50mm Summilux opinions

[namelast]

Hi all!
I would like to ask you about your opinions on the various versions of 50mm Summilux from Leica. In particular, the first version (1959, if I am correct) is a good lens? Just wondering why they replaced it in the mid 60ies, just a few years of lifespan.
Also, from what I have seen around, the ASPH is a great lens, but costs really too much for my budget. Is the version 3 good?

(for "good" lens I actaully mean: is it prone to flare or not? How does it resolve the oof areas? Does it suffer of known front-/back-focus issues (real worls, not ruler shots on a tripod)? Is it contrasty and sharp?)

Cheers!

 

[Meleica]

The first version is not that good at all compared to the later versions..and it is not very good at handling flare..... having said that, it can produce beautiful photos.... version 2 + 3 have the same optics. Best buy is # 2 with a good shade.

Dan

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I had a version 2 and it was very nice, sold it and later got a version 3 pre-asph. that I think is awesome.

OOF areas are outstanding:

Handles the sun...:

sharp and contrasty...:

did I mention the OOF areas?

bottom line, buy one and shoot it often!

(waiting on Gabriel MA. to chime in) 😉
Todd

 

[vrgard]

I have the pre ASPH, 43mm, no built-in hood version (sorry, I just don't remember whether this is a version II or version III lens) and really like it. And it was Todd's shots above, which he has posted previously, which helped motivate me to get it. I like its size, handling and imaging qualities. As a result, I recommend it without reservation.

-Randy

 

[Cron]

I have the preasph with built-in hood. Its a bit heavier and larger than the summicron. I like the performance even wide open. A little softer here than the actual asph version, but very good contrast. When stopped down to 4 I see no difference compared with an actual s'cron on slide film. I recommand it!

take a look at my flickr, last pics - dancing girl - are with Slux and nearly full open

 

[jja]

Sorry I cannot comment on the v.1, but I own the v. 3--the last pre-asph., same as Todd's--and it is a magnificent lens. Just when you think it's unbeatable in b&w with its creamy tonality, it will surprise you with its color rendition. Mine also handles flare quite well. Here are two photos:

 

[Andrew3511]

The received opinion is that the 1st version is not nearly as good a performer as the 2nd one, closer to the Summarit but without the wacky swirls of out of focus areas wide open. Optically there were no other changes for the rest of the long production run but both the coatings and the mount changed. The 1st version retains its high price because of the rarity and if you want to use it go for version 2, which I have. Have not used the 1st version but I did have a Summarit and there is no comparison - better at all apertures but vastly so from f5.6 to wide open. Quite a bit heavier than the contemporary Summicron but if you need f1.4 or think you do, well, it's still smaller than any SLR 50mm 1.4

 

[JNewell]

Version 2 and 3 are optically identical. The hoods and filter sizes are different. Close focusing distance and pitch of the focusing helix differ, so they handle differently (a little). Coatings may differ also, though I bet most of us would be hard pressed to distinguish. The v2 and v3 are incredibly outstanding lenses - took me 30 years to get around to discovering this - don't make that mistake.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

If the posted pics don't convince...nothing will 😉

Todd

 

[MikeL]

I'm selling a Noctilux to get one with the built-in hood. Never should have sold it to Rich.

 

[rich815]

More recent examples of the lastest pre-asph with hood version. I love it:

 

[rich815]

Did not see MikeL's comment before I posted those. Sorry Mike!!! 🙂

My black MP whimpers if I remove it to put another lens on!

 

[MikeL]

My black MP whimpers if I remove it to put another lens on!

No problem Rich, you can leave it on the MP and trade both for the Noctilux.🙂

 

[Harry Lime]

50mm F1.4 Summilux 1959-1961 - Type 1 SN#1,645,300-1,844,000
This version was only made for two years and was replaced by Type #2, which featured a new optical computation and greatly increased performance (especially at 1.4). The v1 was based on the Summarit, which in turn was a coated Xenon. Performance wise it's better than a Summarit, but not as good as the v2 Lux. Quite prone to flare. But it can make nice pictures, especially in b/w.

50mm F1.4 Summilux 1962-1994 - Type 2 SN#1,844,001-N/A
This is the most common version of the Lux. This optical formula was in production for over 40 years until the arrival of the ASPH model and is very, very good. This version with the clip on hood focuses as close as 1 meter (100cm). Uses E43 filters.

50mm F1.4 Summilux-M 1995 - 2005/6 - Type 3 SN# ???
Same optical formula as Type #2, but with a built in collapsible hood (which doesn't lock in place!). This version will focuses as close as .7 meters (70cm). Performance is identical to Type 2. Same optical formula as Type#2, identical performance. Uses E46 filters.

50mm F1.4 Summilux-M ASPH 2006 - present Type 4 SN# ???
A totally new optical formula with exotic glass, ASPH surfaces and a floating element for increased close up performance. Reportedly this is the highest performing 50mm lens ever made for 35mm photography. The MTF charts (and negatives) have to be seen to be believed. Cost: circa $2700 dollars.

I have version #3 and it has become my standard 50mm lens. Fast, sharp, gorgeous tonality and smooth bokeh. A perfect balance of all ingredients and one of the best lenses Leica ever made.

 

[thomasw_]

Harry is right about everything in his post except the current price of the asph model. New it is more like 2995. Now perhaps a few hundred bucks is nothing you claim...that's leica buyer's spirit🙂 BTW, the size of the type II makes it a compact all-round lens. I have an excellent specimen made in 1981 that I might consider selling if you want it.
thomas

 

[Leicabug]

Another vote for 50mm F1.4 Summilux-M 1995 - 2005/6.

 

[MikeL]

Please, no more talk about this lens, or at least not until I get one. The price is going up as we speak......

 

[thomasw_]

Please, no more talk about this lens, or at least not until I get one. The price is going up as we speak......

hehe, but mike you do have the golden goose of lenses imo. and i heard it may be discontinued, which will only increase its value. you shouldn't have trouble finding a fine type 2 or 3 summilux specimen🙂

 

[maddoc]

I had the E46 (version 3) of the Summilux 50mm pre-ASPH in silver. An outstanding lens ! The only reason why I sold it was to get the Noctilux ...

 

[MikeL]

I had the E46 (version 3) of the Summilux 50mm pre-ASPH in silver. An outstanding lens ! The only reason why I sold it was to get the Noctilux ...

Like ships passing in the night maddoc. There are some definite similarities between the two. I'm not sure I could tell the two apart at f1.4. Maybe more curvature of field on the Noctilux.

You're right Thomas, it is a sort of golden goose, mainly since I got it as a gift (I've been tech support for my whole family for quite a while)! Since the M8 and drop in supply it seems to keep on giving.......