Leitz Summicron or Leica Summicron 50mm f/2

Trying to answer a very complex question in a sentence.

"Leitz" changed their name to "Leica" a number of years ago, so the newer 50/2 lenses will be "LEICA". But in their former corporate name of Leitz, they produced numerous versions of the famous 50/2 (four versions, I think). All have a slightly different signature, and you can research those stories for months.

The modern "LEICA" 50/2 is the top of the design, optically and mechanically.

But the previous "Leitz" version are just as stellar and loved by their owners, each with their own signature.

Key for you might be to find the best sample as you can, in regards to cleanliness and lack of dust, cleaning marks and other flaws from previous owners. Then discover its signature, and then if you want to try a different version, move on to it.

If you want to read about all the variants, I suggest here - Put's papers: http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/lenses/page86.html

You can't go wrong with a clean example of either.

Leica 50mm Summicrons were made in 4 versions, a collapsible, a dual range closer focusing and a rigid which are the same optical formula which were produced concurrently, focusing mounts differ, and the basic formula was changed slightly close to the beginning, there was a 3 rd version made from 1969 to 1979, and finally the current first sold in 1979. The current was first furnished with a focus finger rest and later without.

In general, as they went from one to another, the contrast increased and the circle of sharp definition at 2 and 2.8 expanded. The last version is very sharp acrosss the full frame wide open and fairly contrasty, too much for some. Others like it. Others like the older less contrasty lenses.

The third version has a good balance of characteristics.

Anything with the Leitz name was an an earlier version than something that says Leica. A Leica is most probably the very last version.

A picture would help with more exact identification.

In the end you really need to see some pics to decide what you like as it is very difficult to describe.

Also in general the mechanical construction was better with old lenses, the optics are better with new if you like sharp and contrasty

http://www.imx.nl/photo/optics/optics/page63.html

You will see why this can not be answered in a few sentences.

Ezra,

If you really want a special 50mm Summicron, try to get one of the very few Aspheric 50mm Summicrons that the factory let out, a while back.

Jerry

Wow, you guys are great. Thanks very much for the information and the quick responses! I've been spending some time doing research on the Tao of Leica and, while it sounds like there are differences and plenty of reasons to go with one over the other, the bottom line is no matter what's chosen I'm bound to be happy... especially with this being my first experience with a Leica. Now my only concern is ordering a lens online (unfortunately no local shops have any in stock) and making sure they're the real deal and in good shape.

Thanks again! Really appreciate the help.

If you're a shooter and not a fondler/collector get the Canadian one. I have one and it's a wonderful lens. Saves you a fistfull of dollars also.

I have a rigid Summicron made in 1959 and it's a brilliant performer. Newer ones will be contrastier. Older chrome ones like mine are heavier. Just get a good example and you will have a cracker outfit.

I had a older collapseable 50/2 summicron and it was a respectable performer for the 50's (which was when it was produced). I had a 50/2 Summicron DR (dual range) with spectacles which was better, but a little lacking in contrast. I have the current 50/2 Summicron and it is the best I've had from a sharpness standpoint and contrast too. I like it very much and as Leica lenses go, it's something of a bargain. The Chrome and the Black should have the same optical formula but the Chrome one is heavier. I have the chrome version because it goes well with my M2.

Good feedback, thanks! I found a Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 (serial 3931****) made in Germany around 2001 for $875 ... not chrome. It's in excellent shape (according to the seller/pictures), does that sound like a good deal? I've also spotted a Leitz Wetzlar Summicron 50mm f/2 (serial 2386****) made in Germany around 1970 for $500. It has a lens hood and looks pretty good too.

I do prefer something more contrasty, so I'm leaning towards the newer lens, but if you guys have any thoughts, I would appreciate hearing them.

Cheers!

If you'd like something more "crontrasty" but on a budget, get the 3rd version. It only comes in black with a thicker chrome rim at the lens base. This one gives a nice modern look and most importantly it matches your M6. Is the M6 black? Price should be around $450. No more than $500.

All previous gens produce image that's less contrasty than the modern leica's.

<<and most importantly it matches your M6.>> Yes. Silver lenses don't function on black bodies and vice versa. But then again, old lenses ARE still compatible with new cameras, even screwmount ones with an adaptor. Thirties combos mixed black and silver all the time. You won't go wrong with any of those choices, the 50 is a terrific lens... have fun!

Silver lenses don't function on black bodies? First I have heard of that.