Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH in Chrome

[eleanorbrown]

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I'm new to Leica and just got my M9 last week. Have the new 35 and 75 cron asph and wow! these are really amazing. I've been a Canon shooter (only have had a few of their very best lenses such as their 35 1.4, and a Hasselblad H user with Phase back and in my opinion these two Leica lenses I have are unbeatable . Never seen anything like it! Eleanor

 

 

 

Because it is sooooo good, that everybody wants to have one

And everybody can't have one, as Leica production capacity is limited.

 

There is only placing an order and wait. You won't regret it (if you like the modern, clean, sharp, contrasty look of the newest ASPH lenses).

[Shade]

The demand for 50 lux is extremely high, both new and used. Due to the fact there are many new Leica users jumping ship to the now cheaper m8 and m8.2, and many are purchasing the m9. Hence the need of "standard" portrait lenses..

[menos I M6]

I'm new to Leica and just got my M9 last week. Have the new 35 and 75 cron asph and wow! these are really amazing. I've been a Canon shooter (only have had a few of their very best lenses such as their 35 1.4, and a Hasselblad H user with Phase back and in my opinion these two Leica lenses I have are unbeatable . Never seen anything like it! Eleanor

 

Eleanor, I used a Nikon D3, paired with a D300 and some fine Nikon lenses before I tried out a M6 + 50 Lux ASPH.

 

I did not know, what lens I bought there by chance only until I saw the first scans. Within a split second, the Nikon glass looked pale by comparison.

Not one Nikon lens, I used (including the 85 1.4 AF-D, which I sold after not using it anymore) or the 300 2.8 VR could match the magic, the Leica 50 Lux ASPH does.

 

It really is that good.

 

I cannot comment on a comparison with the 75 Cron ASPH, but I use a 35 Cron ASPH as well, which plays in a very different league, than the 50 Lux ASPH.

 

I have never seen any other lens, which can be violently shot into bright light sources without creating destroying ghosts or heavy flare.

Backgrounds are rendered beautifully neutral, even and smooth without distracting details, sharp edges or double lines.

 

I indeed sold the 85 1.4 Nikkor, which has a reputation, to do exactly this creamy background rendering, while being exceptionally sharp wide open.

 

The 50 Lux ASPH on a crop body (R-D1 or M8.2) tops this indeed - no visible CA (a big problem with the 85 Nikkor) and far sharper @ f1.4 than the Nikkor (as usual with modern Leica glass).

 

The amazing thing is, that the Lux does all this in a very compact body. Once, you used one, you are hooked (except the people, who prefer the olden "glowy" look of non ASPH lenses).

[peter_n]

OP: I'm one of the ones who doesn't care about color, silver or black bodies or lenses I just buy whatever's available. One thing I do like though is the brass lenses, so I buy them whenever I can. Some are black paint and some are silver chrome. But since you asked the question about color you should wait or else you're probably going to be unhappy in the long term, especially since you have a 75. Just take one step back in the meanwhile.

[M9n]

Well folks - three words - WOW, WOW, WOW!

 

I succumbed and have joined the legions of Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH owners and proponents – I can only say WOW (again!) having now seen first hand what this lens is capable of.

 

When I had the ‘Lux 35mm ASPH I was quite impressed by some of the images I got, but at the same time whilst finding a lot of them very good, they did not seem to have that last bit of wow factor.

 

With the 50mm it's quite different - loads of images (albeit especially those focused correctly, and without camera/photographer or subject movements – not a lot to ask for!) absolutely jump out and show how magical they are. They just look so right. The sharpness and colour the lens produces are phenomenal. The colours captured, especially in really adverse conditions, can be quite astounding. I have never seen a lens recreate rich intense colour from a dark, dimly lit scene, where to the naked eye it appears just as washed out shades of almost grey!

[see 1st image - 1250 ISO 1/8s f1.4 and 3rd image - 250 ISO 1/30s f1.4]

 

And as mentioned by menos, shooting with a bright light source right in the frame is of no consequence at all, producing no flare or ghosting (even with a UVa filter in my case - certainly couldn't do that with my Canon L lenses!).

[see 2nd image - 1250 ISO 1/30s f1.4]

 

I am so pleased (!) that the particular ‘Lux 35mm ASPH I tried did not work out (with its focus shift problems) as that led me then to look for alternatives. The ideal was obviously, at that time, the expected replacement model, but the unknown delivery date and price did not prove a real workable solution.

 

The next best option, after reading various threads here, put the ‘Lux 50mm ASPH into the arena, as the choice for the current King of Standard Lenses. However, trawling round all the dealers for my choice of one in black revealed the scarcity of stocks, making it pot luck as to whether one was lucky enough to find a dealer with a short waiting list. Hence my original query to the most helpful Leica community here as to what people thought of the mix 'n match approach option.

 

Replies were quite mixed in themselves, but the underlying theme was that the lens is a `must have’ for anyone who wants to achieve some of the very best imagery obtainable from any M camera. So the 50mm ASPH became a fixture in my shopping list and that restarted the ringing round again!

 

Even though my usual lens line up consists of the 24mm, 35mm and 75mm focal lengths, and that a 50mm is really close to the 35 & 75mm lenses, my thoughts were that its prime purpose was to be the low light choice, supplementing these 2 lenses rather than replacing either.

 

However, since the 50mm has come into my possession it has hardly come off my M9! It becomes a challenge to see if everything could be shot with it - shank's pony has been well exercised recently!

 

Once the novelty wears off, the other lenses will once again get their fair share of use - won't they??? Depends on how long the novelty lasts I guess - a lifetime, I'm willing to bet!

 

In hindsight I think that the ‘Lux 50mm ASPH is actually a better choice as a do-it-all one lens solution, more so than the 35mm version. This is because it is much more versatile than the 35mm, as the longer focal length makes it much more usable, especially as a portrait lens.

 

Saying that, I’m glad I still have my Summicron-M 1:2/35 ASPH though, and luckily did not send it off to my dealer when I got the ‘Lux 35mm ASPH originally. My intention was to use it as a trade-in to minimise the cost. However, unexpected events meant I was unavoidably delayed getting it into the post and fortunately (!) before I was able to, I found the focus shift problems, so the ‘Lux went back instead.

 

The Summicron-M 1:2/35 ASPH will remain as my one-small-lens-M9-outfit choice when circumstances dictate I need to carry the minimum possible kit.

 

Unfortunately my `normal’ basic outfit now has grown to the 24/35/50/75 line up – as I mentioned earlier, the `novelty’ of the 50mm still shows no sign of backing off at all yet! So at present the ‘Lux 50mm ASPH travels on my M9 in my bag, with the others stowed away, just in case circumstances are such that I simply cannot use the 50mm at all.

 

Although I have had only about 10 days ownership (has it really only been 10 days?!), and in reality haven’t used the lens that much in anger or in a full, varied range of circumstances yet, I can certainly echo everyone’s mantra – get one – you’ll never regret it and once you’ve started to use it, you will wonder why you didn’t get one earlier.

 

In fact, if I had to choose to keep only one lens with my M9, or any full frame M camera, it will be the Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH. Period.

 

Oh, yes – I almost forgot the theme of this thread – which finish did I get? See below!

 

Note to Peter – thanks for your words of warning. As you pointed out, any real doubts and I should wait. However, the majority of dealers I contacted were quoting anything from 4-8weeks through to next year before they expected to be able to supply anyone not already on their waiting lists for a black 'Lux 50mm ASPH! A couple of dealers did provide a glimmer of hope in so far as the chrome version isconcerned. It appears that one or two are trickling through, and the demand for this finish is nowhere as high. So anyone willing to accept the chrome finish might just stand a better chance of getting one sooner than the black version.

 

Thank you also to everyone else, for all your contributions. It has been a great journey with a fantastic discovery at its end.

 

Good luck to anyone else setting off along this same path – it can be fun, though beware it can also be a most expensive one, but I hope it too will lead you to the fabled Shangri-La.

 

PS If anyone is interested - I have set up a gallery for images shot on my M9. It's only in its infancy, so hopefully will get added to as and when I get the opportunities to shoot interesting subjects.

 

It can be found at Picasa Web Albums - M9n's Leica Gallery

 

So, what are my final thoughts? Having cast aside all colour prejudice, I put myself out into the market for a lens of any finish, and lo and behold, it wasn't long before I was offered a chrome one. Having got it, attaching it to the M9 didn't bring on waves of revulsion. In fact, I now think it does look quite chic (I know you guys did say so) - even though it does run against my original stealth mode requirements! Under certain light conditions the lens looks more like a matte steel grey finish, rather than the shiny finish of some of the older chrome lenses. And to cap it, when I first got the lens out of its box I just could not believe how solid and heavy it felt - it is like a solid chunk of brass. OK, on the M9 it is the heaviest combination in my outfit, but I have got used to it now. The only thing that does matter is the stellar performance this lens is capable of, and as I wanted it now, the colour needed to take a back seat. I have to admit that I did hesitate for all of a second or two when I was offered the lens and was told it was a chrome one, but then reality kicked in and I said YES PLEASE! The rest is history in the making.

 

Happy shooting, everyone.

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[menos I M6]

Haha - your post indeed spills the enthusiasm and similar thoughts, I had after the first time with the 50 Lux ASPH ;-)

 

I bet, this will hold on for some time. Enjoy the lens - it really is a marvel!

[Ecaton]

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Simply put: there is nothing, the lux asph 50 is not at least excellent at.

 

I did not use it very often on the M8, but now it's almost glued to the M9.

[markowich]

I must be mad - There is nothing wrong with a silver lens on a black body imo.

 

isn't that the titanium version? looks very good...

peter

[epand56]

this lens is a must have, it don't matter if it's black or chrome ;-)

 

+1

[epand56]

Regarding the stealth frenzy, it is well known all over the world that any black camera without some kind of signs on the body it's for sure a Leica camera, whether it has a chrome or a black lens...

[M9n]

Peter,

 

Can't speak for Jaapv (lucky him if it is a titanium finish 'Lux!) but I was quite surprised to find that the chrome finish on my 'Lux 50mm ASPH much more subtle than expected when I first took it out of its packaging.

 

It actually appears to be more of a soft matte light steel grey finish, a lot 'flatter' than the brighter and colder steely look of my Summicron DR, and the shiny, polished mirror finish found on some of the older Leitz lenses. Depending on the lighting, the 'Lux can appear to have a slightly warmer tone. Perhaps that is why Jaapv's 'Lux looks like a titanium version? I am sure Jaapv will put us right on the point.

 

I've not been privileged enough to own or have seen any of the other current chrome lenses - perhaps they all have this 'new' finish?

 

Anyway, any worries I had about mixing finishes soon vanished when I saw the first results produced by the lens. Cosmetics do not affect the performance of any lens, but as several people have pointed out, being comfortable with any piece of kit can be important, especially as the user is then not likely to be impeded or distracted during the photographic process.

 

Living with anything for a period is the best way to find out if you can indeed get used to it. I'm glad I was able to overcome my brief hesitation/last minute doubts and bought this chrome lens - I'm looking at it now on my M9, and it looks right at home!

 

Enrico, no doubt you're right. The stealth thing is more of a less attraction feature so far as taking pictures rather than trying to pretend it's really not a Leica camera!

[peter_n]

You might want to monitor your use of the 75 now you have the 50. They're pretty close, a step or two forward or back and you have more or less the same view. Sometime in the future you may want to consider trading the 75 in for a 90. 35/50/90 is a classic three lens kit. 24/35/50/90 is a great four lens kit.

[cocker]

As Lauren said......

[M9n]

Hi again Peter,

 

Good advice about the 75mm. Yes I do agree that in many circumstances you could almost interchange use between the 50mm and 75mm quite easily and that the 90mm would provide a more distinctive option.

 

However, at the moment I'm finding that the 75mm offers the best close-up performance and magnification from any of the 'nomal' lenses. I do have a DR Summicron which I may experiment (with great caution!) fitting onto my M9 at some time, but I am very sure the 75mm performance at f2 will outshine that of the DR, possibly needing to close the aperture down to f5.6 or even f8 on the latter before it can even begin to approach matching the former.

 

I have to think very carefully on this particular aspect especially, before even considering a decision to swap it for a 90mm. Coincidentally, I actually traded in an Elmarit-M 90mm (excellent lens in its own right) for the 75mm in the first place, as I found the 1m minimum distance quite restricting. Perhaps I should have paid heed to the 'never sell a Leica lens' mantra! Hindsight is definitely a most wonderful thing, but reality was it needed to go towards funding the purchase of this 75mm.

 

When finances recover from this very expensive recent journey into the Leica/M9 world I guess I can then seriously consider the addition of a 90mm. Unfortunately, I know the temptation will be the ASPH version!

 

Meanwhile my intention is to revert to the 24/35/75 combination as a basic carry around kit, adding the 'Lux 50mm ASPH when low light shooting is to be encountered.

[peter_n]

Yes there's no rush. Actually I have several 50s and also the 75/2 which I do use in a travel combo of 24/35/75, just as you intend. I also use a two lens combo of 28/50. I'm going on a trip next month and I'll be trying 35/50/90 as I think it'll suit where I'm going. Horses for courses.

[wilfredo]

I must be mad - There is nothing wrong with a silver lens on a black body imo.

 

That actually looks pretty cool and very classic. I've been reading a lot of convincing things about this lens and I would like to get one :-)

[rob_w]

When finances recover from this very expensive recent journey into the Leica/M9 world I guess I can then seriously consider the addition of a 90mm. Unfortunately, I know the temptation will be the ASPH version!

 

Ken Rockwell (God bless him!) makes a good case for the macro version of the 90 here: LEICA MACRO-ELMAR-M 90mm f/4 (2003- )

 

I have never seen anyone on the forum write about this lens so I was intrigued. It would meet your requirement for close focusing and give you some different options if you were to retain the 75 as well. Just a thought.

 

I have just started using my new M9 and I am wondering how much I will use the 75, as I find it a bit 'in-between' on the M9 compared to the truly selective framing of a longer lens or of the 75's EFOV on the M8.

 

Good luck!

 

Robert

 

--------------

[Bjarke]

And one can allso use the Crome Lux 50 mm on a old crome film M

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[markowich]

Needing advice from owners of the chrome version of this lens - I have a black M9 and have been waiting for a black Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH (with just one or two other people . . .) and cannot even get a projected delivery date from any UK dealer.

 

However as there appears to be chrome ones popping up now and again, I may consider going for one of these. All my other lenses are black so cannot quite make out if this combination will look odd or too eyecatching, especially after `stealthing' my M9.

 

There is also the 130g/38% weight differential - does it make it very much more unwieldy for long period usage?

 

I'm looking at the 50mm Summilux ASPH as it seems to have a reputation as the sharpest/best f1.4 available. As all my other Leica lenses are f2/f2.8/f4 I feel the need for at least one excellent fast lens, hence this instead of the Summicron version.

 

Finally how much problem is there with focus shift? I tried a 35mm f1.4 ASPH and was quite surprised at how much shift that particular example exhibited, reflecting the general acknowledgement of the problem with this lens. Decided to go with the 35mm Summicron ASPH version instead.

 

All experiences and comments will be useful in helping decision whether to go with chrome 50mm f1.4 ASPH asap/soon or wait 4-5 months (best guess one dealer could come up with) for the black one instead.

 

Thanks.

 

my black 50mm LUX is 6 months old. i am ready to swap my black Lux for your silver one with anytime.

btw, i live in cambridge.

peter

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[M9n]

Hi again Peter

 

Living with the silver 'Lux these last few weeks has not brought on a single moment of "wish I'd waited for a black one" thoughts at all. In fact it feels quite normal (great, even) on the black body, probably because it's hardly been taken off it - will it be a case of 'silver withdrawal' when I get back to using my other lenses, I wonder!

 

Many thanks for your kind offer (I had a previous, earlier one too). If I do change my mind I'll certainly make it known here and see if your offer is still standing then.

 

Meanwhile I hope you're still enjoying using your 'Lux, regardless of its cosmetic finish.

 

Robert, good call on the Macro Elmar M - I did consider it but having to add the adapter to get the close-up distance tends to lend itself more to set-up shots and therefore may be less fluid in normal use than the 75mm, where the f2 max aperture is also important. However, for close-up work I guess I would/should revert to my 5D2+EF100mm 2.8 Macro pairing, especially as precise framing and focussing is far superior.

 

At present I am not using the 75mm much, mainly because, as mentioned above, I'm still besotted with the 'Lux. Previously, it did get a fair amount of usage in the 24/35/75 combination, and I suspect it will do so again in that same context. Adding the 'Lux to that set does make it quite a bit heavier to carry around, defeating one of my original reasons to move to the Leica M9 as my everyday/everywhere system.

 

Wilfredo - get to try one if you can. It is an incredible lens and I would be most surprised that having tried it you wouldn't want one!