Summilux ASPH vs non-ASPH lens

J

James R

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Coming back to Leica after many years. I'm wondering how big a difference there is between the old Lux and the ASPH version? Other than price!
 
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Yes. I think the 80's Summiluxes only focus down to 1m compared to .7 for the ASPH and the last pre-ASPH version. The ASPH is also better close in due to it's floating element. It's also sharper wide open. Bigger too.

Some people seem to like the pre-ASPH for portraits. I'd rather have the ASPH - it's great at all distances and apertures. It's not the best at all distances and apertures, but it's close. I think the Elmar-M might be better at .7m. :D But not enough to matter.
 
Tim Gray said:
Yes. I think the 80's Summiluxes only focus down to 1m compared to .7 for the ASPH and the last pre-ASPH version. The ASPH is also better close in due to it's floating element. It's also sharper wide open. Bigger too.

Some people seem to like the pre-ASPH for portraits. I'd rather have the ASPH - it's great at all distances and apertures. It's not the best at all distances and apertures, but it's close. I think the Elmar-M might be better at .7m. :D But not enough to matter.
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Thanks Tim. Think I'll go the asp route.
 
I use both the pre-ASPH and the ASPH. The ASPH is a stupendous lens but I personally like the pre better. This year I bought a v.3 E46 pre with the 0.7M closest focus and I love it. It also has a much shorter focus throw than the v.1 or v.2 Summilux.
 
Late E43 is probably the way Id go. I wouldnt buy the ASPH 50 as my first buy until I could appreciate its qualities.
 
thomasw_ said:
Yes the late 70s early 80s v2 pre-asph is a sweet little compact lens whose only draw back is the 1m close focus. I prefer the ASPH version, but any pre-asph is a sweet lens....and they cost way less than the newer ASPH version. The pre-asph is very impressionistic in its rendering, almost like a sonnar. The ASPH has a painterly rendering too, but the backgrounds are not quite as tonally washed out as they are with a pre-asph. Check the M-mount group on flickr for image samples of these lenses.
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Thanks, I'll give them a look.
 
50mm Pre Asph

50mm Pre Asph

I'm new to the Leica rangefinder sytem. I currently own the e46 version III. (1995-96) production which I bought used from B&H for $1495 which was listed in 9+ Condition. I don't know if I overpaid, but I'm very happy with my copy. It's by far, the sharpest and most contrasty 50mm lens I've ever used. I can't imagine anything sharper, but apparently the newer aspherical version is. :)
 
Rowse said:
I'm new to the Leica rangefinder sytem. I currently own the e46 version III. (1995-96) production which I bought used from B&H for $1495 which was listed in 9+ Condition. I don't know if I overpaid, but I'm very happy with my copy. It's by far, the sharpest and most contrasty 50mm lens I've ever used. I can't imagine anything sharper, but apparently the newer aspherical version is. :)
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Ive purchased a couple E46 for $1000 a pop. But it doesnt matter. I dont think there is a bad 50 Summilux. The ASPH is simply the sharpest. The E43 can render a phenomenal portrait, quite compact. Budget $900.

EDIT: my deals were private, not online stores:-0
 
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