Leica M 50mm Summilux E43 Type II

[Jubb Jubb]

I am wondering if anyone is using this lens here?

I was about to purchase a Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.1, when a pre-asph late model type II (1989 made) black 50mm Summilux became available.

I shoot with an M8, does anyone here have any advice on this lens? I have heard of back focus problems... I am trying to way up if I should save more for a very hard to find E46 50 Summilux pre-asph.

I do like that this lens is a little more compact, and a built in hood would be nice, but have heard they can be a pain if they are damaged.

Any comments are appreciated. Thanks all.

 

[BobYIL]

If the performance at the first two stops and no-focus-shift are prime criteria for you then take a look at the Nokton 50/1.5 asph. first .

 

[Jubb Jubb]

Thanks Bob, I'm not really interested in other lenses at the moment however. Have you used this 50 Summilux?

 

[BobYIL]

Thanks Bob, I'm not really interested in other lenses at the moment however. Have you used this 50 Summilux?

Yes. After getting the Nokton for my E-P1 (bought it cheap, mint for $300) I tested it on film Leica and against the Summilux and the C-Sonnar too.. That week I sold the Summilux.

Check below.. the comments belong to Erwin Puts; tested on film and for the "less than satisfactory performance stopped down where contrast is low and images are a bit soft" portion I would not agree (curves would not too..) Some examples on M8:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1038&message=41791069

 

[ferider]

JJ, have no fear: the 50/1.4 v2 is one of the most successful and longest running lens designs Leica ever produced. Designed by Mandler's team, for the longest time, it was a benchmark for other manufacturers wrt lack of coma and center resolution wide open. Even Bob's/Puts' MTF charts above show that the center resolution is much better than the modern CV 50/1.5 lens.

In contrast to the Voigtlander lenses, the v2 Summilux is very compact, sturdy and well built.

Roland.

 

[Biggles]

I have one. Stupefyingly competent lens, by my lights.

Interesting, if not downright spooky combination of pin-sharp rendering and a very delicate, pastel-like hand. If that makes sense.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I had the version II e43 summilux for a while, great lens but it didn't have a built in hood,the later e46 version I had did though. Both were great lenses, I liked the E46 version better so I kept it but have since sold both 🙁.

e43 version

e46 version

my e43 seemed 'loose' probably due to age where the newer e46 was smooth, tighter in feel.

Good Luck
Todd

 

[jordan.dickinson]

I have a few summiluxes and really love the E43 version. They are very well made, about the size of the 50 summicron, and have very nice optics. I've never shot the 50 1.1 Nokton, but the E43 Summilux has never disappointed, even wide open, where people say there is potential focus issues. I personally have not noticed focus shift, but to be honest, I shoot very much on the fly and never ever shoot on a tripod. With that said, if you have the money to pick up a 50 Lux E43, I would highly recommend it. I now have 2 of them because they are so wonderful. I also have the E46 version, but it rarely gets used. No particular reason for this, but I just prefer the E43 without the hood.

The last thing to possibly consider, other than optics, feel, etc. is the potential "investment" you make into the E43 vs. the Nokton. The E43 or E46 will hold its value far longer, and may even appreciate in the future. This might be something to consider if you choose to go this route. My thought is, go for the Lux, and if you decide you want something faster/more modern in the future, you can always sell it for what you paid, and possibly more if the market allows.

Hope this helps, and good luck on your decision.

P.S. I have shots with the 50 Lux E43 as well as the E46 and ASPH on my Flickr page using an M9 and film M's for some (probably not the ASPH), just in case you want to compare some shots. They are not test shots (not the same subject or anything), but it might help your decision.

 

[Hosermage]

Between the E43 and E46, I think the most important difference to me is the close focus of the E46.

 

[gilpen123]

I have the E43 and it's a great lens only difference is the focus is long throw which is good for critical focusing but is a bit slow for street shots. As said close focusing distance is longer than the E46.

 

[Damaso]

I like this lens a lot esp. on the M8

This example was shot on the M6

 

[J. Borger]

Leica classic. My favourite 50MM.

 

[joeswe]

If the performance at the first two stops and no-focus-shift are prime criteria for you then take a look at the Nokton 50/1.5 asph. first .

Bob, are you saying that the Summilux 50 vers. II has focus shift issues?
John

 

[kshapero]

I was about to purchase a Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.1, when a pre-asph late model type II (1989 made) black 50mm Summilux became available.

.

How did you find out when the lens was made? I have the same lens but can't find anywhere when it was made.

 

[mcfingon]

If you know the serial number, this list should tell you the year Akiva. My experience with the 1980's Summilux that I had (sadly sold long ago)was that it is an excellent lens.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...ial_Number_Links_for_Leica_Cameras_and_Lenses

 

[kshapero]

thanks. works

 

[Daryl J.]

Thanks for the user-based info.
It's so different than technical reporting or webregurgitation.
I think I'll be looking for a V.2 'Lux (early) down time's road a bit.

 

[kshapero]

IMHO, you will not be disappointed.