[Leica] Re: LUG Digest, Vol 30, Issue 248

[ricc at mindspring.com (Ric Carter)]

On Aug 21, 2005, at 8:51 AM, lug-request@leica-users.org wrote:

> Date: Sat, 20 Aug 2005 22:02:18 -0400
> From: Don Dory <don.dory@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Leica] #280
> To: Leica Users Group <lug@leica-users.org>
> Message-ID: <9b678e05082019026682550f@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Ric,
> Jumping in here, but the Summitar and the Summicron are very similar
> lenses.  The Summitar will be a little sharper in the center but drops
> off much more quickly as you move out to the corners.  This holds true
> at all apertures.  Wide open I think the Summicron will give you a
> much smoother image.  Filters are also much easier to deal with as
> they are the garden variety 39mm.

Thanks for jumping in.

>
> So, if you have a functioning Summitar, keep it as it is a good
> picture taker.  If you have a functioning Summicron, keep it and use
> it as it will deliver a slightly better image: this is assuming a
> first version Summicron, if you have a DR or a IV then the softer look
> at the wider apertures may be a paint brush you want to try.


My Summicron 50, which functions flawlessly, is a Canada made fifth  
generation. The Summitar focuses easily, but aperture is VERY stiff,  
so a CLA would be necessary for use.


>
> If you shoot in the F8-F12.5 range then with the exception of flare
> all things are functionally equal.
>
> Please don't pick up my virus, spend your money on film and processing
> and possibly some green filters. :)

I fear my tendency to the virus is what makes me search for an excuse  
to have the Summitar fixed. It's such a pretty bit of metal and  
glass, the way it collapses and all. My bag and kit are small enough,  
that I seldom travel with a single body and lens, so it leaves me  
weakened to fall back on the compactness as an excuse. The Summicron,  
after all, isn't that much of a space waster.

Maybe it's destined to make me one of those folks who puts the jewel  
on the shelf to be admired, not used. I really don't want to be one  
of those, but...

Ric
http://gallery.leica-users.org/Passing-Fancies


>
> Don
> don.dory@gmail.com