Old Versus New: a lens dilemma

SolaresLarrave · 10-23-2003

To all Leica users, from a new Leicaphile, a dilemma.

You have purchased a Summicron lens, whose serial number reveals the lens is from 1956 (first generation or design). It doesn't make your brand new body look to spiffy, but it does the job and does it well.

Suddenly, you learn that by selling the lens you can get a new generation current design Summicron for a nice price... which will make your camera look a bit more like the Leicas in the ads (which, along with other factors, was one reason to buy it; yes, a bit shallow but at least very honest).

Of course, that's my case. What would you do? Go with the new? Stick with the old? I'm still at the point in which I can pull out of the deal...

oftheherd · 10-23-2003

Francisco - IMHO the real question should be which is the better lens. If it is the newer one, and you can afford it, why not? If it is the older one, be the ultimate snop and keep it. The ultimate snob being the one when questioned says, "Of course I still use the older lens. I got mine to take photographs with. What is yours for?"

back alley · 10-23-2003

which one is better?
is there a significant difference in the picture quality between the 2?
that would be the answer for me.

joe

SolaresLarrave · 10-23-2003

Well, Erwin Puts solved the puzzle for me.

In his section regarding old and new Summicrons, he writes that there's no significant difference between a Summicron DR and a rigid one, but there are some between the collapsible and the rigid (both the DR and non-DR). However, the range of sharpness in the newer Summicrons outdoes the rigid and the DR lenses.

Hence, I'll get myself in some amount of debt, not only for a cool looking camera but also for a better lens.

Thanks for posing a question that made me think! I'll pack my lens and will send it next week! FWIW, there's a "sale" at KB Camera. The Summicron of new coinage, which usually goes a bit beyond a grand, is now down to a reasonable figure below a grand. And they'll take my old 'Cron for $400! There I go. I'll face my credit card bill later.

Doug · 10-23-2003

Go for it Francisco! :-)

I've been wondering the same thing about my 35 Summicron, a first version from1967 prized by some for its special "look". But a newer one could be "better" especially wide open. Or I could compromize with a 35mm Ultron...

Doug

kajabbi · 10-24-2003

I have both the DR Summicron and the newest version(though it the one WITHOUT the collapsible hood). There is no question that the new version has much better contrast wide open with sharper edges in the corners. Beyond 2.8 however, I defy anyone to tell the difference in slides or prints up to 16X20. There is more apt to be technique problems with the user before any substantial difference in resolution is observed. In my opinion, for everyday usage, the newer model, with its focusing tab, is faster and easier to use.

SolaresLarrave · 10-24-2003

In case you need it, Joe, remember this name: www.KBCamera.com. If you e-mail them, Richard Oesterling will reply. He's pretty reasonable and plenty helpful! Needless to say, they sing his praises at the Leica forum in photo.net.

Now... time to pack my lens! I'll see to send it to them this afternoon! Richard offered $400 for it. It's in writing, and it also means he'll probably sell it at a profit too...