M7 + lux 50/1.4 Need your advice

[Alex Krasotkin]

Guys, what do you think of the M7 + lux 50/1.4 (pre-aspherical) mint -, combo for $3,000? Do you think it is a good deal?

I have wonderful Konica Hexar AF with 35/2, but decided to buy a second camera with 50mm lens. As I understood from many reviews pre ASPH lux 50/1.4 gives a better bokeh, then ASPH one. There are like 3 series of 50/1.4 depending on the period of manufacturing with serial number 1..., 2..., 3....
Can anyone share his views on this combo and lens drawing?

Thank you very much in advance.

Regards,
Alexander

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Are you buying blindly? Can you pick up and play with the camera? Is there any kind of money-back warranty? Is it really new-ish? Viewfinder upgraded or still flare-prone? The camera alone new can cost that much, but used, a lot less.

Now... what version of the 50 'lux is this one? Is the one with the 43mm filter size? Have you seen it?

I'd see to try the goods first. Then, if you're satisfied, buy. From what you describe, the price is about right to me, at least. Good luck!

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

It sounds like a fair deal: $1500 + $1500. If the body is in at least very very good condition, and the pre-asph Summilux is the last version (E46, from 1990s) and in excellent condition.

I personally love the pre-asph Summilux, but the ASPH 'lux is incredibly clean, too "clinical" for my taste, actually.

As per the combo, I don't know. I've never used or held an M7. I do have an M6 Classic, and the 50 pre-asph Summilux is the one that's mounted 90% of the time on it (although my avatar has the M6 + Canon 50 f/1.2)

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

There is also the E43 version which i have, i think they come up a bit cheaper than the later E46 versions. For comparative performance info look to the Leica Customer Forum on the Lecia Site. this issue comes up many times and good image examples are often posted in the threads for comparison. Actually i'm sure forum member Leica Magus (K.P) if he's online, can help you here as he's initiated and contributed to many interesting threads on this topic and the 35/1.4 pre and ASPH versions on the Leica site and here in Lecia Forum also.
My earlier version (E43) only focusses down to a meter not 0.7 i'm not sure if the later version with the built in hood focusses to 0.7. It's certainly a cracking lens for B/W work.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

i'm not sure if the later version with the built in hood focusses to 0.7. It's certainly a cracking lens for B/W work.

Yes, the E43 version can be found for half the price in the used market than the E46 version; and you're correct, it (the E46 version) focuses as close as 0.7m.

It is also certainly a cracking lens for B&W work: 😉

​

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I like that floppy bunny shot! here's one of mine
don't know how to post without it being an attachment?

 

[Fred]

Simon, I know its Easter with the bunnies n all and your photo is very good indeed, but would you say it's a bad "hare" day. 😀

Sorry, I just could not resist it. 😱

The 50 ASPH E46 with hood does focus to 0.7 just checked.

 

[peter_n]

I would say the price is OK Alexander, not great but OK. So many variables as enumerated above. I use this combo, a 0.85 mag M7 and E43 Summilux and mine cost more than your offer but my M7 was virtually new (with MP finder) and my Summilux looks like it was never used. The E43 Summi's closest focus is 1M. Previous ownner must have kept it in the box! FWIW I really like the kit.

 

[StuartR]

Hi Alexander,

I am actually happy to see that you posted here. I was looking at a Contax 645 system, and I found your post on photo.net with the link to your website. Your photos are superb! I also read your "about me" section and found it very coincidental. I am American, but I studied Russian and Japanese in university, and actually spent some time at Yaroslavl' State University (though I did not make it to Rybinsk) and 10 months at DVGU in Vladivostok. And then I got my masters in Southern California. So we seem to have traveled to all the same places and then both decided on photography!

In any case, on to your question. I use an M7 and 50/1.4 ASPH and I like it very much. It is a superb lens, but the 50/1.4 pre-asph is probably more like your 80/2 in the Contax 645. I don't think the 50/1.4 ASPH has bad bokeh, just not as nice perhaps. Here are a few sample shots:

Let me just repeat, all those above were with the 50/1.4 ASPH, not the pre-asph. I think the pre-asph is a great lens and is a bit softer in the way that it draws an image. It is probably also closer in character to the excellent 35/2 in the Hexar, so if you are happy with it, I would go for it. The price you quoted could be ok if everything is in superb condition. Prices are probably higher in Moscow than they are in the US, but here you can get a "used like new" (i.e. unopened, but without US warranty) M7 for 2600 dollars from Popflash. And that is indistinguishable from new, only without the full USA warranty, but with the Popflash 1 year warranty. Tony Rose (the owner) is absolutely fantastic, and very reliable. A 50/1.4 pre-asph can be had for less than 1000 dollars. In fact, the last ones were sold for 1000 dollars NEW, so the used ones are probably around 800-1000 these days. If you were in the US, I might say the price was a little high, but if it is local, then it might be the easiest option, especially if you can get a guarantee from the shop, and you can inspect it and so on.

Well good luck on the purchase and keep up the excellent photography!

 

[StuartR]

As for the versions of the pre-asph summilux, I am fairly certain that only the 1st version was optically different. The versions from 1961 on were the same optically, though as mentioned above, the filter size and close-focusing limit did change. KB Camera's site gives you a complete run down on the difference, which should be helpful for you. I would say go with the E46 if you can, if only because it focuses to .7 m and takes the same size filters as your Hexar.
http://www.kbcamera.com/summilux50mm.htm

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

😀 Ha Ha Fred yes you could say it was a bad hair/hare day!

 

[peter_n]

Sorry Alexander I didn't realize you are in Moscow until I read Stuart's post above - pretty stupid of me. In that case your offer sounds pretty good. I do like the kit and wish I had some pics to show you from mine but I have 20+ rolls lined up for developing here...

 

[Alex Krasotkin]

Dear colleagues! Thank you very much for you suggestions and help! Truly appreciate!!!

regards,
Alexander

 

[Fred]

StuartR, If I could produce images half as good as your examples I'd be over the moon. Just goes to show that I must try harder and get out there and take more and better photos. Thanks for shareing.

 

[sf]

It's not a "good deal" unless you have the $$$$. It is down right expensive. It's like rare, priceless art. More $$$$ than it's really worth - but a bargain to those with the cash and the passion.

The M7 is the best on the planet. The Lux is pretty amazing too. You could not do better in terms of camera gear for that lens range, but you could easily do much better in terms of value.

Of course, for what it is, that is a good deal.