View Full Version : Summar Saga Continues ($25 wonder lens)
Em-bolded by my recently acquired camera repair skills. I purchased a long neglected Summar lens at a camera show. It's main issue was some serious funk, haze, fungus, dry rot, etc. Since I had no clue as to how to proceed I asked for some RFF help. (Here, with pictures www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20573&highlight=summar) Walker and some other members offered their advise. It was frustrating, I kept putting it away, starting again. Six weeks later I finally (at 3:30AM this morning) I put it all back together and shot a roll. The point is this never would have happened without the help of fellow members willing to share their advise and skill. So thanks' Walker, Joseph, Kim and et all. Oh tea Jorge to for providing the medium. Here's what I got from this uncoated 70 some year old lens.
That's a mighty fine lens you have there for only $25. I especially like how it handles the highlights..
They look like '30s shots!! A lot of character in that one.
Is that your Morris Minor?
They look like '30s shots!! A lot of character in that one.
Is that your Morris Minor?
No I wish it was. I had one when I was 18, it would only go about 60 mph, add a passenger and it topped out at 55-mph. But no one I knew was in a hurry.
What is interesting is that a lens that was in such sad shape can still produce an interesting photo after a little cleaning. Jim
I love my Summar. But, I had to pay $56 for mine!!
John Shriver
06-23-2006, 18:22
Glad to have been of help.
That's a darn sight better than my first try at a Summar ($32), which was irrepairabily ruined. (Can you say epoxy?)
The second one ($111) needed routine cleaning, and new black paint, but all the glass is perfect. Perhaps a little more contrasty than yours, but never a high contrast lens. It can get rather "dead" when you mix it with Portra 160NC film. A beloved travel lens on my IIIa.
I though that a Summar goes for $175 these days.
I though that a Summar goes for $175 these days.
Depends on condition I guess. Some people want perfect gear, I just want to take a decent photo. Sometimes that soft look can work with the right subject.
wow. now i would be dissapointed if i got a summar that didnt give those kind of results. saw one for 100USD in a paen shop. aparent reason for the cheap price(pawnshop price) is because thebarrel has ben re chromed. bad sign?
Lovely shots gentlemen... and a nice look to the Summar too.
Nice one Jim, it looks like you've got a keeper! The Summar is one of my favourite lenses.
Cheers,
kf
nIce one. You are lucky to have one - I am having toruble finding one in reasonable condition and would love one
Nice photos all around, JimG and jkelly! Just gotta love that Morris, always wanted one. No, I don't need another lens, no I don't need... :D
dammit -- now see what you've done --- I've had to go out and scour ebay for a summar --- picked one up for $60 --- waiting on it to arrive
will post pics
Memphis, It would be pretty hard for any LTM fan to pass up a Summar for $60! If you get a chance to try out the Summitar's you might like them as well. I have one at DAG I'm waiting to get back. JImG
Is that elmar a 9cm? You gotta have a 9cm to Memphis! JimG
I have an Elpik filter that works with the Elmar 3.5 & 5cm it's a 19mm filter that mounts in front of front element. I'm saving it for when I can afford a 2.8 Elmar. I also have a Leitz lens hood that fits all Elmar and Hektor lenses from 5 to 13.5 cm.
Nice Memphis. I had not seen lowlight color shots with the Summar until now. Very 'classic' look. JimG
John Shriver
07-14-2006, 14:41
Ooh my, that one does have a little haze, doesn't it... Lovely in it's own way. My clean one has rather less "glow" than that...
Ronald M
07-26-2006, 07:27
Better clean the haze out unless you like it that way. I like photos some photos soft, but I like to do it by choice.
Summar low light color shot
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