50 lux asph or Hexanon 50/1.2

wjlapier

wjlapier

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Well, that is the question for me. And I'm seeking input from those who have both, or have had both and chose one over the other. For now, let's keep the Nokton 50/1.1 out of the discussion. I've seen many pics from the 50 lux asph, but not as many with theHex 50/1.2. One thing I'm wondering is how old is the Hex lens--I've never heard of it until recently? What about size comparison? How much of the lens is in the VFer--from either? I'm a sharpness kind of guy wide open--is the Hex equally sharp at 1.4 compared to the 50 lux asph? Sharp at 1.2? Also, how well do these fast lenses focus with the .72 rangefinder of the MP?

Anyway, in a few weeks I will be buying one of these lenses used. Thought I would do some research and get some feedback from owners/users in the mean time.

Thanx--Bill
 
If the lux asph is indeed in your budget, do yourself a favor and buy it. There is nothing better on the market in 35mm format. A fast 50mm with aspherical, floating and apo elements. Who else does this ?

On a practical note, they have different min. focus.

Roland.
 
+1 what Roland said. Additionally the hexanon is big..I mean big for rf and
with the hood on it is huge and heavy. It covers quite a bit of the vf.

If there is a choice, get the lux asph.

Regards.
 
Hexanon 50/1.2 wide open on M8:
3442052244_792f349586_o.jpg


Hexanon50/1.2 wide open at 1.0 mtrs:
3448485644_8e894875bd_b.jpg


Hexanon 50/1.2 wide open approx. 2.0 mtrs:
3499597413_5d6fa48354_o.jpg


Yes its big. These low light shots were 1/8th. It takes effort to come to grips with it, I can.
 
My feeling is that the Summilux 50f1.4 Asph is the best fast 50mm ever made! I also doubt that anyone, for the forseable will be able to improve on it.
The Hexanon 50f1.2 ( I have shot with one but not extensively) and the 60f1.2 (which I had for several years are good, fast "normals") - but nothing like the 50f1.4 Asph.
If you are buying it new - it is expensive. If you are buying it used, be sure to get a warranty/return return with it. There has been some problems with the floating element configuration that might require a factory visit.
Even at f1.4 the Asph is incredible - and it will 'clunk" its way to 0.7 meter without loosing image quality.
High contrast lens - in bright sun it almost looks like you had a polarizer on it (at least with Kodachrome 25).
Over the last couple of years I have vetted my Leica glass "holdings" and of the newer lenses I kept the 35f2 Asph, the 50f1.4 Asp and the 75f2 Apo-Asph as there were no substitutes from Zeiss/VC/Konica. The 35f2 Asph is on par with the ZM Biogon 35f2 - but it is a bit more compact - so that is a case were I have kept both.
The Hexanon 50f1.2 would be a "decision" making lens compared to a Nokton 50f1.1 - but not with the Asph 50f1.4!
 
I've owned both and tested them extensively. If sharpness is your thing, go with the ASPH, it's the sharpest lens at f/1.4. The Hexanon is a great lens, sharper than the 50/1 Noctilux at similar apertures but stopping it down to f/1.4 doesn't make a dramatic difference over f/1.2. This lens makes steady improvement in sharpness as it's stopped down and by f/5.6 it's about equal to the 50/2 Hexanon. Despite using extensive special glass in it's design, it's doesn't have the benefit of an aspheric surface, floating elements and "extra special" glass like the ASPH 'lux. This causes a more dramatic improvement in sharpness with the ASPH 'lux as it's stopped down within only about a 3 stop range rather than the gradual more steady improvements with the Hexanon over a 5 or 6 stop range.
 
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I dont know if it's fair to compare Asph Lux to Hexanon. I think Hex is more like latest Pre-Asph Lux, but faster. I never tried Asph Lux, so dont know, but I do have a Hex 1.2 and like it a lot. For my Asph needs I have CV 35/1.2 - makes a good combo with the Hexanon. Also, while it may not mean much for some, I have found situations where having a 1.2 over 1.4 does make a difference.
You can see some shots from my (and other's) Hexanon in this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77227
 
Well, after more reading, looking at pics, and looking for the lenses, it seems the 50 lux asph is a rare one to find new. Used the prices are not too far from a new one--the ones I've seen anyway. I have found a nice copy of the Hexanon 50/1.2 ( expensive ), but I think I want the 50/1.4 asph.

Tom A mentioned a problem with the floating elements in case of a used copy. Has anyone who owns the lux asph experience such a problem? Also, tight focus ring, something that goes away with use, or a trip to a tech to smooth it out?

Here is my situation--I will have to sell off some gear to help pay for this beauty. Most likely my 35 cron asph and 50 cron ( lastest version ), and I hate to do this, but maybe my BP M3 too ( it sits lonely in a sock drawer since the MP arrived ). I told Robert I would never sell my BP M3 unless I absolutely had to 🙂

Thanx for the input and advice, and the link to photos.
 
To be honest, I would not trade {MP, M3, 35/2 ASPH + 50/2} against {MP + 50/1.4 ASPH}.

Seems like a huge loss in capability and flexibility.

Try to shoot an event with two bodies ... the advantage of the second body is major.

I do understand it's personal of course.
 
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ferider said:
To be honest, I would not trade {MP, M3, 35/2 ASPH + 50/2} against {MP + 50/1.4 ASPH}.

Seems like a huge loss in capability and flexibility.

Try to shoot an event with two bodies ... the advantage of the second body is major.

I do understand it's personal of course.
Click to expand...

I'm not a two body shooter. I do it for fun.

I know it might sound crazy to go back to one body and one lens and loose all I have now. But I started with a M3 and 50/2 Nikkor, and slowly got to my current kit--I have the DR cron and CZ Opton 50/1.5 too--and the Canon 50/.95 currently with DAG 🙂 So, in my crazy way of thinking, I could find another 35 cron asph down the road :bang: Might have to save a few more pennies--I'd hate to lose my beloved M3 😉
 
It's surprising how you can get used to two bodies. Photography is a hobby with me too but I've got so used to using two bodies at the same time that I'd find it hard to be without one of them. Think about that M3 with the 50 ASPH and the MP with the 35 ASPH... 😉
 
I like my 50 ASPH. Bought it 'used' but I think I got a new copy (imported). I have a bunch of pictures with it in my flickr. The 50/1.2 might be an awesome lens, but its big, hard to find, and expensive. I'm not saying don't go for it, but for me, the ASPH was a more sensible buy.
 
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