Abuttolph wrote:
The rendering is indeed very special and I am very drawn to it.
Just pick one up!
I have wanted a 50 Cron for a while I just can't see any instance where I would use it over my 50 LUX-
Which is funny because I own the 35 Lux and 35 Cron and can't find any use where I would use the 35 Lux over the 35 Cron I do love a 39mm front element though!
gammarART wrote:
And then there is the 50mm 2.2 Color Skopar… you really should take a look ✨
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el.mediocre wrote:
I had a 50mm Summicron v4 and the Skopar is the one I kept. Size, price, and renderings were all winners to me.
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shujert wrote:
Totally agree on the 50/2.2 Color Skopar recommendation. The v5 Summicron is often lauded for its handling, but I think the Color Skopar handles better. It's smaller, has a focusing tab, and its focus throw is buttery smooth (much, much better than the 50/1.5 II).
That said, if your heart is set on a Summicron, I think the v5 with the built-in hood is the one to have if you don't care about the focus tab. It's also easier to find a clean v5 since they're newer.
I actually had a 50mm color-skopar for a short period of time but now realize that I did not use it enough on my M bodies. When I went back a reviewed the images shot on my M11M, they are indeed lovely and I need to reconsider this lens - perhaps in addition to a Summicron 50 (why not?). I think that what caused me to decide to sell the lens was that I used it for a few days on a Sony body and missed focus on nearly every image that I shot with it, so I was frustrated. However, that was not an issue with the lens but with my own difficulty in manual focus on Sony (I find manual focus far easier on Leica).
For the Summicron, the V5 is indeed the one that I am considering. A focus tab is not a priority for me, but I do like the idea of the built-in hood.
Grenache wrote:
I can’t compare to v5, because I have only had v4, but mine has been a champ. It is easily my single most reliable lens for shooting landscape panos, because of its high degree of correction. I have not had issues with flare mentioned above, and I shoot a lot of landscapes. That said, I also have not really tried to shoot into the sun. I shoot Sony bodies but don’t have reason to believe flaring would be more prevalent on M bodies. The sun is behind a cloud in the foreground in this multi-shot pano and did not cause flare issues, for instance.
This is a lovely image. It seems that the issue of flare can be problematic under certain circumstances, but also can be largely avoided if a hood is used, but obviously not 100% of the time. It is really good to know that you have not had much of a problem with it. Thanks for posting your pano.
DenverSteve wrote:
There are 50mm Summicron-M lenses (vIV) with focus tab if that's part of your (OP) search. I've tested every series (v) of Summicron from ii through VI and they're all extremely close in output. After making sure there's no big dust, oil, haze, fungus in the lens - getting the best deal on a clean lens has always been my search criteria. Read this if you want to compare Leica 50mm lenses; https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/50mm-summicron-comparison-table.htm
Thanks for the link. There is a wealth of information there and I appreciate it. While I am not generally a fan of his, credit needs to be given where it is due.
I agree about lens condition and that is my top criteria as well. I see plenty of these being sold used that have issues, particularly with haze and fungus. There is also the question of whether the lens was purchased originally through an authorized dealer.
Desmolicious wrote:
I have the Cron V5, CV 50 2.2, CV 50 1.5II, Cron DR, Lux Asph etc
The Cron V5 is the most delightful lens to use from a handling/haptic sense. Focus throw is crazy smooth and just the right length - fast but not too fast. Size is perfect - small but not too small to make it awkward.
Handling is better than any of the other lenses - even the CV 2.2.
But the biggest flaw is that it flares/ghosts badly. Or goodly depending if you want flare! The CV 50 2.2. is much much better for that. And is a very sweet lens too. ...Show more →
These are the kinds of things that really make a difference in use. The enjoyment factor is important. I have used lenses in the past (although the specific ones don't come to mind right now) in which I loved the output but found them to be less than enjoyable to work with.
I have wanted a 50 Cron for a while I just can't see any instance where I would use it over my 50 LUX-
Which is funny because I own the 35 Lux and 35 Cron and can't find any use where I would use the 35 Lux over the 35 Cron I do love a 39mm front element though!
I am leaning strongly toward it and am keeping an eye out. So many other nice options too that are easier on the wallet, but I have to say that in reviewing images shot with various lenses, as well as the enjoyment factor, I would like to pull the trigger on one.
What you wrote made me smile. I have an APO-35 cron and it has been glued to my M11M. Having shot and own both the Nokton 50/1.2 (early version) and the Simera 50/1.4, I don't NEED the 50 cron, just want one, although there are certainly times when a smaller, lighter lens is nicer to carry around. I love the 35 so much that it really has me wanting the 50, even though I am looking at the non-APO 50 as from the images that I have been reviewing, the non-APO renders better in the 50mm focal length from my perspective.
Abuttolph wrote:
These are the kinds of things that really make a difference in use. The enjoyment factor is important. I have used lenses in the past (although the specific ones don't come to mind right now) in which I loved the output but found them to be less than enjoyable to work with.
It is a wonderful lens to use, and highly recommended. Just be aware of the flare especially when the sun is just outside frame. That’s when you get the hazy veiling flare. In frame you get that cool, distinct flare.
Desmolicious wrote:
It is a wonderful lens to use, and highly recommended. Just be aware of the flare especially when the sun is just outside frame. That’s when you get the hazy veiling flare. In frame you get that cool, distinct flare.
Exactly. I don’t get the veiling flare too often with my Summicron v4 but when I do the shots are usually unusable (to my taste at least). The other flare you describe can be interesting but in any event something I can live with.
The voigtlander color skopar has much better flare control and is an overall excellent lens which is why I initially bought it over the Summicron. But when I got my M11 a friend loaned me his Summicron for a second time and I just found myself using it and not the Voigtlander even though the color skopar is smaller, lighter, plenty sharp and a great choice. My friend wouldn’t sell me his excellent condition v4 even though he doesn’t shoot it anymore. But when I found a copy that looked like it had just rolled off the factory line I took the plunge. I will have to move the color skopar on as these two lenses are two similar to keep both. I had considered buying a Summilux and then the color skopar might have made sense to keep as a much lighter alternative. But I didn’t go that direction (although there are times I feel I should have).
ColginPhoto wrote:
Exactly. I don’t get the veiling flare too often with my Summicron v4 but when I do the shots are usually unusable (to my taste at least). The other flare you describe can be interesting but in any event something I can live with.
The voigtlander color skopar has much better flare control and is an overall excellent lens which is why I initially bought it over the Summicron. But when I got my M11 a friend loaned me his Summicron for a second time and I just found myself using it and not the Voigtlander even though the color skopar is smaller, lighter, plenty sharp and a great choice. My friend wouldn’t sell me his excellent condition v4 even though he doesn’t shoot it anymore. But when I found a copy that looked like it had just rolled off the factory line I took the plunge. I will have to move the color skopar on as these two lenses are two similar to keep both. I had considered buying a Summilux and then the color skopar might have made sense to keep as a much lighter alternative. But I didn’t go that direction (although there are times I feel I should have). ...Show more →
I have the Summilux Asph, and the Cron is much more pleasant to use. The Lux also is terrible against flare.
Desmolicious wrote:
I have the Summilux Asph, and the Cron is much more pleasant to use. The Lux also is terrible against flare.
Good to know. I still think the Lux is in my future someday. But probably not for a while until I can afford to have both.
The ‘cron is so pleasant for a walk around lens and not sure I want heavier for everyday use. As it is I had to get used to it being bigger and heavier than the Voigtlander - a real joy in size and weight- and not sure I would want bigger in an M camera.
I do love a 39mm front element though!
