Summicron 50mm F2 Serial Numbers

15-09-2021
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Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Summicron r 50mm f2. Serial number: 2389640 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Leica M 50/2 Dual Range Summicron. Unlike most Leica rangefinder 50mm lenses, the lens head of the Dual Range unscrews for use for close-ups on the Leica Visoflex system. Some dual range lenses have the lens head serial numbers engraved on the inside of the focusing helical. The Summicron-M 50mm f/2 stands out due to both its compact and well-proven optical design, as well as its legendary focal length which can provide natural perspectives. Its fine picture quality extends all the way to the extreme corners of the image field, and outstanding contrast is achieved at all apertures. The earliest versions of the 50 mm f2 Summicron R use the same lens hood as the earliest 35mm f2.8 Elmarit R. I noticed these hoods on sale on.b@¥ for £40-50 plus carriage. I have been considering the purchase of a 50, especially for low light shots. The lenses I have (35-90-135) are all f2.8.

Leica M 50/2 Dual Range Summicron

The 50/2 Dual Range Summicron is one of the most interesting Leica M lenses with the closest rangefinder coupled focusing of any M lens. The removable 'eyes' provide parallax corrected viewing in the close focus range. The flat dovetail mounting base for the eyes gives the DR has a unique appearance among Leica lenses. A popular lens in the user market, many photogs consider the DR their sharpest lens. A 50 DR had the honor of having the highest resolution ever tested by the now sorely missed American photography magazine, Modern Photography, at over 100 lines per mm. Using it in the close up range can be confusing, and so the detailed explanation below. If you want to shoot closer than .7 meters with your M camera, the Dual Range Summicron remains your most convenient choice to this day.

The eyes must be removed before mounting or dismounting the lens. Left pic shows lens mounted without 'eyes' close up attachment in normal focusing range, from infinity to one meter. The eyes will not mount in normal focusing range because the interlocking dovetail mount ball bearing can only be depressed in the close focusing range. Right pic shows close-up of the eyes dovetail mount with the ball bearing.

The classic chrome front caps are easy to lose, as well as dent or scratch. Use a modern plastic front cap in the field. Notice the eyes, there is some separation on the larger side, but it is still very usable.

2nd Version Dual Range Summicron with simpler Leitz logo on eyes and original vintage front lens cap

Leica Summicron 50mm F2 Reviews

To use Close-up Focusing Range:

  1. Mount the lens ( lens will not mount if eyes are attached)

  2. Pull the focusing barrel AWAY from the camera body (barrel will pull outward about 3 mm)

  3. In this extended position, rotate the focusing barrel towards the camera's advance lever

  4. The square block of metal aligned with the focusing index mark in the pic above right, will lock in position at the 8 depth of field marking

  5. You can now mount the eyes, because in this position the base of the eyes will depress the ball bearing in the lens barrel, allowing the eyes to mount

  6. To dismount the eyes, you must return the lens barrel to the same position as when the eyes were mounted

  7. With the eyes removed, you will now be able to dismount the lens

  8. The lens barrel will remained locked until you once again pull the focusing barrel outward and rotate the barrel back to the normal focusing position

The 50/2 Dual Range Summicron was made from 1956 to 1968, only in chrome.

The pics don't adequately show the magnificent fit and finish of the Dual Range. A modern 50/2 Summicron is probably sharper, but side by side, there is no contest on which one is the better made. Until you hold them side by side in your hands, you won't fully appreciate the construction differences of the classic 50's and 60's lenses compared to modern lenses. For Visoflex fans, the focusing head of the DR will unscrew for bellows close up work.

Compatibility: Leica has confirmed that the DR will not mount on all M6, due to internal changes of the film chamber. Try the DR on your M6 before you buy it, if possible. While the DR will mount on the Leica CL, Minolta CLE, the close-up attachment will not line up properly to these camera's viewfinders in the close focusing range. At least some DR's will fit and work fine on the Konica Hexar RF, with its near copy of the Leica M RF/VF. This is the only non Leica M camera that I know of which will allow the DR to work in the close-up focusing range. The DR will NOT mount on any digital Leica M8/8.2/9/10 that I have tried. Something about the lens mount is not the same as most Leica M lenses.

Unlike most Leica rangefinder 50mm lenses, the lens head of the Dual Range unscrews for use for close-ups on the Leica Visoflex system.

This is the first version with E. Leitz enlarger condenser logo on the close up eyes.

Earlier DR's have a single feet or meter focusing scale, and clip on eyes with the E. Leitz enlarger condenser logo, as shown on the top photo of this page, and focus to 19.' Later DR's have a dual feet and meter focusing scale, with a simpler Leitz logo, and focus to 20.' The optics in both versions are generally believed to be identical. There may well be other variations as well. As pointed out to me by Leica expert Marvin Moss, the ball bearing mount on the earlier lenses is larger than on the later lenses. This results in the earlier close up attachment with the Leitz condenser logo fitting on later lenses, but not vice versa.

Summicron 50mm F2 Serial Numbers Diagram

Some dual range lenses have the lens head serial numbers engraved on the inside of the focusing helical

If you plan to buy a Dual Range, there are a few things to look for: The DR's soft lens coating scratches easily. The Leica glass of the period often gains a bit of haziness with the years. Shine a light through the lens from both ends. If fogged, the lens should be disassembled and cleaned by your Leica repairman. If you find a lot of scratches, don't buy it since recoating is expensive and takes a true expert. DR's often are sold without the close up attachment eyes. If your focusing helical has a serial number engraved, make sure it matches the serial number of the lens head. Finding the correct eyes for sale may take a lot of looking. Remember the 1st and 2nd versions don't mount the same eyes. Separation in the eyes is not that unusual, but seldom is the viewing affected, and of course there is no effect on the pictures- but it lowers value of the eyes by 50%. A nice little leather case was made for the eyes, and is hard to find only if you are looking for it. The DR takes standard Leica 39mm filters. My favorite DR hood is the versatile multi-purpose vented hood # 12585, which also thankfully fits the pre-ASPH 35/2 Summicron, the 35/3.5 and 35/2.8 Summaron, the 50/2 Summicron, the 50/2.8 Elmar (classic version), 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, 90/2.8 Elmarit, 90/4 Elmar, 135/4 Elmar and 135/4.5 Hektor. The proper vintage front cap is beautifully finished chrome with an embossed Leica script. Unfortunately the pretty classic chrome caps are easy to lose, so I suggest using a modern plastic front cap in the field.

1st version Dual Range mounted on a double stroke Leica M3

Today the 50/2 Dual Range Summicron remains unique in the Leica M system, a favorite of users and collectors alike.

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Revised: June 12, 2012 . Copyright © 1998-2012 Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved. This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.

Summicron 50mm f2 serial numbers lookup

Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron-M Lens

By Chuck Hawks

Summicron 50 f2
Summicron 50mm f2 serial numbers doreen
Illustration courtesy of Leica Camera AG.

The Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron lens was introduced for Leicathread mount cameras in 1953. When the first Leica M-series camera, the M3, wasintroduced in 1954, it was accompanied by the 50mm f/2 Summicron in M bayonetmount form. The first generation 50mm f/2's optical formula was a modifiedGauss design using seven elements in six groups; the fifth group being thecemented pair. It was produced with a telescoping lens barrel that allowed thelens to be collapsed for carrying, a popular feature of thread mount Leica lenses.

By 1957 the collapsible Summicron was discontinued in favor of fixed mount 50mm f/2 Summicron-M, which had been introduced in1956. The optical formula remained exactly the same and this second generation50mm f/2 Summicron was produced until 1968. Both the collapsible and rigidearly Summicrons were built with chrome plated brass lens barrels. The rigidversion weighed 285 grams, or 10 ounces. Exceptionally good aberrationcorrection, minimal vignetting, high contrast and excellent center resolution became hallmarks of Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron lenses. Peakperformance was reached by f/4.0. The 50mm f/2 Summicron quickly became renownedfor its performance and through its successive design updates it has remained thelens by which all 'standard' lenses for 35mm cameras are judged to this day.

The third generation 50mm f/2 Summicron-M, introduced in 1969, remained amodified Gauss design, but included significant improvements. Lightweight,compact M-series lenses have always been a priority and the new design madestrides in that area. By taking advantage of new optical glasses, the number ofelements was reduced to six in five groups, with the second group being thecemented pair. The lens barrel was machined from black anodized aluminum, whichin conjunction with the reduced number of glass elements, allowed the new lensto weigh 260 grams, 25 grams lighter than the previous version.

In 1979 the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M was again updated, thistime using computer assisted lens design, which was a technology pioneered byLeica. This fourth generation modified Gauss design uses six elements in four groups, with thesecond and third groups being cemented pairs. It weighs 65 grams less than its predecessor. This is the 50mm f/2.0Summicron-M version still offered today. Leica calls it, 'A venerable standard at the top of its form.' They go on to state:

Leica Summicron R 50mm F2 Serial Numbers

'The tried and well-proven optical design of this lensprovides for a perfection of picture quality extending all the way to theextreme corners of the image field even at full aperture, as well asoutstanding contrast throughout, at all apertures, even at close distances.Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 brings only a minimal increase in contrast.Distortion is extremely low and practically invisible. Its well-balanced designmakes this ideal standard lens an outstanding choice in terms of all criteria,including image quality, speed, size, weight and price.'

I am a fan of standard focal length lenses, because theydeliver a natural perspective for landscapes, as well as for full length pictures of people orgroups of people. The 50mm Summicron-M's diagonal field of view is 47-degrees. I concur with Leica'sstatement that the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M delivers excellent 'image quality,speed, size, weight and price.' It is a perfect balance of thesequalities, equally suitable for Leica M 35mm film cameras or the full frame M9 digital camera.

Over the years, I have used and tested many fine standard lenses, including the40mm f/2 Summicron-C, 50mm f/2.8 Elmar, 50mm f/2 Summicron-R, 50mm f/2 AI Nikkor, 50mm f/1.8 AFNikkor, 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD, 55mm f/2 SMC Takunar and 58mm f/1.4 Rokkor, among others. However,my all time favorite is the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M. (Before you ask, I havenot used the new 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH, said to be the finest standardlens ever made. Of course, with a 2012 MSRP of $7195, it is much more expensivethan the standard 50mm Summicron-M, which is why both 50mm Summicron-M lensesare offered by Leica.)

Physically, the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M is one of the smallestand lightest of the current M system lenses. Its knurled aluminum focusing ringturns very smoothly and there is a fingertip focusing lever on the underside ofthe barrel that allows one finger focusing. The focusing helicoid is machined from brass. The rotation from stop to stop (0.7 meter to infinity) is onlyabout one-third of a turn, making the lens fast to focus. The aperture ring has positive click stops at full and half f/stops and can be set between clicks, ifdesired. The front of the lens barrel is threaded to accept 39mm filters (E 39). The four-lug Leica M bayonet requires an exceptionallyshort clockwise rotation (looking at the front of the camera) to attach the lens.

The external finish is a deep, satin black. The f/numbers are engravedand filled with white paint, as is the depth of field scale and the metricdistance numbers. The distance numbers in feet are filled with dark yellowpaint, as is the focal length marking.

The latest production variant of the fourth generation 50mm Summicron-M differs subtly from its immediate predecessor by the inclusion of a built-in, telescopic lens hood. The previous version was supplied with a lenshood that clipped onto the front of the lens. The lens cap fits over the reversed lens hood for carrying or storage.

Sophisticated, index matched multi-coatings and carefulattention to detail, such as blackened lens edges and extensive internal lightbaffling, help prevent internal reflections and flare. As with all Leica Mlenses, the 50mm Summicron-M is hand made in Germany using the highest quality materialsand 100% quality controlled at every stage of manufacture.

Specifications

  • Actual focal length: 52.3 mm
  • Angle of view (degrees): 47 diagonal, 40 horizontal, 27 vertical
  • Number of elements: 6 in 4 groups
  • Focusing distance: 0.7 meters to infinity
  • Distance scale: combined meters and feet
  • Smallest object field: 277mm x 416mm
  • Highest reproduction ratio: 1:11.5
  • Diaphragm: Manual setting with click stops at full and half stop increments
  • Diaphragm range: f/2.0 - f/16
  • Mount: Leica M-bayonet
  • Filter thread: E 39 (39mm diameter)
  • Lens hood: Built-in, telescopic
  • Length: 43.5mm
  • Max. diameter: 53mm
  • Weight: 8.5 oz. as tested w/hood, Leica UV filter and lens caps
  • 2012 retail price: $2295

For this review, I tested the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M on an M9digital camera body. I have also used this lens extensively on my M6 35mm filmcamera with equally satisfactory results.

Leica 50mm F2

You don't need a lot of fancy test equipment to see how good this lens is. Subjects are rendered with razor sharpness. Focused point sources of light photographed at night are rendered as points, even at the edge of the field. Colors are exceptionally clean and accurate with subtle shadings. Color rendition is so good that this lens has long been considered a reference against which other lenses are judged.

Leica 50mm Summicron Review

Flare is extremely well controlled, as are all aberrations. Distortion is at the vanishing point, perhaps a maximum of 0.2% and completely invisible to the human eye. Vignetting is minimal, with a maximum light loss of only 5.6% at the edge of the frame. There is only a modest improvement, mostly at the edges, when the lens is stopped down from f/2.0 to f/4.0, its optimum aperture, and no perceptible improvement at smaller f/stops. (Ofcourse, the depth of field continues to increase as the lens is stopped down.) Contrast and resolution are excellent across the entire field of view and particularly outstanding at the center. Small picture details are clearly resolved.

To summarize, the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M is capable oftaking superb quality, highly detailed photographs, providing the photographerdoes his or her part. A technical data PDF file for this lens showing MTFgraphs, distortion graphs, depth of field scales and so forth is available onthe Leica USA website: http://us.leica-camera.com/

50mm Summicron F 2

No matter how good the lens, for critically sharp photos itis always wise to use a tripod or other steady camera support. When testing orcomparing lenses it is absolutely necessary. Unlike SLR cameras, Leica M camerabodies don't have a vibration-causing moving mirror mechanism and this allowsthem to take sharper pictures than SLR's. This lack of vibration, when coupledwith proper photographic technique, helps explain why Leica M cameras andlenses consistently outperform the competition. The 50mm f/2 Summicron-M lensis so good that only the most technically capable photographers can explore itsfull capability. However, anyone can see that it takes great pictures.