Upgrading or Adding Modern M Lenses ?

[SonomaBear]

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I am now dedicated to using my SL with M lenses -- and we are very happy with the results.  I bought older Leica lenses known to be stellar examples for their focal length.  The legendary "Leica Glow" is real and has increased the acceptance of my images.

I'm using a real Leica M to L adapter - much better fit than other brands -- and 6 bit recognition.  But non of my lenses are six bit versions.

When changing lenses in the field (time is precious) entering the M lens profile on the SL is a pain... hence two questions:

1. Generally, do newer (six bit) lenses deliver the same "glow" as their older counterparts?  The oldies resolve so beautifully!  And are more than merely sharp.

2. Do modern Summarit lenses suffer (Image & build quality) compared to newer Elmarit and Summicrons?  Or are new lenses too "surgical" and lacking Leica renderings?

Thank you!  It is time to sell other brand gear and find the M lenses...!

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[jdlaing]

9 minutes ago, SonomaBear said:

I am now dedicated to using my SL with M lenses -- and we are very happy with the results.  I bought older Leica lenses known to be stellar examples for their focal length.  The legendary "Leica Glow" is real and has increased the acceptance of my images.

I'm using a real Leica M to L adapter - much better fit than other brands -- and 6 bit recognition.  But non of my lenses are six bit versions.

When changing lenses in the field (time is precious) entering the M lens profile on the SL is a pain... hence two questions:

1. Generally, do newer (six bit) lenses deliver the same "glow" as their older counterparts?  The oldies resolve so beautifully!  And are more than merely sharp.

I don’t believe they do. They have a more modern crisp look.

2. Do modern Summarit lenses suffer (Image & build quality) compared to newer Elmarit and Summicrons?  Or are new lenses too "surgical" and lacking Leica renderings?

They do render  more modern style. Surgical is an individual feeling.

Thank you!  It is time to sell other brand gear and find the M lenses...!

 

[andyturk]

You can have your older lenses coded. DAG did some for me.

[jaapv]

There is magic to modern lenses too, not all are "clinical" -whatever that may be. I think "precise" is a better word. A prime example is the Summilux 24. To me its rendering is magical. It is my "cold dead hands" lens. I'm sure there are more examples.

[lct]

I see no reason to buy new lenses if you like yours. Suffice it to have them calibrated for digital, if needed, and Leica will do it while coding them if they are in the list you can download here. 

[jaeger]

12 minutes ago, jaapv said:

There is magic to modern lenses too, not all are "clinical" -whatever that may be. I think "precise" is a better word. A prime example is the Summilux 24. To me its rendering is magical. It is my "cold dead hands" lens. I'm sure there are more examples.

I'm so surprise someone actually likes Summilux 24.  It's my favorite lens but most ppl dislike it.  If he's using SL, it will become 35mm in crop mode. 

[a.noctilux]

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10 hours ago, jaeger said:

I'm so surprise someone actually likes Summilux 24.  It's my favorite lens but most ppl dislike it.  If he's using SL, it will become 35mm in crop mode. 

SL is not cropped sensor.

To OP :

if you can just try the new Summarit-M family, "classic" rendering AND modern touch (two different characters that I like as user of dozens of Leica lens, some built 1930 ).

After trying the 2.5/50, on films and sensors, now I've bought (to use as usual) 2.5/35 and 2.5/75.

Edited January 3, 2020 by a.noctilux

[jaeger]

2 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

SL is not cropped sensor.

 

SL cannot select crop mode?  I didn't know becoz I don't have it but my other mirrorless is able to select full sensor or crop mode, I guess most reason is for video.

Edited January 3, 2020 by jaeger

[lct]

12 minutes ago, jaeger said:

SL cannot select crop mode?

It can but only for jpegs AFAIK. I have no experience with the SL though.

[Frase]

If you want 6bit coding just change the mounts yourself, cheap and easy.

[pedaes]

43 minutes ago, Frase said:

If you want 6bit coding just change the mounts yourself, cheap and easy.

Explain please.

[Frase]

1 minute ago, pedaes said:

Explain please.

Just buy the mounts and change them.

[pedaes]

1 minute ago, Frase said:

Just buy the mounts and change them.

Where do you buy the mounts? Link?

[Frase]

I've bought them in the past from ebay and amazon.

[pedaes]

1 minute ago, Frase said:

I've bought them in the past from ebay and amazon.

Genuine coded Leica mounts. Sorry, but don't think so.

[Frase]

here's one the first I can find on ebay, can't remember where I bought mine probably all the same make anyway, ebay item number 151941713820

[Frase]

Just now, pedaes said:

Genuine coded Leica mounts. Sorry, but don't think so.

I didn't say anything about genuine Leica!

[pedaes]

Ok - then how about a link to non-genuine Leica mounts.I don't believe such things exist as Leica will be all over them. 

Edited January 3, 2020 by pedaes

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Frase]

2 minutes ago, pedaes said:

Ok - then how about a link to non-genuine Leica mounts.

as i said above "ebay item number 151941713820"

[pedaes]

OK

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Detachable-6-bit-Code-Leica-M-Mount-Lens-Adapter-35-135-35mm-135mm-M8-M9-6-hole/151941713820?hash=item23606e8f9c:g:FoUAAOSwpDdVP0yB

Good luck!