50 1.4 Lux ASAPh and 75 Summicron - are they too similar?

M

msbel

Member
Local time
11:57 PM
Joined
Sep 16, 2007
Messages
41
View My Gallery
I have read some observations that the Leica 50 1.4 ASPH Lux and 75/2 Summicron are similar in the way they draw. I am not asking if one lens is better than the other or focal length preference - only the way they draw (though I know FOV does have an impact so I will not discount that.)

I have the 50 1.4A, and it's pretty amazing...intoxicating even. I have not tried the 75 Summicron - hard to get a demo thrown in your lap for that one!

I am curious if some of you that have used both - that is have actually shot with both - see them as similar even though they come from different M geneology. I read Put's review that both of them are based on the same tech design concept, but I am more interested in the feeling of the images.

Thanks in advance. I shoot an M8 and M6 as a reference point.

MB
 
Last edited:
I have both lenses and they get equal use, but not often.

I will tell you the 75mm Summicron is amazingly sharp - It is probably the sharpest lens I own.

I have never thought of them as being similar. When I get around to comparing their footprints, I will circle back with you and/or post some pictures.
 
I had both (still have the 50 Asph.), IMO the 75 AA is in many ways a longer 50 Asph. with many similarities imagewise and all the differences that could distinguish the two focal lengths. It appears sharper (in fact it is the lens with the shaprest results I 've ever used) but that's perhaps because of the greater magnification, closer distance to the subject. Flare resistance is less for the 75, bokeh better. Both are outstanding, the 75 will challenge you in terms of technique (try for instance f4, ISO 100, with accurate focusing and minimum vibration) to get the best out of it, in a way that the 50 Asph will not.
 
Thanks Bill. Much appreciated. Just curious. Why do they not see much use if you do not mind me asking. I have been obsessing about whether I would use a 75 FL that much, especially one so sharp as the Summicron in near field portraits. Have no experience with a 75 lens on either body. I do like the 90 very much for straight telephoto purposes rather than portrait.
 
Hello:

I find the 75mm to be a more "sticky" normal lens with greater reach than a 50mm lens - subjects are more easily isolated from their surroundings. Makes the 35mm/75mm combo plausible as a universal kit though that has not happened in my work . (IMHO)

Yours
Frank
 
msbel said:
Thanks Bill. Much appreciated. Just curious. Why do they not see much use if you do not mind me asking. I have been obsessing about whether I would use a 75 FL that much, especially one so sharp as the Summicron in near field portraits. Have no experience with a 75 lens on either body. I do like the 90 very much for straight telephoto purposes rather than portrait.
Click to expand...

What can I say...? I am a wide-angle freak. Especially since I started using the M8 as my primary shooter, the longest lens I would typically reach or would be a 35. When I went on vacation last month I took most of my lenses, including a 50 Asph 'lux, 75 'cron, and 90 Elmarit-M, but on this trip they never left the bag.

The 28 'cron is a favorite of mine on the M8. The lens I use most is the Zeiss 18mm ZM (it is coded as an WATE) with a 24mm finder.

However, it sounds like your shooting style would lend itself to the 75, which I would highly recommend in this case.

BTW, this is one lens I would never sell. It's a keeper - even for me.
 
telenous said:
IMO the 75 AA is in many ways a longer 50 Asph. with many similarities imagewise and all the differences that could distinguish the two focal lengths.
Click to expand...
I would agree with this. I also have both and I'm fond of 2 lens/2 body kits, so depending on my expectations for subject matter I will take a 28/50 or a 35/75 pair out. The 75 is particularly sharp and is really useful for the street. If you want to compare how the two lenses look visit flickr and search on the relevant tags and you'll get lots of images.
 
I have both and really think so and will be letting one go probably the 50mm since there are many other 50mm choice whereas the 75mm field is slim.
 
243143644-M.jpg


Love the 50 lux...Everything I want in a 50.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I think I will take a breath and relax as I make a decision whether to bring in the 75. The pics I have seen with the 75 Summicron/M8 are almost too sharp to believe...no forgiving with this one. It is also interesting to see how the lens draws on film on some of the shots I have seen...especially black and white. It is different. Intense but not too stark.

The 75 Lux does seem gentler (again this is all by viewing images rather than my using the lens.) I would think the 75 Lux to be a different lens all together, and maybe not one over the other? It seems they both have a place.

Nice pic on the last post. Think I'll keep the 50 1.4A for sure!

MB
 
Yes, I have both lenses. Certianly, in speed wise, I will go for 50 1.4A. It's really an amazing lens among all 1st and 2nd generation of M50 1.4

However, I recently fell in love with 75/2. The contrast, resolution and 3D feel is unbeatable. 75 is a very nice focal length with very natural perspective... It's good for both scenic and portriats. The result come out is really stunning.

Unlike 90AA, it's hardly to see the harshness when taking portriats, even though it's a modern APO and ASPH design. It really surprised me for its unexpected good performance.

Cheers !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom