron up for sale - it suffers badly from flare where the sky or sum is just outside the frame, even using the hood. Optically it is fine but I cannot live with the flare which looks like a swirl of fog in the upper middle of several shots. I believe the lenses vary on this problem.

[vics]

My DR is the best lens I've ever owned, bar none! The black & white negs are so easy to print in any style I want. Recently I shot some Velvia at a bike race on an overcast day, and they were pure eye candy! I like the medium contrast. It gives me more options in the darkroom, and imparts a roundness to faces and other objects with depth. Beautiful! The Rigid is the same optical cell but without the close focusing goggles. Lighter, I think. Vic

[paul hart]

Philip Freedman: that's a great sales pitch ;-)

[christiaan_phleger___honol]

Hey Joel, is that the new RED camera the guy is shooting? And if it is, how is the results, and

have you tried the DR on the RED yet?

[benjamin_shapiro2]

You didn't specifically say Leica-made lenses, so you should look into the 50mm M-

Hexanon as well

[vincenzo_maielli]

All the Summicron 50/2 versions are fantastic. Mine is a Summicron DR from 1962, very excellent.

 

Ciao.

[Robin Smith]

They are all good. My favorites are the chrome rigid ones from 1960-1970 or thereabouts and the current one as it has the built-in hood that I prefer (minus point is occasional flare 1 in 500 shots).

[mohir_ali]

O'all I'd agree the DR is best. I sold it because it was as massive as my Nikkor f/1.4, but only f/2.