Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/09/25

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Summarit 1.5
From: benjaminmarks at verizon.net (Ben Marks)
Date: Sat Sep 25 19:21:15 2004

George:

I have had two; the Summarit was my first Leica 50mm lens -- it came on an 
M3 I purchased in 1993 out of an estate sale.  All other things being equal 
it is sharp and has a pleasing look, but lower contrast than a recent 
generation Summicron.  I sold the lens in 1997 when I upgraded to a 
Summicron and regretted it -- not the acquisition of the Summicron which 
remains one of my favorite lenses, but the sale of the Summarit which had 
its place.  So I bought another when funds permitted.  It happens to have a 
defect native in the glass which I can see when I hold it up to a computer 
screen so that it magnifies the color dots of the monitor.  I do not use 
mine with a hood and consequently have had more flare with it than with the 
more modern lenses.  However, I have been unable to sell this one as I love 
the look for indoor photography.  Yes, there is a tendency to flare but so 
what. . .

If I only had money for one lens, I'd go with a recent, but not current, 
generation Summicron.  Tougher coatings, more flare resistance and a great 
all-around performer.

BenjaminMarks at Verizon dot net

>Anyone on list familiar with or have experience using the Summarit >50mm 
>F/1.5 
>screwmount, ser. # 1276xxx. I know the coatings are soft, but have >never 
>used 
>one to test the image quality. Any comment would be much >appreciated.
George