How Unique are the LHSA editions?

[howiebrou]

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The lovely focusing ring on the LHSA APO 50mm Summicron makes it worth the difference in scratch between the normal lens imho. I dislike focusing tabs and the LHSA version feels very nice.

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[mmradman]

12 minutes ago, howiebrou said:

The lovely focusing ring on the LHSA APO 50mm Summicron makes it worth the difference in scratch between the normal lens imho. I dislike focusing tabs and the LHSA version feels very nice.

Where can i bin my vanilla version?

[tom0511]

vor 20 Stunden schrieb setuporg:

Unless it is truly special like the M60 that started the whole screenless revolution and works just fine.:)

yes, this was a special edition with a real special feature (no display) and not just special leather or special color.

 

[pico]

Silly me! There is an ergonomic advantage to the LHSA lens! My fault. Enjoy!

Now, why the devil doesn't Leica make them all that way, and if it is really about ergonomics, then why don't more
people seek alternative remedies which are as effective and more economical?

 

[Jeff S]

57 minutes ago, pico said:

Silly me! There is an ergonomic advantage to the LHSA lens! My fault. Enjoy!

Now, why the devil doesn't Leica make them all that way, and if it is really about ergonomics, then why don't more
people seek alternative remedies which are as effective and more economical?

 

I rented the standard 50 APO M to compare to my 50 Summilux ASPH, mostly to see what the fuss was all about. While superb, like most all Leica lenses, I returned it and decided to stay put. 

I actually preferred the ergonomics of my Summilux, with its fully knurled focus ring. The standard APO, due to its compactness, has a partially knurled ring on the same band as the distance scale...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801851876-USE/leica_11141_apo_summicron_m_50mm_f_2_asph.html

This precludes the use of a cheap third party attachable fully knurled ring, as it would cover the distance scale.  (I don’t much care for focus tabs.) In addition, the compactness also places the aperture ring tight against the aperture ring, making individual controls less distinctive for me.  And, like various other new Leica lens releases, the aperture ring was far too loose (same on two other store samples). While this is correctable, it’s a pain to get service on an expensive new lens.

The LHSA version that I later handled at a Leica store corrected all of these ergonomic issues, at least for my taste.  You can see the fully knurled focus ring, spaced farther from the aperture ring (with   more distinct clicks).

https://lhsa.org/2017/11/lhsa-50th-anniversary-special-edition-apo-summicron-m-50-f-2-asph/#

The LHSA version doesn’t have the built in hood, instead having the more clunky attachable one.  But I suspect it does a better job controlling flare.

In the end, I would not spend the ridiculous (IMO) amount required to obtain the LHSA version.  But there’s no question that if I wanted a 50 APO M, that version would have far greater appeal ergonomically, with no ability to make the standard version similarly desirable due to its inherent compactness and controls.  

Jeff

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

.... In addition, the compactness also places the aperture ring tight against the aperture ring, making individual controls less distinctive for me....

Oops, meant to write aperture ring tight against focus ring.

Jeff

[skater75]

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M246 + LHSA 50 mm APO

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Edited December 25, 2018 by skater75

[pedaes]

"In the end, I would not spend the ridiculous (IMO) amount required to obtain the LHSA version.  But there’s no question that if I wanted a 50 APO M, that version would have far greater appeal ergonomically, with no ability to make the standard version similarly desirable due to its inherent compactness and controls.  

Jeff"

History suggests if you hang on there will be a Leica version at a slightly smaller premium. As a collectors item that is already appreciating in value the LHSA version is great, but as a lens to use I go the other way and find the built in hood of the standard version much more convenient. Also have to say I have no problems with focusing due to compactness of lens, and don't find a 'rigid' Summicron any easier to focus.

Edited December 25, 2018 by pedaes
spell

[pico]

Regarding just ergonomics, why not consider the barrel of the early rigid Summicron with deep scallops and well separated f-stop ring? Ignore or delete the focusing tab. (I would raise the focusing expressions ~ 4mm, or no more than the focus tab.)

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Edited December 25, 2018 by pico

[Jeff S]

I’m totally happy with my 50 Summilux ASPH, which I’ve had for years along with a 35 and 28 Summicron. No need for more (except my MATE for quick access to same focal lengths).  Less is more for me.

The 50 APO rental was prompted by curiosity given all the raves, but I didn’t find the need even though the IQ was unsurprisingly superb.  I didn’t love the handling and ergonomics, however, and playing with the LHSA version soon after led me to my comparison comments here.  

My M system is set.  But my 2 year journey for a complentary system (weather sealed and with quality zooms in broader focal lengths) continues.  No rush.... still some pending options, Leica and other.

Jeff

[howiebrou]

On 12/25/2018 at 9:32 AM, pico said:

Silly me! There is an ergonomic advantage to the LHSA lens! My fault. Enjoy!

Now, why the devil doesn't Leica make them all that way, and if it is really about ergonomics, then why don't more
people seek alternative remedies which are as effective and more economical?

 

Can one remove the focusing tab from leica lenses? I would if i could from my lenses.

[schattenundlicht]

3 hours ago, howiebrou said:

Can one remove the focusing tab from leica lenses? I would if i could from my lenses.

There are many German precision instruments other than Leica that could perform such a task, ultimately leading to a very limited edition of your lenses

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[ I apologize if this good natured fun should come across as rude. No offence meant! I am not a particular fan of focusing tabs either, I prefer a decent focusing ring ]

[howiebrou]

18 hours ago, schattenundlicht said:

There are many German precision instruments other than Leica that could perform such a task, ultimately leading to a very limited edition of your lenses

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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[ I apologize if this good natured fun should come across as rude. No offence meant! I am not a particular fan of focusing tabs either, I prefer a decent focusing ring ]

No indeed! I just thought there must be an easy, less brutal way to get it off. I wonder if Leica would do it for me?

[Jeff S]

50 minutes ago, howiebrou said:

No indeed! I just thought there must be an easy, less brutal way to get it off. I wonder if Leica would do it for me?

Leica or DAG, who did for one member here...

Jeff

[setuporg]

Coming back to the topic, I wonder whether there are folks here who own both the LHSA and the non-LHSA versions, and when do they use each, and what are the circumstances when you enjoy one or the other?

Edited December 28, 2018 by setuporg

[ELAN]

I’ve had a silver LHSA 50 APO since spring. It’s by far the most erogonic lens I own. The focus ring is a joy to turn, prefect tension and very smooth.  The aperture ring clicks so perfectly, I wish all Leica aperture rings clicked this way, and lens balances well on the M10 and MP.  

It’s built very solidly, it feels like it will last a hundred years.

The hood isn’t it’s best feature, mine never made it out of the box.  I use a UV filter instead to protect the front element. (Note to Leica: please make a brass-ringed silver UV filter instead of aluminum that bends on every bump. I’ve replaced two warped filters in 9 months).

Loving the knurled ring and not missing the tab, I traded my sliver 50 lux for the not-so-limited 50 lux black chrome edition. Focusing and handling is much nicer and the 43mm gives the impression of a smaller lens. (Here too the monster hood stayed in the box - a 35 lux type hood would have been so much nicer).

But what I really (really!) want is a 35 APO that is exactly the same as my LHSA 50 APO.  Pretty please. 

Edited December 28, 2018 by ELAN

[setuporg]

@ELAN I wonder if a bending filter is a good thing, as it absorbs the energy of the bump instead of sharing it with the lens...  Thorsten Overgaard shows his big ventilated hood on his APO as a way to have it all banged up and replaced.

[schattenundlicht]

5 minutes ago, setuporg said:

@ELAN I wonder if a bending filter is a good thing, as it absorbs the energy of the bump instead of sharing it with the lens...  Thorsten Overgaard shows his big ventilated hood on his APO as a way to have it all banged up and replaced.

I second that from experience:

 

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[pico]

5 minutes ago, setuporg said:

@ELAN I wonder if a bending filter is a good thing, as it absorbs the energy of the bump instead of sharing it with the lens...  Thorsten Overgaard shows his big ventilated hood on his APO as a way to have it all banged up and replaced.

I have lost at least five lens shades for the V2 Summilux 35mm. In all cases but one the hood sacrificed itself to protect the lens. The one that failed did so in a Chicago street riot.

 

[ELAN]

14 minutes ago, pico said:

I have lost at least five lens shades for the V2 Summilux 35mm. In all cases but one the hood sacrificed itself to protect the lens. The one that failed did so in a Chicago street riot.

 

I was referring to the 35 FLE hood, which I think is superior to the V2 hoods that fall off all the time.  I like the modern hoods on the 35 FLE and 28 lux and never use protective filters with these hoods. Mine are bumped and nicked but always stay on and protect well.  And they are smaller and integrate better with the lens than the hoods of yesteryears. I understand the LHSA 50 APO design decision to go with a retro style hood but I would have preferred a modern hood so I wouldn’t have to deal with replacing UV filters.