Summilux 50 pre-ASPH vs CV 50 Nokton ASPH?

[d_e]

Planning to get one lens for a planned RD-1 purchase, any of you guys here can give advice what's better in performance specially wide open - sharpness and contrast?

Second hand Summilux 50 1.4 pre-ASPH version 2 around $800, or a brand new CV 50 1.5 Nokton around $440 with the adapter mount.

 

[ducttape]

I think the CV lens is a spectacular value for the money. I have shot with it for years and I'm very pleased.

If you are willing to buy the Leica glass used, why not the CV lens?

 

[nksyoon]

I have an early 70's 50 Summilux. Here's an example on my R-D1 (1/40s, f/2, ISO 1600) shot by a friend of mine:

Larger: http://static.flickr.com/114/294860619_14d495df79_o.jpg

 

[Terao]

Bear in mind that the field of view of a 50 on the R-D1 is approximately 75mm. If you're buying a 50 simply because its considered to be a normal lens in 35mm you might want to consider something else around the 35mm range (gives ~50mm coverage on the R-D1). Either a Leica Summicron 35 f/2, the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 Nokton or one of the cheaper (and slower) Voigtlander 35s might be a good choice (Ultron f/1.7 for speed on a budget). Or if you have the cash, the Voigtlander 35mm Nokton f/1.2

The 40mm Nokton is very well regarded and I like its compactness in particular. However, one advantage of the 35s is that you have framelines available on camera so you don't need an auxiliary finder.

If I was going for a single lens I'd probably get the 40mm Nokton based on speed for the price and compactness. If compactness is not a requirement and you're on a budget, go for the Ultron, and if money is no object and you want an extraordinary lens the size of a tank (in rangefinder terms) the 35 f/1.2 Nokton.

FWIW I have both the 40 and 50 Noktons - I bought the 50 on a whim because I found a good auction deal and I love it. The only time I'll use the 40 now is when I want something light and compact (the 50 is twice its size and weight...)

 

[tmessenger]

"I have an early 70's 50 Summilux. Here's an example on my R-D1 (1/40s, f/2, ISO 1600) shot by a friend of mine:"

Dosen't get much better then that!

Tim

 

[Sparrow]

 

[d_e]

nice shot sparrow, what camera, lens, and settings used here?

I am sure of getting a CV 28 ultron though. its the 50mm I am thinking about. Ive read in other forums that wide open the newer nokton will be sharper, but the current summilux asph is the best 50 performer, but price is too high!

thanks for the replies guys

 

[pfogle]

nice shot sparrow, what camera, lens, and settings used here?

I am sure of getting a CV 28 ultron though. its the 50mm I am thinking about. Ive read in other forums that wide open the newer nokton will be sharper, but the current summilux asph is the best 50 performer, but price is too high!

thanks for the replies guys

If you check out Sean Reid's review on Luminous Landscape (link) I think you'll find that it's hard to see any difference in quality between the 'lux and the Nokton. Of course, I'm not suggesting that they have the same 'look' - that's something I can't comment on, as I don't have the 'lux. I have got the Nokton, however, and I agree with others regarding its build and optical quality.

ps I've settled on the 'budget trio' for my main lenses: all CV; 28/1.9, 35/1.7 and 50/1.5 - they make a nice little family!

 

[Sparrow]

nice shot sparrow, what camera, lens, and settings used here?

I am sure of getting a CV 28 ultron though. its the 50mm I am thinking about. Ive read in other forums that wide open the newer nokton will be sharper, but the current summilux asph is the best 50 performer, but price is too high!

thanks for the replies guys

It would have had to be stopped down a little for that DOF f2.8 or 3.5 perhaps and 1/60 as the movement's not blurred, HP5 in Acutol.
regards

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

M4 + 50/1.4 Lux (early version E43) TX 400