[Planar Type 50s] Deciding between the Cron, Planar and Hexanon

[The Dry Box]

Instead of the Sonnar, I had gotten myself a Heliar 50/3.5. Alas there are some changes with my schedules and I will have lesser time shooting during the day, hence I shall be letting it go for a faster planar type lens. I need some advice to push me towards the right direction.

I am looking to get a Planar formula 50 to pair with my m2 as my bang around kit with pushed film, and also finally move into color films after much time deciding between digital and film.
Currently, the options I am looking at (I budgeted these to be around the same price range):
Summicron Version 3 Canadian
ZM Planar
M-Hexanon 50/2

In terms of rendering, the planar looks really good. It pops. Seem to do color well, but it's kind of hard to tell due to different film samples.
However, it does look too clinical for me.

Much of the Hex rendering in black and white reminds me of the collapsible Summicron that I used to own; has an older vintage rendering. I really don't like any of the color samples I've so far... but as I mentioned it's probably the films.
I can't find any sample of the Hex wide open anywhere. I don't like lens to be overly sharp, so this may be an option. It's the closest design to the latest cron, but I've heard some negative comments on the ergonomics?

Finally, an Summicron v3... this lens linked samples are the best looking to my eyes and sharp without being clinical. Problem is it''s a leica, and I am not so sure about it's market value atm. I do feel uncomfortable carrying lens over a single grand around in my bag all day and sometimes, it's not being attended to.
I won't lose the camera, I'll just feel comfortable, and it'll make me reluctant to shoot. Silly I know. That’s why I always look for beat up equipments than good condition ones!

I had considered various faster options but I would really like the 0.7m min focus. The e46 summilux would come much much later when I decided to get another 50.

Appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Best regards
gerald

 

[FortyNine]

....my bang around kit with pushed film

I had the same comparison done but end of the day, the film-type I shot most often chose the lens.

If it was slide or colour negs, ZM50 was easily the choice cos of its skin tone accuracy and better colour reproduction. I believe its the sharpest also.

If B&W, headache comes. ZM is easily high contrast with a narrower tonal range. Pair that with your pushed film and u could end up with literally black & white.

I hv 2 Hexs & they have a much wider tonal range, lower contrast and will do B&W better. Dun own a Summi but believe its in the same camp as Hex.

I think bottomline is what film u want to shoot with

 

[gommy]

You can go wrong with the Summicron50mm whatever version.

(Edited) Sorry, I meant to say you can't go wrong.

 

[benny]

Gerald,

Have you considered something even faster? An aperture of f/1.4 is really more useful when shooting in lower light, even if your film is rated at ASA800.

If you can get an optically good copy of the vintage Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM, you find that the color images are not as muted as you might expect those from older lenses to be. In terms of length, the barrel is about the same as your three f/2.0 options. The barrel is about a centimeter wider, which is actually more comfortable for handling. However, do take note that unlike your three original options, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM has an infinity lock which some find extremely irritating. The only trade off for the speed is the minimum focusing distance of 1m, which only overseas technicians can modify to 0.7m. There are no competent options locally.

But if I have to choose between the three options, I think the Zeiss Planar will be my choice for color film. I have not used the Konica Hexanon before.

Cheers,

 

[nordleadx]

cannot go wrong with Gommy and benny :thumbsup:

i own and sold some- the hex, summicron build in hood ver and ver 2, cannon 50 f1.4 , e46 lux and other 50's.

the latest summicron rocks bro and since u dun play bokeh.

Build wise, the cron and hex are very nice. I understand u dun like very sharp pics, but resolution and details????
Shooting wise consider the latest elmar 50mm f2.8, the throw very short so can focus very fast.

Color wise on my m8 always off one but the e46 lux that I once own has very nice rendering and colors. Very dreamy kind but sharp at the focus point

On film it will never be as sharp looking than on digital body , than again with digital pp. Not very sharp also can made to look sharp.

Hope my kapo helps

 

[The Dry Box]

Thanks for the reply!

I'll be using tri-x pushed to 1600 for b&w. For color film, I am currently looking at the kodak portra 800 pushed to 1600. It's true I am having a headache choosing between higher contrast lens to lower contrast ones.

The canon and summarit were in my list, but struck them off as I am looking at a more useful 0.7m focus as I will be doing more stills with color.

The easy solution is to get two lens of course, which eventually I may have to consider.

The Summicron does look like a nice balance between the two, then the other headache comes equipment price.

But I will be looking for the cron v3, since resolution is not that important to me as it's just a hobby. If anyone has a beat up copy(glass element still ok) do let me know! Need to sell the Heliar first though.

Thanks everyone!

 

[FortyNine]

Thanks for the reply!
I'll be using tri-x pushed to 1600 for b&w. For color film, I am currently looking at the kodak portra 800 pushed to 1600. It's true I am having a headache choosing between higher contrast lens to lower contrast ones.

I shoot Porta 400VC ( not pushed ). Porta matches my 50 1.5 Nokton very well in sharpness, colour, & contrast. I find the 50Nok1.5 also gives a nostalgic feel, very apparent on tri-x. U may want to consider that.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

I dont own the other lenses but I've got the Hex 50mm F2. Well build lens.

I've got a set on it on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/agnosticgary/sets/72157623823274563/

feel free to browse through. I've got the film that I use listed down on the pictures as well. Got 2-3 color shots & the rest are B&W.

Hexanon 50mm F2 wide open at 0.7meters

Kodak Tri-X 400 pushed to 1600. Sorry about the stains, didnt clean the film properly

 

[The Dry Box]

Thanks for the sound advice. I had considered the nokton. It has a very nice character and is affordable, but it's ergonomics turned me off when handled it at a used camera shop.

The hex samples are very useful Gary. Getting another headache. lol
Hex oof region seem to be flatter, followed by the cron and the planar is the most 3D to my eyes. Cron characteristic seem to be the most well balanced for a price.

As usual, the planar looks good, but too sharp.

Still leaning towards the beat up cron if I can find one.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

The hex samples are very useful Gary. Getting another headache. lol

haha

I'm actually considering selling my Hex.... Looking to get a faster alternative

 

[FortyNine]

Still leaning towards the beat up cron if I can find one.

how much a beat up cron cost tis days?

 

[artspraken]

summicron 50mm should be quite easy to find around peninsula mah. not sure abt cost.

nowadays alot of used leica shops obscure the price display for some reason. last time all the prices are indicated wan. why nowadays so secretive leh...price fluctuate alot hah?

 

[The Dry Box]

1200/- give or take for v3 Canadian.
There's one in the forum for 900 atm.

 

[benny]

how much a beat up cron cost tis days?

Saw a pretty beat up black chrome one going for S$1500 in the Peninsula area recently. Used to be so much cheaper.

Cheers,

 

[The Dry Box]

Could the beat up version be built from 1979 onward? If it's a v3 there's no way anyone will be getting that considering a brand new planar is just a little over 1k.
While clinical the Planar is looking more and more attractive with each passing day.

 

[artspraken]

Note that a Summicron v3 with a detachable hood can be superior to the latest version with a built-in hood.

Not sure if you have lenses with built-in hood before. Some people do not like built-in hood because the built in hood;

(i) adds weight;
(ii) can get loose (annoying);
(iii) not flexible (cannot detach and use/replace another hood); and
(iv) not as steady because pressure will make the hood slide back inwards.

Also, the Cron v3 and the latest built in hood version are known to have same optical formula. So you are basically paying more for a built in hood. Whether you like a built in hood or not depends on your view on the above.

 

[The Dry Box]

Well, those are not the reason why I am specifically looking for a v3 aka rigid 2, and not the v4(with 50 mark, some with tab) and the mechanically updated versions.
There are difference between v3 and v4 with the former having 1 group more, but prominent difference are mostly at the corners and v4 has better close up performance(not that I can see) and flare control. Micro contrast & resolution iirc are the same, but that as I mentioned are not my concern.
My subjects tends to take up space around the center of the images, and the softer corners actually helps. My primary reason for choosing the v3 is that I'll save some cash for later.

The other reason why I am eyeing the cron3 is the lens rendering. Not too clinical, not overly harsh.

Planar is still looking good. I think I really need to hold it in my hands to decide.