Summilux 50 - Focusing Tab

[pcsmythe]

I'm looking at getting a summilux 50 for an upcoming project, but I'm not a fan of my 35's focusing tab. Is the summilux available without a tab and, if so, where?

[cbretteville]

Originally Posted by pcsmythe

I'm looking at getting a summilux 50 for an upcoming project, but I'm not a fan of my 35's focusing tab. Is the summilux available without a tab and, if so, where?

It will have to be the pre-ASPH 50'lux then. That is availeble in several different mounts all without a tab.

EDIT: I think the LHSA version of the 50'lux is the ASPH formula. It will probably be expensive and looks like the first 50'lux released in 1959. Here it is on a special edition MP.

lhsa 50 lux.jpg

- Carl

[lct]

Carl is right (as usual!)
Summilux-M 50/1.4 asph LHSA:

[pcsmythe]

Where does one get one of these?

[asota]

Originally Posted by cbretteville

I think the LHSA version of the 50'lux is the ASPH formula. It will probably be expensive and looks like the first 50'lux released in 1959. Here it is on a special edition MP.

- Carl

...hey, Carl, could you please expand on your comment re: the LHSA 50mm Summilux and the ASPH formula? Thanks.

[lct]

Originally Posted by pcsmythe

Where does one get one of these?

There for instance http://www.fujikoshi-camera.com/SHOP/11628.html

[cbretteville]

Originally Posted by asota

...hey, Carl, could you please expand on your comment re: the LHSA 50mm Summilux and the ASPH formula? Thanks.

Leica, a few years ago, made a limited production series of the current 50 'lux ASPH in a mount similar to that used in the first and second versions of the lens in the late 50's early 60s. The lenses were ordered by Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) and offered to the members. Same lens, different 'wrapping'.

- Carl

[peter_n]

One came with each of the MP3s in a set, so there were 1000 there, plus Leica made either another 500 or another 1000 (I don't know which) and sold them singly. Half of them are silver chrome as in the pictures above, and half are in black paint. Expect to pay $2750-3000 for one. I bought one from a LUF member then sold it and bought another on eBay. They're not too difficult to find. Great lens.

[j. white]

According to Leica World News -

There were a thousand each of the LHSA MP-3 camera body, Leicavit MP, and MP-3 Edition 50mm Summilux ASPH lenses made. 500 were in silver chrome and 500 in black paint finish. Of these, 375 were sold as complete sets and the remaining 125 were sold as individual pieces.


-J.

[peter_n]

Thank you for the correction! I had no idea they only made 1000 of everything. So that makes these lenses a lot less common than I thought they were. I bought a used MP3 set minus the lens from a local Leica dealer about six months ago and got the lenses separately. Below is a pic of mine along with my E43 pre-ASPH Summilux to give you an idea of the relative size. The LHSA version also takes E43 filters.