p.1 #1 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
I read somewhere a while ago that the Leica Summicron-R 50mm F/2 RII (E-55) is sharper and a good improvement over the RI version, but I can't seem to find that article to back it up.
I have the RI version and it's a pretty good lens, but someone is selling the RII lens and it's a lot newer than the RI I have. In fact, the R1 and I celebrate the same birthday (at least the year of production) and I'm no spring chicken! The lens I have is nearly perfect for a 51 year old lens, but it was my first Leica lens and I've only been getting E-55 lenses since then.
Does anyone have any knowledge about the two 50mm Summicron-R's? Is it noticeably better to get an E-55 version and sell the RI? How about the famous Leica glow with one vs. the other?
Just so you know, I'm using it with an adapter to work on both Canon and Sony cameras.
Thanks.
Bill
p.1 #2 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
The RII has more even performance across the frame and retains stronger contrast in heavily backlit situations. The SA is a bit better corrected over its predecessor, but there's still plenty wide open for that golden-hazed golden hour shot. In subjective measurements, I'd say it's the noticeably superior lens, even with small size presentation.
p.1 #3 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
freaklikeme wrote:
The RII has more even performance across the frame and retains stronger contrast in heavily backlit situations. The SA is a bit better corrected over its predecessor, but there's still plenty wide open for that golden-hazed golden hour shot. In subjective measurements, I'd say it's the noticeably superior lens, even with small size presentation.
Thanks - that says a lot! I'm wondering what kind of lens hood does it have in comparison to the RI? I hate the R1 lens hood because if you don't attach it every time to the lens, it's very difficult to focus and use. I have both the 28mm Elmarit and a 90mm Summicron, both E-55 and both have different lens hoods that don't come off and don't have to be expanded to focus the lens. So much better than the older 50mm!
Also, the 50mm Summicron R1 has a ring that you have to use to attach a filter like a UV, and no one makes the filters anymore, which is a drag. The other two, the 28mm and the 90mm have regular standard sized grooves for a regular filter like a UV or Polarizer. What does the 50mm Sumicron RII/E-55 have? Do you know what size filter it takes?
p.1 #4 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
billsamuels wrote:
Thanks - that says a lot! I'm wondering what kind of lens hood does it have in comparison to the RI? I hate the R1 lens hood because if you don't attach it every time to the lens, it's very difficult to focus and use. I have both the 28mm Elmarit and a 90mm Summicron, both E-55 and both have different lens hoods that don't come off and don't have to be expanded to focus the lens. So much better than the older 50mm!
Also, the 50mm Summicron R1 has a ring that you have to use to attach a filter like a UV, and no one makes the filters anymore, which is a drag. The other two, the 28mm and the 90mm have regular standard sized grooves for a regular filter like a UV or Polarizer. What does the 50mm Sumicron RII/E-55 have? Do you know what size filter it takes?
p.1 #6 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
You'll like that E55, Bill. A beautifully balanced lens to use, high quality in every way. Excellent color/contrast, a fine all rounder, great people lens. About the best value of 50mm lenses around, IMO.
p.1 #7 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
Bill, the 'E' is the filter thread size so E55 is 55x0.75 (standard 55mm filter). E60 is 60x0.75 etc. Its become the identifying feature of certain leica lenses but it's still only the filter size.
p.1 #9 · Leitax/Leica R Summicron 50/2 RII (E55) VS. Leica-R 50mm Summicron R1
Looks like the page is now missing the 50 R info - sorry for the confusion. I took some shots of his assessment of the lenses in his Leica Lens Compendium book. Send me a PM with your email and I can send the copies if you’re interested.
