50mm collapsable Summicron advise please

[kennethcooke]

I have just taken delivery of an M6 Classic today with a 35mm f2 Summicron-M asph and a Voigtlander 75mm 2.5 Heliar. I am now considering a 50mm and quite fancy a collapsable. As I now have the screw to bayonet adaptor with the Heliar I could consider an older Leica lens for my bank accounts sake. Any ideas please

[Brian Sweeney]

I would pick up one in M-Mount. You need an inspection period to look for haze, and heavy marks to the coating. A few light marks will not have much effect, especially when used with a shade. Haze will have an effect, and this lens -like most older lenses- are prone to it. "Condition is everything" on this lens, and prices vary for $70 to $500 depending on it. $300 should buy a top notch one, it did for me.

[Rob-F]

Collapsible Summicron is my favorite. Never disappoints me. I also have the 2.8 Elmar (not the current one). From f/4 and smaller it is quite good--and the contrast is very good--only just not as fast as the Summicron. There's also a collapsible Voigtlander 50--an f/3.5 if I recall. I don't know anything about the latter, but I imagine it's a fine lens.

[payasam]

If you want a different "look" from your 35 and your 75, you might consider a Summitar.

[Laforet]

Mine is a bit hazed up, but I like it for pushing TX to ASA1600 in HC-110 when the contrast with a normal lens would be way too high. I have a 50mm lenses on SLR for generic photos....

[Mario Mazariegos]

Hello, I have the collapsible and I absolutely love it, it has a distinct look to it that makes it very appealing if you want a classic rendering lens. Mine was re coated by John Van Stelten in colorado and he did an outstanding job by the way. Go for a nice one and you will not regret it! Have fun shooting.

[Vics]

I have a collapsible and an Dual range.
Here's one of each.
VS

[David Murphy]

I own a 50mm F2 Summicron Collapsible (in M) and I am deeply impressed with it's performance - simply stunning! All the more amazing since this is late 1950's optical technology. It's the real deal. You can't go wrong with this lens if you want a genuine Leica prime at a reasonable (for Leica) price.

I paid about $325 for mine and it's in very good condition.