Krosya
Konicaze
Hi All,
Summilux.....wanted by many. Some lucky people own one. Or more than one. Different versions. Multiple debates - "should I get one?", Trade my other lenses to get it? Lots of compliments to it. Different FL Summilux lenses. Just the name makes some people moan and groan.
I don't have one. I like 50mm FL, so how about Summilux 50? I like Summicron. I have one. I like Planar. Have that as well. Several other 50mm lenses. Based on so many comments here, I too was thinking to trade them all (well, maybe not all) for a Summilux. So I thought I'd some research. I spent so time on several Photo sites, picking out Summilux photos. Comparing them to other lenses, such as Sonnar (I know different design, yet still - fast 50). And at the end of it all, I really couldn't find what it is exactly that makes it so magical. Maybe I didn't find any good examples, maybe it's just not my type of lens. Don't know. But other than being a faster lens - I really can't see why it has such a following among many. So, my question is - can owners of the Summilux 50 (any version), post some images here and explain why THEY like it, cause I just can't seem to see what it is that special about it. So, please, show off your Summilux in action!
Summilux.....wanted by many. Some lucky people own one. Or more than one. Different versions. Multiple debates - "should I get one?", Trade my other lenses to get it? Lots of compliments to it. Different FL Summilux lenses. Just the name makes some people moan and groan.
I don't have one. I like 50mm FL, so how about Summilux 50? I like Summicron. I have one. I like Planar. Have that as well. Several other 50mm lenses. Based on so many comments here, I too was thinking to trade them all (well, maybe not all) for a Summilux. So I thought I'd some research. I spent so time on several Photo sites, picking out Summilux photos. Comparing them to other lenses, such as Sonnar (I know different design, yet still - fast 50). And at the end of it all, I really couldn't find what it is exactly that makes it so magical. Maybe I didn't find any good examples, maybe it's just not my type of lens. Don't know. But other than being a faster lens - I really can't see why it has such a following among many. So, my question is - can owners of the Summilux 50 (any version), post some images here and explain why THEY like it, cause I just can't seem to see what it is that special about it. So, please, show off your Summilux in action!
Honus
carpe diem
The only light available for this shot was the battery-powered gizmo strapped to her head. Also, keep in mind that this was shot on Delta 100, and it wasn't pushed.
In low light, outside of the Noctilux, the lens has no peer (imho). The Noctilux may be faster in the middle, but the whole frame belongs to the Summilux.
In low light, outside of the Noctilux, the lens has no peer (imho). The Noctilux may be faster in the middle, but the whole frame belongs to the Summilux.
maddoc
... likes film again.
Honus: This is a very nice photo !
I had the Nokton 1.5 50mm but didn't like it for its to cold (clinical ?) character. I also have the Summicron (Rigid) and Summitar and comparing all these, the Summilux pre-asph. (50mm) is the best compromise between sharpness and low-light capability.
I had the Nokton 1.5 50mm but didn't like it for its to cold (clinical ?) character. I also have the Summicron (Rigid) and Summitar and comparing all these, the Summilux pre-asph. (50mm) is the best compromise between sharpness and low-light capability.
maddoc
... likes film again.
S
Simon Larbalestier
Guest
3 shots from MP + 50/1.4 ASPH @1.4 very poor light tx 400
I like it better than the Noctilux because i find can use the entire image without loosing too much due to heavy vignetting. It also flares very little when compared to my previous use of the E43 50/1.4 non ASPH lens.
I like it better than the Noctilux because i find can use the entire image without loosing too much due to heavy vignetting. It also flares very little when compared to my previous use of the E43 50/1.4 non ASPH lens.
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
Some good pictures here. What's Chucky angry about?
ugly bokeh
Established
Here's one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugly_bokeh/673705727/
Sorry guys, somehow I can't insert an image to the post.
Nelson
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugly_bokeh/673705727/
Sorry guys, somehow I can't insert an image to the post.
Nelson
Honus
carpe diem
Erik,
Like Simon, I am using the ASPH lens.
Like Simon, I am using the ASPH lens.
S
Simon Larbalestier
Guest
3 images made with the 50/1.4 E43 non ASPH lens in good light and apertures from F4.0-5.6
telenous
Well-known
First photo, f1.4, HP5+ 400 @800, Rodinal 1+25
Second photo, f2-2.8(?), Neopan 400, Prescysol EF
Third photo, f1.4, Neopan 400 @800, HC-110
Wide open(-ish), the Summilux 50 Asph. captures low light mood while also holding great textural detail. Edge-to-edge sharpness, absence of significant vignetting, low flare and a floating element for close-up performance do not hurt either.
Second photo, f2-2.8(?), Neopan 400, Prescysol EF
Third photo, f1.4, Neopan 400 @800, HC-110
Wide open(-ish), the Summilux 50 Asph. captures low light mood while also holding great textural detail. Edge-to-edge sharpness, absence of significant vignetting, low flare and a floating element for close-up performance do not hurt either.
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Krosya
Konicaze
Thanks for the photos - looking very nice! From what I see so far, it's Summilux ASPH that has that magic. WHile I'd love to have one - it's a bit waaaaaayyyy out of my price range. So, how about the pre-Asph? I hear flare is a problem. Is it for all of the models? I have seen several black and some chrome ones out there - what are the differences? Pls, someone post some photos with those, with comments as to what you like/dislike about them.
Erik, I know yours was pre-Asph. You said you are not sure if you like it - why? what do you like about it? What dont you?
Erik, I know yours was pre-Asph. You said you are not sure if you like it - why? what do you like about it? What dont you?
maddoc
... likes film again.
To my opinion (from what I have seen here at RFF and other sites) it is the pre-asph. that has the magic. The Summilux 50mm ASPH (I don't have it) seems to be the sharpest lens out there but the magic has gone ....
maddoc
... likes film again.
The chrome (silver) ones are heavier compared to the black versions. As I remember the barrel of the chrome versions is machined from brass whereas the barrel of the black versions is made from some alluminium-alloy.
Krosya
Konicaze
But the optics are the same in both?maddoc said:
S
Simon Larbalestier
Guest
Having owned and worked with both i believe the 50/1.4 ASPH has an edge that wins over the Non ASPH for me anyway. I don't regret selling the latter lens whereas i do miss the Noctilux but it makes very different pictures. Preference regarding the OOF areas in an image and its apparent sharpness at a given aperture (excluding performance charts etc) and people's visual definition of words like bokeh and magic are very subjective and individual.
For what i do the cost of the ASPH is justified and it delivers consistently sharp images wide open and i like the way it renders OOF areas pictorially.
FWIW when i had to shoot indoors against back-lit windows, the flare from the E43 Non ASPH 50/1.4 was much reduced when i took the filter off. The same worked for the 35/1.4 Non ASPH. I work in very humid and dusty environments so a filter is a must.
For what i do the cost of the ASPH is justified and it delivers consistently sharp images wide open and i like the way it renders OOF areas pictorially.
FWIW when i had to shoot indoors against back-lit windows, the flare from the E43 Non ASPH 50/1.4 was much reduced when i took the filter off. The same worked for the 35/1.4 Non ASPH. I work in very humid and dusty environments so a filter is a must.
maddoc
... likes film again.
Krosya said:
Optics are the same in both.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
the 75mm Summilux is probably my favorite Leica lens.
Some day....
Some day....
Marc-A.
I Shoot Film
I don't have a Summilux, I kinda dream of having one, and I find your pictures ... magic. Seriously, this lens is a gem. I'm thinking of buying the Planar ZM, but if I could afford a Summilux I would buy it right now. Thank you all for the pictures (thanks Krosya for this thread).
Roma
Well-known
Mine is pre-ASPH with collapsible hood. It's a pretty new lens for me and I don't have many shots with it yet, especially wide-open.
I really don't like the way my scanned negatives look since I don't have a dedicated film scanner, but here are a couple (in good light though).
I'm back to wet printing - Yeah.
I really don't like the way my scanned negatives look since I don't have a dedicated film scanner, but here are a couple (in good light though).
I'm back to wet printing - Yeah.