mafoofan Posted November 30, 2011 Share #1 Posted November 30, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, a 35mm Summilux ASPH (FLE) has finally showed up at my dealer and is under my name until the end of the day. Unfortunately, I just picked up a new 50mm Summilux ASPH a couple of months ago and cannot afford to keep both. Should I buy the 35mm and sell the 50mm, or keep the 50mm? I am new to rangefinders and previously used a 50mm/1.4 Canon lens on an old Canon A1 SLR. I'm expecting delivery of an MP over the next couple of weeks. It will have a .72x viewfinder. I am looking to start (and possibly stay) with only one lens. On the one hand, the 50mm is closer to what I'm used to, and from what I can tell, the bokeh is nicer. The viewing angle is also probably closer to how I naturally see things. When I have used wide angle lenses in the past, I have always needed to get much closer to my subject than originally perceived. On the other hand, the 35mm arguably takes better advantage of the rangefinder format and is only moderately wide--also, it is admittedly tempting to simply buy up such a hard-to-get lens because it is so hard-to-get! I am by no means a professional photographer, so I intend to use the camera in a casual manner (vacations, family get togethers, etc.) as well as artistically. I do not envision taking many landscape photos, and almost always take photos with people in them. Thoughts? I know it is difficult to compare lenses of different focal lengths, but I nonetheless wonder if it is possible to meaningfully distinguish their rendering characteristics. Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 30, 2011 Posted November 30, 2011 Hi mafoofan, Take a look here Help me pick: 50mm Lux ASPH vs 35mm Lux ASPH (FLE). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ezc203 Posted November 30, 2011 Share #2 Posted November 30, 2011 I see your dilemma here (and what a great dilemma it is). Both lenses are exceptional in every manner. That said... This is what I think: Since you are switching from SLR to rangefinder, why not go all the way - get the 35mm and try it out. If you don't like it, trading the FLE for the 50mm ASPH should not be that hard. Or alternatively, maybe you can spend half the cost on getting a 35mm and a 50mm Zeiss lenses - see which focal length you like better and then commit then? That's probably what I would do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted November 30, 2011 Share #3 Posted November 30, 2011 I have both lenses. If I had to choose only one for personal use I'd keep the 35 without hesitation. The latest 35 Summilux is sensationally good - very sharp where it needs to be but also with bags of character - and a perfect match for the standard 0.72x M rangefinder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 30, 2011 Share #4 Posted November 30, 2011 What a dilemma to have! The 50 Summilux is said to be the best 50 mm made, and one of the best lenses for 35 mm format. Sounds like hyperbole to me, but then I love mine. A lot. I would suggest you buy it, and then try the two side by side, and sell the one you use less (you probably won't). Alternatively, buy the 35, and I'll take it off your hands if you don't like it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafoofan Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted November 30, 2011 What a dilemma to have! The 50 Summilux is said to be the best 50 mm made, and one of the best lenses for 35 mm format. Sounds like hyperbole to me, but then I love mine. A lot. I would suggest you buy it, and then try the two side by side, and sell the one you use less (you probably won't). Alternatively, buy the 35, and I'll take it off your hands if you don't like it. Ha, I'm tempted to buy the 35mm and just hold onto it because I know I could sell it very easily and not lose a dollar. Alas, I really cannot justify holding onto both. The wife has already vetoed the idea. I've already dumped a ton into the new body, one lens, and a scanner. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted November 30, 2011 Share #6 Posted November 30, 2011 I am puzzled. You own the latest 50mm Summilux. You do not yet own a Leica M camera. Yet you have also ordered a 35mm lens which you cannot afford. You have ordered a Leica MP film camera, so presumably you have no M-body at present. So you are debating on the choice of one lens from two quoted. I cannot determine your logic. What did you have in mind when you starting ordering Leica equipment? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafoofan Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted November 30, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am puzzled. You own the latest 50mm Summilux. You do not yet own a Leica M camera. Yet you have also ordered a 35mm lens which you cannot afford. You have ordered a Leica MP film camera, so presumably you have no M-body at present. So you are debating on the choice of one lens from two quoted. I cannot determine your logic. What did you have in mind when you starting ordering Leica equipment? I ordered the lenses and body at the same time, but the lenses have become available first. I paid for the 50mm as soon as it came in so that I'd have a lens ready to go upon receiving the body. Because of current delays in MP production, the body has taken longer than usual. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 30, 2011 Share #8 Posted November 30, 2011 I have sent you a private message. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted December 1, 2011 Share #9 Posted December 1, 2011 Difficult dilemma, both are fantastic lenses. What a shame you can't get both. 35mm was my most used focal length for years on my Nikon F3/T (and my Contax T3), usually chosen over 50mm on the Nikon. Since coming to a rangefinder I now use 50mm much more. I have both lenses neither of which I would part with unless the money was needed to feed my starving children. However, if I could only keep one of the two, or for that matter only one of any of my lenses, without doubt be the extraordinary 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH. I think you should keep your 50 Summilux and see how you go.....or maybe buy the 35 for John. Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted December 1, 2011 Share #10 Posted December 1, 2011 I'm with Mark, I much prefer the 50 Summilux ASPH, can't praise it enough. But the 35 comes a close second However I also believe neither of them will show their true potential on film, at least I have not really seen it. I would agree with the earlier suggestion to perhaps look at a different brand for one of the lenses and save money (and remorse). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafoofan Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted December 1, 2011 Thanks guys, I wound up sticking with the 50mm out of inertia. I figured, since I really won't know until I try both, I might as well start with the one I already have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted December 1, 2011 Share #12 Posted December 1, 2011 However I also believe neither of them will show their true potential on film, at least I have not really seen it. I guess it depends upon what "true potential" is. If it's lines on a chart then perhaps not. Personally, I find that when combined with the superior colour, tonality and highlight retention of a fine film, these lenses really shine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
viboons Posted December 1, 2011 Share #13 Posted December 1, 2011 I bought my 50 lux asph 4-5 months ago and sold it one week before I bought 35 lux asph fle. However; my camera is M8 and have not got ff M9 yet. Now I still miss the 50 lux asph but I have 50 C Sonnar so I can wait for a long time to get 50 lux asph. You may consider other 50 while you wait like me if you really like 35 fov. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted December 1, 2011 Share #14 Posted December 1, 2011 I'd simply say that both lenses are outstanding. Go with your favorite focal length and the decision will be easy. Sounds like you already lean towards the 50 and consider it will be almost half the cost of the 35. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Speed Posted December 1, 2011 Share #15 Posted December 1, 2011 i have both (bought 2 months apart) and i love them equally much, if money is an issue, stay with your current 50mm, you can always buy the 35mm next time around, i.e. cancel your current order and make a new order, at mean time enjoy your 50mm single heartedly I think you knew what u wanted by reading the 2nd last paragraph and I think u still want a 35mm is because it's rare but doesn't mean u need it. So, do others a favor (those who need it), let it go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted December 1, 2011 Share #16 Posted December 1, 2011 Should you have on order a M9, I'd say to keep the 35 for the very trivial fact that with digital "cropping 35 to 50" is an easy task (and - for the probable prints' dimensions you'll make - not a problem of pixels lost). But with film and your mood of "possibly stay with one lens" a 50 is THE lens, so better if is the superb Lux Asph. Simple advice if you will have some doubt during the start of your "career" with RF... take a "cheap" 35 from CV (or an old honest Leitz, Summaron or so), and decide with calm if it IS the focal for you... Lux 35 has a long life in front of and Lux 50 asph will maintain a very significant value. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted December 1, 2011 Share #17 Posted December 1, 2011 One trick that's neat with rangefinders is to just play with the frameline/preview lever. Walk around and "frame things" and diddle the lever to show 35/50 framelines. You'll get an idea how each lens would capture the scene, etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafoofan Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share #18 Posted December 1, 2011 One trick that's neat with rangefinders is to just play with the frameline/preview lever. Walk around and "frame things" and diddle the lever to show 35/50 framelines. You'll get an idea how each lens would capture the scene, etc. I tried that in the store, actually. As true with my SLR experience, when I frame a shot with my bare eyes, it more closely matches the 50mm view angle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted December 1, 2011 Share #19 Posted December 1, 2011 I tried that in the store, actually. As true with my SLR experience, when I frame a shot with my bare eyes, it more closely matches the 50mm view angle. That is why, historically, the 50mm has always been regarded as the 'normal' lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafoofan Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share #20 Posted December 1, 2011 That is why, historically, the 50mm has always been regarded as the 'normal' lens. Yes, I am aware of that. But I suppose some of use 'see' more akin to a 35mm view angle nonetheless. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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