Please tell me about this summilux

[Avotius]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...60026378953&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

Im quite interested in getting a black paint leica lens. Why? Because I want to wear the living hell out of one and a leica will be my last film camera I buy since everything is going digital and because a new out of box zeiss ikon died in front of me on its first shutter fire. I want it to have character and be mine and something ill never sell.

What I would like to know:

anything! I know little to nothing about the summilux line and would like to see some pictures taken with this lens or its brothers and any other interesting information you cant pass on, thanks!

ps. I shoot a lot of low light here and would like a versitile lens, plus I prefer a less contrasty lens then modern stuff (ie yahsica gns's 45mm lens), just because its black paint isnt the only reason I want it.

 

[jaapv]

If I were in the market for such a lens I would click BIN! *must*resist*GAS*

 

[Avotius]

If I were in the market for such a lens I would click BIN! *must*resist*GAS*

I would like that, my credit card company would like it, but my stomach wouldnt, he likes to be full of food, at least one meal a day!

 

[venchka]

There are 3 listed at that store. If you want a lens to use to death and beyond, why not shop for a user? Do you absolutely, positively NEED the Summilux? Decent to mint to virtually new Summicrons can be had for half the price of the 'Lux. Check the RFF sponsors as well.

 

[jaapv]

But this a black paint one, think of that lovely brassing...

 

[bmicklea]

Decent to mint to virtually new Summicrons can be had for half the price of the 'Lux.

Couldn't agree more. I got the Voigtlander 35/1.7 because it was the fastest lens I could afford because I shoot a lot in dusk/dark. The reality is that if you're into that kind of photography and like B&W you generally don't need a 1.4 lens. Delta 3200 gives great results (IMHO) and can get you photos in near darkness with an f2.0 lens. In fact I'm considering selling my VC to get a user Summicron 35 because it's sharper and quite a bit more compact.

Just another option. If you've got the money and want it go for it, but you might also want to consider what else you could get with the leftover cash.

 

[telenous]

I believe the Summilux 50 formula remained practically the same from 1961 to mid 90's. Buying an older chrome 'Lux in good condition may be the way to go, if you are within budget constraints. I used one for about six months and it was a very nice lens. I only sold it (along with my Summicron) to fund the Asph version.

Here's a link with some photos I took with it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/telenous/tags/summilux50/

P.S. Just the other day I saw one, like the one I used, in a second-hand shop for £400.

 

[Avotius]

But this a black paint one, think of that lovely brassing...

my thoughts exactly, I want a friend for life, im gona spend all the money on this and I want to get exactly what I want and something that I will be proud of and frankly for me, it isnt a voightlander

 

[Avotius]

Couldn't agree more. I got the Voigtlander 35/1.7 because it was the fastest lens I could afford because I shoot a lot in dusk/dark. The reality is that if you're into that kind of photography and like B&W you generally don't need a 1.4 lens. Delta 3200 gives great results (IMHO) and can get you photos in near darkness with an f2.0 lens. In fact I'm considering selling my VC to get a user Summicron 35 because it's sharper and quite a bit more compact.

Just another option. If you've got the money and want it go for it, but you might also want to consider what else you could get with the leftover cash.

indeed, problem is firstly, ive never seen a roll of delta 3200 or neopan 1600 or any of that here in china. Second, the cash isnt that much of a problem, this is my last ditch throw in all my cards hurrah before I wait for digital to come along and I want to use this camera and lens to the death of film. Third is I dont care for the high contrast CV lenses, just not my thing.

 

[Ronald M]

Find a 1959/1961 `lux first version or a clean Summarit and shade. Their contrast is low compared to more modern lenses although they will not be as sharp at 1.4 as the new lenses. The sharpness is confined to the central area full open as are all lenses of the era.

 

[furcafe]

Also, even if you do get some Delta 3200 or Neopan 1600 (available in Shanghai, I know, perhaps someplace in Chongqing, & certainly by mail order from HK or Japan), there are plenty of times when f/2 isn't bright enough. Heck, there are plenty of times when f/1 isn't enough!

As to the 50mm Summilux in general, Stephen Gandy has some discussion of it in his M Lens Guide (though it doesn't include the latest ASPH version):

http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

indeed, problem is firstly, ive never seen a roll of delta 3200 or neopan 1600 or any of that here in china. Second, the cash isnt that much of a problem, this is my last ditch throw in all my cards hurrah before I wait for digital to come along and I want to use this camera and lens to the death of film. Third is I dont care for the high contrast CV lenses, just not my thing.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Guys guys guys: this is a Summilux. I know that a former-CCCP lens would be over a thousand dollars cheaper, but that's not what he's asking.

That is the pre-asph Summilux; it really depends on who you ask (as demonstrated above), but I really prefer this version over the new ASPH version. The bokeh is really buttery smooth, not like an old 50mm Sonnar, but it has a very unique look. The older the version, the more distinct the look is, but also the "less sharp" it is.

If you are into sharpness, go for the ASPH, or a latest version Summicron. Even a Zeiss 50mm Planar. If you are into loving your lens and your images wide open, certainly, I highly recommend this lens.

Whether this particular version, black paint...not my cup of tea. I actually use my lenses and it would be very easy to get them scratched and brassed; the black paint is designed with two kinds of people in mind: those who will never use their gear, or those who love to see their gear worn to the bone.

I see that the focusing grip is just like the "original" Summilux; they are easier to grip. The ASPH comes with a focusing tab, none of the previous versions have a focusing tab, but you can get one installed on it by DAG. I did.

 

[sgy1962]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...60026378953&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

Im quite interested in getting a black paint leica lens. Why? Because I want to wear the living hell out of one and a leica will be my last film camera I buy since everything is going digital and because a new out of box zeiss ikon died in front of me on its first shutter fire. I want it to have character and be mine and something ill never sell.

What I would like to know:

anything! I know little to nothing about the summilux line and would like to see some pictures taken with this lens or its brothers and any other interesting information you cant pass on, thanks!

ps. I shoot a lot of low light here and would like a versitile lens, plus I prefer a less contrasty lens then modern stuff (ie yahsica gns's 45mm lens), just because its black paint isnt the only reason I want it.

This is exactly how I got in into a Leica M 10 years ago, except the camera which died in front of me (it actually never worked new out of the box) was a Contax G2.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I'm in the same boat as you, really. I find that it's time to finally get my head out of the clouds and back to earth where it belongs and finally start to amass a kit that I will have with me throughout my days as a film photographer. Of course, my main 'problem' is sitting right next to me: the Canon P. I love this camera. Everything about it represents everything I need in a shooter. It is the perfect camera for me.

The lenses, however, are not perfect.

People were telling me to be happy with what I have or find something else, but if I'm not happy with my photography because of it then I'm going to have to figure something else out. I thusly figured out what I'm doing.

I am no longer lusting for an M body. I really don't need another camera body yet and I can always get one in the future. I'm buying, within the next year (hopefully), the 35 Ultron, 50 Nokton, and 75 Color-Heliar. I may add the 90 APO-Lanthar to that as I see fit. I can get all this glass for the amount I was going to spend on the Leica body and ONE lens. I'm going to be happy.

As for you, buy what makes YOU happy. I'd go try the lens. If you want a new 'lux, go get one. But take into consideration that if it's only for looks and not necessarily to better your photography, you may want to consider something else. Before buying, look completely at your options. There are TONS of them for an M camera. Test as much as you can. Find out what works for you. Buy it. Be happy. Shoot photos. Don't let anyone tell you not to.

If it was me with a Leica M and the cash to spend, I'd probably consider the 35mm Summilux before the 50 just because I'm shooting more 35mm lately. That is what is making me want a faster 35mm than the J-12 I already have regardless of the fact that the lens is an incredible piece of work. If it's what you really want, go for it. You can always sell it back to someone here at a later date. 😛

 

[sgy1962]

I had one of these lenses for a summer some time ago when I was in my black paint craze. It's a nice lens, and very good for B&W. Although the optical formula is the same as in years past, my impression is the coatings must be different, because when I've compared head to head Leica lenses with the same optical fomula but made decades apart, I always come down in favor of the more recent lens, and obviously so.

A good question to ask yourself if whether you really need the f/1.4. If you don't need the speed, then the summicron is a better performer at f/2 and smaller, it's lighter and less expensive. And the 50mm Summicron look is, in my mind, the perfect balance between crispness and smoothness.

Personally, I went to the summilux several years ago because I take a lot of indoor shots, and I was so glad for that extra speed.

I agree with your opinion re: the asph lenses. I shoot all B&W and regret upgrading to these latest lenses. They are very crisp. Almost too much.

 

[jaapv]

indeed, problem is firstly, ive never seen a roll of delta 3200 or neopan 1600 or any of that here in china. Second, the cash isnt that much of a problem, this is my last ditch throw in all my cards hurrah before I wait for digital to come along and I want to use this camera and lens to the death of film. Third is I dont care for the high contrast CV lenses, just not my thing.

And even then, it will fit the M8 (or M9 or M10 or whenever film does die, maybe at M15?) as a pretty nice portrait lens 😉

 

[ray_g]

I agree with your opinion re: the asph lenses. I shoot all B&W and regret upgrading to these latest lenses. They are very crisp. Almost too much.

I agree. I have the 35/2 ASPH, and while I like the sharpness for most of my shots, I still often have to soften up the image in PS for my taste. The problem with 35mm is that the pre-ASPH version tends to cost more.

I have the black 50/1.4 with the '50' on the barrel. I like it a lot, and it is a good value. Creamy wide open as Gabriel said. Stopped down to 2.8 or smaller (someone correct me if I am wrong), hard to tell apart from the summicron. I think that is a good compromise. Also much lighter and less bulky than the early chrome version.

 

[ghost]

steph, you know how much a color-heliar and apo lanthar will cost you? you can get a *much* better deal with a nikon f and 105/2.5 or 85/1.8.

 

[nikon_junkie]

Ironically, though I have never bought from him he is listed as one of my favorite Ebay sellers. Most of his items fall a bit below their expected price. He has had a few good deals on M6 bodies.

For that price why stop at a Summilux? I called every source today and the cheapest Noctilux I found was $3000.

I'm REAL happy with my first generation 50mm Lux, and I may have overpaid a bit for it at something like $800.

I'd say buy an older 50 and invest the difference.

 

[peter_n]

This is just a fancy version of the last pre-ASPH 50/1.4, the 3rd version with a 46mm filter thread. If you've got lots of disposable income and can easily afford the always expensive prices of this dealer then go for it.

I would go for the 2nd version with the 43mm filter thread. You'll pay 1/2 this price for one in excellent condition. The lens makes beautiful pictures.