New page on Leica 50mm Summicron Lenses

[luvcameras]

Please see http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/summicron.htm

[Mark Layne]

This is very basic and does not cover the important variations.
Mark

[luvcameras]

Well, Mark why dont you help me list all the "important" variations you suggest.

[Sanjay Sen]

While I am not a Leica shooter, I do appreciate information like these as one never knows when one will need them. Thank you for doing this, and I am sure the experts will chip in with more info.

Best wishes,
Sanjay

[Helen B]

Thanks for the link. Just out of interest, why are the rays in the diagrams going right to left?

Thanks,
Helen

[luvcameras]

direction of light through lens and into camera - just to orient you which is the front of the lens

[Uncle Bill]

Thanks for the link, my M3 came with a collapsable Summicron and yes sometimes flare happens, even with a hood.

I think if I was in the hunt for a modern M mount 50, it would be the 50 f2 Zeiss planar.

Bill

[Helen B]

direction of light through lens and into camera - just to orient you which is the front of the lens

My question was about why they go right to left, instead of the conventional left to right direction. It's a bit like being curious about why South is at the top of some maps and at the bottom of others.

Thanks,
Helen

[Donald Boyd]

That is an interesting list. 3 questions:

(1) which version has the best optics?
(2) which version has the best build?
(3) which version is the best compromise?

[luvcameras]

Subjective questions, but here goes:


1. how do you define best ? the lens with the most resolution across the field and high contrast is the current version. many believe the D/R and Rigid Summicron are best for B&W photography since that lens has med. contrast but high resolution.

2. Best build in D/R and Rigid.

3. again tough question - it "depends" on your need. The best for wide open photography with very good contrast and resolution is the current version