28mm f/1.4 lens coming - firm evidence?

[Robert_M]

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The new firmware 1.196 for the M9 has just been released. If you code appropriately, you will find that there is a new lens code 54-1 (code 54, frame 28/90) which was not there in earlier firmwares. The M9 shows this as a lens "28mm f/1.4" on the LCD screen. Also, this coding will implement a profile coding on the exposed file which compensates for some lens light fall (and maybe other effects). I expect we will see a 28mm 'Lux in the not too distant future.

 

I will point out that in June 2011 the M9 firmware update included codes for the 21mm f/3.4 lens and the new 50mm f/2 apo lens before they were released. In the case of the 50/2 lens, it was almost 1 year before release. One can only guess when this new lens code 28 f/1.4 lens will be released as real hardware. But the evidence of its existence is strong.

 

RM

[lars_bergquist]

That is good evidence. And given the strong current Leica tendency to fly in the face of practicality – not to speak of the Leica Ethos –*we may indeed se such a lens soon.

 

The practical arguments against it do still hold. It will block so much of the 28mm field in the finder that it will need an auxiliary finder, either a conventional optical one, or a push-on 'Visoflex' EVF. But today, we are obviously above such mundane considerations. A Leica M is no longer a tool for taking pictures, but for projecting its owner's image – and money.

 

The problem is of course that this will likely spell the end of the excellent – and practical – 28mm Summicron ASPH. Get one while you can, if this is a focal length for you.

 

The old man from the Age of Evidence

[IWC Doppel]

I am very happy with my Summicron 28 and apart from the lack of APO 'signature' I think Peter K will have to work very hard to improve the MTF's at f2. Compare to the 50 APO and you realise just how good this 10 year old design is

 

I predict (what do I know) that the 28 Summilux will be a lot smaller than expected nearer the 24 Elmarit ASPH size than the 24 Summilux

 

I wonder if it will be embellished with the new APO badge and magically join the elite at £5,000 plus. I remember when carbon or turbo was a must have. Imagine how attractive a lightweight carbon retractable hood would be....

 

Oh and yes I'll probably covet one anyway (if it's not too big)

[rramesh]

Could someone explain the value of such a lens (besides its $ value) from a photographer's stand point?

 

Most often 28mm is used for reportage and folks often zone focus knowing it's a wide view. I don't see wide open and zone focus going hand-in-hand.

[jaapv]

Wideangle- shallow DOF - exactly like the 21 and 24 Summiluxes, only more so. Zone focussing? Not on your life with such fast lenses, That is zone-misfocussing.

Very useful for low light too. And it will give M8 users a Summilux 35 equivalent. (APS-H EVIL coming up?)

[01af]

Robert, your findings regarding new lens codes are always very interesting.

 

By the way, did you check if the code 51-2 (for 14 mm 1:3.8) is still around in the latest firmware? Several weeks ago, I asked a Leica representative when the new 14 mm lens will arrive, and he immediately replied, 'Never!' He was not confused. He immediately knew what I am talking about. Maybe he was lying because he wasn't allowed to admit anything in an official or semi-official way. But then, maybe not. It's possible indeed that this lens was planned but then cancelled.

 

So the fact that a certain code is found in the firmware does not necessarily mean too much. But it's interesting evidence anyway.

[Jeff S]

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Now we know where Leica Rumors found their latest material.

 

Jeff

[jaapv]

Sometimes I am tempted to put some idiotic but believable rumor on this forum just to get them to quote it - without saying where they found it of course....

[Robert_M]

Robert, your findings regarding new lens codes are always very interesting.

 

By the way, did you check if the code 51-2 (for 14 mm 1:3.8) is still around in the latest firmware? Several weeks ago, I asked a Leica representative when the new 14 mm lens will arrive, and he immediately replied, 'Never!' He was not confused. He immediately knew what I am talking about. Maybe he was lying because he wasn't allowed to admit anything in an official or semi-official way. But then, maybe not. It's possible indeed that this lens was planned but then cancelled.

 

So the fact that a certain code is found in the firmware does not necessarily mean too much. But it's interesting evidence anyway.

 

Yes, I did indeed check that 14mm code and it is still there. I did NOT do a check to see if it had an obvious profile attached to it. In the past, no profile correction existed in the firmware for this 14mm lens code although the lens ID would come up on the LCD screen. It is that lack of a profile that has always indicated to me that this lens is a future development and not expected soon. In contrast, all of the other lenses with coding before announcement (i.e. 21mm f/3.4, 50mm f/2, and now 28mm f/1.4) all had a profile implemented in the firmware. So I expect the 28mm 'Lux is real. When? Well, that is anyone's guess. But we do have a major photo event in Koeln coming up in Fall and we have been told that Leica rented considerable Hall space.....

 

And, I note that Leica does seem in a bit of a rush to get this firmware out now. Other's have raised questions about this firmware. But it is true that one will not be able to use a new coded lens unless a firmware change is in place. That firmware change would have to be in place in a pre-tester's camera also. Just some logical thoughts.

 

RM

[Robert_M]

Now we know where Leica Rumors found their latest material.

 

Jeff

 

Yes, I saw that also. And, they didn't bother to reference the source back to this forum (which they should and have done sometimes in the past).

[andybarton]

I see that some kind soul has posted a comment to put that omission right now.

[MarkP]

My 2.0/28 ASPH is one of my two favourite lenses of all time, up there with my 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH.

 

I can't see myself interested in a 1.4/28 which would have to be extraordinary for me to even consider, and I have more than my fair share of fast lenses (21/35/50 Summilux FLEs & 10./50 Noctilux E60).

 

I agree with Jaap's advice about getting a 2.0/28 ASPH if it's on the wish list. It would be unfortunate if Leica discontinued this lens to push sales to either the 1.4 or 2.8. Perhaps even Leica would see the folly in such a strategy, and there is precedent for ≥3 lenses of different maximum aperture within one focal length (such as with the 35s and 50s).

[lars_bergquist]

[…]

I agree with Jaap's advice about getting a 2.0/28 ASPH if it's on the wish list. It would be unfortunate if Leica discontinued this lens to push sales to either the 1.4 or 2.8. Perhaps even Leica would see the folly in such a strategy, and there is precedent for ≥3 lenses of different maximum aperture within one focal length (such as with the 35s and 50s).

 

The advice was originally mine … but I agree with you. In fact, it think that 21 and 24mm Summicron lenses would have been far more practical than the present Summiluxes (but with less bragging rights, of course). A 24mm Summicron would have been mouth-watering. The 'lux is just one over-large and over-heavy clunker.

 

And at the present Leica are offering five (5) 50mm lenses. Count them. They should have three.

 

The old man from the Age of the 21mm Super-Elmar

[Ellie]

And at the present Leica are offering five (5) 50mm lenses. Count them. They should have three.

 

Perhaps a sign of change? One Leica reseller here has "grey'ed out" the Summarit 50/2.5 this week, it will not be in stock..

[SJP]

I am still waiting for the 18, 24, 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, 135 f/1 ASPH octa-noctilux, possibly with a periscope rangefinder accessory due to limitations provided by physics.

 

In that case only one lens would be enough, dump the rest of the range, save development costs.

[Scarlet]

This thread caused me to revisit Puts's write-up on the 28 asph (and other lenses) where I noted this comment:

 

This design indicates the direction of future Leica M designs: compact and high speed and high performance.

 

Somewhat (but not entirely, I hasten to add to prevent being attacked for seemingly failing to recognise the amazing performance of an APO design) inapplicable to the 50APO.

 

Perhaps that's the type of lens we'll get with 28/1.4. From a design point of view, would it be possible?

[IWC Doppel]

I am still waiting for the 18, 24, 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, 135 f/1 ASPH octa-noctilux, possibly with a periscope rangefinder accessory due to limitations provided by physics.

 

In that case only one lens would be enough, dump the rest of the range, save development costs.

 

Great idea

[IWC Doppel]

Perhaps a sign of change? One Leica reseller here has "grey'ed out" the Summarit 50/2.5 this week, it will not be in stock..

 

Interesting, perhaps the attempt to pick up/bridge the Zeiss/CV market offered little financially and is now sent to 'tarnish' the brand and positioning ?

 

Porsche 924/944 ?

[MarkP]

The advice was originally mine … but I agree with you. In fact, it think that 21 and 24mm Summicron lenses would have been far more practical than the present Summiluxes (but with less bragging rights, of course). A 24mm Summicron would have been mouth-watering. The 'lux is just one over-large and over-heavy clunker.

 

And at the present Leica are offering five (5) 50mm lenses. Count them. They should have three.

 

The old man from the Age of the 21mm Super-Elmar

 

Lars,

my apologies about the incorrect referencing

 

You're absolutely right about about 21 & 24 Summicrons - I'd not thought about that before but it would be an excellent balance between size & weight, speed, distortion, cost.

However, I must say that I really like my 21 Summilux, not just for bragging but for it's low light capabilities and how it renders. Sort of a wide angle Noctilux (but one stop slower) and considering it's a wide angle it probably allows hand holding to a similar if not lower shutterspeed than the Noctilux in equivalent low light. I don't find the size and weight that bad but do reach for the 3.4/21 if shooting in good light.

 

 

ps: which three of the 50s do you think Leica should keep in their lineup? I assume that the 1.4/50 ASPH would be included.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[lct]

Greyout will affect more likely the Summicron 50 pre-apo i'm afraid.