75mm Summilux f1.4 Models

[dont45]

Hi,
I'm considering purchase of a 75mm and along with the new f2, I'm considering the f1.4.
A friend has one, but it is leica part 11815, whereas B&H list it as 11810. What is the
difference in these two models? Should I consider the older one?
I don't have any 1.4 lens, and for an upcomming trip, I think I might find this useful in severl ways.

By the way, thanks to all for all the great insight and information I get here. I check in almost daily, and find it one of the most interesting of all my regular sites.

Don

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Filter size and hood. The first version came with a filter size... I cannot remember (probably 58mm), and a separate hood. The second version takes an E60 filter (just like the Noctilux) and has a built-in hood. I think both versions are some 5 years apart... But not quite sure. Let's hope somebody comes with better information than I can offer.

 

[paulh]

The latest ones are made in Germany vs Canada and I believe is slightly lighter.
Cheers,
Paul

 

[StuartR]

Yeah, they look a little different. The newer one is E60, and comes with a built in hood. Looks like this:

The older one has a slightly smaller filter ring and detachable hood. It looks a little svelter. In terms of optical formulae they are identical, but that does not mean the lenses themselves are identical. Leica periodically updates its coatings without bothering to tell anyone, so it might have slightly different coatings. In practice, this should not make a big difference since even the old 75 lux is rather new. I would say get whichever one is a better deal. Be prepared for the size and weight though! Seriously, if you really need a small or light lens, then go with the new lens. While the M camera with a 50mm lens is a small kit, the M with a 75 lux becomes comparable in size to many SLR's and probably heavier than most of them.

Here are some sample images:

http://www.stuartrichardson.com/shinto-teki2.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/sunflower-75lux.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/koryo-ji-dragon3.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/skaftafell-airport.jpg
http://www.stuartrichardson.com/ivy-75lux.jpg

It is a very diverse lens -- it is extremely sharp when stopped down to f/2, f/2.8 or more, but wide open and close up it gets very creamy. It has one of the most pleasing and distinctive of the Leica optics.

As for the new lens, it has a lot going for it -- it is significantly lighter and more compact than the new one. It will be a sharper lens. Do you need one? Another question entirely. The 50mm Summilux ASPH is in the same pedigree and it exhibits preternatural sharpness. I would say if you want a travel lens or a lens to shoot landscape or reportage, get the new 75/2. If you envision making a lot of portraits, then get the 75 lux. It is bulkier, but it will approach (but not equal) the sharpness of the new lens when stopped down, and it will be kinder to your portrait subjects.

 

[vizioneer]

Stuart- good insight. Excellent examples too! I can't wait to get mine!! For me, the consideration is mainly speed between the cron and lux, as I don't find the lux cumbersome- it falls into hand well. Coupled with a 35mm, I don't see a pressing need for a 50mm, but might add one later nonetheless. I like the 75's short focusing ability as well vs. the 90mm.

 

[dr.kollig]

Minimum distance Summilux 75

Minimum distance Summilux 75

I like the 75's short focusing ability as well vs. the 90mm.

I own the first version, Canada, 58 mm filters and the closest is 90 cm. So check before you buy, as I do not know if second version E60, detachable hood is already down to 75 cm.

Wolfram

 

[CJP6008]

get your 75 summilux while you can. Robert White have it listed as "discontinued, 1 remaining". I don't know what the word is from Solms on this.

 

[vizioneer]

It wouldn't surprise me- the 75 lux according to a small internet dealer is a 1-2 lens sale per year item. The 75 cron is probably its replacement, not a complement.

 

[Artem]

The 11810 and 11815 are of identical optical design. However, the 11810 is a later production lens and these lenses bear the later serial numbers, are German made and come in a silver and black rather than white with red text box. The 11810 has its lenses made in Germany: Now, this may be another topic and a matter more of semantics, but I have a Canadian-made Noctilux and it reads "Made in Canada" whereas the Summilux reads "Lens made in Germany". One may read this as meaning the other components are made elsewhere and the entire optical device is assembled wherever; however, the Noctilux and everything about was made in Canada. I must admit I much prefer the telescopic hood on the Summilux to the Noctilux's.