early 50mm lux

nikon_junkie

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I got the RF itch again and I'm worried I acted too fast, when I picked up a first edition 50mm Lux. M3 should be arriving tommorrow 🙂

Did I overpay terribly for it ($750)? W

hat kind of sharpness and performance can I expect from it on an M3?

Serial number 1691xxx

Primarily it will be for B+W with a mix of color, eventually geared toard wedding work as I learn the RF.

I shined a light thru it and there is minimal dust and no discoloration.

It's a beaut!
 
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750? Sounds about right to me.

It's sharp. Sharp as anything current for other systems, if not better yet, but not as sharp (especially wide open) as the 50mm ASPH, as expected.

It's a nice lens. It was the signature lens for Leica for years. Enjoy!
 
I'm not sure but I think that's a good price for one in great condition. Doesn't really matter what M mount camera body you put it on. RFF member Meleica has price guides you could check. Sorry, I don't have the link.

(Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a permanent link to these gudes as these questions arise frequently.)
 
I think that's a decent price for an awesome lens. There's a photog on PN, maybe it is Mike Dixon who has taken the most stunning pictures with that lens. Congrats!
 
Agreed, a decent price for that great lens. If "sharpness" is what you're after, this lens isn't it. But the first version has a very nice signature; pretty much a refined Summarit. Good compromise if you don't want to own both a Summarit and a "newer" non-asph Summilux.
 
Some people will tell you to avoid the 1st version Summilux and go for the second, after all it was one of the shortest production lenses for Leitz before the unannounced change in 1961.

I had one for awhile and I liked it. No its not 'as good' on the test charts as the second version being less contrast, but it has a nice flat field and I think it was better in the close range and once stopped down to f8 can be sharp if that's what you need., 'bokeh' is very smooth. A real beautiful look to it, you'll get to love it the more you use it.

And I agree with peter, look at Mike Dixon's photos and you see that in the right hands what this lens can do.
 
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