Would someone please describe the differences, if any, between the current Summicron 50 and the previous version, other than the built-in lens hood and no focusing tab. Thanks.

-- Ben Lieb (benlieb@mailcity.com), May 07, 2002

Answers

They have the same optical construction. But if you insist: different barrels, filter size, fonts (for some of them), place of manufacture (also for some), price, weight, finish (the current model had been made in chrome), mount (the current model had been made in LTM.) Other people can fill in the rest that I can't recall...

-- Andrew (mazurka@rocketmail.com), May 07, 2002.

There is no detectible difference between the tabbed 11819 and the pull-out-hood 11819 other than the tab and the hood. BTW the filter size is the same for every Leica 50/2 M lens: E39. It is the current/previous versions of the 50 Lux (E46/E43) and Noctilux (E58/E60) that changed.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 07, 2002.

the price.

-- Phillip (pp12302@nospamyahoo.com), May 07, 2002.

The ergonomics are really quite different. I have used both, and found the tabbed version to be quicker to focus for fast shooting, but the current version to be more accurate. It has a longer throw on the focusing. I get noticeably more f2.0 keepers with the current lens(of shots taken in the 3 to 10 feet zone), than I did with the tabbed version. I wish my 90 Emarit had the same silky smooth focus feel of the current 50.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), May 07, 2002.

Thanks everyone for your input!

-- Ben Lieb (benlieb@mailcity.com), May 07, 2002.

The tabbed 50 'cron lens with the seperate hood is 11819. The current 50 'cron lens without the tab and with the built-in hood is 11826.

-- Bob (robljones@attbi.com), May 07, 2002.

I believe that a benefit of the older 50mm Summicron is that it uses the older polarizer, which is a lot easier to use than the current one. I am sure that someone can correct me if I am wrong about the tabbed 50mm Summicron having the "ridge" that helps hold the earlier polarizer onto the lens.

-- Jim Lennon (jim@jmlennon.com), May 07, 2002.