Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/06/20

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To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Re: 50mm Summicron
From: Hans Pahlen <hans.pahlen@mark.komvux.se>
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 11:47:24 +0200 (MET DST)

>There is another variable that should be considered. I have both the second
>and third-version of 50 Summicron. The third version appears to produce
>contrastier photographs. What is your opinion on this one.
>Chris

I have the Summicron 50/2 version I plus version III (not the latest with
integrated hood). Yes, version III has more contrast. In Leica M Compendium,
the author Jonathan Eastland recommends version I for color slides and
version III for B/W, because of this. The difference is that version III
produces marginally less shadow detail.
I have made some large B/W prints with version I, and the quality was
amazing. But the Swedish Foto mag claims that the Summicron 50/2 version III
is the sharpest lens that they had ever tested, and that statement, together
with the less weight made me purchase it. 
In practice, I tend to follow Mr Eastlands recommendation. When travelling,
I only bring version III, though.

>
>>Hans
>>It isn't so much that Leica now makes lenses which are "inferior" to former
>>designs.  It is more that Leica now makes lenses which are supposed to
>>produce adequate images but cost less to manufacture.  It's not quite the
>>same thing.  And some Leica M designs -- the two aspherical 1.4/35 Summilux
>>designs and the current 2.8/90 Elmarit -- are improvements over past
>>formulations.  

Sorry, but language nuances are difficult for us foreigners. Inferior was
not what I really meant. Of course you are right.

>>
>>Further information can be had from my source, Mr Joel Tlumak, publisher of
>>RFinder Magazine, at jt@jmbm.com -- I just suggested to Joel that he should
>>subscribe to LUG.

Please tell us about the RFinder Magazine, either you Chris, or Mr Tlumak,
if he read this. I am sure that there are many on this list who may be
presumptive subscribers!

/Hans