joebt
Established
I'm looking to upgrade my 50mm Cron to the Lux, but I'm not sure how many different versions are out there? I have seen 2 websites that say there are only 2 versions, but I have seen at least 3 different versions so far. One has the 43mm thread size; one has 46mm thread size, and the latest one has the retractable lens hood. I like the 50mm f/1.4 with the 43 thread size, and I'm about to order one, but I want to make sure there are not more than one variation of this one. Can anyone point me to a reliable source that tells me exactly how many different 50 luxs are out there, with images to guide me?
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/LC5045/2.html
http://www.adorama.com/LC5014MN.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...E5014ALB6B&is=USA&Q=&O=productlist&sku=462681
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/LC5045/2.html
http://www.adorama.com/LC5014MN.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...E5014ALB6B&is=USA&Q=&O=productlist&sku=462681
ljsegil
Well-known
You could check Erwin Puts's book on all lenses Leica,which can be downloaded from his website .imx.nl. It's encyclopedic, though pedantic. An excellent source of mildly biased information.
LJS
LJS
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
this lens came out in 1959
it was redesigned in 1962
and improved again in 1978
and the again in 1998
it was redesigned in 1962
and improved again in 1978
and the again in 1998
Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
From Stephen Gandy's Leica lens list:
Two optical designs. Chrome or Black. With an average production of only about 2,000 per year, the 50 Summilux is actually a rarer lens than is generally recognized. Note closest focus is 40."
First version 1959-1961 Chrome
Second version with an improved optical formula 1961 to 1968 aprox, chrome, from number 1844001.
Third version, same optics but black anodized
Fourth version, same optics but "50" on barrel
Fifth version, same optics but built in shade from about 1995
Titanium version introduced 1997, limited production future collectible for classic Titanium M6
And here's KB Camera's take on the topic:
Here's mine. 43mm, second version, shipped in 1964.
This specimen is the only Summilux I have personal experience with. I find it to be a wonderfully neutral lens with no bad habits. The bokeh wide-open is absolutely delicious, with no doubling. But...it's a heavy lens. (Edit) Just weighed it: Exactly 300 grams without caps or filters.
That said, it's an absolute keeper, and it's presently the only fifty I have. I don't feel ill-equipped in that regard.
Two optical designs. Chrome or Black. With an average production of only about 2,000 per year, the 50 Summilux is actually a rarer lens than is generally recognized. Note closest focus is 40."
First version 1959-1961 Chrome
Second version with an improved optical formula 1961 to 1968 aprox, chrome, from number 1844001.
Third version, same optics but black anodized
Fourth version, same optics but "50" on barrel
Fifth version, same optics but built in shade from about 1995
Titanium version introduced 1997, limited production future collectible for classic Titanium M6
And here's KB Camera's take on the topic:
Here's mine. 43mm, second version, shipped in 1964.
This specimen is the only Summilux I have personal experience with. I find it to be a wonderfully neutral lens with no bad habits. The bokeh wide-open is absolutely delicious, with no doubling. But...it's a heavy lens. (Edit) Just weighed it: Exactly 300 grams without caps or filters.
That said, it's an absolute keeper, and it's presently the only fifty I have. I don't feel ill-equipped in that regard.
Last edited:
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Last edited:
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
look here to Mr. Puts write up.
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/rseries/testr/r14-50.html
I love my old Nikkor and Canon glass it is true, but if some modern Leica glass came my way I would certainly use it.
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/rseries/testr/r14-50.html
I love my old Nikkor and Canon glass it is true, but if some modern Leica glass came my way I would certainly use it.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
(sidebar) Have we ever had a thread in this forum for nothing but pictures taken through Summiluxae? Something like the Noctilux Challenge thread?
Should we start one?
Should we start one?
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
oh no!! I stepped into SLR territory.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
ferider
Veteran
Rumours are the first version of the Summilux had 48mm thread and was built by Canon. 
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Rumours aren't that, but there are some rumors that I came from another planet.ferider said:Rumours are the first version of the Summilux had 48mm thread and was built by Canon.
peter_n
Veteran
Alright, just to muddy the waters further here is yet another source, the Leica Pocket Book 7th ed. (Oct. 2002) from Hove Books, pp. 137 to 139.
Type I
Production period: 1959-1961
Serial nrs: 1640601-1844000
Total production: 13,000 bayonet, 550 screw mount
Filter: E43
Type II
Production period: 1962-current
Serial nrs: 1844001-current
Total production: na
Filter: E43, later E46
The Hove book does not make the distinction in the Type II between the earlier E43 that focuses to 1M closest, and the later E46 that focuses to 0.7M and has the retractable hood (you can still buy this lens new). So according to Hove there are three types including the new(ish) ASPH.
Type I
Production period: 1959-1961
Serial nrs: 1640601-1844000
Total production: 13,000 bayonet, 550 screw mount
Filter: E43
Type II
Production period: 1962-current
Serial nrs: 1844001-current
Total production: na
Filter: E43, later E46
The Hove book does not make the distinction in the Type II between the earlier E43 that focuses to 1M closest, and the later E46 that focuses to 0.7M and has the retractable hood (you can still buy this lens new). So according to Hove there are three types including the new(ish) ASPH.
bob cole
Well-known
How many versions of the 50mm f/1.4?
There are three versions of the 50mm/f1.4 Summilux for the Leica M-series:
1. 1959-1961... #1,645,300 to 1,844,000 ... E-43 filter...weight: 285 grams ...available in chrome and painted black
2. 1962-1994... #1,844,001 to not available... E-43 filter...weight: 360 grams...available in chrome, enameled black and anodized black...also gold plated and platinum plated in limited numbers...
3. 1995............. serial numbers not available... E-46 filter...weight: 275 grams black & chrome...380 grams titanium ... built-in telescopic hood...available in black, chrome and titanium
Ref.: Sartorius, Identifying Leica Lenses...
All versions are common except the first version black and the second version special series 1913-1983 of which 410 were made and are rare...
There are three versions of the 50mm/f1.4 Summilux for the Leica M-series:
1. 1959-1961... #1,645,300 to 1,844,000 ... E-43 filter...weight: 285 grams ...available in chrome and painted black
2. 1962-1994... #1,844,001 to not available... E-43 filter...weight: 360 grams...available in chrome, enameled black and anodized black...also gold plated and platinum plated in limited numbers...
3. 1995............. serial numbers not available... E-46 filter...weight: 275 grams black & chrome...380 grams titanium ... built-in telescopic hood...available in black, chrome and titanium
Ref.: Sartorius, Identifying Leica Lenses...
All versions are common except the first version black and the second version special series 1913-1983 of which 410 were made and are rare...
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Last edited:
Gabriel M.A. said:Rumours aren't that, but there are some rumors that I came from another planet.
I started those, sorry.
SteveRD1
Well-known
Hey Joe
Hey Joe
Hey Joe, good to see you here! The 1st one at Calument is the Pre ASPH lux. I have never used it but came close to buying it a couple of times. I have seen them much cheaper though, in the $1400 range new, so $2k is a bit steep. Supposedly it is a bit softer than the ASPH version wide open.
The 2nd is the ASPH and current version, the best 50 ever made IMO, but it should be at $2800
The 3rd link you gave to BH is the LHSA lux, which only so many were made. It does not have the built in hood of the current ASPH or non ASPH version, but rather a screw on hood. It comes in a special collector box and would seem to have more resale value down the line. I believe it is black laquer compared to black chrome. It also is 43mm, not 46.
I recently picked up a summilux but got the wrong color so I sent it back to buy the black. I am buying today actually and am trying to decide between the LHSA or the standard ASPH myself. If you do get one, you will not be sorry. It is probably the best lens I have ever used, EVER.
Good luck!
Hey Joe
Hey Joe, good to see you here! The 1st one at Calument is the Pre ASPH lux. I have never used it but came close to buying it a couple of times. I have seen them much cheaper though, in the $1400 range new, so $2k is a bit steep. Supposedly it is a bit softer than the ASPH version wide open.
The 2nd is the ASPH and current version, the best 50 ever made IMO, but it should be at $2800
The 3rd link you gave to BH is the LHSA lux, which only so many were made. It does not have the built in hood of the current ASPH or non ASPH version, but rather a screw on hood. It comes in a special collector box and would seem to have more resale value down the line. I believe it is black laquer compared to black chrome. It also is 43mm, not 46.
I recently picked up a summilux but got the wrong color so I sent it back to buy the black. I am buying today actually and am trying to decide between the LHSA or the standard ASPH myself. If you do get one, you will not be sorry. It is probably the best lens I have ever used, EVER.
Good luck!
SteveRD1
Well-known
Hey Joe
Hey Joe
Hey Joe, good to see you here! The 1st one at Calument is the Pre ASPH lux. I have never used it but came close to buying it a couple of times. I have seen them much cheaper though, in the $1400 range new, so $2k is a bit steep. Supposedly it is a bit softer than the ASPH version wide open.
The 2nd is the ASPH and current version, the best 50 ever made IMO, but it should be at $2800
The 3rd link you gave to BH is the LHSA lux, which only so many were made. It does not have the built in hood of the current ASPH or non ASPH version, but rather a screw on hood. It comes in a special collector box and would seem to have more resale value down the line. I believe it is black laquer compared to black chrome. It also is 43mm, not 46.
I recently picked up a summilux but got the wrong color so I sent it back to buy the black. I am buying today actually and am trying to decide between the LHSA or the standard ASPH myself. If you do get one, you will not be sorry. It is probably the best lens I have ever used, EVER.
Good luck!
Hey Joe
Hey Joe, good to see you here! The 1st one at Calument is the Pre ASPH lux. I have never used it but came close to buying it a couple of times. I have seen them much cheaper though, in the $1400 range new, so $2k is a bit steep. Supposedly it is a bit softer than the ASPH version wide open.
The 2nd is the ASPH and current version, the best 50 ever made IMO, but it should be at $2800
The 3rd link you gave to BH is the LHSA lux, which only so many were made. It does not have the built in hood of the current ASPH or non ASPH version, but rather a screw on hood. It comes in a special collector box and would seem to have more resale value down the line. I believe it is black laquer compared to black chrome. It also is 43mm, not 46.
I recently picked up a summilux but got the wrong color so I sent it back to buy the black. I am buying today actually and am trying to decide between the LHSA or the standard ASPH myself. If you do get one, you will not be sorry. It is probably the best lens I have ever used, EVER.
Good luck!
joebt
Established
Thank You All for pointing me in the right direction.
Steve, I have been showing off your homeless gallery to everyone man. I cannot even find the words to tell you how awsome that gallery is. I'm still waiting for the saga to continue.
Ok, I see you have the M8 and a 50mm f/1.4, but do you still have the Noctilux too? Did you sell the MP?
Steve, I have been showing off your homeless gallery to everyone man. I cannot even find the words to tell you how awsome that gallery is. I'm still waiting for the saga to continue.
Ok, I see you have the M8 and a 50mm f/1.4, but do you still have the Noctilux too? Did you sell the MP?