1.4/50mm Summilux weight comparisons

[mgreernz]

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Can anyone offer me some accurate data comparing the weight of a Black 1.4/50 Summilux to a Chrome version? I've been hunting around the spec sheets, but can find only various statistics ranging from "same" (which I know can't be right) to about a 38% difference (anodised black being the lighter version).

 

I ask, because although I initially ordered a black from my local dealer, the chrome version arrived first and, knowing how short supplied they are, I cheerfully succumbed. But a few weeks on, although it's a fabulous lens it kind of feels front heavy on my M9.

 

One option might be to switch to a 2/50mm Cron. The trouble is that although I've had great results from a 50mm Cron in the past, having now clambered up to a 50mm Lux I'm understandably reluctant to back down. So the second option is to swap it for the next black that arrives.

 

Does the black Lux offer a significant weight differential?

[jaapv]

Yes it does. If you weigh yours you can compare it with the weight of the black version on the Leica website data sheet.

[mgreernz]

I've finally tracked down a more detailed spec: http://test.www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/50mm_f/1.4_ASPH_Summilux-M

 

It shows the weight differential as 204g (black) 335g (chrome) - a significant +64.2%. No wonder it's feeling a trifle front heavy.

 

Each to their own I guess, but for me it looks like black is back!

[jaapv]

Well, my chrome Summilux asph 50 weighs 462 grams and the black one according to Leica 335 grams, so those figures cannot be correct.

 

Edit: That seems to be a mistake in the Leica Wiki, so I've just corrected it

[luigi bertolotti]

Here they say 466 vs. 335 : Objectif LEICA Summilux M 50 mm Asph. f/1,4

 

less than 40% more... keep it : chromes are always nicer...

[jonoslack]

Does the black Lux offer a significant weight differential?

 

Yes - the difference feels huge to me. So much so that I swapped mine with another user who had a black one of the same age . .. . This had play in the focus ring, and he offered to swap back, but I preferred the weight of the black so much that instead I sent the black one off to Solms to get it sorted. Now I'm happy

 

I think the Chrome lenses look nicer, and I like the feel of them in my hands and as objects, but in practice I just prefer using the lighter black lenses. I've made the mistake three times now, but I won't do it again.

[peter_n]

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I like the heavier lenses silver chrome or black paint I don't care, they're made of brass and the focusing seems to be reliably smoother, at least to me. Also they're not front-heavy on my MPs.

[mgreernz]

Mods - I kind of don't understand - this thread has been moved twice by mods and is now in the "Customer" forum. And yet it is a thread specifically addressing the weight/balance ratio of this lens to an M9. Am I misunderstanding something?