Current 50mm f/2 vs 1.4 pre-ASPH

[gib_robinson]

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I am considering a late model Summilux 50mm (non ASPH) lens. Question is, what would I be giving up if I sold my current-version 50 'cron? Erwin Puts suggests the 'cron is better in some respects at f/2 (edge resolution?). Since I only want to keep one 50mm, I would love to hear from those who have used both, how do they compare as general-purpose lenses.

 

Thanks very much.

 

--Gib

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[matlep]

MFD is 0.9 meters on the old pre Asph Lux and 0.7 meters on the Cron. Might not be important, but anyway.

[lars_bergquist]

The old 'lux is very sharp centrally (sharper area increasing in diameter a you stop down) and slightly less crisp outside it. Maximum definition at f:8. There is a bit of curvature of field as you approach closest focus. There is little distortion.

 

The 'lux is very resistant against internal reflections and flare. The low flare is one of its major advantages compared to the current 'cron.

 

Generally speaking, the pre-ASPH Summilux produces a very pleasant rendering, and it does not often serve up unpleasant surprises. If you like a somewhat oldfashioned look, you may well like the lens.

 

The old man from he Age of Kodachrome

[Xmas]

MFD is 0.9 meters on the old pre Asph Lux and 0.7 meters on the Cron. Might not be important, but anyway.

 

Hi

 

Lars has encapsulated the differences nicely, there were two main variants of the pre asph

 

43mm filter 1m close focus, integrated tele-hood

46mm filter 0.7m separate inverted cone hood

 

Early 43mm have simpler hard coating and will pastel colors in a way some people like, you might as well, the telescopic hood some people don't like.

 

The Cron has hood variations as well and a focus knob deletion

 

You should check the handling of the one you are about to buy just in case you dont like..

 

Noel..

[matlep]

Hi

 

Lars has encapsulated the differences nicely, there were two main variants of the pre asph

 

43mm filter 1m close focus, integrated tele-hood

46mm filter 0.7m separate inverted cone hood

 

Early 43mm have simpler hard coating and will pastel colors in a way some people like, you might as well, the telescopic hood some people don't like.

 

The Cron has hood variations as well and a focus knob deletion

 

You should check the handling of the one you are about to buy just in case you dont like..

 

Noel..

 

Ken Rockwell has a nice chart regarding the different models:

 

LEICA SUMMILUX 50mm f/1.4 (1960-2004)

[gib_robinson]

Thanks, Guys.

 

I think I'll stick with my very competent 'cron until I can make a leap to an 50 ASPH 'lux or the 'cron ASPH that I'm sure Leica will produce at some point. Given how much I value edge-to-edge performance in the landscape work I do, the current 'cron is probably the safer bet for me now.

 

Noel, glad you mentioned the (pastel) vividness. I've seen that in a few 'Lux 50 images.

 

--Gib

[lct]

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...Erwin Puts suggests the 'cron is better in some respects at f/2...

I beg to disagree. The latest pre-asph 50/1.4 is slightly sharper at f/2 than the Summicron at the same aperture.

[smkoush]

I used to own the latest summicron, but I traded it in for the latest pre-ASPH summilux 3 years ago (black paint 46mm filter threat).

 

Here is what I found:

 

The summicron was a stellar performer sharper and more contrasty. Images with it were very crisp. The only drawback was that it flared in certain occasions (especially during night photography with street lamps in the image).

 

The summilux is certainly softer at 1.4, but I don't think I can tell them apart from 2.8 on. By 5.6 it is extremely sharp, and by 8 it attains crisp sharpness across the whole field, and beautiful contrast (certainly not harsh). I've been using it as my only lens for 3 years, and haven't managed to get it to flare yet.

 

I do not regret replacing the summicron with the pre-ASPH summilux. The summicron was perfect, but the summilux certainly has some "character" or whatever one may call it's drawing characteristics. I personally enjoy the extra stop and the unique rendering of it, but I know others prefer the crisp characteristics of the summicron (or the latest ASPH summilux).

 

Size is different (summicron smaller), but to me it is not an issue (though it may be for other people).

 

Of course, it is also a matter of how you use the lens. For me, low-light street/people photography is important, thus the summilux outperforms the summicron. But you mention that you do landscape photography, so I'm not sure why the summilux is needed.

 

Savvas

[thompsonkirk]

Hi, Gib –

 

If/when we have a chance to get together, you can try my pre-aspherical 'Lux, which was just calibrated by DAG. Wide open, it does the 'Leica glow' thing; & no worry about overall sharpness for landscape photography, because you'd be at f8 or so anyhow.

 

Kirk

[wizard]

Thanks, Guys.

 

I think I'll stick with my very competent 'cron ...Given how much I value edge-to-edge performance in the landscape work I do, the current 'cron is probably the safer bet for me now.

 

Right decision. While the Summilux is a wonderful lens, detail resolution of the Summicron at anything below f8 is visibly better (I own and use both lenses). It is only the Summilux asph which combines the virtues of the old Summilux and the current Summicron, and even goes beyond.

 

Andy