Leicaflex and summicron

Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
383
Format
Analog
I was just given a black Leicaflex + 50mm Summicron and other lenses of various lengths. Is the summicron the same as the M summicrons? Can I expect the same quality? Excuse me if a dumb question Why are M Leicas so much more revered than Leica slrs?
 

df cardwell

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
3,357
Location
Dearborn,Mic
Format
Multi Format
Have fun with your camera. Simplify your technique, shoot your life, and make pictures.
Show them.
Your Leicaflex will support you wherever you go.

Your camera is more than sufficient to do everything you will want to do, wonderfully well.
 

Rol_Lei Nut

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
1,108
Location
Hamburg
Format
Multi Format
I assume you have the so-called Leicaflex I (with the non-TTL meter and the clear-apart-from-centre-spot focussing screen), rather than a SL or a SL2.

R lenses are just as good or even better than M lenses (generally speaking).
Both lines of lenses have several "generations", each with slightly different charactersitics.
The M wide-angles have a natural advantage as far as distortion control is concerned (along with a natural disadvatange for vignetting). Not that in most cases either line is seriously affected by either.

I'm not sure about the 50mm Summicron, however the 90mm ones are the same and the 35mm ones are not.
As far as my 35mm Summicrons are concerned, I actually find my R one (type 3) much better than my M one (type 4).

R lenses suffered from poor marketing, high prices and being overshadowed by the "M myth". Quality-wise, they are absolutely first rate (with the usual model by model caveats).
 
OP
OP
Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
383
Format
Analog
Thanks all, it's an early Black Leicaflex Standard from the first batch made in 1963, the Summicron lens is gorgeous and from 1966. I am looking forward to using it a lot
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…