It captures air with moisture and a mass. This is how the Summicron draws the world.
The realism and massiveness are something I don’t feel from the Planar.
LEICA M9 , LEICA SUMMICRON-M f2/50mm , Photo by K
It looks very solid. Things nearby look near and things afar look far. I think the power of lens can be measured by this ability to reduce the scene to two dimensions.
I can recognize the solid body precisely even on this high-contrast film.
Speaking of Leica, almost everyone thinks of the Elmar and the Summicron. The resolving power of the first Summicron is a legend, and also we shouldn’t forget its rich tonality, great solidity, smooth bokeh, and enough sharpness. This lens is still non-aspheric while the majority of modern Leica lenses are being shifted to be aspheric. Maybe Leica thought this lens doesn’t need to be aspheric. Although the excellence of those aspheric lenses is so obvious, this lens is something that you find its savor as you keep using it. Honestly, if you have this lens, you don’t need other lenses. You may want to compare it with Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM. They are identical in terms of specs, but different in performance. While the Planar is a little dignified and flamboyant, the Summicron is realistic and serious. The choice depends on your preference. Large aperture lenses are genuinely attractive, one can fully understand why they are so attractive after s/he use this lens.
I stopped down quite a bit. It’s sharp across the frame and I feel the massiveness of the leaves.