Is this similar to a Summar look?

[xxloverxx]

Bokeh aside, I mean. Straight scan from negative…http://twitpic.com/2fccpu
One of the many photos from my Europe trip.
Shot at f/2 (wide open). Never liked the softness of this lens until I saw this photo.

I'm thinking I have a slight rangefinder problem as it seems to be focused on the shirt shoulder even though I know I focused on the face.

Thoughts?

[alexnotalex]

Lovely portrait, you caught the moment.

Here's another Summar portrait, also at f2, sharp where I focussed, background s
tarting to swirl.


The Jupiters and FSU lenses have a different focussing register from the Leica standard... so the focussing is often out in non-FSU bodies even though it's perfect on FSU bodies - I got caught out with my Industar on a CanonP - and it would be the same problem for a Summar on a Zorki I guess. If you're using FSU+FSU your rangefinder might need adjusting

very best regards,

[hans voralberg]

Not much, Summar is more swirly BTW the J-8 if properly calibrated should be very very sharp

[Steve M.]

Yes, it looks like you need someone to shim your lens for your camera, and/or confirm your rangefinder is properly calibrated. I used to have a Summar and now have a J8 and they image totally differently. As Hans said, the J8 is a sharp lens (even wide open) if it's a good one, while the Summar images more like a classic Leica and generally needs to be stopped down unless you like that dreamy look. The shot Alex posted at F2 is not something I was ever to duplicate w/ a Summar, and usually I needed at least f4 to get a sharp image. He must have a really clean one.

[xxloverxx]

Thanks for all the comments

Great light & expression, Alex.

I had suspected from the beginning that something was wrong with the J8 — I didn't think it'd be that soft.
Nevermind, it's not really worth fixing now as a Fed 2 with an I26m is about to arrive.

On that subject, which Industar lens has the swirliest bokeh? I seem to have a slight obsession with swirly these days.
Would be nice to have a "normal", sharp lens, and a more dreamy one.

…Should I just get another Industar, scratch it up slightly, get some oil on it etc.? :P

[buzzardkid]

Summar at closest focus:


emerging from the vortex by buzzardkid, on Flickr

Shot with Leica III, Rolleipan 25, developed in Rodinal 1:100

[greyelm]

Here is a direct comparison, both wide open but on consecutive days.


Jupiter 8 (black)




Summitar



Summar

[alexnotalex]

wow grey you can really see the swirl.
I find that Summar blacks are very black and the greens are really intense, maybe it's the uncoated effect.
Thanks for your kind comments, I love the results from my Summar. Not bad for 1939 technology! I can be really sharp and precise too (see attached)


I don't think damaging or smearing a Jupiter will give the swirl effect, but it will probably give the out of focus look.

Loads more Summar pics on my Flickr, I really enjoy this lens.
Alex's Summar tag

[Oh Two]

I dearly love my Summitar, the 'modern' version of the Summar.
Somehow it's hard to believe that the birth of the modern lens was 70 years ago, and not just with Leitz.

While I am truly impressed with today's lenses, as a creative tool they are more different than better (well they are better, 5% better?).

I think that old lenses are like old musical instruments, and their value will increase greatly.

I no longer have GAS for new lenses, I collect only the old, and with modern aids like Photoshop and the negative color films I can be far more creative with them than the new glass. Their 'look' is the tonality of a fine old musical instrument indeed.

Keep shooting with your Summar!

[Melvin]

I find the Summar is very sharp in the middle but soft and vignettes toward the edges, giving a "spherical' look to the photo.

[greyelm]

I've edited my earlier post as I incorrectly posted a Summitar picture as a Summar picture, I have added the correct one.

[xxloverxx]

Thanks for all the photos and comments

Beautiful photos, and not just because of the lens

If it weren't way out of my budget, I'd get one…

[alexnotalex]

Save up a little, there are bargains out there, many people hate Summars and will go for Summitars or above.

Remember, the lens will last a lifetime.

Good luck!
Alex

[greyelm]

Originally Posted by xxloverxx

If it weren't way out of my budget, I'd get one…

Keep looking and you may get lucky. I scored my Summar a month ago on eBay for around £43 delivered. All it needed was a gentle clean up after unscrewing the front element.

[xxloverxx]

Originally Posted by greyelm

Keep looking and you may get lucky. I scored my Summar a month ago on eBay for around £43 delivered. All it needed was a gentle clean up after unscrewing the front element.

I'll certainly keep an eye on that then