50 Pre Asph Summilux - Which One - Older or Newer version?

[colin_d]

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I have read on here and elsewhere not to buy the older 50mm summilux, before 1,844,000. From anyone who has used the old and/or newer versions what is the noticeable difference in handling and images? I shoot b&w film and slides on my M5, BTW which I love .

 

I know the price is a lot steeper for a newer model Pre Asph Lux, but I'm wondering if it is worth more than double the earlier versions, would I notice that much difference?

 

Colin

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[lars_bergquist]

The early 1959 model was really a re-computed Summarit 1:1.5 (the first specimens were actually engraved "Summarit 1:1.4"!) which was actually a coated Xenon 1:1.5, of 1935 vintage. This early Summilux was low-contrast and pretty soft wide open. It was blown out of the water by the Japanese competition. So Leitz did a completely new design, packed it in what looked just like the old mount -- and kept mum! Not until several years later did they admit to the deed ... a very strange story.

 

The late model was manufactured from 1962 to 2004, which is the absolute Leica record. I have owned it (I am now using a current Summilux ASPH). It is a pleasant lens, quite sharp on center wide open with an even fall-of of definition in the direction of the corners. The outer field and the corners spruce up gradually as you stop down, to a maximum at about f:8. Mid-aperture performance in general is excellent. Resistance to flare and internal reflections is remarkably good. Quirky bokeh at times.

 

I owned this lens and a current Summicron. I did get fed up with the 'cron because of its sensitivity to strange flare phenomena that ruined many pictures for me. So I sold both the 'cron and the 'lux in 2005 in order to finance the 'lux ASPH -- as sharp as the 'cron, and as reliable and as fast as the old 'lux. But if the new lens had not arrived, I would probably still be happy with the old one.

 

The old man from the Spherical Age

[colin_d]

thanks Lars that helps. I was also tossing up about a Cron, and to add to my confusion even a Nokton f1.5. I have the 35mm Lux which is an absolute dream, so small and nearly unnoticeable on the camera but I doubt the same can be said of the 50 Lux which looks considerably bigger and heavier.

 

I think it's down to a Lux or Nokton now, price may have a say.