Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>From: Vick Ko <vick.ko@sympatico.ca> >>How good is the 50mm Summitar? >>I am thinking of getting a new "old" lens for my LTM. >>Does the Summitar have appealing attributes? > >I rarely use mine at full aperture. But at f4 through f11 mine is terrific. >These are all pretty old now, (50 years or so) so you may need to get the >focusing and aperture rings cleaned and lubed. Mine was pretty gummed up >when I bought it. > >PJW Vick, You might want to consider the ubiquitous Elmar 50/3.5. It is cheap, plentiful, and a wonderful performer. Sure it is slower than the Summitar, but it is perfectly usable at all apertures and capable of producing wonderful images. If you want something faster, also consider a Summicron 50, if you can find one in good shape, or a Summarit, which has a maximum aperture of 1.5. Though a bit controversial, it is a fine lens. I use it wide open all the time as well as stopped down and am happy with the results I get from it. Guy