The Great Things From 1938: Leica IIIa and 5cm Summar

[burninfilm]

Hello All!
For nearly two years I've been shooting with a IIIa and Summar (both produced in the 1938), and despite my low expectations from the lens, I have been delighted with the results. I intended for this kit to replace a nice IIIa and 1942 production coated Summitar I had earlier, however I had some misgivings about getting a Summar instead of another nice Summitar. Still, I couldn't pass on the IIIa and Summar I now have as the price was decent, and it was difficult finding another good example of a Summitar to match the one I had. All of my misgivings were soon to be set aside after using the Summar, as the results from the lens had a life all their own. Sure, it's not the sharpest. Sure, the contrast it fairly low. And yes, sure, it flares easily. Still, it's a lens you have to use to appreciate. It's a lens that'll provide all the "glow" you could want. I usually try to avoid all the emotional, artistic hype and references to "dream-like" qualities the lens produces, but the Summar does project a unique atmosphere into the negative. I like this lens... plain and simple. Is it better than a Summitar? Better than a Summicron? Some would say "yes." Myself? I say "who cares."

The Great Things From 1938: Leica IIIa and 5cm Summar


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Dads2_copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/VillageInn5copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/VillageInn2copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Douglass5copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Douglass13copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/ChurchPlay2copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/ChuchPlay1copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Keith8_copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Keith3_copy.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/BurninFilmzd/Leitz%20Summar/Keith19_copy.jpg


In the end, shoot what you like, who gives a damn what lens is better!

[Ducky]

Nice pix. Reassuring as I just got a iiiA and Summar 50/2 myself. Waiting for some bw film from freestyle. I'll post when I have some results.

[wlewisiii]

I've been thinking bad thoughts (at least as far as my wallet is concerned :bang: ) about a IIIc & a Summar. You're not helping ;)

Nice work. The kid in the high chair and the top concert shots are quite nice to my eye. Especially the kid - he looks like he's thinking about how to shove that sippy cup up your nose :D <LOL>

William

[Luddite Frank]

I too have been impressed with my Summar, on a black III.

Love the "glow" / bokeh when shooting indoors in low light. Great for an "intimate" feeling for portaits.

The first shot of the dog is outstanding, IMHO. ( Love the pose and bits of grass caught in the fur!)

Thanks for sharing !

Luddite Frank

[joncapozzi]

If anyone is looking for a IIIc and a Summar PM me.

[CLE-RF]

If anyone is looking for a IIIc and a Summar PM me.

Gosh,

your first post is about selling RF gear instead of reading up or buying, are you sure?:p

Welcome to the forum!

[wlewisiii]

Well, he has been a member for 6 months, at least. If I weren't broke, I'd probably PM him out of curiosity.

William

[Zathros]

To the OP,

Thanks for posting. That old rig certainly delivers the goods in your hands!!! The pictures are what counts, period! I get so bored with all the wankers who obsess over the differences between version 1 or 29 or whatever of a lens, and who totally lack the ability to produce a decent photograph. I have just as much fun with my Yashica Lynx as I do with my IIIf and its lenses. I find that I am not as productive photographically if I just sit around and obsess over the "perfect lens".

As you so wisely said;
"In the end, shoot what you like, who gives a damn what lens is better!"
RFF user burninfilm