The Alchemist’s Paradox
In the shadow of its mythic sibling, the Summicron-M 50mm Rigid, lies the Summicron-R 50mm f/2 E43—a lens that mirrors its cousin’s soul but dances to a different rhythm. Born in the 1960s, Leica’s first R-system 50mm f/2 dared to adapt Walter Mandler’s M-design wizardry for the single-lens reflex realm. Priced at a modest 450–450–700 (2025 USD), this brass-and-glass enigma offers Mandler-esque magic without the collector’s premium.
Design: Symmetry’s Compromise
- Optical Twins, Mechanical Strangers
- Glass Kinship: The E43 shares 6 elements with the M-Rigid, missing only its seventh layer—a sacrifice to the SLR’s mirrored altar.
- Rear Chamber Depth: The R50’s rear element retreats 2mm farther from the film plane, yielding to the reflex mirror’s mechanical ballet.
- Chassis Philosophy
- Aperture Wizardry: SLR trickery demands complexity; the E43’s internal linkages swell its waistline, yet its 315g heft feels lighter than a Tang dynasty scroll.
Optical Scripture: Mandler’s Echo
| Aspect | Summicron-R 50mm f/2 E43 | Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Rigid |
|---|---|---|
| Sharpness | Bamboo stalk at dawn—supple yet unyielding | Samurai sword edge—cold perfection |
| Bokeh | Wang Wei’s mountain mist | Li Bai’s moonlit wine |
| Focus | 0.5m intimacy (SLR’s whispered secret) | 0.7m street tango (rangefinder’s waltz) |
| Soul | Unpolished jade | Imperial porcelain |
The SLR Reformation
- Wide-Angle Conundrum
- Symmetry sacrificed: To dodge the SLR mirror, Leica engineers reforged Mandler’s design like blacksmiths hammering iron—R-system 35mm lenses ballooned to 9-10 elements, compensating with glass alchemy.
- E43 vs E55: Evolution or Devolution?
- E43 (1964): 6 elements—Mandler’s frugal haiku.
- E55 (1977): Sharper but colder, like digital ink beside hand-ground calligraphy.
Practical Zen: Why This Lens Sings
- Price-to-Grace Ratio: At 450–450–700 (2025 USD), it’s the cost of three Michelin-starred meals for optical banquets daily.
- Focus Sorcery: 0.5m minimum distance—capture a lover’s eyelash or a teacup’s steam spiral.
- Film Pairing: Ilford HP5+ @1600—grain dances with the E43’s gentle glow.
Who Should Buy This?
✓ SLR Minimalists: Seeking Mandler’s soul in reflex form
✓ Budget Alchemists: Turning leaden prices to golden imagery
✓ Macro Curious: 0.5m focus unlocks intimate worlds
Avoid If: You demand autofocus or f/1.4’s bokeh delirium.
Final Verdict: The Underdog’s Triumph
The Summicron-R 50mm E43 is photographic wabi-sabi—a $700 lesson in imperfect perfection. For the price of a weekend in Suzhou, you gain:
- 90% of the M-Rigid’s magic at 30% cost
- Proof that “forgotten” often means “undervalued”
- Freedom from collector mythology
Rating:
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌗/5 (for classicalists) | 🌞🌞🌞🌑🌑/5 (for speed addicts)
“A lens that whispers: ‘The overlooked gem often outshines the crown jewel.’”
Pro Tips:
- Adapt It: Mount on mirrorless cameras—watch analog flaws become digital virtues.
- Hack the Hood: Use a 12585H—flare paints Impressionist halos.
Epilogue: The Forgotten Classic
While collectors chase M-Rigids priced like Ming vases, the E43 lingers in the shadows—a lens that scoffs at mythmaking. Yet herein lies its charm: true artistry needs no temple. As the Song dynasty poets wrote, “The moon’s beauty lies not in its fame, but in its silent glow.” The E43 glows on, patient as a sage, waiting for those who see beyond the hype.
