New Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 lens?

[Tom A]

G 896 # 9 Summaron 28mm f5.6 LTM by T&T and Mr B Abrahamsson, on Flickr
Summaron 28mm f5.6 Ltm. This is with the original Summaron 28f5.6 - stopped down to f22. Distinct edge darkening but remarkable sharpness across the image. If the "retro" version could keep the resolution and lessen the edge darkening - it could be an interesting lens. Today we are less constrained by 'slow" lenses as the digital M's can handle ISO's up the 2500 or even more with no significant loss of quality.

 

[Ronald M]

I like my 28 2.8 Elmar ASPH. Not impressed by big heavy fat lenses with no depth of field. My favorite 50 is a 2,8 collapsible V2. My 90 is 4.0 Macro.

 

[fer_fdi]

Haven't seen this posted here:

http://leicarumors.com/2016/05/15/more-info-on-the-upcoming-leica-summaron-m-28mm-f5-6-lens.aspx/

Strange if true.

It would be very nice but should focus down to 70cm and with less vignetting
and not much more expensive than an Orion-15

 

[NeonKnight]

It's here!

http://leicarumors.com/2016/10/17/thsi-is-the-new-leica-summaron-m-28mm-f5-6-lens.aspx/

 

[Huss]

It looks really pretty. And I know it's beating on a dead horse complaining about Leica prices, but $2K for an f5.6 28mm lens..
I have a bunch of Leica glass, but having just shot some images that are selling in my gallery with a Voigtlander LTM 28mm 3.5 Color Skopar that cost me a couple o hundred bux, well..
f5.6 is just too limiting for me on film. Using Ektar, Portra 160 or my old stock of Fuji 160, it means I am already 'wide open' at 5.6@1/60 outdoors in the middle of an overcast day.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Classic and pretty; might have bought it as a novelty item - but at $2k that's not going to happen.

 

[Gregm61]

Nothing here that would interest me in changing from my current 28mm f2.8 Elmarit (just discontinued previous version). It's a pretty darn perfect lens.

 

[f16sunshine]

Meh...

$2k and no ring to thread the chain through?
How is one supposed to wear this jewelry?
😉

 

[seakayaker1]

.....there is a nut for every screw.

This lens will certainly land in a few tool kits but I am happy with the Voightlander 28/1.8 LTM I have. If I was going for a Leica, the Elmarit (new or used) or the Summicron (used) would be a better fit for me.

Looking forward to seeing some images taken with the 28/5.6 posted in the future.

 

[DougFord]

Presumably the build and performance will be stellar. Looks cool. Also a nice small lens for the adapter crowd.

 

[fer_fdi]

it really looks beautiful and sexy to me
(but still find the price way exagerated for a f5.6)

 

[NeonKnight]

I wonder if Leica plans on remaking other vintage lenses like the 21 Super Angulon or the first 35 Summicron? Anyways, like many have said it’s hard to justify this lens when the 28 f/2.8 can be had for less. Maybe its rendering is unique? I’ve only seen examples online of pictures made with the original and it does show a lot of vignette and charm but will the 6-bit coding eliminate this? It will be interesting to see how this is marketed; maybe the lens’s 6-bit profile will exaggerate the retro look.

 

[Tom A]

I did see one of these at the LHSA meet here in Vancouver about a week ago. Stefan Daniel (head of Leica M development at Leica, Wetzlar) brought one . Did not get a chance to try it out - with film the hotel was a bit too dark. Looked very appealing though. Coating has been changed, more contrast as the early 1950's version was very flat in the regard. I kind of like it - and even the hood looks nice. I don't think it is going to fly off the shelves - but I an seriously considering one - if not for any other reason to encourage Leica to make more of these "heritage" lenses. We all have the choice to buy or not to buy anyway.

 

[Huss]

Did not get a chance to try it out - with film the hotel was a bit too dark.

$2K for a literally fair weather lens as you have demonstrated is a bit steep.

I have found that shooting indoors in a well lit room - such as regular office environments - is at least a four stop difference from outside in overcast or shade conditions.

So with tri-x at 400 ISO, well lit indoors with this lens would be at least f5.6 and 1/15 sec and more likely 1/8 sec.

Any advantage in the compact size is lost by having to carry a tripod with you.
😀

 

[michaelwj]

$2K for a literally fair weather lens as you have demonstrated is a bit steep.

I have found that shooting indoors in a well lit room - such as regular office environments - is at least a four stop difference from outside in overcast or shade conditions.

So with tri-x at 400 ISO, well lit indoors with this lens would be at least f5.6 and 1/15 sec and more likely 1/8 sec.

Any advantage in the compact size is lost by having to carry a tripod with you.
😀

Agreed. Or a second lens in case there is a cloud in the sky. And don't forget the hood is bigger than the lens, so it is probably a bigger total package than the elmarit asph.

But if they start to make of these vintage lenses, I'd be in for a 1.4/35 pre-asph that focuses down to 0.7m!

 

[jenhao]

There's only one thing that I wished Leica would have done....made it a LTM lens with M-mount adapter! Imagine this on a Barnack body, wow. More vintage lens fans might spend $2,000 for this lens this Christmas, if only...

Mark

 

[Huss]

well, at least it's a real Leica item and not something like a rebadged Fuji Instax.

 

[Rayt]

I have the original 5.6 Summaron and as many has said it is limiting with film but Leica is all in with digital now and it does make a compact kit when you can shoot at iso1600 and up.

 

[Daryl J.]

I like it.

And yes, if I had the money I'd buy it.
HP5, M4-P, wrist strap. All in my jacket pocket.
And in my pants pocket, Leica's tabletop tripod. It'd be a brilliant urban package.

 

[jsrockit]

Let's try to guess on price... I'm thinking $2,000

Hmmm...seems I was right (at least if the rumor is correct). 😀