Which 50 to get

[Planar1.4]

So I see lots of talk about 50mm lenses and some good comparisons-

Has anyone compared the 50/1.4 Lux, 50/1 Noc and 50/2 'cron at 2?

I really wanted a 1.4 or better- but if the 'cron is that much better in "look"- and I know that is personal- then I would try to adjust.

My favorite pictures I have taken in my life were on a 50/1.4 Rokkor or the 85/1.4 Planar- all SLRs- and pretty wide open-

 

[furcafe]

You question is a little confusing. If you need f/1 or f/1.4, it doesn't really matter how much better the 'cron may be @ f/2. I think those who've done bench tests (E. Puts, etc.) would say that @ f/2, the current 'lux ASPH is "best" (MTF results. etc.), followed by the 'cron, & the the Noctilux. IMHO, weighing all the factors like size, weight, & cost, my verdict would be: if you need f/1, go for the Noct', if you only need f/1.4 go for the 'lux, & if you don't need f/1 or f/1.4, go for the 'cron.

 

[Planar1.4]

I guess to clarify- the look would be the most important-

so was wondering if a comparison of the 3 50mm lenses at F/2 was done, since that would somewhat equal that field. Not real interested in MTF charts, but actual results and happiness with the final image at the limited DOF.

It was mentioned that the Noct' hood can get in the way of the M3 veiwfinder, so that is a consideration as well. I realize cost is in there as well!

 

[waileong]

Check Sean Reid's review

Check Sean Reid's review

He has a review of fast lenses at Luminous Landscape, and linked from his website as well. seanreid.com

I guess to clarify- the look would be the most important-

so was wondering if a comparison of the 3 50mm lenses at F/2 was done, since that would somewhat equal that field. Not real interested in MTF charts, but actual results and happiness with the final image at the limited DOF.

It was mentioned that the Noct' hood can get in the way of the M3 veiwfinder, so that is a consideration as well. I realize cost is in there as well!

 

[JoeFriday]

if clarity is the big issue, I'd probably seek out a Summicron DR with good glass

 

[Planar1.4]

Reading Erwin's pages- it seems the new Summilux-M 50 Asph is the best one for my use.

How do I tell which 50 Lux is under the new formula- only the newest ones with the hood?

 

[markinlondon]

It'll be the most expensive one 🙂

Seriously, though the ASPH has only been available for a few months so are unlikely to be around used. There are a lot of pre-ASPH Summiluxes appearing on the used market here in the UK.

Mark

 

[Ben Z]

I haven't used any of my 50 Crons since I got a Lux (mine's an E43 version from the early 80s).

 

[awilder]

By "look" what do you mean? I've compared all three just in terms of sharpness. At f/2 the current Summicron or the pre-asph. Summilux are equal centrally. Off axis mid to outer frame, the Summicron does better but the pre-asph. Summilux is slightly better in terms of resistance to secondary reflections at f/2. The Asph. Summilux does better than either but not at the extreme corner of the frame. The Noctilux is last but stopped down to f/5.6 and smaller is indistinguishable to the others. The "look" or image characteristic of the Noctilux is definitely different wide open and may be preferable to some because of it's telephoto like isolation in focus making the subject in focus stand out more than with an f/2 lens.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

By "look" I assume you mean a len's signature or "pop factor" at f2. I've used all of the lenses and they are all very competent at f2. Both the Cron and Lux have beautiful bokeh qualities.

I prefer the cron and lux at f2 ... only because there is no reason to use the Noct at f2 (especially given its extra weight and size). The difference in size between the cron and lux is negligible in my opinion, so it depends on whether you want 1.4 and are willing to pay an extra 500 for it.

Honestly, it is near impossible to convey these details via web photos or to make this decision on our collective, highly individualized subjective opinions. What may be great pop/bokeh to me on the Cron, may not suit your tastes. If possible, it may be worth your time to rent and shoot some test rolls. No matter what choice you make, however, you are in no danger of getting a bad lens 🙂

 

[Benjamin Marks]

It's not only the narrow DOF for the Noct wide open that gives it its look, its also the abberation/coma filled quality of the OOF areas when the lens is used wide open. Some love it, some hate it, some just want to have any image on film/sensor in really poor lighting conditions.

I once took some wedding pictures with a Noctilux and RD-1 of a group sitting on steps outdoors at night listening to toasts . . . camera was actully on a tripod, but it was priceless being able to shoot without a flash. At f2, exposures would have been so slow that laughter in the group and people making comments to one another would have really blurred the scene. At f1 it was do-able.

At any rate, my advice to Planar 1.4 would be to try before you buy. Really, these things are so personal. A good place to shop is KEH, which has a really generous return policy on their used goods. You can order a lens, shoot for a week, see what you think and return it if it is not to your liking. Your main risk would seem to be the cost of shipping and insurance, which is little enough compared to a rental fee. If that advice doesn't suit, I'd get all the lenses that intrigue you and shoot, shoot, shoot. Compare and contrast. Be broke. Resolve to sell a lens. Reneg on your promise to yourself. Wind up with too many lenses. Hey, it works for me.

Ben

 

[furcafe]

The latest 1 has aspherical elements & so is marked w/"ASPH" on the lens bezel.

http://www.leica-camera.com/produkte/msystem/objektive/normal/index_e.html

Reading Erwin's pages- it seems the new Summilux-M 50 Asph is the best one for my use.

How do I tell which 50 Lux is under the new formula- only the newest ones with the hood?

 

[Planar1.4]

yes, that new 'lux-M Asph puts a good used Noctilux back in my decision making.

Does anyone have a link to a good gallery of Noctilux shots. I have read a lot of discussion, but would love to look at some work- preferably hand held stuff....

 

[awilder]

Try this: http://www.nemeng.com/leica/040b.shtml

 

[furcafe]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/furcafe/tags/leitz501noctiluxmc1988/

All handheld.

Does anyone have a link to a good gallery of Noctilux shots. I have read a lot of discussion, but would love to look at some work- preferably hand held stuff....

 

[Craig M]

I've been seriously considering the Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH. If it's as good as they say it is, (the only Leica lens with a floating element) it's probably worth the money. A perfect 50mm could be the only lens you ever need.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

If "clarity" or sharpness is an issue... my Zeiss-M 50/2 is sharper than either of my 50 Summicrons (M-50 Dual Range and R-50).

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Can we see photographic proof of that? Quite the claim and I'd like to see it for myself. 🙂

 

[awilder]

Dito to what Stephanie said.

 

[Frank Granovski]

Perhaps the Planar 50mm F2?