IkarusJohn Posted November 18, 2014 Share #81 Posted November 18, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) It is also worth adding that the APO-Summicron has the reputation for being clean, and tack sharp. The Summilux has the extra stop, which is not just faster - it's also slightly softer, till stopped down. That does give more options than just speed. Many here use ND fitters to retain that soft look. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 18, 2014 Posted November 18, 2014 Hi IkarusJohn, Take a look here One Lens to rule them all? Which 50mm?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted November 18, 2014 Share #82 Posted November 18, 2014 ...And finally -- surely there are more women in this forum? Seriously guys? Yes, but their number is terribly LOW and in my opinion we really MISS a contribution from this side of mankind... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted November 18, 2014 Share #83 Posted November 18, 2014 And finally -- surely there are more women in this forum? Seriously guys? Yes, but their number is terribly LOW and in my opinion we really MISS a contribution from this side of mankind... Ahh yes but there again as I said here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/2824199-post116.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted November 19, 2014 Share #84 Posted November 19, 2014 Lenses don't rule, photos do. Just get what is within budget, and what you like the look of it's rendering (search flickr groups) and go take photos. For your criteria I would suggest a 35mm lens instead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted November 19, 2014 Share #85 Posted November 19, 2014 Yes, but their number is terribly LOW and in my opinion we really MISS a contribution from this side of mankind... Why don't we open a poll for the nomination of this year's Miss Contribution? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted November 19, 2014 Share #86 Posted November 19, 2014 Ahh yes but there again as I said here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/2824199-post116.html I would say that thread is more like a miscontribution Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
indergaard Posted November 19, 2014 Share #87 Posted November 19, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) It is also worth adding that the APO-Summicron has the reputation for being clean, and tack sharp. That's true, if you have a very steady hand, use high shutter speeds and focus 100% perfectly consistantly... Or use tripods. If the rangefinder is slightly out of spec, or your hands are shaking a little bit, or you use shutterspeeds below 1/250, then there shouldn't be much visible difference in sharpness and acuity between the Lux and APO-Cron. The APO-Summicron requires perfect and precise shooting techniques to show off it's performance. For street shooting or regular hand-held shooting the differences won't really be visible. The same goes for using a 36mp camera and a Otus, for example. Ming Thein clearly mentions this in his review of the APO-Summicron 50mm as well. I think the main difference that people actually notice with the APO-Summicron over the Summilux is the flatter field of focus. As in - less field curvature. Not the pure sharpness of the point of focus. Even the Sony Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 appears to be a LOT sharper than the Summilux at every comparable f-stop. Even though it isn't. The Lux is actually sharper wide open on the point of focus in the center. But the Sony Zeiss has minimal field curvature and a complete flat field of focus, far out to the extreme edges, which just makes the lens appear to be a lot sharper. This is a very modern look, just like the APO-Summicron and the Zeiss Otus lenses. Someone wrote some time ago that the Summilux 50mm ASPH is like the best of the Mandler and Karbe lenses mixed into one lens. It's razor sharp even wide open, but still retains that softer and dreamy look of the Mandler era lenses. I agree with this statement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Branch Posted November 19, 2014 Share #88 Posted November 19, 2014 It seems clear to me that the OP wants a 50mm APO - always did. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lals Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share #89 Posted November 19, 2014 Actually no. I know I want a 50mm and that's about it. I am trying to research the different 50mms and figure out what will work for me. APO is an expensive purchase compared to the other lenses and I am not sure if that is what will work for me. Based on the feedback on this thread and other threads in the forum, looks like Summilux f/1.4 ASPH is a more forgiving lens and will produce softer creamier photos with nice bokeh and acceptable sharpness for objects in focus. The Summarit may be a winner in terms of both weight, price and clarity. I am going through the flicker feeds to see what this all means for the actual photos. Again as I do not expect to do much post processing in LR or Photoshop, and really do intend to stick with a single lens for the foreseeable future until Leica handle and focus becomes intuitive, I want to make sure I make a careful choice. To shoot wide open, the additional f/stop on summilux is essentially double the amount to light at a given shutter speed and may make for interesting photos.. especially if I zone focus and go with aperture priority. Would be nice to be focussed on the scene and not fiddle with the controls. But some of the APO photos also have an almost medium format type feel that is very appealing. Choices.. choices.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted November 19, 2014 Share #90 Posted November 19, 2014 really do intend to stick with a single lens for the foreseeable future until Leica handle and focus becomes intuitive lolz. See you a week after your purchase in your new thread titled "should I get a 35 or 90 next" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted November 19, 2014 Share #91 Posted November 19, 2014 ... To shoot wide open, the additional f/stop on summilux is essentially double the amount to light at a given shutter speed and may make for interesting photos.. especially if I zone focus .. I'm sure I couldn't zone focus at f 1:1.4, the depth of field being very narrow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lals Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share #92 Posted November 19, 2014 Exactly.. So I can only use the 1.4 when I really need.. will it be a good option often enough? Most of the time, I may be using f4 or f8 depending on time of day Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted November 19, 2014 Share #93 Posted November 19, 2014 That's one thing nobody can tell but you. Perhaps if you browse the photographs you have made so far and try to remember whether you missed a faster lens or a thinner DoF at that occasion? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dem331 Posted November 19, 2014 Share #94 Posted November 19, 2014 Get a used summicron 50mm (non ASPH). With all the move to APO, summilux etc there seem to be a lot on the market. You will have plenty of money left over to buy another lens if you ever decide to do so, and you will not lose money on it if you are ever tempted to sell it to buy those more expensive lenses, although you will allways regret having sold it. People that point it at the sun says it flares, and others who point it at fences say that it has bad bokeh. Generally if you point it at any other subject the results are spectacular. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted November 19, 2014 Share #95 Posted November 19, 2014 … I am trying to research the different 50mms and figure out what will work for me. ... I am going through the flicker feeds to see what this all means for the actual photos. ... I do not expect to do much post processing in LR or Photoshop ...Would be nice to be focussed on the scene and not fiddle with the controls. Pardon the snips, but it seems you're unwilling to try the lenses out for yourself (rent, borrow, etc), are content to look at others' online pics for your visual assessment, and would rather have your camera take care of subtleties rather than spending lots of time tweaking output. Nothing wrong with any of that. But, if true, it should make your decision easier, not harder. Do you make prints? If not, and your intent is mostly for online presentation, then I think you should pick the lens that fits the budget….all are quite capable. Otherwise, the only thing that matters IMO is how your files translate into your prints based on your tastes, preferences and techniques, which depend on attention to the entire workflow for ultimate success, not just the lens. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lals Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share #96 Posted November 19, 2014 Fair comments Jeff. I am going to spend a some more time with the camera and both the lenses sometime this week at a couple different Leica dealers. I do make prints. In fact, I think I prefer prints over online sharing.. though there will be some of that with family and friends. The advice on used summicron is also a worthy option. However, the main reason for asking for advice here in this forum is because, how much ever I handle lens for a few days or week, you guys here have Leica experience that I will never be able match with a few hours of camera/ lens access. So I would say the community feedback based on larger sample size of experience is probably more valid than mine initial inclinations. A lot of circling the cart I know but it is hopefully also useful for other forum readers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted November 19, 2014 Share #97 Posted November 19, 2014 You're going to like whichever lens you pick…because that's the one you'll be using to make memorable pics. None of these are dud lenses, and any so called 'flaws' can be worked around…or even used to advantage. Seriously. There are literally dozens of old threads here on this (via search box)….it's all been said, so you can cherry pick anything to support…or refute…a point of view. Find one at your dealer (I recommended Jeff Alford at Keeble) that feels right, comes with a good price and warranty, and go for it. I can often achieve much more variation in print look and feel by altering PP workflow, including papers, etc…than I can by switching lenses, assuming the lenses are capable to start…and the ones you're considering are. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted November 19, 2014 Share #98 Posted November 19, 2014 With new 50 Summicrons selling at a $250 discount here in the States, it might be time for me to sell my classic 1969 type 3 Summicron and get a new one. I never was tempted before but... oh hell, you know, GAS. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted November 19, 2014 Share #99 Posted November 19, 2014 With new 50 mm Summicrons selling at a $250 discount here in the States, it might be time for me to sell my classic 1969 type III Summicron and get a new one. Get a new one at a discount but by golly, do not sell the old one! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biglou Posted November 19, 2014 Share #100 Posted November 19, 2014 That's true, if you have a very steady hand, use high shutter speeds and focus 100% perfectly consistantly... Or use tripods. If the rangefinder is slightly out of spec, or your hands are shaking a little bit, or you use shutterspeeds below 1/250, then there shouldn't be much visible difference in sharpness and acuity between the Lux and APO-Cron. The APO-Summicron requires perfect and precise shooting techniques to show off it's performance. For street shooting or regular hand-held shooting the differences won't really be visible. The same goes for using a 36mp camera and a Otus, for example. Ming Thein clearly mentions this in his review of the APO-Summicron 50mm as well. I happen to be lucky enough to have both an apo-summicron 50mm, Zeiss Otus 55mm and " normal " summilux and summicron; I am still investigating why i have so dubious feelings about the apo summicron, my technique or a defective lens ? Nothing of the kind with the Otus, whatever the speed or handheld with a sony A7r wich is not reputed to be perfectly vibrations free, even in a blurred image you can notice the qualities of the lens. The summilux and regular summicron are also very, very good. My apo summicron is from the last batch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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