50MM APO and 35MM Summicron ASPH II.

[maxfairclough]

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Hey crew!

Currently shooting with a Leica M10. I have a 35mm Summicron ASPH II. 

I do tour documentation and portraits with musicians. I am currently chasing a second lens. I have budget to only add one more lens to my artillery. I generally shoot with a lot of negative space/wider as some of images are used for album art/posters etc. 

I am currently IN LOVE with the 50mm APO. Do you think my money would be better invested in say a 75mm, something slightly longer? I love the 35mm and have cropped it tight enough many times before to get that 50mm look. Is the focal distance of the 50mm too close to 35mm to warrant spending that much money on a 50 APO? 

Leica have loaned both lenses out to be extensively. Hard to say how I feel. Would like to hear others opinions. Really do love the 50 APO.

Edited February 4, 2020 by maxfairclough

[Jeff S]

I’ve owned both an M 35 and 50 for over 30 years, currently the 35 Summicron ASPH (I) and 50 Summilux ASPH. The latter is a fantastic lens; I prefer the ergonomics to the 50 APO standard version, which lacks a fully knurled focus ring, 3 samples I tried had loose aperture rings (fixable, but a pain), and the compact design places the the controls very close together.  The black chrome and LHSA versions fix these issues, but at great expense, and delete the built-in hood. Both  lenses render superbly, however, and obviously the Summilux provides an extra stop, and it’s much less expensive.

These decisions and preferences are quite personal, best compared by actual demo or rental, and by making one’s own pics and prints. 

Jeff

[james.liam]

You say that your subjects require some space around them. The 75 may be too isolating. Get the 50 APO and if in doubt,  a CV 1,5/75. 

[benqui]

I would prefer the Apo 50, really a great lens for portraits especially if you need some space around. Small, compact and very easy to focus. You will love it.

Edited February 4, 2020 by benqui

[M11 for me]

Look here as well:

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/306049-35-fle-only-or-better-50mm-28mm/#comments

 

[evikne]

If you're already in love with the 50 APO, I would say go for it. 35 and 50 mm are actually more different than you might think.

I have also these two focal lengths plus a 75 mm, but the latter is rarely used. 

[Jeff S]

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As luck would have it, a friendly dealer advised me just a few days ago about the availability of a 50 APO black chrome version, which addresses my concerns with the focus ring and aperture ring on the standard APO that I mentioned above, and at a bargain price.  The lens has brass assembly, which I also prefer. I need to let him know Monday if I'm interested, before he moves to another customer.  I would keep my 50 Summilux ASPH in any event, as it's a super lens, and faster.  I also have the M10 (and MM1) and 35 Summicron ASPH (version 1).  The SL2 satisfies wider/longer/zoom needs. I'm not a big fan of the 75mm M frame lines.  All of this gear is more than capable performance wise; it really comes down to personal enjoyment for me. 

Jeff

[lct]

Go for a 50 if you like this focal length but i would think twice before leaving out the Summilux 50/1.4 asph as you will probably shoot in low light during your tour.

[ELAN]

10 hours ago, Jeff S said:

50 APO black chrome version, which addresses my concerns with the focus ring and aperture ring on the standard APO that I mentioned above, and at a bargain price.  The lens has brass assembly, which I also prefer.

Ergonomicly and handling wise this is my favorite Leica lens, by far.  It feels great it hand, aperture stops click exactly right and the focus action is so smooth.  It's built like a tank and feels like it will last for a hundred year.  And the rendering isn't too bad

[Jeff S]

8 minutes ago, ELAN said:

Ergonomicly and handling wise this is my favorite Leica lens, by far.  It feels great it hand, aperture stops click exactly right and the focus action is so smooth.  It's built like a tank and feels like it will last for a hundred year.  And the rendering isn't too bad

Do you use the clip on hood? If so, how secure is it, and does it scratch the lens front with constant use? Can a filter be used simultaneously? (There was a problem with the similarly designed 50 Summilux ASPH black chrome edition.). I’ve also heard there is a tendency to flare when light is near frame edge (not as bad as the standard 50 Summicron, which apparently flares in more situations). Otherwise, I might prefer no hood.  The lack of built-in hood (and large add-on) seems the only handling downside (if it needs a hood at all).

Jeff

 

[ELAN]

My hood was left in the box.  Never had it on, it's too big and bulky.  Without hood the lens is quite compact and a joy to handle.  I use a Leica UV filter to protect the front element**.  Haven't noticed unusual flare from light sources just outside the frame.  The filter does occasionally flares at night, and when I remember I take it off at night.

** I normally don't use UV filters but felt that this particular lens needs protection if I am to carry it everywhere without hood.  My copy is the silver chrome LHSA version so naturally only the silver Leica UV filters fit. But those are soft aluminum that dent on every bump.  I've replaced two already (@ $135 a pop).  A couple years ago I posted a photo here after a mishap.  Can't find it now.

[Jeff S]

29 minutes ago, ELAN said:

My hood was left in the box.  Never had it on, it's too big and bulky.  Without hood the lens is quite compact and a joy to handle.  I use a Leica UV filter to protect the front element**.  Haven't noticed unusual flare from light sources just outside the frame.  The filter does occasionally flares at night, and when I remember I take it off at night.

** I normally don't use UV filters but felt that this particular lens needs protection if I am to carry it everywhere without hood.  My copy is the silver chrome LHSA version so naturally only the silver Leica UV filters fit. But those are soft aluminum that dent on every bump.  I've replaced two already (@ $135 a pop).  A couple years ago I posted a photo here after a mishap.  Can't find it now.

That’s the trade off... I don’t like using filters (except special purpose, e.g., yellow occasionally with MM1), although I decided to do just that with my huge SL2 zooms in lieu of the equally huge hoods. One more thing to think about.

I do wonder if the supplied hood fits when a filter is in place.  If yours is not stowed away, I’d appreciate any feedback.

Don’t mean to hijack the discussion.  But the OP doesn’t seem part of it anyway.

Jeff

 

[pedaes]

18 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

I do wonder if the supplied hood fits when a filter is in place

I can see you in the market for one of Thorsten's screw in hoods in matching finish and with a filter thread in the hood.😀

[ELAN]

My hood and I are 5,000 miles apart, sorry.  But as I recall there is no issue with filter and hood as there was with the 50 lux BC.
I don’t like using UV filters either. I use them only on two of my lenses who’s hoods I don’t like.  On the 50 lux BC I go naked, no hood no filter.  I do like the modern standard aluminum hoods like those on the 35 FLE and 28 lux, in which case I never use UV filters.

 

[Jeff S]

1 minute ago, pedaes said:

I can see you in the market for one of Thorsten's screw in hoods in matching finish and with a filter thread in the hood.😀

I intentionally didn’t mention him.  No thanks.  I thought his version was uglier than the supplied hood.

I’d be surprised if Leica didn’t fix the issue. Just hoping for confirmation. 

Jeff

[Jeff S]

49 minutes ago, ELAN said:

My hood and I are 5,000 miles apart, sorry.  But as I recall there is no issue with filter and hood as there was with the 50 lux BC.
I don’t like using UV filters either. I use them only on two of my lenses who’s hoods I don’t like.  On the 50 lux BC I go naked, no hood no filter.  I do like the modern standard aluminum hoods like those on the 35 FLE and 28 lux, in which case I never use UV filters.

 

Hopefully last question... do you use the supplied metal cap (or other cap) to keep filter clean in bag or storage?  I’m curious if it fits over the filter, and if it stays in place.  

Jeff

[ELAN]

Cap indeed stays snuggly in place over the Leica UV filter.  I don’t use mine, I think the filter is plenty of protection. 
 

Edit: I just checked the lens, the filter is inset from the lens rim so the cap isn’t gripping on the filter. Nonetheless, I recall the cap fitting snuggly even with filter.  I don’t have the cap with me to try out.. sorry, again. 

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Edited February 16, 2020 by ELAN

[lexontario]

I have a 50 Cron APO lhsa. The push on lens cap will not seat properly if there is a  filter on the lens.It will fall off.

A clip on lens cover from my 50 Cron V5 does work on the filter.

I use a filter and the supplied lens hood. When storing i reverse the hood and use the supplied lens cover that fits the hood when reversed on the lens.

With removing and replacing the hood I am starting to get brassing on the front  edge on the lens, but this lens is painted.

It may not be an issue with the Black Chrome

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[ELAN]

9 minutes ago, lexontario said:

I have a 50 Cron APO lhsa. The push on lens cap will not seat properly if there is a  filter on the lens.It will fall off

Interesting. My sliver chrome 50 APO lhsa came with a silver slip on cap with red velvet lining. It looks nothing like yours. 

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[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, ELAN said:

Interesting. My sliver chrome 50 APO lhsa came with a silver slip on cap with red velvet lining. It looks nothing like yours. 

This video ad shows the black chrome caps/ hoods...

 

Thanks, guys, for addressing my questions; much appreciated.  If I decide  to get the lens, I’ll figure out what suits.  I would prefer a built in hood, but retro is retro.

Jeff

Edited February 16, 2020 by Jeff S