UPDATE: Summilux 50mm

[DFV]

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A couple of months ago I posted my concern about my LUX 50 and the possibility that there was something wrong with it.

 

Here is the post...

 

I sent it to Leica with my shots and yes, it was defective and I got a new one back. What is interesting is that the papers that came with my new lens said that the exchanged lens was printed with the same serial number as my old LUX. Interesting, and I must admit I like that. No, it is not the same lens refurbished since I have tested it and it is NOT the same lens. This one is perfect! Plus I had to small yet very distinctive marks.

 

I went on to test my new LUX 50 against my CRON 50 "LHSA" and came to the following conclusions comparing the shots.

 

- Is the CRON sharper than the LUX? YES; To date, I have not ever seen a better lens corner to corner. It is just brutal. Contrary to some comments I have never had any problems with reflection of any kind. Although I admit I do not use it for night/lowlight photography. I read somewhere that for some reason the CRON 50 "LHSA" is better and sharper than the regular CRON. That is something I would love to test...

 

- Is the LUX worth the price difference for only one f-stop more? YES; The LUX is very close to the CRON and that single f-stop can sometimes make a hell of a difference. The edges are not as sharp as the CRON especially fully open but the center is just as sharp if not even sharper. In the case of the LUX is not really a problem since the idea with the LUX is to concentrate on the center and use the DOF as much as possible, hence making the edges more interesting for bokeh. Don't forget that shooting at 60 rather than 30 will make or break the shot. The LUX is an awesome lens for lowlight conditions... and what the hell, it's just beautiful!

 

Even if having both might seem redundant I must say that I am happy that I have them. The CRON is simply unbeatable during the daytime. The LUX on the other hand has a "mystique" and flexibility that is unexplainable. If anybody had to choose between both it would be a very, very difficult choice.

[jaapv]

Sharpness is not the issue - try taking some shots wide open - or even with both lenses at 2.0 and compare the plasticity and drawing. The Summilux will leave you gob-smacked. It is so much more artistic, for want of a better word.

[wilfredo]

From what I've seen, the Summilux ASPH wide open can't be beaten, and stopped down to f/8 is just as sharp if not sharper than the Summicron.

[DFV]

Sharpness is not the issue - try taking some shots wide open - or even with both lenses at 2.0 and compare the plasticity and drawing. The Summilux will leave you gob-smacked. It is so much more artistic, for want of a better word.

 

Absolutely, that it what I meant with "mystique".

[DFV]

From what I've seen, the Summilux ASPH wide open can't be beaten, and stopped down to f/8 is just as sharp if not sharper than the Summicron.

 

At f8 the LUX is sharper indeed in the center (although it could also be due to the contrast) yet edge to edge the CRON is way ahead. I have not seen ever any lens this god ever as the CRON edge to edge at any aperture.

 

Both lenses are simply extraordinary.

[wattsy]

It is so much more artistic

 

Pity those poor fools struggling with their Summicrons.

[Doc Henry]

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Regarding the comparison between Lux and Cron 50, the test of Trond (response No. 16) leaves no doubt about the ability of Lux vs. Cron 50 :the pictures seem to be taken almost at the same time.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/117034-just-tested-50-lux-cron-50mm.html

Regards

Henry

[glenerrolrd]

Regarding the comparison between Lux and Cron 50, the test of Trond (response No. 16) leaves no doubt about the ability of Lux vs. Cron 50 :the pictures seem to be taken almost at the same time.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/117034-just-tested-50-lux-cron-50mm.html

Regards

Henry

 

One of the issues with this type of test is lens/camera calibration. Its difficult to determine if the lenses have been focused perfectly. Even with bodies and lenses that have been calibrated together you may have small differences that only show up at infinity.

 

I live on a long street with mail boxes (numbered ) every 30M ...not quite infinity at 360M but you can easily see if your focus is front or back . Without confirmation that you have hit the focus accurately these tests may give incorrect results.

[Doc Henry]

One of the issues with this type of test is lens/camera calibration. Its difficult to determine if the lenses have been focused perfectly. Even with bodies and lenses that have been calibrated together you may have small differences that only show up at infinity.

I live on a long street with mail boxes (numbered ) every 30M ...not quite infinity at 360M but you can easily see if your focus is front or back . Without confirmation that you have hit the focus accurately these tests may give incorrect results.

Glenerrolrd,

I agree with you , but apart from this axis problem, Trond tests on the same subject, namely the church, taken at the same time, shows that Lux beats Cron in clarity and definition , in color, brightness, etc. ...especially at f:1,4

 

Photo DFV test was not taken at the same time (look at the clouds above on the left) and this can give a little different result .

Many factors including light can varied in few minutes, as you said .

Moreover, the number of lenses is not the same in both

That said , both are good lens !

 

http://www.summilux.net/m_system/images/Summilux50Asph-coupe.jpg

http://www.summilux.net/m_system/images/Summilux50Asph-formule.jpg

http://www.summilux.net/m_system/images/Summicron50-coupe.jpg

http://www.summilux.net/m_system/images/Summicron50-formule.jpg

 

Regards

Henry

[wilfredo]

I plan to purchase a LUX and I like to keep things simple, I don't want two lenses with the same focal length (it's not in my budget to do that anyway). I made a deposit for the LUX, and I expect it to knock my socks off. From what I've seen, I am convinced that it will.

[wda]

I plan to purchase a LUX and I like to keep things simple, I don't want two lenses with the same focal length (it's not in my budget to do that anyway). I made a deposit for the LUX, and I expect it to knock my socks off. From what I've seen, I am convinced that it will.

Are 50mm Summilux lenses suddenly available again?

[DFV]

 

Photo DFV test was not taken at the same time (look at the clouds above on the left) and this can give a little different result .

 

Sorry, I am not the Flash so it takes a couple of seconds for me to make the change. In any case it was VERY windy that day and the clouds were low.

[DFV]

I plan to purchase a LUX and I like to keep things simple, I don't want two lenses with the same focal length (it's not in my budget to do that anyway). I made a deposit for the LUX, and I expect it to knock my socks off. From what I've seen, I am convinced that it will.

 

The LUX is a great piece of kit! If you want to keep things simple it is definitely the right choice. Just don't get your expectations so high. It is good but it is not perfect, that does not exist.

[wilfredo]

I realize it is not perfect but at the very least it has to be worth the extra cash.

I'm glad to hear you are happy with yours.