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Availability of 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH


timkreth

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I recently ordered a 50 Summicron and was told the waiting time will be about six weeks. The same dealer said the waiting time for a 50 Summilux is currently over a year. Other dealers may tell a different story, depending on how many of the lenses they have on backorder.

 

Rocky

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The best advice I can give you is to go to the Leica website and start calling all dealers. You may strike it lucky with some dealer off the beat and path. I found a 21mm Super-Elmar in North Carolina. I live in San Francisco.

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The best advice I can give you is to go to the Leica website and start calling all dealers. You may strike it lucky with some dealer off the beat and path. I found a 21mm Super-Elmar in North Carolina. I live in San Francisco.

 

Exactly what I did and I found one that day. Do the leg work and you may be quickly rewarded.

Rich

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Hello, all

So what is the reason for the supply shortage?

I have been away for over three years as I had gone to Nikon DSLRs. Ultimately, I'm not happy with that set-up so I have decided to come back to Leica with a M9 and a 50 'cron to start out. I've never gotten on well with the rangefinders, but am finding all the plastic and automation of the Nikons is really killing off my creativity and joy. Anyway, I am shocked to find that in the States and through all my normal channels everyone seems to be out of stock and back ordered on all 50mm m lenses. Has this become normal procedure for Leica these days or is there some odd issue affecting supply currently? I think I even saw Adorama listing a used 50 'Lux for several hundred dollars over their list price for new. And it was not even in top condition.

Thanks for your input and it's good to be back.

(Even though the R10 that I had held out for never materialised!)

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Hello, all

So what is the reason for the supply shortage?

I have been away for over three years as I had gone to Nikon DSLRs. Ultimately, I'm not happy with that set-up so I have decided to come back to Leica with a M9 and a 50 'cron to start out. I've never gotten on well with the rangefinders, but am finding all the plastic and automation of the Nikons is really killing off my creativity and joy. Anyway, I am shocked to find that in the States and through all my normal channels everyone seems to be out of stock and back ordered on all 50mm m lenses. Has this become normal procedure for Leica these days or is there some odd issue affecting supply currently? I think I even saw Adorama listing a used 50 'Lux for several hundred dollars over their list price for new. And it was not even in top condition.

Thanks for your input and it's good to be back.

(Even though the R10 that I had held out for never materialised!)

 

 

It is simply supply and demand, and you ain't seen nothing yet! Welcome to the club.:(

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I placed an order from Adorama in March last year. It arrived in November....9 months wait. In the meantime, I obtained the Zeiss f/1.5 Sonnar and I have to admit, I like it better than the Summilux for some things. I've decided to keep them both.

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I placed an order from Adorama in March last year. It arrived in November....9 months wait. In the meantime, I obtained the Zeiss f/1.5 Sonnar and I have to admit, I like it better than the Summilux for some things. I've decided to keep them both.

 

How about the focus shift that everybody seems to talk about with the Sonnar?

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Hello, all

So what is the reason for the supply shortage?

I have been away for over three years as I had gone to Nikon DSLRs. Ultimately, I'm not happy with that set-up so I have decided to come back to Leica with a M9 and a 50 'cron to start out. I've never gotten on well with the rangefinders, but am finding all the plastic and automation of the Nikons is really killing off my creativity and joy. Anyway, I am shocked to find that in the States and through all my normal channels everyone seems to be out of stock and back ordered on all 50mm m lenses. Has this become normal procedure for Leica these days or is there some odd issue affecting supply currently? I think I even saw Adorama listing a used 50 'Lux for several hundred dollars over their list price for new. And it was not even in top condition.

Thanks for your input and it's good to be back.

(Even though the R10 that I had held out for never materialised!)

Welcome Bull40 to the forum.

It is a real pity that your enthusiasm is dampened by poor supply of Leica lenses. Leica clearly underestimated the demand from non-Leica users for lenses. As you have read in past postings, patience is rewarded. Try telephoning around and then cultivate a good relationship with a genuine Leica dealer. That pays dividends. You might find a new Summarit lens more easily obtainable. If so, don't spurn the offer. Apart from a slight loss of maximum aperture, they perform impeccably and are popular with users. I have the 75mm version, but a 50 or 35 would suit you initially. A 35 and 90 Summarit would make an excellent duo for much work. Then, if you keep trying, you will get a 50 Summicron or Summilux according to your needs. That would give you one lens with a higher max aperture.

 

Normally I would advocate buying good used Leica lenses. But they are increasingly more difficult to find. Good luck in your hunt.

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Thanks for the information and ideas, friends.

I was about to check with Dale as they are in my state. As I began my love/hate affair with Leica in 1985 and have only recently taken a sabbatical from them in the past three years, I'm very familiar with the ups and downs of their business model. It's all part of the madness of the Leica affliction, I suppose. For me, they are truly "mein schmerz."

The 50 'cron, in either the R or M form, has always been my favorite lens; I estimate I've probably shot about 80% of my photos through that lens since 1985, despite having several others on hand. When I visualize an image in my head first, it is through that lens. I guess that is why my fling with Nikon was doomed to fail. They have some nice equipment and acceptable glass, but the results are never quite what I pre-visualized.

Thanks again

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How about the focus shift that everybody seems to talk about with the Sonnar?

 

If you shoot it wide open frequently you may want to have Zeiss adjust it accordingly (I think they call it 'optimized' at f/1.5) and mine is optimized for 1.5. It will exhibit some focus shift, but as far as I can tell it pretty much gets lost in dof beyond 2.8. I am usually shooting it wide open or stopped down beyond the point where i notice any focus shift so it isn't an issue for me. I bought it because I couldn't get a Summilux 50 ASPH and I found I really like the character of the lens. I strongly considered selling the Summilux after I got it, but I like that lens also. So, I use them both.

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If you shoot it wide open frequently you may want to have Zeiss adjust it accordingly (I think they call it 'optimized' at f/1.5) and mine is optimized for 1.5. It will exhibit some focus shift, but as far as I can tell it pretty much gets lost in dof beyond 2.8. I am usually shooting it wide open or stopped down beyond the point where i notice any focus shift so it isn't an issue for me. I bought it because I couldn't get a Summilux 50 ASPH and I found I really like the character of the lens. I strongly considered selling the Summilux after I got it, but I like that lens also. So, I use them both.

 

Thanks for your comments, it is that particular character why I am considering getting it, inspite of being very happy with my Summilux.

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