How does the 50/2 hex compare to the 50mm summilux asph?

[sanmich]

- the six element Summicrons all tend to flare unpredictably - they handle light sources in the frame reasonably well, but flare badly when there are light sources just outside the frame - and this is hard to predict when it's happening with a rangefinder;

Marty

I've had some nasty surprises too with a current version summicron 50.
after looking quite hard for the problem. I have found that it happens exactly as you say, when strong lights are at a certain angle just out of the frame.
My conclusion, after having played with the lens is that the light is bouncing on the rear inside part of the lens that for some incomprehensible reason is painted with quite a shiny paint.
I've had my sample repainted with a flat paint by DAG, and I think it solved the problem.

 

[Gid]

I didn't reply to this thread originally because I've never owned a summilux, but as there is a lot of discussion about 'cron versus hex, I'll add my thoughts.

I owned and used the 'cron, hex, summarit (old), nokton, elmar 50 2.8 and tri-elmar stuck onto M6, MP, M8 and R-D1. The best all round 50 in terms of build, handling and performance is, IMO, the hex if you don't need more speed. I also did a semi formal test of several of them on the R-D1 and the hex was the best in that test. I sold the 'cron and kept the hex. At that time (2006/7), you could get a 'cron for about £350 and the hex about a third less. I recently picked up another hex for £300 -I doubt I could find another V5 cron for £450 🙂 Letting your eyes be the judge can save you money 😉