M-Hex 50, Nokton 50 ASPH or Summicron 50

[irq506]

Ok so I have the choice of the two, Im currently in ownership of the Nokton, and have the opportunity to own the M-Hexanon 50 f2 or the Summicron.

I recently did a test between a few lenses, these included a 50 Summilux ASPH, the 50 Summicron (current), the Nokton ASPH and the M-Hexanon, and I have to be honest the M-Hexanon showed me a very compelling image nearly every instance. The test was pretty stable but only had the chance to shoot two subjects at all apertures on all lenses. However I did cut through four rolls of E100 slide film doing some street shooting later that same day using the M-Hex, and the results out of it just blew my socks right off!

So I am curious to know your opinions of these lenses and apart from the Summilux, which one I should side-step, backwards step or pony up to...

thank in advance..

 

[Krosya]

Sounds to me like you already have your answer. 😉

Me - Hex won me over Rigid Cron, current cron and ZM Planar.

 

[Cron]

I bought one Hex 2/50 again to complete my Hexar RF-set.

This is my second Hex 2/50 and this also is a little soft compared to the Summicron when used wide open. Maybe there are examples which are better.
But nevertheless it is a good performer with nice unsharpness in front of and behind the subject.

 

[Hacker]

For a nice compromise of the bokeh and sharpness, the M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2.

 

[awilder]

Here's a quick comparison at f/2.8 of a very tight center crop comparing the tabbed Summicron here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54675&d=1200847777 and the Hexanon: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54676&d=1200847789. As you can see at least in terms of resolving power, the two are about tie. Given the superior multi-coating of the Hexanon making it more flare resistant, I'd save some money and get the Hexanon.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

If they were the same price, the decision would be tougher. Save a few hundred dollars and get the Hexanon.

 

[pvdhaar]

If you compare a Hexanon with a Summicron, you're basically comparing design philosophies. I've a feel that Leica aimed for getting peak sharpness performance at maximum aperture, while Konica went for an all-rounder. The guide that comes with the Hexanon positions it as a versatile travel lens, and touts its color fidelity and low amount of surface reflections. It also talks about low spherical and chromatic abberations, lack of distortion and high contrast. Not once is 'resolution' or 'sharpness' mentioned however.

But who cares about what the booklet says, if the Hexanon can make pictures like these with ease:

 

[infrequent]

The guide that comes with the Hexanon positions it as a versatile travel lens, and touts its color fidelity and low amount of surface reflections. It also talks about low spherical and chromatic abberations, lack of distortion and high contrast. Not once is 'resolution' or 'sharpness' mentioned however.

But who cares about what the booklet says, if the Hexanon can make pictures like these with ease:

is this booklet available online / electronically?!

 

[Hacker]

If they were the same price, the decision would be tougher. Save a few hundred dollars and get the Hexanon.

Of the 50mm lenses I own, the I would sell the Summicron f2 in a heartbeat. It is a nice lens, but average kind of nice.

 

[pvdhaar]

is this booklet available online / electronically?!

No, I'm not aware of it being available online. But if you have some patience, and keep an eye on your PM inbox tomorrow, I'll see what I can do..

 

[infrequent]

very patient 😉

very patient 😉

No, I'm not aware of it being available online. But if you have some patience, and keep an eye on your PM inbox tomorrow, I'll see what I can do..

thx peter!

 

[edodo]

Go for the leitz lens, it will keep its value in the future and it will exquisitely draw the world that is in front of your camera !

 

[awilder]

This quite true if you plan on selling it down the road but do not pay full retail for the Summicron or you'll take a big bath when you go to sell it as most current versions only bring about $800 if perfect. OTOH, a used Hexanon won't loose any value as they'll resell for typically what you bought it for used.

 

[Hacker]

I definitely would go for the Hexanon. It's not even the case where you get a cheaper lens but almost the quality of the Cron. You actually get a lens on par with the Cron.

 

[johannielscom]

on the opposite...

on the opposite...

Go for the leitz lens, it will keep its value in the future and it will exquisitely draw the world that is in front of your camera !

Go for the M-Hexanon, it's value will increase in the future since they are able to step up to the 'cron, and there are less of them around.

I've got a 28mm M-Hexanon on the shelf that will probably stay there for a couple of years (another one is in service) for the exact same reason (and because it's no use having them both in action).

Real shame the 50mm 1.2 was produced in such small numbers, it's value will increase as well since it's the only modern alternative to the Noctiluxes.

 

[BigSteveG]

I bought a 90mm Hex, fell in love and within 60 days bought the 50 Hex-m and the 35 UC. If you are considering a 50 'lux in the future, then buy the 50 Hex now and use as your "slow" lens. It has a modern look, I get great sharpness from mine, color rendition is very pretty and it was relatively inexpensive. A no-brainer if you ask me. They are getting harder to find. I really want the 50 2.4 collapsible but can't justify the expense w/ 2 fine 50's in my kit.

 

[infrequent]

@bigsteveg - how do you find that 35 UC? that's the one i want and am always afraid that the matsuiyastore will eventually run out before i save enough for it! i had a hexar af and loved the lens in that. i want something similar in m-mount.

 

[ZebGoesZeiss]

I own the Hexanon, and I find it utterly unimpressive in every way. The bokeh is utter ****, and it is soft at f/2-f4. I'm pretty sure this is my copy, others seems to be satisfied with the lens. I would sell it in a heartbeat, but my conciousness tells me that would be wrong...

Waiting for the 50mm Planar, I hope that would be decent enough. I also have the latest 50mm Summicron and a 50mm Noctilux, but they are going up on eBay in a couple of weeks. Not my cup of tea, I guess.

For the money, feel free to try the Hexanon if you can find it at $3-400. But I would make sure that you have an option to return it if it turns out the way my did.

 

[Hacker]

I own the Hexanon, and I find it utterly unimpressive in every way. The bokeh is utter ****, and it is soft at f/2-f4. I'm pretty sure this is my copy, others seems to be satisfied with the lens. I would sell it in a heartbeat, but my conciousness tells me that would be wrong...

Can you post a few examples photos of the above?

 

[Krosya]

I own the Hexanon, and I find it utterly unimpressive in every way. The bokeh is utter ****, and it is soft at f/2-f4. I'm pretty sure this is my copy, others seems to be satisfied with the lens. I would sell it in a heartbeat, but my conciousness tells me that would be wrong...

Waiting for the 50mm Planar, I hope that would be decent enough. I also have the latest 50mm Summicron and a 50mm Noctilux, but they are going up on eBay in a couple of weeks. Not my cup of tea, I guess.

For the money, feel free to try the Hexanon if you can find it at $3-400. But I would make sure that you have an option to return it if it turns out the way my did.

This is very strange. I have 3 Hexanons - 50/2, 90/2.8 and 28/2.8 and all are superb. I actually chose Hexanon 50 over Summicrons and a Planar. Maybe yours is faulty/misadjusted?