Hello Folks: I have been reading a lot lately about the "feel" of the older Leica cameras, but little about the lenses. Were the older Leica lenses made any differently (aside from optical reformulations)when compared to the current lenses? Is there a certain "feel" to the older lenses versus the newer lenses? I have a few older lenses, two of which are the 35mm Summaron and a 50mm collapsible Summicron. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had experience with older and newer lenses and how they compare with each other. I am especially interested in how they are made (metal parts),not their optics. Thanks.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), March 31, 2002

Answers

As you already have some older lenses, I think you know.

Yes, the lenses have a "feel" that cannot be had outside Hassy, which I have, and Rollie, which I don't. I can't comment on others out there.

While the newer/new Al constructed ones may be considered "best in class" mechanically, the older brass ones may be equaled, but cannot be beat. And, its got nothing to do with heft or density of the chrome lenses.

MY OPINION ONLY, as always. No need to shout, but for recent experience.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

John, my 50mm collapsible Summicron has a little bit of play when locked into the extended position. Just a little bit of side-to-side wiggle. None of my non-collapsible 50's, or any other of my Leica lenses, have this. I don't know that this does any harm. The collapsible is still very sharp, just not as razor-sharp as other older Leica Lenses, like the 50mm DR Summicron. How much of this is due to play in the mount, and how much to a difference in the formula, I don't know. I could certainly say that my DR is better constructed than the collapsible. A more mechanically solid lens probably doesn't exist. From there forward, I'd say it depends on whether you like the feel of the deeply scalloped focusing ring, or the more finely milled type, like on the 1969-79 model, or the 50mm Lux just before the current edition. I rather like the milled ring better than the scalloped one, even though it's plainer looking. If you like the focus tab on the collapsible, and want a newer lens, the tabbed 50 Cron will bring you right up to the current formula. I actually like all these lenses in various ways, but I think the tabbed versions are the best to use.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), March 31, 2002.