Leica Summicron R 50mm F2 Serial Numbers

Jan 05, 2008  1. 50mm collapsable cron 2. Piya re piya re rahat fateh ali khan mp3. 50mm DR Summicron and 50mm Rigid Summicron (same optical formula) 3. 50mm Tabbed Summicron w/clip-on hood and newest 50mm summicron w/built-in hood (same optical formula) What is a second generation summicron? I have an M3 and M4. I'm 'test driving' a DR summicron for an up-coming family trip to San.

Sr.Cordeiro Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Hello fellow lens-adicts After my little 24mm challenge, here I am with one more test, this time with 50mm. The contenders are the CY Zeiss planar T* 50mm f/1.4, the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 and the Tamron 28-75mm @ 50mm. http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8620/00geral.jpg http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/4571/72483517.jpg http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7221/37629523.jpg http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/1347/82670888.jpg http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7484/24611244.jpg http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/7408/31760096.jpg http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8749/66038408.jpg http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8531/62255763.jpg Hope you like it. Originnaly I intended to include the OM zuiko 55mm f/1.2 on this test, but unfortunately it failed to reach infinity focus for some reason. I'm working on a bokeh test too, witch I find more interesting to judge a lens rendering rather then simple sharpness tests like this one. In this case I may include the zuiko 55mm. I'm struggling to find a good scene for this test, if you have any idea please spread the word. Oct 16, 2009 at 10:12 PM JohnJ Online • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Thanks, interesting test. Are you being careful to focus on the exact same point in every test? These images show a significant difference in distance from nearest to most distant comparison points so focusing in the exact same place will be critical. Fore example, I don't think it would be rasonable to simply focus on infinity on each lens because of adapter issues etc. Using Live View to focus at the exact same point would be the best way, IMHO. JJ Oct 16, 2009 at 10:43 PM Sr.Cordeiro Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Yes, I used liveview to focus on the windows you can see on the center crop. I may do some other sharpness test with a different scene though, if someone has an idea of a better type of scene for this please share. Oct 16, 2009 at 10:57 PM mawz Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Interesting, I was expecting the Summicron to be better at f2 than it was, although its performance was definitely quite acceptable. But not enough to justify over the generally cheaper Planar which looks better at pretty much every aperture. Love to see how a Summilux stands up. The Summicron certainly does deliver a good performance though. The Tamron is sadly outclassed here, unlike the last test. Oct 16, 2009 at 11:27 PM Sam N Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron That Planar is pretty impressive. I'd like to see a similar test with a closer subject and including another 50/1.4 like the Canon or Sigma.. I rarely shoot anything at infinity with my 50 primes. This type of test may require separate shots for the center sharpness and edge sharpness. Oct 16, 2009 at 11:37 PM mMontag Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Is the Summicron a version I or version II with Leica E-55? - The version II should not have the word Leitz. Thanks for your time posting these. Oct 17, 2009 at 03:50 AM StevenPA Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron This looks like typical performance from the C/Y 50/1.4; 'dream-glow' wide open, very sharp from f/2.8, and best at f/5.6. I expected the Leica to be a bit better than it is, but I would probably buy it only for its bokeh characteristics or overall feel for non-infinity shots. I'm not overly impressed with the Contax's bokeh. Oct 17, 2009 at 04:13 AM alexandre Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron OT, but: Isn't the Planar 50/1.7 sharper at same apertures when compared with Planar 1.4? Oct 17, 2009 at 04:19 AM Sr.Cordeiro Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron The planar 50/1.7 is indeed known to be sharper than the 50/1.4, but unfortunately I don't have a 50/1.7 to test : The serial numbers of the lenses are: Zeiss: 6746157 Leica: 2891342 (Leitz Canada) Zuiko: 126925 (auto-s) The serial for the zuiko is for the upcoming bokeh test. Oct 17, 2009 at 07:15 PM brainiac Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Thanks for this. Interesting, and a well done test judging by the very good performance from all the lenses, and the predictable changes of performance with aperture. Interesting that at f5.6 and others the Leica has an even bluer rendering than the Zeiss. I consider that a good thing, although the Zeiss seems like a sharper lens overall. A bokeh comparison will also be interesting if you can find the strength to do one. Oct 17, 2009 at 07:22 PM Sr.Cordeiro Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron And here are three quick bokeh shots I've made this afternoon at the park. I've include the zuiko 55mm f/1.2 on this one. This time I didn't used tripod, I don't think it's necessary to this kind of test, so please ignore the minor framing differences. http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4742/bokeh50mm01.jpg http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7343/bokeh50mm02.jpg http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2138/bokeh50mm03.jpg Oct 17, 2009 at 07:39 PM brainiac Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Fascinating. Note how all lenses have good 3D effect except the Leica, which has, quite simply, none at all. It is the flattest, dullest, most lifeless, lens of them all, in terms of 3D. I suppose you can try to inject 3D effect with a combination of contrast and sharpening manipulations, but in my experience its pictures will never really come alive. Oct 17, 2009 at 07:58 PM philber Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Thanks for your time and effort for our benefit, and well done! Oct 17, 2009 at 08:09 PM kidtexas Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron brainiac wrote: Fascinating. Note how all lenses have good 3D effect except the Leica, which has, quite simply, none at all. It is the flattest, dullest, most lifeless, lens of them all, in terms of 3D. I suppose you can try to inject 3D effect with a combination of contrast and sharpening manipulations, but in my experience its pictures will never really come alive. That's funny. I was going to remark how they actually all look pretty similar. The CY is a hair sharper in some of the segments, and the Summicron a hair sharper in some of the others. Bokeh looks about the same - minor variations, but for the most part, they all look pretty good though they all display some jerkiness in some of the shots. The Summicron seems a hair cooler, but not enough to make a difference. The most noticeable difference in all the lenses was the warmth of the Tamron. Well, that and maximum aperture. Oct 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM PhotoMaximum Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron brainiac wrote: Fascinating. Note how all lenses have good 3D effect except the Leica, which has, quite simply, none at all. It is the flattest, dullest, most lifeless, lens of them all, in terms of 3D. I suppose you can try to inject 3D effect with a combination of contrast and sharpening manipulations, but in my experience its pictures will never really come alive. This is really evident with the last test subject.. Oct 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM pascal03 Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. The CZ 50mm seems to be the lens to get and the OM 55mm f1.2 is a very good reasonably priced alternative.. which really isn't surprising. As pointed out above, that Leica is lifeless in comparison to the OM & CZ - something I wouldn't have expected. Oct 17, 2009 at 08:28 PM brainiac Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron pascal03 wrote: Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. The CZ 50mm seems to be the lens to get and the OM 55mm f1.2 is a very good reasonably priced alternative.. which really isn't surprising. As pointed out above, that Leica is lifeless in comparison to the OM & CZ - something I wouldn't have expected. It's something that I do expect, because all the Leica lenses I have owned have exhibited this quality. It seems as though Leica actually designs them that way. Or maybe it's a by-product of the quest for creamy bokeh. Whatever it is, once you have noticed that a lack of 3D effect is perfectly apparent in images as small as the ones we are comparing here, it's hard to overlook. I think it shows very clearly in the f4 shots with the purple flower in the foreground. I keep trying to think that's it's just a missed focus or something, but the more I look at it the more obvious it becomes that this lens just makes objects and spaces look flat. For me it makes the image very boring, because the illusion is really missing a vital ingredient - a significant part of the feeling of being there. I know it's contrary of me to criticise Leica's unimpeachable glass, but I do find it difficult to share in the excitement when people post pictures showing exquisite lens performance in every respect, but no presence at all. Oct 17, 2009 at 09:39 PM Sr.Cordeiro Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron I was curious to see your reactions and you gave some interesting feedback. For me the zeiss seems the more well-balanced lens in terms of sharpness and bokeh. It was a surprise for me when I compared the images at f/2 and have seen little differences in terms of bokeh quality. I've allways find the bokeh of the zeiss very ugly but I think it was because I was using it at f/1.4 most of the time. At f/2 and further the zeiss shows a better bokeh or maybe the leica doesn't have a smoother bokeh like I was expecting (if not what 50mm will have it??). The zeiss seems to pull out more detail than the leica and renders well defined details. The leica seems to have the famous 'leica glow' that gives some character to the image but requires more contrast in PP to get more punchy. Here are a bigger comparison at f/2 with some fast PP applied (the same PP for the two) since I was wandering how they reacted to some adjustments. Leica on the left and Zeiss on the right: http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5248/leicazeiss.jpg Before I make a decision on witch to keep I want to make some real life tests though, make photos that I like and with my style with both of them and see which one gives me a image that I find more pleasent. Oct 17, 2009 at 10:49 PM JohnJ Online • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Which 50 summicron is this? The serial number indicates it's an early, approx 1978, version of the current cron which was introduced in 1976. Does it have the built in lens hood with 55mm? I don't know how accurate the data is in this link but it's probably OK as a rough guide; http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/leica_lens_serial.htm Thanks JJ Oct 17, 2009 at 11:16 PM brainiac Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · 50mm test - zeiss vs leica vs tamron Sr.Cordeiro wrote: I was curious to see your reactions and you gave some interesting feedback. For me the zeiss seems the more well-balanced lens in terms of sharpness and bokeh. It was a surprise for me when I compared the images at f/2 and have seen little differences in terms of bokeh quality. I've allways find the bokeh of the zeiss very ugly but I think it was because I was using it at f/1.4 most of the time. At f/2 and further the zeiss shows a better bokeh or maybe the leica doesn't have a smoother bokeh like I was expecting (if not..Show more → Now I don't see much to choose between them. Oct 18, 2009 at 01:47 AM 23end Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell Moderated by:Fred Miranda New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site New Feature: SMS Notification alert New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist FM Forums Alternative Gear & Lenses Join Upload & Sell 2end jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit The other 'usual suspects' for 35/2 and 35/2.8 don't live up to my expectations, and so I want to get a 35/2 or 35/2.8 Leica R. I've read many current & recent threads and I still have a few questions. I'd appreciate any comments you can provide. First off, I'd appreciate any comments about the relative performance of the Elmarit-R 35/2.8 vs. the Summicron-R 35/2, aside from the 'cron's +1 EV advantage wide open. If the 'cron is that much better, then I won't bother with the Elmarit. I'm looking for an excellent lens at a decent price, but I'm not cheap. Second, version control. Based on my reading, I figure the 'cron to look for has the built-in hood and E55 filter. What version of the Elmarit should I look for? Thanks in advance, Jim Dec 12, 2009 at 01:44 PM JohnJ Online • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit I know the 35 lux is not an option but it's performance is excellent. Aside from having owned the lux for about 15 years I've only tried the 35 cron, not the elmarit, and I wasn't happy with the cron but maybe it was a dud. The 35 lux is almost identical in performance to the 80 lux. Not the sharpest tool in the shed wide open, but already very sharp at f2. It has very high resolution and excellent tonal gradation when stopped down. Great colours. It really is almost identical to the 80, just wider. I generally use it at f2. It has excellent and smooth bokeh. I believe the samples below were shot at f1.4 but possibly at f2 on a 1.6 crop body. http://images-3.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/1405903-1-blue-leaves-2.jpg http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/1405898-1-aloe-2.jpg http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/1405908-1-brand-new-start.jpg http://images-0.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/1405818-1-leaves-1.jpg Just thought I'd mention it in case you consider it at some stage. JJ Dec 12, 2009 at 02:08 PM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Thanks JJ. I'm shooting mFT with Voigtlander LTM lenses now, so you never know.. Dec 12, 2009 at 02:29 PM Conner999 Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Haven't owned the Elmarit, but owned and very much liked the 35/2 (E55 version). Not killer sharp WO, but gets sharp fast as stopping down. Lived up to it's reputation for great bokeh and that Mandler 'glow'. Lens has great flare and CA control. Having owned it and the ZF 35, in terms of pixel-peeping starting WO, I'd pick the ZF, other than that, the Summicron (which I sold the ZF for). Sold the Summicron as never found myself shooting that wide and had a number of lens at time clustered around that FL, but still regret it. IIRC from the Sumis MTF vs an older MTF I saw for the Elmarit, there was little if anything to differentiate the two in terms of resolution once you stopped down. As for the Elmarit's bokeh, one of the Sumis strengths, I have no idea. The E55 version was a complete redesign but I've no idea on the difference vs the older version. I don't suspect it got any worse ;> Neither version has the wider aperture corner-strength of the late 28/2.8. Dec 12, 2009 at 02:31 PM Conner999 Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit As an aside, that 35 'lux is almost reason alone to get a crop body. Nice shots. Dec 12, 2009 at 02:32 PM Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Hi Jim, There are three versions of the Elmarit. The second and third are generally considered to be better than the first. The second and third are similar in design and have 7 elements in 6 groups (the first has 7 elements in 5 groups). It can be a bit hard to tell the first version from the second. They both are about 400 grams and have a detachable hood. The first version is a little longer, but you should probably get the serial numbers when the versions changed which I don't know to reliably tell a first from second version. The third version is considerably lighter and has a built in hood, so it would be easy to tell apart. The best bargain may be a second version if you can reliably find one, but if it were me I would look for a third version as it will be easy to identify. I hope this helps. Dec 12, 2009 at 02:52 PM Mike Ganz Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit The first version of the Elmarit-R was very prone to flare, suffered from low contrast, and had 7 elements in 5 groups. The second version was much improved, with seven elements in 6 groups. The third version is pretty much optically equal to the second version, but features a built-in hood and a 'standard' 55mm filter diameter. The first and second versions had odd-ball sized filter diameters, Series VI for the first version and Series VII for the second. Can't speak for the first version, but I owned the second for a while and needed to use a 48/49 step ring which allowed the use of 49mm filters (not bad considering my collection of Oly lenses). The Leica Elmarit-R renders a little differently than the Zeiss, but I rather liked it..gave a nice 'painterly' look to images. Its a great little lens, and built like a tank. Avoid the first version, try to get a second or third. The best way to tell the first and second apart is through the serial numbers. The third version has the 55mm filter, which makes things a lot easier. Here's a link to a Leica serial number reference guide: Leica-R Serial Number Reference I just sold my copy of the Elmarit-R second version about three days ago..had it listed here in the Buy/Sell forum (as well as sold my copy of the Distagon 35/2.8). I just hope the ZE Distagon 35/2 that I ordered is able to at least measure up to the two that I just sold. To give you an idea of pricing, I sold my Elmarit-R for $345, which included an AF-confirm adapter. Dec 12, 2009 at 03:09 PM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Gentlemen, thanks to all. I'm set for versions. One of the features I'm most interested in, is a comparison of bokeh characteristics. Hopefully someone with the right experience will contribute. No worries. It's only a matter of time. This is a great forum! Dec 12, 2009 at 09:13 PM telyt Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit jcolwell wrote: . I'd appreciate any comments about the relative performance of the Elmarit-R 35/2.8 vs. the Summicron-R 35/2, aside from the 'cron's +1 EV advantage wide open. I don't do wide very often, but I have used the last versions of both the 'cron and Elmarit. Bokeh has not made itself an issue so it's probably not bad for either lens. One difference I've noted is that the Elmarit can be made to flare occasionally (but it's manageable). The Summicron doesn't flare. As others have mentioned, avoid the first version Elmarit. Dec 13, 2009 at 01:27 AM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Thanks Douglas. Dec 13, 2009 at 03:46 PM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit I just found date and serial number info for the different versions of Elmarit-R 35/2.8 at Photoethnography http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Lens-R.html~mainFrame (bottom of page). Thanks Karen. Dec 14, 2009 at 11:27 AM jph1 Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit My experience is that the cron has better color but is not as sharp as the 2.8. The 2.8 is great if you are doing B&W. It is crazy sharp and contrasty. Just lacking in color. Jim Dec 14, 2009 at 04:38 PM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Thanks Jim. Any B&W I do these days begins life as a digital RAW file. Dec 14, 2009 at 04:48 PM gmanp Offline • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit First version Elmarit should have a clamp on detachable round hood. Second version has a rectangular detachable hood which bayonets on with the little silver pins. Third version has the built in/sliding hood. Agree with above posters, 2nd or 3rd versions are definitely better. I like the Summicrons the best but like the 90 mm versions, they are different critters. Dec 14, 2009 at 04:58 PM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Thanks gmanp. I've got an odd sort of feeling that I'll be trying out one of each, just so I can make up my own mind. Dec 15, 2009 at 12:36 AM Mike Ganz Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit jcolwell wrote: I just found date and serial number info for the different versions of Elmarit-R 35/2.8 at Photoethnography http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Lens-R.html~mainFrame (bottom of page). Thanks Karen. Just found? Heck, I posted that link in my response two days ago.. Dec 15, 2009 at 12:47 AM jcolwell Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Mike Ganz wrote: Just found? Heck, I posted that link in my response two days ago.. I guess it just goes to show, there's what you read and there's what you understand. Often they're not the same, even when they should be. P.S. If that's the worst thing I do this week, then I'll be OK - thanks again Mike. Dec 15, 2009 at 12:53 AM Justin D Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit If absolute corner sharpness is a major factor, the 35 summicron is not for you. In 3 copies, all have had poor extreme corners, even stopped down. I've had a ZF 35, too, however, and much prefer the cron overall, even if it has soft corners. The cron is one of those lenses capable of very special shots. Dec 15, 2009 at 08:48 AM zombii Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Justin D wrote: If absolute corner sharpness is a major factor, the 35 summicron is not for you. In 3 copies, all have had poor extreme corners, even stopped down. I've had a ZF 35, too, however, and much prefer the cron overall, even if it has soft corners. The cron is one of those lenses capable of very special shots. This my experience as well. Extreme corners are not good but the edges are still good so it's a small area that isn't. As for the images, this is one of the few I've tried where the sky it shoots looks like the sky I see. Unfortunately, good as it is, the ZE 35 doesn't do that as well. Jun 04, 2010 at 01:44 AM thrice Offline • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Leica-R 35mm, Summicron vs Elmarit Conner999 wrote: As an aside, that 35 'lux is almost reason alone to get a crop body. Nice shots. Or to grind the heck out of your 5D mk II mirror like I did http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/Nephilim666/Landscape/9317694-lg.jpg Jun 04, 2010 at 02:33 AM 2end