Kristian,
i love that second shot especially!
so, if you could only have one lens, which do you like best -- 50 Summilux pre-asph (v.3), 50 Summilux Asph, or the Hex?
(keeping in mind i'm looking for Black Paint on the Luxes as i prefer focusing with the knurled edges -- so none of these are cheap... i want to supplement my E58 Nocti for night shots, but also have something that focuses closer and is a bit lighter for day shots that can also be used in dark basement bars.)
i look forward to your opinion as you've already got me looking very close at the CV Nokton...
thank you!
Firstly, I would avoid the Nokton 1.1, if you're thinking 50mm. I've used it a few times and have never been able to like anything about it. Value for money it surely is great, but if you're talking about technical qualities of sharpness wide open and bokeh, it's signature is well below par compared to the other competitors.
The LHSA Summilux ASPH is fantastic, possibly sharper wide open than the regular version, maybe due to it's different coating, being more blue. It's handling is fantastic as I've never liked focus tabs on lenses other than wide angles. The lens is smaller and better balanced on any camera too. Using it without the hood (a must due to the size of the hood) is a pleasure and makes for a very compact kit, like it's original older brother, the pre-asph V1-III. In terms of character, this lens exhibits very little, being the supermodel you always wanted, but all looks and no personality
😉 It's perfect rendering was welcomed when I got it at first release but now I miss the imperfect look. Although if I was to have only one 50mm, it's hard to argue with the ASPH as it does do everything right.
I am a big fan of the pre-asph Summilux, and love the VII and VIII due to their size but close focusing can be a pain sometimes being limited to 1m. It's signature is very smooth, and by not being 'too' sharp wide open makes for a classic look with a little character in the bokeh. Definitely THE lens to get for a balance of modern meets classic.
The Hexanon is a 60mm focal length so it's unique in the lineup. Seeing I use my 50's as more of a telephoto than standard, the 60mm is not a stretch. It's really well balanced on the camera as it's slightly wide, but quite short. About 2/3 the height of the Noctilux 0.95 and about the same length as the Summilux ASPH (regular). It's build is solid and sweet. I got myself a self codable adapter and found the best coding to be the 50 Summilux pre-asph. for even colors to the edges. Focus is smooth, but not as much as the Noct 0.95. Aperture is a little bit too smooth, but clicks nicely and there's no problem.
At f/1.2, it's sharpness 'almost' matches the Summilux ASPH, surpassing the pre-asph, but the contrast is on the low side. This is very desirable for use in low light as the shadows have more information and can be easily brought back during post processing. Stopping down to 1.4, sharpness surpasses the Summilux ASPH, especially in the center area and contrast picks up noticeably. Bokeh differences between 1.2 and 1.4 is noticeable, but not by much. For me, I'd use 1.4 most of the time, except for extreme low light situations where I'd want to squeeze out more information.
The lens's character is why I've wanted this lens for the last 5 years. It's amazing, to me. It's very distinct without the craziness of other lenses, including the slightly more wild Hexanon 50/1.2 Ti. It's almost like a slightly more wild Summilux pre-asph but with sharper results. It's effect in OOF areas is of a painterly effect. This is very much related to the 35/2 UC lens which I also have and the pair match 100% in character.
Hope this helps.
