In praise of old glass-Summilux 50 v1 content

[jackstraw]

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I have read with fascination the numerous threads here about old lenses. However, there is nothing that replaces personal experience. This past week I was given a 50 Summilux, v1 with a serial number that dates it 1960. It had belonged to a friend's father who has long since passed. Having done my homework, I now know that v1 Summilux lenses (serial #s 1844000 and below) are considered optically inferior to all that followed. I have real problems with that. This lens is utterly magnificent. My first two Leica two lenses after 40 plus years of shooting with Nikon were the 35 Lux FLE and the 50 Lux ASPH. I have read all the commentary about them being "clinical." While the "clinical" designation reads, at least to me, as being "too good", I find them to be magical and their output never fails to delight me.

I have spent the last week with the v1 Lux glued to my camera (M9P) and I am in love. Yes, wide open it is softer. Viva la difference!! A friend asked me which is better...I responded that better wasn't the point. They are different and dramatically so. I am fascinated by the different rendering and the different bokeh they each produce. My GAS is currently hyperactive as I want to play with more and more old glass. My hats off to Mr. Mandler and the other designers of these wonders. My only regret is that I am so late to the party having signed up 2 years ago. I guess I need to make up for lost time.

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[MarkP]

Hi Jack,

 

I think that 'we' are so caught up with the latest and greatest in optical and sensor excellence that the 'art' of photography and the image often passes us by.

 

The newer APO, ASPH, FLE lenses still get the most use on my camera but there are plenty of times when the gentler and more 'organic' rendering and beautiful colours of the older lenses (in my case: 1.0/50 Noctilux, 2.0/40 Summicron, and 1.4/75) gives a much better final result - especially in print.

 

However, I have not explored even older lenses such as yours. I do have an old hand-me-down Summitar but it's so fogged it's virtually unusable .

 

Regards

Mark

[jdsheepdog]

The only "New" lens I have is a 28 mm Elmarit coded etc, then a V2 50mm Summilux, a Canadian 90 mm Elmarit, then a DR Summicron, and a 35 mm with goggles, a 135 mm with goggles, and a 50 Summitar and 35 LTM mount.

 

"So what?" they say, "Is he bragging or complaining?"

 

This week, maybe, if banks and couriers do their work swiftly, I get my M 240.

 

I can't wait to see how the old glass does. Especially since I cannot afford anything else.

[MarkP]

Hi JD,

 

the older lenses are lovely on the M240.

Enjoy the new camera.

 

Regrds,

Mark

[Ecar]

I can't wait to see how the old glass does. Especially since I cannot afford anything else.

Stock up while you can. The price of some of the old, most desirable (or most collectible) lenses has gone through the roof lately...

[jaques]

tell me about it my vintage lens 'portfolio' has seen stupendous increases in value over time. Owning old glass costs less than nothing in the long run... and if it wasn't for that fine old glass I would never have got into Leica digital RF cameras at all. I can just justify the price of the Leica body but if I had to buy new Leica glass as well: it would be a deal breaker. I simply couldn't stomach it. The only new M mount lenses I have purchased have been made by Voigtlander.

[pgk]

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I have the pre-FLE 35mm Summilux Aspheric AND the pre-Aspheric (another Mandler design). The pre-Aspheric has been cited as not being improvable with the glass at Mandlre's disposal when the lens was designed. I like both lenses but find myself drawn to the pre-Aspheric for its 'flaws' which with patience and effort can yield wonderful results. And whilst its soft and somewhat strange wide open, it has a rich smoothness when stopped down without being ever 'harsh'. Prices have been on the rise but its still possible to pick one up at just over £1k although how long this will be the situation I am not sure. If you like the old 50mm Summilux I suspect that the 35mm pre-Aspheric will suit you too.