Summilux R 50mm E60

[youngjohn]

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I've got the chance to pick up a very nice E60 Summicron R 50 1.4, which would be a great standard lens for my SL. Has anyone got any experience of how this lens compares to a Summilux M 50 1.4 Asph? 

[Ivar B]

I owned both lenses in the past and compared the two. They are both stellar performers, but the M model with floating elements etc. has a slight edge, but it is not easy to see in practice. The E60 is much improved compared to the previous E55 and also better than the 2/50 Summicron. If you can find the E60 at a reasonable price, it is certainly something you should consider.  

[Lynx]

E Puts describes it this way: If the E55 version is the beginning of a drawn line that begin with the E55 and end with the M Lux ASPH, the E60 is situated much closer to the right (where the M-version is located).

 

I have the E55 and the M-version, the later is stellar wide open with Leicas modern rendering (contrasty and sharp) while the E55 have a subtle and more classic rendering. Subdued.

 

If I did not have the M-version I would be tempted to aquire the E60, but only if reasonably priced wrt the M-lux.

 

//Johan

[youngjohn]

Thanks. Got the E60 this afternoon, but haven't had chance to try it yet. I must say that from a usability point of view, it feels much better balanced and easier to handle than the M 50/1.4 Asph on the SL.

 

Cheaper than the new SL 50, no digital corrections (if that bothers you) and built like a tank, what more could you ask? Oh yes, autofocus. But that's fine for me as I use the SL for work with the 24-90 & 90-280 and when I'm playing around on the weekend it's nice to use MF.

[ramarren]

R lenses in general are a much better ergonomic fit to the SL, and they generally focus much more closely (as most TTL camera lenses do).

 

I've been using the Summilux-R 50/1.4 (E-55 I guess, mine is 1973 vintage) since before the SL came out: it is a wonderful lens with a lot of character. The later E60 version has some nice technical improvements but doesn't change the basic character by much. The current M lens is even another step 'newer' in technical capability. 

 

Not all of image quality is in technical capability. :-)