How many versions of the 50mm f/1.4?

joebt

joebt

Established
Local time
5:34 PM
Joined
Apr 4, 2006
Messages
145
Location
Maryland
View My Gallery
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
 
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
 
this lens came out in 1959
it was redesigned in 1962
and improved again in 1978
and the again in 1998
 
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.

CLwithSummilux7.jpg


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:
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.
 
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...
 
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

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!
 
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?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Rolleiflex 2.8f versions
Replies
12
Views
258
valdas
V
Räuber
Overview of all regular Zeiss Sonnar 5cm f/2 aka 50mm f/2 versions
2 3
Replies
54
Views
7K
dexdog
D
Räuber
Overview of all Zeiss Sonnar 5cm f/1.5 aka 50mm f/1.5 versions
7 8 9
Replies
163
Views
23K
Miles.
Miles.
AusDLK
Wobbly Canon LTM 50mm f/1.4 Lens
Replies
12
Views
920
AusDLK
AusDLK
Shab
A 35mm lens for a Nikon FM3A
2 3
Replies
42
Views
4K
Dogman
Dogman
Back
Top Bottom