Which 50mm is the best choice for my IIIF?

[Simon Bruxelles]

All things being equal and assuming condition is similar and they are of similar age which would be the better buy, a collapsible Summicron F2 or the collapsible Elmar F2.8? The Summicron has a notoriously soft front element and coatings, and I am wondering whether the same thing applies to the contemporary Elmar? TIA, Simon

[xayraa33]

Originally Posted by Simon Bruxelles

All things being equal and assuming condition is similar and they are of similar age which would be the better buy, a collapsible Summicron F2 or the collapsible Elmar F2.8? The Summicron has a notoriously soft front element and coatings, and I am wondering whether the same thing applies to the contemporary Elmar? TIA, Simon

Buy a rigid Nikkor 50mm f2 in LTM and forget about it.

[FrankS]

I like the more compact/collapsible lenses on the screw mount Leicas. Summicron for a more vintage look, modern Elmar if max f-stop is not important.

[Vickko]

I don't recall the 50/2.8 Elmar having a coating problem, more of a haze problem.

I feel that the 50/2 collapsible Summicron suited the IIIg better. The IIIf looked better with more compact lenses, like the 50/3.5 Elmar.

Vick

[Bingley]

The modern Elmar is not an option if you're going to use it on a IIIf; I assumed the OP was refering to the version 1 Elmar 50/2.8 which came in LTM mount.

I've had the version 1 Elmar 50/2.8, and it was a good lens. I don't worry too much about soft glass on these older lenses b/c I always put a filter on them for protection. As between the Elmar v. 1 and the collapsible Summicron, though, I'd be tempted to go for the Summicron mainly due to its stellar reputation, if I found a good sample within my budget.

BTW, the v. 1 Elmar has a somewhat irritating design feature: the focus ring moves when you change the lens aperture. I don't know if the collapsible 'chron does this as well, although I've never heard anyone mention it.

[Robert Lai]

I have the Collapsible Summicron (which miraculously has a perfect front element). It was serviced by DAG, and it's a wonderful lens. DAG cleared out the haze, and relubed it. These are common problems for a lens this old. People claim that it flares easily, but I have not seen it to have this problem.

The ultimate LTM Summicron 50 is the last non-ASPH version (i.e. the pull-out hood one before the $7 K plus new Summicron 50 ASPH). 1000 of these were made in LTM in 1999. I have one as my "usual" Summicron, which I use with the LTM cameras as well as the M7 (with adapter). I don't feel any particular need to get an even "sharper" lens than this.

[colyn]

The thread mount Summicron when found usually goes for a lot more than the Elmar..

My vote for the IIIf is either a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar or 50mm f/2 Summitar...

[beyond]

I ll go for Summitar or Elmar.

[Austerby]

I'd go for the modern Voigtlander 50mm f2 Heliar

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by FrankS

I like the more compact/collapsible lenses on the screw mount Leicas. Summicron for a more vintage look, modern Elmar if max f-stop is not important.

+1....I sometimes use the Summarit 1.5 and it is a wonderful combination, rather large and heavy and will not fit in my pocket. Then, I may use the Industar 26 for extended periods of time as I do now. Again, it will not fit in a pocket but it is much lighter.

If I could afford it, a collapsible Cron would be my choice and is definitely on my bucket list.

[VictorM.]

1. Elmar 3.5
2. Summaron 2.0
3. Skopar 2.5

I've had my IIIf since 1969. Originally, I bought a Nikkor 50/2 because it was cheap ($20.00! 1969, of course), but have since owned the three above. They are all better than the Nikkor. I currently use the Elmar or the Skopar, but mostly the Skopar.

I've owned two different ltm Summicrons and, sadly, neither was as good as a good Summitar. And not as good, but faster than, my Elmar.

[dave lackey]

The Industar 26 looks nice, is very light, performs quite well and is very cheap to buy:

[cary]

If money is an issue and if you can live with a non Leica lens, take a look at the Canon 50mm f1.8. I use one on my IIIF, it produces very nice images and is built very well.

[benmacphoto]

I had a collapsible 50 Summicron with the rare earth radio active elements.
That lens produced great black and white images.
If you can, find an example of that lens and you will not be disappointed.

If you go non Leica, I'd suggest the 50 1.5 voigtlander.
Modern lens design that preforms great.

[gilpen123]

I recommend a good copy of summarit or elmar 2.8

My IIIf with the summarit (which I sold already)



Some pictures taken with it





IIIf with Elmar 2.8 Ltm



Sample pics

[gilpen123]

Personally, I like better the results of the Summarit but the compactness of the Elmar folded made me choose it to stay with my IIf.