Latest 35mm and 50mm 'Cron and 'Lux: Differences?

[psychokiller]

Hi all,

I am seeking the extra stop in aperture for these two focal length lenses. I have both the current versions of the 35mm and 50mm 'Crons and love the modern look/ signature.

How different is the signature of the current 'Lux version of these FL lenses in comparison to the 'Crons?

35mm is my main FL and I like also its portability. Is the 'Lux that much bigger or still stealthy for street shooting?

I have also read that there have been a lot of back-focus issues with the 35mm lux with the M8. I use an M7. Any reported problems with film cameras? I will be buying the 35mm new and hopefully will sell some gear to try and pickup the 50mm used.

How do these lenses perform at f8 for street shooting? Equally as good as the Crons?

Thanks in advance.

 

[parasko]

I'd be interested to know how much the Lux versions block the viewfinder in comparison to the Crons.

 

[35mmdelux]

blockage of vf is minimal. The 35/50 Lux ASPH are two of the sharpest lenses in the Leica arsenal, every bit as modern as its little brother Crons. To my eye, the LUX ASPH rendition has more pop. In hindsight Im glad I moved on from the Crons to the Summiluxes. Not looking back here.

 

[35mmdelux]

Addendum: Ive been shooting with 35 Cron eighteen years -- Ver III, Ver IV, Cron ASPH. I took a deep breath when I ponied up the extra $1000 for the Lux ASPH, but its APO qualities and extra stop made a difference to me.

The 50mm Lux ASPH is off the charts. I use the 50 ASPH in low light mostly, B&W, and it has made me a believer. This lens delivers the much discussed Leica glow.

 

[Turtle]

the 50 lux asph delivers high contrast and exceptional resolution. Not so sure what glow there is really, as this term is normally associated with older lenses that flare rather a lot such as the pre asph lux. In my experience the 50 asph is bitingly sharp and very modern and in that regard has much more in common with the new Cron, ZM planar etc thqn old school 'glow' lenses.

Shot at the same aperture I am not sure that there would be that much to get excited about between the crons and luxes. Surely its the greater speed that drives one towards the lux? Accoring to reports the 35 lux asph is more flare prone than the cron asph. The lux asph is supposed to be extremely resistant compared to the cron, although I only owned the asph 50 lux and have not had a cron/