Advice on a new 50?

[ktmrider]

I own the latest version of the 50 Summicron with built in hood in chrome. I am looking for something a bit faster (so probably f1.4) in black to use primarily on my black M5 and would like suggestions.

I have given some thought to the 50f1.1 Nokton but don't take many photos that require that type of speed. And I own a 35f1.2 and it is a big lens. I think about an early Summilux but am not averse to either the Zeiss or Voightlander products.

So, let's hear your opinions. Again, the lens will be used primarily on the M5 for when I am traveling and too lazy to carry more then one lens.

Thanks.

 

[xayraa33]

Get a Canon 50mm f1.4, a bargain of a good lens.

 

[bob338]

Pre-ASPH Summilux.
I've owned every version of this lens and the Pre-ASPH is by far my favorite.

 

[ktmrider]

So, looking at 50mm f1.4 lenses on another thread, I am wondering which to get for my M5. I have a chrome 50 Summicron (latest version) and want something faster. I think most Leica lenses are now overpriced so not looking at them too seriously although an older Summilux might fit.

I started looking at a 50f1.1 Nokton but wonder about its size. I have the 35f1.2 and it is a handful. I have been traveling in the Philippines for three weeks and the M5 with 35f1.2 is a handful (read heavy).

Now, I am thinking the 50f1.5 Zeiss might be good but wonder how much of an issue is focus shift. The lens will be used on my M5 or M2 and honestly I had never heard of focus shift until the digital revolution and I have been doing photography since the 1960's.

Another possibility is the 50f1.5 ASPH Nokton. It has gotten some great reviews and Cameraquest has a used one listed for $650. Am looking for input specifically on the Zeiss and Voightlander offerings. Of course, I may just bite the bullet and pick up a 50f1.1 but honestly I don't shoot in available darkness that often.

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

[…] Am looking for input specifically on the Zeiss and Voightlander offerings. Of course, I may just bite the bullet and pick up a 50f1.1 but honestly I don't shoot in available darkness that often.

I must ask you for a favour: please, write Voigtländer — or Voigtlaender, or Voigtlander. But there's never ever a «h» in that name. Thank you 🙂

 

[michaelwj]

I used for a short time a ZM 1.5 that was optimised for 1.5. As an only 50 it was too much hassle to refocus from f/2 to f/4, if it was my only 50 a 2.8 optimised version would be more workable as if only have to refocus wide open, i.e., less often.
I've no experience with the VM 1.5 but have only heard excellent things about it and would be my choice between the two. 1/3 aperture stops on the ZM is pretty annoying as well!

 

[BLKRCAT]

Check this thread for voigtlander infos

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158212&page=2

 

[LukasB]

If you don't need the speed the Elmar 2.8 is the ultimate in travel compactness. Even the hood is tiny.

If speed is an issue, I would however recommend the CV 50/1.5.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If you don't need the speed the Elmar 2.8 is the ultimate in travel compactness. Even the hood is tiny.
...

Collapsed Elmar 2.8 with hood and filter was too bulky, nothing even close to compactness, extracted - way too long and disproportional. I have sold it without regrets.

🙂

 

[Richard G]

I shot for weeks and weeks with my C Sonnar and hood on the M5. The combination is just right.

 

[jsrockit]

I would seriously think about the Nokton 1.5 M.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I'll second jsrockit's advice on the Nokton 50/1.5. That's a really nice lens. Aside from that I'd recommend a pre-ASPH Summilux.

 

[ferider]

Quick thoughts as a user on (1) Summilux v2 vs (2) C-Sonnar vs (3) VM Nokton 50/1.5 vs (4) 50/1.1

(1) has quite heavy barrel distortion and is a pain to filter
(2) shifts noticeably more than the others; some care, some don't
(1) and (2) are the most compact with little frameline intrusion
(1) and (3) are the best built; (3) in chrome feels like a tank
(3) handling: you either love or hate the focus ring
(4) is technically the best, f2 and up, wrt distortion and resolution; much like a Planar, just bigger
(3) is the only one going below 0.9m min. focus
(1) demands crazy prices, IMO, compared to a couple of years back

Then there are good LTM classics, the Canon 50/1.4, 50/1.5 and Nikkor 50/1.4, etc., where the Sonnars are the most compact, the Canon 50/1.4 renders similarly to the Summilux.

Note that when I got the newly released VM 50/1.5 Nokton I traded my Summilux against Leitz 10x50 binoculars and I don't look back. Also how good the lens is depends very much on the sample that you get for all the lenses above. A good Canon 50/1.4 for 300 bucks, for instance, can easily beat a badly adjusted sample (even new out of the box) of any of the other lenses. If you can, try before you buy.

Only you can decide.

Roland.

 

[jsrockit]

The problem with old lenses, is the long and slow focus throws.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The problem with old lenses, is the long and slow focus throws.

Exactly! I almost purchased Canon 50 1.4, because it is next to perfect by many parameters, but long&slow focus is my problem with candid portraits. But it might be OK for OP...

 

[brennanphotoguy]

Idk, the V2 Summilux I used didn't have a bad focus throw. My Nikkor 50/1.4 SC on the other hand...

 

[jsrockit]

Exactly! I almost purchased Canon 50 1.4, because it is next to perfect by many parameters...

Yes, that lens is good... but I also didn't like the focus / focus lock on it... but at least it had a tab.

 

[BLKRCAT]

The problem with old lenses, is the long and slow focus throws.

I would say its a trade off. Would you rather a fast throw or better low light focus accuracy?

 

[Huss]

Get a Canon 50mm f1.4, a bargain of a good lens.

Is it the 1.2, 1.4 or 1.8 version that is prone to hazing, even after cleaning?

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

The problem with old lenses, is the long and slow focus throws.

I would say its a trade off. Would you rather a fast throw or better low light focus accuracy?

Or: The problem with many recent lenses is the much too short and fast focus throw. 🙂