One Lens to rule them all? Which 50mm?

[Lals]

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Leica gurus ---> Newbie could use some advice..

 

I am finally ready to buy M-240P but would like to buy just one 50mm lens. So which one would you recommend - 50mm Summilux or the new summicron APO 50mm? Given that the APO lens has such a waiting list, should I get the regular summicon 50 or maybe pick up a used one until I can get the APO? Or is the Summilux better.

Context: The camera would used by a petite woman who mainly shoots travel, garden, and daughter/ friends etc. in natural light outdoors, sometimes low light. Really want a lighter weight set up that is ready to go anytime and is easy to carry everywhere. Loves B&W and color. Will likely not too much post processing in LR or Photoshop. Any additional lenses will not come anytime soon . This would also be the first rangefinder that I will own. Have borrowed and tried a few times and the framing and composition feels very natural to me. Never owned a DSLR but was a avid manual film SLR photographer until a few years ago.

[gbealnz]

I'll be first.

Neither guru, nor 240 owner.

I'd say the 50 Summilux.

Apo is somewhat more expensive than I reckon is warranted, but that's just me.

If you're unsure, grab the 50 Summilux, and a used late model Summicron, try both.

Gary

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[tthorne]

I own the Summilux ASPH and Noctilux .95 and have shot quite a bit on a borrowed APO. For a single do it all lens, my preference is the Summilux ASPH, HANDS DOWN.

 

The size/weight between the APO and the Lux is negligible in my opinion. The APO is just a bit too perfect for me, or maybe I just prefer the character of the Lux as I have been shooting it for a long time.

 

In the end, I'll get the APO also just because it is an awesome lens, but for the money, I'll take the extra stop, and in addition, the Lux is just so gorgeous.

[otto.f]

Given your goal and subjects I would strongly recommend the Elmar 50. Excellent quality, small, as lightweight as you can get at Leica.

The M240 has better high ISO so the 2.8 is a very relative issue. Besides, I do not know if you are into the hype of thin depth of field either.

It seems that money is no issue for you:

The lux50 is especially interesting with respect to value for money relative to Noct and APO and Cron.

I sold mine because I do not like travelling with it, it is heavy and when I put it on the table the camera always falls forward. I prefer a lux75 when I go heavy, it has a perfect balance with the camera, but that's another story.

Btw, there is an APO50 for sale in the Buy&Sell section at the moment.

Edited November 15, 2014 by otto.f

[jaapv]

I would not call the M240 a light camera, but then, if you want a digital rangefinder it is the only game in town.

I think the Summicron APO would be overkill in this case. It is a connoisseurs lens that needs very careful technique and postprocessing to show its strengths. You would not see its price returned in your photographs.

 

A standard Summicron is in many ways a more suitable lens, it is more forgiving and has a very pleasing more classical rendering.

 

Given your input I would advise the Summarit 50. Light, small and of impeccable quality.

 

Should you go for an Elmar, it is imperative that you get the newest version, the Elmar-M. It is very much better quality than the older Elmar which do es show the limitations of the age of the design. The Elmar-M is not a current offering.

 

I fear there is not one lens to rule them all.

[otto.f]

Yes that's correct Jaap, you have to have the Elmar as new as possible. There are even 3 version, though not officially. My first Elmar war the most recent model, but I had to sell it because it was not convincing. It was the chrome version that came out with the M6-J and it's not as good as later versions. If you try it out however, you will immediately notice

[thighslapper]

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If you want a lens you will keep forever and use without worrying that there may be something 'better' out there that you are missing ...... then it has to be the 50 APO...... if you have the money to burn .....

 

I have half a dozen 50's, including the Nocti 0.95 and Zeiss's and if I was forced to keep only one, this would be it.

 

Save yourself a lot of GAS and future expense in changing lenses and just get the best.

 

Any of the other Leica 50's of recent manufacture would do in the meantime ....... there are lots about second hand...... and many are mint/hardly used and available at very good prices.

Edited November 15, 2014 by thighslapper

[michaelwj]

Depends if you want a focus tab or not? The one stop difference isn't going to make much difference on a 240. If you don't want a tab, get the regular 2/50. The best option of course would be to look at pics from each lens and decide which you prefer, or dislike, in terms of rendering.

Otherwise, the thing about Leica lenses is that there are no 'bad', 'average', or even 'good' lenses, just excellent to very excellent.

Enjoy.

Michael

[indergaard]

I'd go with the Summilux 50mm ASPH.

Which is just what I came back to after selling my first one, then experimenting with a Noctilux 0.95 ASPH for a year, and borrowing a friends Summicron 50mm for a few weeks (not the APO), then using a Zeiss 55 Otus for a week on a A7R (a combination which outshines the APO-Summicron and M240 combination, and gives the same clinical and perfect results - which requires perfect technique to use, so that's why I compare them).

 

The Summilux is just the perfect blend of all of these lenses. It's about the same size and weight as a APO-Summicron, it's a stop faster, it's a joy to handle, it's sharp - wide open, in the center. It's got a lovely rendering. The Nocti is just too heavy to carry around, and the 0.95 look is something that I grew tired of rather quickly. I do miss it for very low-light shooting on the M240, as it enabled me to use the M240 at ISO 1250-1600 for this type of work rather than 2500-3200 with the Summilux, in combination with 1/60 or 1/90 shutter speeds. Then again, a Summilux on a Sony A7S is far, far, far better in low-light anyway, and much lighter, and cheaper.

 

I've not used the APO-Summicron, but I'm not even tempted by it. I could buy it but it's just not interesting. I don't aim for doing technical perfection shots. I never use a tripod. I shoot very often in poor light. An APO-Summicron would give me slower shutter speeds or higher ISO values in these conditions than my Summilux, which means it would give me worse image quality. The APO-Summicron is about the same size and weight as the Summilux ASPH.

 

The Summilux is like having two lenses in a compact and light body. Open it up, and it'll give you some of that magic. Stop it down and it'll give you sharp performance. I love it and highly recommend it.

[rirakuma]

Judging from your shooting preference I think the 50 lux will be the best way to go. 50 APO is nice but its very overpriced unless you're really scrutinizing minute details. If you want something very light the 50 cron is an excellent option. I have the lux and cron and I opt for the cron 80% of the time because its noticeably lighter than the lux and I don't generally shoot wide open. If you like wide open bokeh the cron cannot compete with the lux.

[otto.f]

Don't see why people recommend lux50 where OP asks lightweight

[MarkThailand]

My 50 Summicron was my first lens when I got my M6 in 1992 and finally the M 240 last year. During this time, I have tried and/or bought many lenses, from the Mandler through Karbe era - but I digress.

 

Still, as a first lens, I would recommend the standard 50 Summicron.

 

But, from the manner that you described the shooting situation and your emphasis for a small light lens, I would recommend the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH.

 

Cheers.

 

Mark

[TomB_tx]

Another vote for the standard Summicron. I bought one in 1969, and used it as my primary lens for about 40 years. While I also have Summilux, Zeiss, and various "faster" lenses, I have always preferred the smaller size, and love the Summicron images. I bought the current model 50 Summicon a couple years ago for my M9, and it has enough subtle improvement to be worthwhile, and still reasonable size and speed.

However, for my 35 wide angle I've now replaced my earlier Summicon with a Summarit as I prefer the images and handling. The 50 Summarit is the same construction, and would be worth a look if you don't need the f2.0 speed.

[spydrxx]

I'd vote for the standard Summicron given you don't anticipate lots of post processing and your photography needs are fairly normal. If that's still a bit expensive for you, then the Elmar-M is a lens not to be lightly dismissed. It is much sharper and contrastier than previous versions, small, and lightweight. I owned one for a couple of years when they first came out...used it on my M bodies (not digital). In the 50mm length I also owned two Summicrons, a Summilux, and a Noctilux. Each has something to recommend it, but you honestly can't go wrong with the Summicron or Elmar-M. These days I've actually reverted to shooting with a much earlier Elmar, as I prefer the rendiion, more of a vintage look to the shots, and I can boost the contrast quite well in post processing if desired. Good luck in your choice and I'm sure you'll come to love it.

[indergaard]

Don't see why people recommend lux50 where OP asks lightweight

 

Well the Lux basically weighs about the same as the APO-Summicron... I think there is a 20-30 gram difference. Not really noticeable.

[otto.f]

Well the Lux basically weighs about the same as the APO-Summicron... I think there is a 20-30 gram difference. Not really noticeable.

 

On my M9 The centre of gravity of body plus lens is a disaster with the lux50, which is not the case with the APO. Could be that the M240 has not that problem because it is slightly heavier

Edited November 15, 2014 by otto.f

[lct]

...My first Elmar war the most recent model, but I had to sell it because it was not convincing. It was the chrome version that came out with the M6-J and it's not as good as later versions. If you try it out however, you will immediately notice

Been using both M6J and latest versions of the Elmar 50/2.8 on various film and digital bodies and i don't seem to sense any significant difference between them i must say. May i ask if your M6J's Elmar has been calibrated for digital?

[lct]

The camera would used by a petite woman who mainly shoots travel, garden, and daughter/ friends etc. in natural light outdoors, sometimes low light. Really want a lighter weight set up that is ready to go anytime and is easy to carry everywhere. Loves B&W and color.

Not sure if i would describe the M240 this way. Compared to modern APS or mirrorless cameras, the M240 is not that small (139 x 42 x 80mm) and is a rather heavy body (680 g). Now it is still smaller and lighter than full frame DSLRs. Among current lenses, the Summicron 50/2 non apo should suit the lady's needs, as well as the Summarit 50/2.5 which is even smaller. The latter has a focus tab though and some people don't like that.

[Jeff S]

You can rent the camera and all lenses mentioned here. Decide for yourself.

 

Jeff

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[luigi bertolotti]

First of all Lals, given that women aren't so many here in the Forum, a WARM WELCOME to you, hoping you will join this respectable community...

As for your 50... nobody has to regret to have a Summicron std. : imho is the lens you must focus on : new or used doesn't matter (provided the used is a GOOD item) : Summarit is a fine alternative, but sentiment is a factor to be considered speaking of Leica... and Summicron is a legendary name...