If you can have one 50mm, which would you choose (all collapsible)

If you can have one 50mm, which would you choose (all collapsible)

  • Summicron

    Votes: 53 41.7%
  • Summitar

    Votes: 9 7.1%
  • Elmar

    Votes: 13 10.2%
  • Elmar M

    Votes: 29 22.8%
  • Heliar

    Votes: 14 11.0%
  • Other

    Votes: 9 7.1%

  • Total voters
    127
I used to shoot mainly with the 40mm/2.0 Summicron-C until I got the VC 50mm/2.0 Heliar. I used to shoot with the 50mm/2.8 Elmar-M, but I mainly shot it in color so can't comment the performance in B&W. They're both lovely lenses and the VC is well built.
 
I used to shoot mainly with the 40mm/2.0 Summicron-C until I got the VC 50mm/2.0 Heliar. I used to shoot with the 50mm/2.8 Elmar-M, but I mainly shot it in color so can't comment the performance in B&W. They're both lovely lenses and the VC is well built.

Between those three, how would you rank the size? I'm looking for a compact 50mm (or even 40mm) but I'm having difficulty tracking down all the different sizes. I would like something no larger than my Summaron. I'm not sure how those stack up (Elmar-M is probably the smallest).
 
The Heliar 50/2 or 50/3.5 are modern lenses with excellent sharpness and contrast. None of the vintage collapsible lenses have performance that comes even close to what a modern CV Heliar can produce, except the Elmar 50/2.8.
 
well I'm there...so my Vote goes to...drum roll
a Collapsible on my IIIC ...the 50 Summicron
just LOVE my Barnack & the cron !!!!!
 
well I'm there...so my Vote goes to...drum roll
a Collapsible on my IIIC ...the 50 Summicron
just LOVE my Barnack & the cron !!!!!

Helen: we all love you, but you are written about your love for some many different lenses over the years that I am reminded of that old song line "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you are with"
 
Hehehe, Yes Bob,
I suppose I have been Quite 'the Tart'
These last few years. :eek:

But I have finally settled down :angel:
to one Barnack with a 21 & 50
set and ready to push the Limits with this Humble/Hipster rig
A Modern 21 and a Retro 50

(Mind You, in the drawer safely tucked away is A 35 and an M4)
 
I started with a Cron latest pre-asph version, moved to a Lux asph, then returned to a Cron latest pre-asph version. For me, the Cron possesses the best set of characteristics, including rendering, size, ergonomics, speed, and price. (My preferred focal length, however, is 35mm.)
 
I started with a Cron latest pre-asph version, moved to a Lux asph, then returned to a Cron latest pre-asph version. For me, the Cron possesses the best set of characteristics, including rendering, size, ergonomics, speed, and price. (My preferred focal length, however, is 35mm.)

This thread is about collapsible lenses only.
 
MS Optical APOQual 50 3.5 Collapsible

MS Optical APOQual 50 3.5 Collapsible

Stunning images from wide open on, very flare resistant, great bokeh, very portable. Really, if I had to chose one lens to weld to the front of my M6 this would be it. And a case of Tri-X (or HP5).
 
Summitar.

Had the M39 Elmar (1953, I believe), and the Summitar (1949) and kept the Summitar. What a lovely lens. My version has coated glass (probably coated after production, I don't know) and with the higher number of aperture blades. Makes very portable and nice lens with beautiful rendering. I really like it.
 
Back
Top