Leica 50/F1.4 Summilux ASPH vs. Pre ASPH

[pfoto]

Wow! Did not even know about the LHSA version. But I have no business even thinking about another 50. So please provide a list of sources where I could possibly get one, so I'll know whom to avoid.

Since it was a limited edition you can generally only buy them used. One went with an MP3/Leicavit MP on this forum a couple of weeks ago. I bought two of them, one on another forum and one on eBay (I only have one now). If you don't like tabs they are great.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I have and like the E46 Pre-Asph version for what I shoot, people and found items, I got it for the bokeh ...

Todd

 

[dreamsandart]

I would say close up is not one of the pre-ASPH Summilux strong points. Field curvature and classic optical design for speed. One of the reasons until the last version it focused only to 1 meter. The ASPH version has floating elements to work in the closer range. So I was surprised how well the pre-ASPH did in the comparison above, and how the new Sonnar did (just thought it would be better).

One thing about the older version Summilux I like compared to the 3rd built-in hood and the ASPH (normal and LHSA) is the long focus throw, just feels better and maybe easier to get the focus right.

And don't forget the 1st version of the 50 Summilux. Its a nice lens, beautiful bokeh, can be sharp enough and has a flatter field than the 2nd version. It can be a wonderful 'art' lens.

 

[jsuominen]

So I was surprised how well the pre-ASPH did in the comparison above, and how the new Sonnar did (just thought it would be better).

Unfortunately I don't have pre-ASPH nor ASPH, but compared with new Mill.-Nikkor 50/1.4 my new Sonnar is quite good:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2577283389/ (Sonnar)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2578108966/ (Mill.-Nikkor)
http://flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2578130878/ (Sonnar)
http://flickr.com/photos/jsuominen/2578124900/ (Mill.-Nikkor)

 

[Roma]

I don't like the high contrast of the ASPH lenses, but I'm one of those people who likes detail in deep shadows (which ASPH lenses collapse IMHO). They are sharper, but to me sharpness is secondary to tones. I like my pre-asph lux, but beginning to like the good-old 5cm Summarit even more now. If you need close-up wide-open performance, the asph is better.