Re: [Leica] 50mm f/2.0 purchase

["Don Dory" <dorysrus@mindspring.com>]

Obvious advantages to the retractable 50 Summicron.
1) usually available from $200 to $400 if in clean but not collectable
condition.
2)after f4.0 hard to see any difference with new version especially if you
develop your own B&W to adjust contrast.
3) when retracted makes a very compact package; especially if you put a
screw mount lens on a screw mount Leica.

Disadvantages to the retractable Summicron
1) usually needs cleaning. Budget about $95.00
2) very frequently has fine scratches on front element which can lower
contrast even more.  Budget about $200.
3)with very hard use the barrel wobbles causing focus plane errors. Which
can be artistically interesting.
4)non-linear aperture which makes setting f-stops after f11 difficult if
your camera doesn't have a meter.
5)flares easily compared to later multi-coated versions

Advantages to later 50 Summicrons.
1)many people including myself swear by to image of the DR Summicron as the
best over all combination of sharpness, contrast across the field and just
plain awesome build quality.
2)latest version has better micro-contrast and is very resistant to flare.
3)black latest versions are much lighter in weight than previous rigid
versions.

Disadvantages to later 50 Summicrons
1)much more expensive relative to earlier versions other than the DR.
2)many people dislike the latest version and its pathetic excuse for a pull
out hood.;) But then again many like the hoods always there feature.
3)length versus collapsible makes putting the camera in a coat pocket not
very likely.

So, what's important to you?  If you are just starting out and/or won't be
using the 50 much go cheap: a retractable or a clapped out newer version
that sells cheap because of wear.  A few scratches really drop the price.
If you want ultimate image quality then try a DR and a newer version with
film, the type you use most often, to see which variant pleases you.

Don
dorysrus@mindspring.com