Leica 50mm F1.4 vs. Leica 50mm F1.4 ASPH

[LWR]

Short and to the point...

For the average amateur who doesn't sell his prints and does things for his own enjoyment, is the aspherical version of Leica's 50mm F1.4 that much better than the previous non-ASPH version?

The ASPH lens is around $1300 more than the old non-ASPH version at some stores.

I guess the only other data needed is that I like to shoot portraits and therefore the lens will be used wide open on my R-D1 most of the time.

I don't mind spending the extra - just like to know it's worth it. I'm definitely buy once by right type. However, $1300 goes a long way toward a Leica 90mm F2

Thanks for you help in solving this conundrum.

LWR

 

[Meleica]

the new lens is likely the finest 50mm ever produced ( if resolution and contrast are your goals )...the pre-ASPH is an old design and although fine, its not in the same league as the new ASPH....

REVIEW by PUTS
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/SummiluxASPH/s14-50.html

Dan
www.antiquecameras.net

 

[Meleica]

in re-reading your post.....if your goal is good quality WIDE ope, then the ASPH is for you....if you are just printing 4x6 prints from print film....save your money and buy a 50/2 Summicron

 

[Sonnar Brian]

With a 6 Megapixel CCD, I'm not sure if you can resolve the difference between the two lenses. I would certainly try it on the intended camera before spending the extra $1,300. A film camera has the "equivalent" of 25MPixels or so. The 1.3x crop factor on the RD-1 means that edge-to-edge sharpness for a lens designed for 24mmx36mm is not as important. You are using the central 70% or so of the lens.

 

[LCT]

The difference is immediately visible, at f/1.4 mainly.
The asph is a super sharp and contrasty lens but it's not necessarily the best one for portraits.
Depends if you like super sharp wrinkles 😉 or not.
Noctilux aside, if you prefer a smoother lens at f/ 1.4 and f/2 the pre-asph Summilux is probably the best fast 50mm available IMHO.
Best,
LCT

 

[Fred]

You can always reduce detail using filters or by another means but you cannot create it if its not there in the first place.

If you plan to use it wider than F2 and want the best edge definition it's a simple but expensive choice otherwise for normal portraits where the most important detail tends (but not always) to be in the middle you'd could save money.

Either way you'll get some cracking images with either lens but once you see the results wide open at say 10 x 8 the choice may become mor of an issue

 

[Doug]

Good point, Fred! And there are certainly different goals in portraiture. Commercial portraiture intended to flatter the sitter is not usually the chore for the Leica. Could be, though, in a wedding setting for instance, for those who do weddings with Leicas.

For me, I want every wrinkle and bit of texture, and would go for sharp sharp sharp and beautiful light... life experiences and character...

 

[peter_n]

Well I'm what you describe, an average amateur who doesn't sell his prints and does things for his own enjoyment (more or less) and I recently bought a pre-ASPH version of the Summilux 50. I think that the current Summicron is too sharp for people ( 🙄 ) so it didn't take too long for me to make my mind up.

I was able to find pictures from both lenses and just much preferred the look of the older lens, which I'm going to use mainly at f1.4. See if you can find some pictures taken with the pre-ASPH, you'd be surprised how good they look. In the end its a personal decision but it does help to see what each lens can do rather than relying on subjective opinion.

 

[PaulN]

If you are thinking pre-ASPH, have you considered the CV 50 Nokton? From what I remember, Putts said that it is a better design then the pre-ASPH 'Lux, and, it is much cheaper then the both versions.

 

[peterbilitch]

LWR

Have a look at the pictures in my gallery and see if they suggest the kind of performance you require.

You could try to find a used non-asph, they are often available for sale. As long as you are patient and disciplined enough to wait for one only in pristine condition, it is a lot more affordable (if such a term can ever be considered applicable when talking about Leica equipment).

Peter

 

[peter_n]

I was surprised at the prices because I expected the introduction of the ASPH lens to really drive down the pre-ASPH value but if you watch what they sell for on eBay they are still quite expensive.

I didn't realize I "needed" one until I got a 0.85 mag camera and tried a 50mm on it. By then it was too late to buy the one offered here by Todd that was going for $800 I think. I paid a lot more than that for mine... 🙁

 

[peterbilitch]

Peter,

That's what I mean about patience :angel: although it has to be said that $800 is an unusually low price for a non-asph in perfect condition.

Peter

p.s. When looking at the pictures taken with the Summilux, only the portrait is at f/1.4 the other two images were at f/2 - you will need to view the images at full size to see the level of sharpness that they contain.

 

[peter_n]

LWR, take a look at Peter's portrait (EPSN2921) in his gallery. A great example of the look of the pre-ASPH version of the lens! 🙂

Peter, I did wait and got a sample made in the 70's that looks like new. Gorgeous lens!

 

[saxshooter]

I believe that the current ASPH version focuses closer at .7 meters while the older version stops at 1 meter?

 

[LCT]

The latest pre-asph Summilux focuses at 0.7 meter.
Best,
LCT

 

[peter_n]

The first and second versions of the pre-ASPH have a minimum distance of 1M on the scale but my sample (2nd ver) focuses past that to 0.9M or so. The third version of the pre-ASPH (the version immediately preceding the ASPH) has a closest focus distance of 0.7M as LCT states above.

 

[sgy1962]

You can still buy the pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux new w/ warranty for $1300 US, which in Leica Land is a very good price. I'm in the process now of making the same decision -- which one? I sold my Summicron, because I wanted the faster lens, but the price of the new ASPH has really stymied the new acquisition. In the mean time, I'm getting more use out of my 35mm focal length.

I'm leaning towrd the ASPH, despite its hefty price. I figure it will be the last lens I ever get barring loss or damage. And I've really liked the crispness I would see in the 50mm Summicron over the older 50mm Summilux which I have used in the past.