M10M Sensor & ZM C-Sonnar 50mm

[Keith (M)]

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In my two weeks or so of M10M use, most usage has been with a 50mm Summilux-M ASPH.  Of necessity this weekend I have switched to a 50mm C-Sonnar (which usually resides on my M7).  Looking at the results from an hour or so stroll around Malmesbury yesterday, I have the impression that they have a more 'filmic' feel to them than those from the Summilux.  In essence, does the Sonnar design suit the M10M's sensor better than the more clinical (?)  Summilux?  Posts #602 & 613 in the M10M image thread are with the Sonnar, as are the two below.  Would be interested in what others think.

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In similar lighting conditions, this one is with the Summilux.  

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[FrozenInTime]

Your tones are good with all ; the last one does indeed look the most modern ( I prefer it ).

Had the ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar at he time I had a M9 Monochrom, but found it never completely sharpened in the corners.  

[DwF]

Keith,

Thank you for starting this discussion. I am just getting off the ground with my M10 as well. I also have both the 50mm Summilux Asph and the 50mm Sonnar.  I have particularly enjoyed the Sonnar with my M9M. In fact, it is back on that camera now.

When I first got the Summilux, I did a comparison still life with wine bottle and assordids sitting around the kitchen counter. I felt for a couple of reasons the Summilux won out. One was closer focus for that sort of work, blending tighter cropping with f 1.4 bokeh   I was impressed that the center sharpness as I recall was also increased with the Summilux. I also love the bokeh and feel the Summilux has it's own version of dreamy that works for me.

As some time passed and I thought about it, and some of the wonderfully rich nuanced images the 50 Sonnar has given me.  I know that I need to try it with the M10 in different shooting situations, so the jury is still out. And your point that the Summilux looks clinical, while I wouldn't in any way say your image above is clinical (I also like FrozenInTime, prefer it here), there may be more to the Sonnar benath the surface. Also I love the fit and handling of the Sonnar on my M bodies.

David

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Edited February 23, 2020 by DwF

[gbealnz]

Too hard mate. The most obvious difference, to me, is cost. I picked up a less than glamorous 50 Summilux asp recently, always lusted for one, this one was (to me) affordable, so I grabbed it.

Having both would just do my head in, both are perfect.

Gary

 

[DwF]

A nice problem to have Gary, is that what you're saying here? No kidding!  It's funny, I was reading another thread elsewhere just extolling the virtues of the 50mm Planar and not a word about the Sonnar.

David