Leica Summicron 50/2

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Archive 2008 · Leica Summicron 50/2

wdEvA
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p.1 #1 · Leica Summicron 50/2

Hey guys,
I recently just got a Leica Summicron 50/2 for my Canon EOS 5D.

And I just found out that there are actually 2 version to this lens.

the 1st version E48, and the 2nd version E55.
And the version i have is the E55.

I've did some read up, though i can't find much of an info on this.

The E55 seems to have better vigetting and flare control as well as better contrast and image quality.

I would like to know, is the difference between the two version very noticable?

anyone can post photos to compare them? (Cant seem to find much info on these leica lens)

Lastly, I've heard lots about the 50/2 being better than Canon 50mm 1.4, therefore i went for this instead, but i supposed they are talking about the version 2? how does the version fair against the canon version?

Thanks in advance!!!

Dec 12, 2008 at 05:20 PM

asbalyan
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p.1 #2 · Leica Summicron 50/2

I sometimes tried to jump Summicron 50/2 bandwagon by the (fatal) attraction of "Leica" brand...

but then think, how can any lens be better than Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.7 in around $100 range....

Dec 12, 2008 at 07:04 PM

ovredal73
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p.1 #3 · Leica Summicron 50/2

I have this one as well, dont remember which version, but f2 on a 50mm is a bit boring so I dont use it much....

Dec 12, 2008 at 07:38 PM

John Black
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p.1 #4 · Leica Summicron 50/2

50mm F2 may not be all that exciting, but the Summicron is a nice lens. Compact, quite sharp and a built-in hood IIRC. It's a nice travel lens. The Leica probably has nicer bokeh (background blur) because that's not really a strong point on the Contax 50mm F1.7. Since you have the 50/2 already, pick your adapter and shoot with it for a couple months. I don't think you'll find any reason to fault the lens, though you might decide some other lens seems more sexy - the grass is greener syndrome

Dec 12, 2008 at 08:47 PM

foxbat
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p.1 #5 · Leica Summicron 50/2

The E55 Leica 50/2 is one of my favourite lenses. Wide open it takes wonderfully appealing people photographs (the Leica look?) and stopped down it takes landscapes that are bursting with detail across the frame. I try to find excuses to use it.

Dec 12, 2008 at 09:09 PM

ayler
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p.1 #6 · Leica Summicron 50/2

I have a 2 cam 1st type, which I used to use quite a lot on my 5D and optically it's so much better than the Canon 50mm 1.4: barely any distortion, no CAs, micro-contrast to die for, built forever. That one and a Summicron 35mm f2 are the two best lenses I've ever had mounted on my 5D. Trouble is, they're slow to operate and difficult to focus (f2 doesn't help), so I used them mostly for tripod work. The 50mm Summicron is breathtaking in terms of resolution and a good option if you want to up-sample 5D files to around 18MP, since it offers so much detail when combined with the 5D's weak AA filter. AFAIC, the 5D's sensor 'sharpness' combined with the Summicrons' (35mm and 50mm) micro-contrast has meant that I bought a 13MP camera but was sold an 18MP camera instead. I haven't tested mine against flare resistance and the like, but in normal operation, it leaves nothing to be desired.

Dec 12, 2008 at 09:54 PM

wdEvA
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p.1 #7 · Leica Summicron 50/2

thanks, i totally love the summicron, but i'm just wondering how much am I missing when using the E49 version instead of the E55.

ayler wrote:
I have a 2 cam 1st type, which I used to use quite a lot on my 5D and optically it's so much better than the Canon 50mm 1.4: barely any distortion, no CAs, micro-contrast to die for, built forever. That one and a Summicron 35mm f2 are the two best lenses I've ever had mounted on my 5D. Trouble is, they're slow to operate and difficult to focus (f2 doesn't help), so I used them mostly for tripod work. The 50mm Summicron is breathtaking in terms of resolution and a good option if you want to up-sample 5D files to around 18MP, since it offers so much detail when combined with the 5D's weak AA filter. AFAIC, the 5D's sensor 'sharpness' combined with the Summicrons' (35mm and 50mm) micro-contrast has meant that I bought a 13MP camera but was sold an 18MP camera instead. I haven't tested mine against flare resistance and the like, but in normal operation, it leaves nothing to be desired.

When u mean 1st type, do u mean the E48 version?

Dec 13, 2008 at 02:58 AM

telyt
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p.1 #8 · Leica Summicron 50/2

wdEvA wrote:When u mean 1st type, do u mean the E48 version?

The E48 version is the first type.

Dec 13, 2008 at 05:40 AM

wdEvA
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p.1 #9 · Leica Summicron 50/2

thanks, anyone have any reviews / comparision charts / photos to compare the E48 vs the E55?

Dec 13, 2008 at 07:02 AM

shirozina
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p.1 #10 · Leica Summicron 50/2

I'm still kicking myself for selling mine - it was the very first version. It was not quite as sharp as the CZ 50mm 1.7 when wide open but was equal when stopeed down a bit. It had better colour, beter tonality and better bokeh - why did I sell it

Dec 13, 2008 at 08:34 AM

s23chang
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p.1 #11 · Leica Summicron 50/2

wdEvA wrote:
thanks, anyone have any reviews / comparision charts / photos to compare the E48 vs the E55?
I couldn't find my old test photos anymore.
In any case, I like the version 1 E48 better as I prefer more center sharp at F2 where the E55 ROM version ( made is Germany ) is sharper overall. I felt that E48 shows more pop due to softer corners and slightly more vignette effect. Aside from that, the version 1 color is slightly warmer where the E55 ROM is very neutral accross the spectrum. I dislike the early E55 3 cam made in Canada. It looks a bit boring vs the late version and the version E48 version.

I bought the E48 version and that did it for me. I later acquired all the Summicrons 35mm 90mm 180mm APO and Summilux 80 and Elmarit 19mm ROM and 28mm.

Dec 13, 2008 at 01:03 PM

jamesdak
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p.1 #12 · Leica Summicron 50/2

Well, we are at the start of a 4 day snow storm right now but maybe I can get a chance to shoot some comparision shots indoor for you. I have the Leica 50/2.0, a Contax Zeiss 50/1.4 and the Pentax SMC 50/1.4. I've shot the Contax against the Pentax before and they have different characteristics for sure.

Dec 13, 2008 at 02:47 PM

wdEvA
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p.1 #13 · Leica Summicron 50/2

thanks.
I'm loving the lens, but still kinda adapting to MF, since I started off photographer in the digital era and this is my 1st MF lens.

Will keep it till I've saved enough for the 50 Summilux 1.4 =x

jamesdak, is yours the E55 Summicron?
Would like to see some photos from it =x

Dec 13, 2008 at 03:45 PM

Ed Sawyer
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p.1 #14 · Leica Summicron 50/2

It's a nice lens, I have one of the early-types. Generally the early version is better built than the later version. Optically, no big improvements in v2 (in fact v1 may be better that way, according to some). Erwin Puts has some good writings up about the SUmmicron 50s, check his site or google.

I have tests posted in edsawyer.com/lenstests/ for the first version, maybe 2nd version too.

-Ed

Dec 13, 2008 at 04:50 PM

JimBuchanan
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p.1 #15 · Leica Summicron 50/2

s23chang wrote:
In any case, I like the version 1 E48 better as I prefer more center sharp at F2 where the E55 ROM version ( made is Germany ) is sharper overall. I felt that E48 shows more pop due to softer corners and slightly more vignette effect. Aside from that, the version 1 color is slightly warmer where the E55 ROM is very neutral accross the spectrum. I dislike the early E55 3 cam made in Canada. It looks a bit boring vs the late version and the version E48 version.

As a late Summicron R 50 owner, I basically agree with this description, but would rather have my late, made in Germany, E55 version that is accurately described above. Keep in mind, the latest optical formula of the R Summicron 50 came on the scene in 1979, model #11216. There has been no changes since, whether made in Germany or Canada. Even though, relatively slow at f/2.0, the quality at f/2.0 is completely usable and optimum performance starts at f/4.0. I think its a good match for the stopped down style of use on digital, aperture priority use, where for me it stays on f/2.0, as a "home" position.

Dec 13, 2008 at 06:09 PM

s23chang
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p.1 #16 · Leica Summicron 50/2

It's in the coating or the glass used

The newer ROM version is better for the Summicron 50 R.
The older E55 Canada version didn't have the Pop last the later made in Germany version.

As far as Summilux 50 goes, the latest is sharpest where the old is not as good as the Summicron 50.

Dec 13, 2008 at 09:43 PM

JimBuchanan
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p.1 #17 · Leica Summicron 50/2

So, your saying the later German made Summicron 50 had better/different coatings than the Canadian made Summicron?

Dec 13, 2008 at 10:05 PM

ayler
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p.1 #18 · Leica Summicron 50/2

wdEvA wrote:
thanks, i totally love the summicron, but i'm just wondering how much am I missing when using the E49 version instead of the E55.

ayler wrote:
I have a 2 cam 1st type, which I used to use quite a lot on my 5D and optically it's so much better than the Canon 50mm 1.4: barely any distortion, no CAs, micro-contrast to die for, built forever. That one and a Summicron 35mm f2 are the two best lenses I've ever had mounted on my 5D. Trouble is, they're slow to operate and difficult to focus (f2 doesn't help), so I used them mostly for tripod work. The 50mm Summicron is breathtaking in terms of resolution and a good option if you want to up-sample 5D files to around 18MP, since it offers so much detail when combined with the 5D's weak AA filter. AFAIC, the 5D's sensor 'sharpness' combined with the Summicrons' (35mm and 50mm) micro-contrast has meant that I bought a 13MP camera but was sold an 18MP camera instead. I haven't tested mine against flare resistance and the like, but in normal operation, it leaves nothing to be desired.

Yes, 1st type is E48. Frankly, I don't know how different the 2 versions are, but suspect that not much overall. Maybe flare resistance and a more consistently high MTF from open?

When u mean 1st type, do u mean the E48 version?

Dec 13, 2008 at 10:12 PM

s23chang
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p.1 #19 · Leica Summicron 50/2

JimBuchanan wrote:
So, your saying the later German made Summicron 50 had better/different coatings than the Canadian made Summicron?

Yes.

Dec 14, 2008 at 02:20 AM

Karokan
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p.1 #20 · Leica Summicron 50/2

anybody knows where to get the adapter for a 5D - is it the same for first type or second type?
thanks

Dec 22, 2008 at 06:53 PM

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