Aperture rings click with mechanical precision, focus throw is smooth and perfectly weighted. Fit and finish is what we’d expect from a lens bearing the Leitz name. This lens performs better than the earlier single cam version due to improved optical coatings, but lacks the increased contrast and flatness found in the later Leitz Canada version.Īny and all versions of the Summicron R 50mm feel utterly fantastic in practical use. The version that I shoot is the earlier optical formula sporting the two cam mount, made contemporaneously with the Leicaflex SL2. It should be noted that none of this matters if you’re shooting with an adapter fitted to a mirror-less camera.
There’s also a Safari version (painted green) to match the Safari R3. This later lens was produced in various configurations to fit earlier Leicaflex and later SL and SL2 cameras, as well as the more modern R cam cameras. It also provided a built-in collapsible lens hood. The six elements in four groups construction provided higher contrast and improved flatness of field compared with the earlier lenses. At this time, the optical formula was updated and improved. In 1977, production of the Summicron R was shifted to Leitz Canada. Close focus distance is just twenty inches. Aperture increments actuate in single stops from f/2 to f/16.
Leitz wetzlar germany 518033 lens 160 series#
For later R series cameras, these lenses could also be supplied with the required three cam mounts.Īll three of these Summicron models were made in Wetzlar, with optical construction consisting of six elements in five groups. It remained in production until 1968, at which time a version with two metering cams was made to fit the new Leicaflex SL (and the subsequent SL2). This lens is differentiated by later lenses by its single cam mount. The original Leicaflex saw the first release of a Summicron 50mm in R mount.
Which is a shame, because I’ve been shooting the 50mm Summicron R for the past year and it’s a stunning performer in nearly every way. No surprise Leica shooters skew toward rangefinders, and sticker shock keeps kids looking for cheap legacy lenses from buying an R. Made to fit Leica’s R mount SLR cameras, Leitz R series lenses don’t enjoy the fanfare heaped on their M mount brethren.
0 kommentar(er)
