Let's see your Leica 50mm Lux Pre-ASPH Photos!

[rbrooks]

I have two pre-asph Lux and a v4 Cron. I used the one Lux on the M9 and never got anywhere with the Cron. Now on the M240, it's reversed. The Cron is usually on and the Lux stays. This is down to focus. I go with the lens that focuses the best, most consistent on the body I'm using. This is because, I tend to shoot less than 1m.

When I used to shoot film Ms, the Lux was the lens as I needed the speed and loved the look.

Note that the Lux has visibly better resolution in the centre than the Cron.

My sliver Lux looks much better than the black aluminium Lux, but the weight tips the body forward when resting. The silver chrome v4 Cron does not top the body forward.

And finally, I must say, I also have a pre-asph silver 35mm v4 Cron which is a better match for the fingerprint of the Lux as the edges are soft.

Conclusion: I have to send one of Lux in to calibrate the focus to my M240. The problem is I don't want to wait for weeks without the M240.

 

[Roel]

Thank you Dirk en Sug for your really extensive reply. So much knowledge here on RFF.

Your comparison gave me a lot to think about. I see where the Lux and cron differ. However I also have a VC 40mm/1.4 sc, Summarit 50 f1.5, Summar 50/2 and Jupiter-8 50/2 and a clean but not adjusted Jupiter-3 50/1.5.
All of which could be described i think as bit less 'perfect' than the Summicron and with more character. I have a set of comparison pics (simple indoor portrait of my son with simple background) here of all the lenses (except the Russians), wide open to f2.8.

Wide open the VC 40/1.4 and summarit 50/1.5 have a more 'prominent' background than the pre-asph lux 50. So wide open probably not a good alternative for the pre-asp lux. But at f2 and f2.8 they might come closer to the pre-ash lux. At least have more character than the Summicron. At the moment i find it difficult to pick a favorite next to the summicron's perfection
Think I will have to do a new outdoor comparison with nice background and lights like Dirk pics to see how all of my lenses behave. In the mean time i will be enjoying all of the great pics you guys are showing.

Would be great if that was possible to find the one. 'One lens to rule them all.. 🙂' Could it be the pre-asp lux..

Do you guys think the sharpness to the sides of the pre-asp lux also makes it perfect for two person portraits (like wedding for instance) or will the Summicron sharpness across the frame be better suited?

 

[coelacanth]

Taking Five by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr

Ottawa, ON, Canada.

M4-P, Lux 50 Pre-ASPH E46, HP5+, Diafine.

 

[jbhthescots]

Rocking The Railways

Rocking The Railways

M3, 50mm Summilux pre-asph v.2, FP4+, Xtol

The backstory to this photo can be read on my blog by clicking here.

 

[music_healing]

To Communicate by William Jusuf, on Flickr


50mm prelux asph chrome ltm edition
Fuji Neopan 400 rated 800 with Rodinal

Sincerely
William Jusuf

 

[coelacanth]

1st time shooting color with this lens.


Colors in life by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr


Looking through the glass by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr

Pre-ASPH E46.

 

[menos]

I'm aware this is Lux thread but let me leave one portrait with the modern Elmar-M.


Thinker on the train by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr

I am a big big fan of this lens. Modern coating but has a hint of classic rendering, with nice 3D look, not by shallow DoF, but by how the lens renders.

OK I'm gonna post a Lux Pre-ASPH shot to undo my violation to the thread. 😉


Suzi Qte by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr

I've had v4 and v5 Summicrons and ASPH Lux before my Pre-ASPH Lux. Summicron is sharper across the frame (Lux is pretty darn sharp in the middle) regardless of aperture to me. And has the Summicron look. Lux ASPH is a marvel of fast 50mm with modern and creamy rendering without going harsh. I feel Pre-ASPH Lux has a charming character while not going too "gothic" nor modern. I'd personally pick Elmar-M and Lux Pre-ASPH instead of one Summicron. If I can ever have only one 50mm to do all, Summicron might be the choice although black E46 Pre-ASPH Lux is surprisingly easy to carry daily everywhere.

Dirk, like Suguru I would like to wet your appetite. Therefore I'll post this shot here although it is not the right thread.

Leica MP, Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8, Tmax400.

Erik.

1st time shooting color with this lens.


Colors in life by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr


Looking through the glass by Suguru Nishioka, on Flickr

Pre-ASPH E46.

Sug and Erik, I apologize - I just realize I never thanked you guys for watering my appetite about the modern 50/2.8 Elmar.
Thank you for sharing those photographs and sure this Elmar remains on my list of lenses to get (which interestingly gets shorter and shorter these days).
I am a bit in a photography down time with the Leica M gear these days, as my favorite camera broke (the MM which I had from when it was introduced) and it was replaced with the newer version which in almost all accounts just doesn't feel right, so I rather shoot more medium format film these days then trying to force that new M to work for me :bang:

Sug, I saw the portrait with young lady on sofa over at the other thread and really liked it, yet the portrait with window reflection is so much more compelling - great portrait indeed - beautiful!

 

[Erik van Straten]

I am a bit in a photography down time with the Leica M gear these days, as my favorite camera broke (the MM which I had from when it was introduced) and it was replaced with the newer version which in almost all accounts just doesn't feel right.

Dirk, apart from your opinon on the Elmar-M, this opinion of you on the newer version of the MM is very interesting. Can you say in a few words - this is not the right thread - why this camera does not feel right?

I agree with your opinion on the newest portrait of Suguru, beautiful indeed!

Erik.

 

[menos]

Dirk, apart from your opinon on the Elmar-M, this opinion of you on the newer version of the MM is very interesting. Can you say in a few words - this is not the right thread - why this camera does not feel right?

I agree with your opinion on the newest portrait of Suguru, beautiful indeed!

Erik.

short list:

- much heavier battery (->heavier camera and a heavier spare to carry)
- additional (not useful) controls, buttons and functions all over the body
- frame lines only show when camera is on AND awake (LED powered now)
- frame lines too bright (distracting, especially in low light)
- ISO selection another step backwards (no more full stop changes)
- instead of shutter speed, exposure compensation in viewfinder when half pressing shutter release, leads to me not setting exposure compensation, leads to over exposing highlights
- awkward bottom plate with fidgety lock (again different from classic M design, which was perfect already)
- hot shoe / EVF port cover is bulky and pointy - hits into forehead
- self timer position cannot be reprogrammed to act as single drive mode, hence mode selector cannot act as on/off switch as with Leica M7 (and M9 based cameras)

All in all Leica has gone another step into complicating the digital M rather then taking action on their slogan "Das Wesentliche" (The Essential).
The camera feels bloated and awkward and is completely distracting me from taking pictures.
I now enjoy my film cameras a lot more than before (and am sad I gave away my old MM for this, which I felt was the very best camera Leica has done so far).
Every time I take this new MM with me the thought of selling it is creeping into my head as it is just such a bad camera.

The files are ok. But that's the only thing positive about it. :bang:

I do cure my hurt feelings with shooting my Rolleiflex and Exakta gear.

I promise a pre ASPH Summilux photograph with my next post though 🙂

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Dirk, for the excellent exposition of this drama. My sympathy.

How is it possible that they make such a thing.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Summilux 50mm f/1.4 pre asph v1 is a great lens.

Erik.

 

[giulio stucchi]

m6, summilux 50 pre-asph v2, acros 100, dd-x

m6, summilux 50 pre-asph v2, acros 100, dd-x

 

[Erik van Straten]

Giulio, she gets sweeter every day. Beautiful portrait.

Erik.

 

[giulio stucchi]

m6, summilux 50 pre-asph v2, acros 100, dd-x

m6, summilux 50 pre-asph v2, acros 100, dd-x

Thank you Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

"Stupid papa, taking pictures all the time."

Is this @ f/1.4? Very 3-dimensional effect, nice tones.

Erik.

 

[giulio stucchi]

It sounds more like "No Tati, No Tati, No photo Tati" ! (Tati is kids bulgarian for Daddy. She's half bulgarian and half italian growing up on the francophone side of Belgium)

The bike shots were @ 2.8 or thereabout.
The bar shot @ 1.4 1/30 sec.

Acros 100 @ about 50 asa

I've found 2 rolls of Acros at home and I like the combination acros + dd-x but I am not get it always right.

Hence, once done I will stick with Tri-x and LC-29 in 35mm and Tri-x and DD-X in 120 at least that's the plan.

Giulio

 

[sazerac]

I finally got around to scanning some images taken with my new 50/1.4 v2. Beautiful rendering - even when I use the expired XTOL!

 

[mfogiel]

20158423 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[Erik van Straten]

Summilux 50mm pre asph v1.

Erik.

 

[music_healing]

Midnight travelling ..

Departure
Midnight Traveller : Departure by William Jusuf, on Flickr

Arrival at 1 AM
Midnight Traveller : Arrival by William Jusuf, on Flickr


Summilux 50 Pre-ASPH chrome LTM Japan Edition
Fuji Neopan 400 rated 1600 with Rodinal

Sincerely
William Jusuf