Magic of Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm + M240

[colonel]

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That guy's problem is, he doesn't see the forest for all the trees.

 

Sure, the Apo-Summicron does have slightly better edge sharpness, somewhat less lateral chromatic aberrations, and slightly higher resolution of fine details, compared to the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph. And yes, all these advantages are very nice but not really worth the extra money.

 

What actually makes the Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph worthwhile is the magnificent clarity, the transparency, and the way how it gets out of the way. Your captures will be all picture, no lens. However in order to understand this, you need to stop testing and to start using this lens. Look at the forest, not at the trees.

 

I am not quite sure how detail and "transparency" relate. Surely only a slight enhancement of detail means only a slight enhancement of transparency/clarity ? I am probably misunderstanding something here

 

You are right, perhaps I simply need to hire this lens and try it

 

I am still blown away by the Summilux, in my simple terms of clarity (and many other facets), everytime I use it so am wondering what more there is out there .....

[01af]

I am not quite sure how detail and "transparency" relate.

Neither am I.

 

I am sure they do relate—but please don't ask me how exactly. I guess other factors besides detail resolution also contribute, in particular contrast, lack of chromatic aberration, and bokeh.

 

What I do know is, the Summilux is a great lens but the Apo-Summicron is even better, and I don't mean just in terms of sharpness.

 

 

I am still blown away by the Summilux, in my simple terms of clarity (and many other facets), everytime I use it so am wondering what more there is out there ...

Of course, the Summilux-M 50 Asph is an excellent lens, and it doesn't leave much room for improvement—but the Apo-Summicron-M 50 Asph does exploit that room.

 

And let me emphasise again—the Apo-Summicron's point is not so much the technical improvements on single technical aspects of lens performance such as detail resolution or chromatic aberration; it's the overall effect of transparency.

 

I guess one has to see it in order to appreciate it. By the way, Thorsten Overgaard found basically the same qualities in this lens, and used basically the same words as I did to describe them, which gives me some confidence that I am not just seeing things

[colonel]

Neither am I.

 

 

And let me emphasise again—the Apo-Summicron's point is not so much the technical improvements on single technical aspects of lens performance such as detail resolution or chromatic aberration; it's the overall effect of transparency.

 

 

yes, it could be a combination. The lack of chromatic aberration, for example, on the APO is quite incredible

 

I am curious whether you own both the Summilux and the APO and whether you still use the Summilux much now you have the APO

 

rgds

[01af]

I am curious whether you own both the Summilux and the Apo-Summicron ...

Yes, I do.

 

 

... and whether you still use the Summilux much now you have the Apo-Summicron.

No, I don't.

 

The Summilux-M 50 Asph used to be my most-used lens but now I very seriously consider selling it. I haven't found the heart yet to do that—but I might eventually.

[algrove]

The Summilux-M 50 Asph used to be my most-used lens but now I very seriously consider selling it. I haven't found the heart yet to do that—but I might eventually.

 

+1

[Jeffry Abt]

The lack of chromatic aberration, for example, on the APO is quite incredible

 

The idea of this make me want this lens! I do not "admit" to wanting things very often.

[algrove]

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faranstudio

 

Just a question about lighting setups.

 

Do you have any experience with Buff lighting systems or have you heard any feedback on how they perform? Also on your APO50 shot-are you saying you used two lights only?

 

Thanks.

[faranstudio]

faranstudio

 

Just a question about lighting setups.

 

Do you have any experience with Buff lighting systems or have you heard any feedback on how they perform? Also on your APO50 shot-are you saying you used two lights only?

 

Thanks.

 

Hi!

 

Paul C Buff Einstein lights are OK and have seen that they use it in fashion industry a lot. It is good for low budget shoots such as catalog shooting that requires many flash pops! the flash tube is less expensive compared to Bron and Profoto.

 

Based on my experience working previously with Elinchrom, Profoto and currently Broncolor setup, light modifiers are the most important part of the lighting equation. For example using good quality beauty dishes such as Mola and Broncolor Para 88, 177 and 222 play a big role on the end result.

 

I personally like using power packs such as Broncolor Grafit and Scoro over mono lights, why? they cycle power much faster, perfect for motion and moving subjects, give more control on the light settings and temperature + always the light felt crisper (maybe it was just a mental feeling for me) on Broncolor lights because of the flash duration.

 

I used two lights for this shot, if you zoom in on the eyes, you see a big Elinchrom Octa bank converted to take Bron lights all the way in the back (with minimal flash pop), then me standing in front of it and Para 88 in front of the model tilted down toward her face.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Take care

[mmradman]

Many compliments were given to photographer, camera, lens and lights, in my opinion model and makeup artist deserve mention.

[AlanJW]

Sharpness is one thing, there is also colour, contrast, tonality, micro-contrast and flat field. The others looked weak in comparison (they obviously aren't though!).

 

That guy's problem is, he doesn't see the forest for all the trees.

 

Sure, the Apo-Summicron does have slightly better edge sharpness, somewhat less lateral chromatic aberrations, and slightly higher resolution of fine details, compared to the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph. And yes, all these advantages are very nice but not really worth the extra money.

 

What actually makes the Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph worthwhile is the magnificent clarity, the transparency, and the way how it gets out of the way. Your captures will be all picture, no lens. However in order to understand this, you need to stop testing and to start using this lens. Look at the forest, not at the trees.

 

 

After four days with this lens, I agree 100%. It is not just the sharpness. It is the way it draws. I think Puts is right. I want to shoot everything I can with this lens. My Summilux ASPH is great but I see little use for it now.

[algrove]

Been saying that-have not touched my 501/.4 since getting this lens. Now if could only afford a Bron para 88 + grid. It's pro stuff and that's not me.

 

faranstudio

 

Did you use the 74" or 53" Elinchrom Octa Light Bank? How far from talent was the Bron and also the Octa bank? Thanks for all your comments.

[algrove]

Hi!

 

Paul C Buff Einstein lights are OK and have seen that they use it in fashion industry a lot. It is good for low budget shoots such as catalog shooting that requires many flash pops! the flash tube is less expensive compared to Bron and Profoto.

 

Based on my experience working previously with Elinchrom, Profoto and currently Broncolor setup, light modifiers are the most important part of the lighting equation. For example using good quality beauty dishes such as Mola and Broncolor Para 88, 177 and 222 play a big role on the end result.

 

I personally like using power packs such as Broncolor Grafit and Scoro over mono lights, why? they cycle power much faster, perfect for motion and moving subjects, give more control on the light settings and temperature + always the light felt crisper (maybe it was just a mental feeling for me) on Broncolor lights because of the flash duration.

 

I used two lights for this shot, if you zoom in on the eyes, you see a big Elinchrom Octa bank converted to take Bron lights all the way in the back (with minimal flash pop), then me standing in front of it and Para 88 in front of the model tilted down toward her face.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Take care

 

Thanks so very much.

[faranstudio]

Many compliments were given to photographer, camera, lens and lights, in my opinion model and makeup artist deserve mention.

 

Totally agree with you!

 

I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful and talented makeup and hair stylist. She is one of the best in the Bay Area. For last two years she has been collaborating with me closely. It is really hard to find a makeup/hair artist who can see and understand photographers vision and also can push the envelope further.

 

Having a beautiful and smart model is one of the main factors

[faranstudio]

Been saying that-have not touched my 501/.4 since getting this lens. Now if could only afford a Bron para 88 + grid. It's pro stuff and that's not me.

 

faranstudio

 

Did you use the 74" or 53" Elinchrom Octa Light Bank? How far from talent was the Bron and also the Octa bank? Thanks for all your comments.

 

 

I used Elinchrom Octa 74". The light was behind me and about 5 meter / 15 foot from model.

 

I started with basic lightnings few years back which was few Elinchrom mono-lights and they had a wonderful quality. If you are planning to get in to studio lighting, make sure you start with a platform that offers you a good selection of original or third party modifiers. Paul C Buff is a good platform to start with.

 

Happy to help!

[faranstudio]

Same lighting setup, this was shot with Hasselblad H4D-50 / HC 150mm lens (to compare the result with Leica). Of course the sync speed on Hassy was higher so I had the freedom of adjusting/balancing light exposure with sync speed.

 

Thanks!

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[seongkim]

Same lighting setup, this was shot with Hasselblad H4D-50 / HC 150mm lens (to compare the result with Leica). Of course the sync speed on Hassy was higher so I had the freedom of adjusting/balancing light exposure with sync speed.

 

Thanks!

 

inspired.

[billo101]

Wow Faranstudio.

Same result with Monochrom?

I have MM

[Numbers]

The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

 

Anyway, here is the the ultimate review that shows why the 50 is the most professional Leica lens. My own findings are very similar:

 

 

enjoy

[TheGodParticle/Hari]

The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

 

Anyway, here is the the ultimate review that shows why the 50 is the most professional Leica lens. My own findings are very similar:

 

 

enjoy

 

 

Wow! This guy nailed it!

 

I'm off to order a few of these professional lenses ... It goes all they way from 2 to 50!!!

 

Step over boring old online bloggers, here's a breathe of fresh air in the lens review business

 

Thanks for sharing, Numbers

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[algrove]

I especially like the zoom lens feature he discusses as well as the zoom feature from 2 to 50 and why Leica ran out of room on the lens barrel. Talk about out to lunch! He should have posted it on April 1st!