The passage from Summicron to Summilux 50

[nodrog]

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I just traded in my Summicron 50 (bought new in 1997, never dropped, AB+ condition) for a used Summilux 50. Why? Because I want that extra stop and the thin focus it can pull on the eyes for portraits at a wedding or a party. I tried it out in the shop (Sukiya Camera, in Ginza, if anyone is interested) took the files home and looked at them on the computer. Tack sharp, at about 1.5m in the shop, exactly what I'm looking for. So, I did it, and am now the owner of an f1.4 lens in good condition, pre-asph, but at a good price.

 

Now, I'm having great trouble getting the same tack sharp focus at 1.4 outside, at longer than 1.5m. It is focussing, as far as I can tell, about 5~10cm or more behind the focus point I've chosen. It gets better at 2.0, then better again, as you'd imagine, at 2.8, but I've bought this thing to perform wide open whenever possible. It's still good at closer range, too, which puzzles me. Made me question my technique, at first.

 

My question for more experienced Summilux heads than me...is it possible to get great focus at 1~1.5m and also be off by so much at longer distances? Do I have a dud? Should I take it back (still under warranty, remember). I'm on the verge of doing so.

 

Pete

[jaapv]

Yes- focus at infinity/longer distances can certainly be off whilst close focus is fine. I doubt that indoors or outdoors has anything to do with it If you are happy with the lens and got it at a good price, I would advise to have a reputable Leica technician adjust the lens. That is neither expensive nor a long wait.That you get different results at different apertures is normal, that is called focus shift. If you want to use it wide open only, tell the technician to adjust it spot-on wide open. You may have to compensate a bit for the few times you close the aperture.

[lct]

I would not say that the pre-asph 50/1.4 is tack sharp at full aperture but if focus is accurate for close-ups it should be so at longer distances as well. Did you use a tripod and did you choose still subject matters to check medium and long distance accuracy?