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Leica D 25mm Summilux f/1.4


barnack

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I am contemplating the purchase of the 25mm Summilux for my Olympus E3. I would like to hear from anyone who has used this lens and what their opinion is. Thanks for any comments.

 

I have one that I use with my GH2, it is probably the best 25mm (50mm) you can get at the moment. But don't expect real Summilux quality since it is really a Panasonic.

 

On the other hand, it is probably the only autofocus Summilux on the market at a fraction of the price of a real Leica Summilux.

 

Lastly, it does not have in lens stabilization but it won't be a problem for you since Olympus has in body stabilization.

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I am contemplating the purchase of the 25mm Summilux for my Olympus E3. I would like to hear from anyone who has used this lens and what their opinion is. Thanks for any comments.

 

One of the best lenses around, and this not only in the 4/3 mount.

If you're looking for quite a few (and good) examples, also with your camera, go to this gallery of the late Bill Algood:

25mm f/1.4 Summilux - William Algood (doogla)'s Photos

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My PL25 is my main cause of hesitation to give up GF1 in favour of NEX (with Leica-R 35/2; 60/2.8; 80/1.4). Any other hesitation has nothing to do with lenses; none I've used with mFT (Oly 17.2.8; Pana 20/1.7; 14-45; 45-200), nor the scant offerings of native NEX lenses.

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I can answer your question only indirectly. I use the 25mm Summilux D with a Lumix GH1 and Panasonic adapter (for 4/3 to micro 4/3). The IQ is stunning! It must be the best normal lens overall in photography, if 1/2 sensor size is not an issue for you; and certainly the best normal lens in the 4/3 system. F1.4 images look like they were taken at F2.8, except for the superb bokeh this lens shows best at f1.4. Resolution surpasses the GH1 sensor! It is the only 4/3 lens I have that allows 16x magnification on the LCD with full detail display!

I have to use it on manual because the Panasonic AF adapter makes funny whirring noises during AF. This is not a problem for me; hoverever, as the the GH1 takes me efficiently into magnification mode for easy MF. The lens is so contrasy, even at f1.4, that MF is easy. You should know also that on my set up there is no continuous AF in movie mode. I hope that helps you make your decision. It may cost about 1 grand, but the superb IQ makes it worth it. Tom

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Very nice lens, a real good complement of the Elmarit 14-50.

Two must have lenses on 4/3 bodies (be them Digilux 3 or Olympus, as far as my experiece is concearned the best results come up from E-3).

 

The only thing you could be concearned about is the bokeh and depth of field. If you want a very (I mean really VERY) tiny one the solution is the Voigtlander 25 f:0,95. Simply does not expect the depth of field from the 25 Summilux is the same of a 50 mm f:1,4 on a 35 mm full frame body. Obviously, depending on your photographic needs, this could be an advantage too (you can take shots in really low light with something in focus...).

.

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IMO it is the best lens for the 4/3rds system.

I really regret selling it, but the tiny panny 20mm f/1.7 goes better (in terms of size) with my GF-1.

However I am contemplating buying thislens again. As others have said, it produces a very unique look that deserves the Summilux stamp on it.

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IMO it is the best lens for the 4/3rds system.

I really regret selling it...

 

+1

It is a truly remarkable lens with outstanding performance.

Unfortunately the m4:3 sensor was too small for my type of work. I do hope Leica will use this design for a possible future mirrorless system.

 

I have to use it on manual because the Panasonic AF adapter makes funny whirring noises during AF.

 

I noticed this too when I had the lens. It happens when you point the lens at a bright object. I guess it's the aperture closing to protect the sensor. It's a 'normal' sound for this lens.

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There is a version for m4/3 coming which will presumably work properly with these cameras. Its cheaper but apparently won't have Leica on it, so now we know how much Leica charges for the use of the name.........:D

 

Gerry

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Great lens, I used it on an E3 and on a Digilux3 and loved the results (not to mention the extra brightness in the viewfinder which for me is very important) Sold it only because I got out of 4/3 altogether. I really recommend it.

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