Sell Q2 for 28mm Summilux or Summicron?

[RMF]

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The 28lux with an M10* is really a special combintaion and has a unique cinematic unlike any other Leica modern lens. "Magic" yeah that's how I'd describe it as it nearly always creates something better than I anticipate; it's the one lens that renders photos in a way that you just can't wait to load it up in Lightroom and gauk at what it can do. I use this lens regularly on my M10P and M10M.  OK.. maybe I'm putting too much praise on a lens but its a good one for sure. If you can stomach the size and its hefty price, it's a lens you should consider if you like the 28 FOV.   

 

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by RMF

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[setuporg]

The 28 Lux does wonders on the M10M.  Art photos all around.

[rtai]

I initially bought the 28mm Summilux because rather than spending money on a new FF Leica I would spend it on a fast lens so to continue using the M8. The 1.4 max aperture would mean I can use the M8.2 at base iso and it effectively became a 35mm my preferred focal length. The 28mm Summilux is the best lens I have ever used but I wouldn’t have bought it just because of that reputation likewise I wouldn’t buy the 135/3.4 Apo just because some say is the best M lens ever if that focal length doesn’t work for me. But lately thanks to the Q2M I am totally into 28mm for street photography so am glad I have the Summilux. I might even get the Summaron since I tend to stop down to f8 for that anyway.

[pmendelson]

The 28mm Summilux should arrive tomorrow - it will be the default lens on my M10R.  I have always liked the Summaron too - love the small size, moody look to the files and silver color on a chrome M.  Perhaps I will pick one up as well one day, especially for street shooting.  

[zupfgeiger]

I just bought a new 28mm Lux and traded my 28mm Elmarit for it.  Honestly my decision finally based on the gorgeous pics  shot with the 28mm lux  and posted here abundantly. Together with my 50mm apo it will be a nice combo for sure. 

[boostisbest]

So funny because after using a 28 summicron almost every day for 5 yrs... I finally bought a 28 lux. After using it for a month, I just can't get used to it, so I am selling.

[jplomley]

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On 5/10/2021 at 11:54 PM, boostisbest said:

So funny because after using a 28 summicron almost every day for 5 yrs... I finally bought a 28 lux. After using it for a month, I just can't get used to it, so I am selling.

Same boat. Really tried to like the Lux, but the weight, color fringing, high contrast, soft corners even stopped down, obstruction of the VF and, on my copy, focus shift at f/2.8 and 4.0, I gave up. Just not worth the coin. The Summicron v2 wins hands down in all aspects except being able to shoot at f/1.4. Plenty of resolution on my M10-R and M10M, a wonderful OOF rendering, the perfect level of contrast, sharp corners at f/2.8 onwards and just no surprises. A Leica classic and one of their very best and predictable performers.

[OR120]

Is there a difference - shooting 28 Lux at F/2 and 28 Summicron ASHP VII at F/2? Both shot at F2? Pictures look the same?

[Casey Jefferson]

13 hours ago, OR120 said:

Is there a difference - shooting 28 Lux at F/2 and 28 Summicron ASHP VII at F/2? Both shot at F2? Pictures look the same?

I started a same thread recently, didn't get much responses 😳

[Cobram]

On 5/10/2021 at 10:54 PM, boostisbest said:

So funny because after using a 28 summicron almost every day for 5 yrs... I finally bought a 28 lux. After using it for a month, I just can't get used to it, so I am selling. 

Yes, Cron is really nice. I own v1 and think this is one of the best current "bargains" within Leica used market...

[jplomley]

18 hours ago, OR120 said:

Is there a difference - shooting 28 Lux at F/2 and 28 Summicron ASHP VII at F/2? Both shot at F2? Pictures look the same?

Corners will be sharper on the SC and the OOF will be smoother (Lux has busier bokeh). Center resolution will be similar. You may find your SC image better composed as well since you are not loosing a good portion of the VF.  

[zupfgeiger]

On 4/30/2021 at 5:28 PM, pmendelson said:

28mm is my preferred focal length.  I have a new M10R on the way with a 21mm SEM and 50mm Summilux, and already have the Q2, as well as the Ricoh GRIII (and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is pretty good for very casual shooting at the 28mm focal length).  While the Q2 is a great tool, the 28mm Lux or Summicron on the M10R seem to be calling my name (I very briefly owned the 28mm Lux with a M10 - yes, I made the mistake of selling my M lenses and regret it).   

Without rehashing all the pros and cons of the Q2, I am thinking that since I already have the very capable Ricoh GRIII for auto-focus, portability and excellent files at the 28mm focal length (although on a crop sensor at f/2.8), perhaps I sell the Q2 and get the 28mm Summicron or Summilux instead.  I don't love the sensor on the Q2 at higher ISOs (noise and DR), and am looking for the same or better wonderful Leica 3D look to the files that I get with the 50 Lux.  

The Summicron is obviously a lot more affordable, and by most accounts is an amazing lens and is nice and small.  But I don't want to get the Summicron and start wondering if I should have sucked it up and gotten the Summilux for a little more magic wide open... 

Any thoughts to help push me one way or the other are appreciated!

Thanks

Peter

I sold my Q in order to concentrate my photography on the rangerfinder system. Bought a 28mm Lux instead for my M10 M and the M10 P. Never regretted this decision. The Lux has a beauti9ful OOF rendering at f1.4. No experience with the Summicron though. 

Edited July 29, 2021 by zupfgeiger

[hdmesa]

Great thread that deserves a bump.

On 5/1/2021 at 6:41 AM, Ouroboros said:

A 28mm summicron or summilux will still be a good lens for decades after the last Q2 has been incinerated.  

^ Which is where I ended up as far as thought process goes. Got rid of my Q2. Now I have 28/50 Cron and 28/50 Lux. For field kits, I will probably do 28 Lux + 50 Cron / 28 Cron + 50 Lux BC / or all Crons if I need to save weight.

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The 28 Cron Safari and the 50 Lux Black Chrome – probably my favorite lens pair on the M10M:

 

[hdmesa]

6 hours ago, Steven said:

I got rid of my Q2 as well, but have missed it ever since. By that logic, we should also not buy an M10 and stick to MPs or analog bodies that will last forever. 

I think I am going to get a Q2 again. It's the only camera I managed to use while biking.

The main reasons I don’t have the Q2 any more: I don’t like the way it renders color and handles highlights. It’s like a high res M10-P, which I hated — that look in the highlights that roll off so ungracefully and recover so crudely. And I don’t like the cheap feel of the paint that was too shiny and would easily get smudged up. 

I’m either going to go back to a Q-P or wait for a BSI sensor Q3 with color and highlights like the SLS-2. 

[hdmesa]

3 hours ago, Steven said:

That sounds sexy. 
I don’t think that the Q3 is expected until 2023 or even later, though? Correct me if I’m wrong. 

That's probably right. So I probably should have said I'd like to wait for a Q2-S with the SL2-S sensor. Maybe they'd even use the SL2-S sensor in the Q2-P with the matte paint – that would be the Q holy grail for me.

[Dennis]

34 minutes ago, Steven said:

I sold my Q2 because I thought the lens was too big for an everyday carry camera, and because it made me use my M less. 

I am buying it again because I am into conspicuous street photography a lot these days, and the AF (although it sucks) is handy. 

Perfect! You just wrote the reason why to keep with M: you like best, it's smaller and with the right lens and focusing zone techniques, I bet you could be faster with MF rather than w/ AF. Of course, depending which kind of street photography (SF) you're shooting. Please don't be like me that sometimes I shoot while driving at f/8 with my M10+35/1.4 Nokton 😱

But this is me. 

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That's why I'm confident to say that, depending which kind of SP one is shooting, MF is definitely faster. I can't take a picture like this with a Q2, to AF on the person walking, without accidents, please. Ironically, for this kind of point & shoot photos, I need more time to AF ...

I know Steven you prefer the M essence. Don't get the Q2 only for AF help (although you know it sucks). Instead, you could find your new favorite SP lens, who knows. Staying fully with M, digital and film. Plus SL2-S as big sister 🙂

 

 

 

[Dennis]

4 minutes ago, Steven said:

I also prefer to shoot with shallower depth of field most of the time. 

There you go. I see, a good reason why the Q2 is a terrific choice. Especially if you love the 28FL. 

5 minutes ago, Steven said:

I actually like the rendering of the q2 sometimes. Crazy 3D pop. 

+1

it's beautiful

And if it fits your needs, it's a win-win.

Get it and post some cool SP photos taken with the Q2 while biking ... 🏆

[hdmesa]

8 hours ago, Steven said:

Yeah... not happening 😂🤪 Q2P is coming, but not with a new sensor. Sorry. 

Maybe the matte paint will make the sensor seem better 😂 I did love the Q-P finish.

Seriously considering getting another X100V for color/AF and near-macro work. The lens is not as good as the Q/Q2, but the color coming off the sensor is really good.

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[SJH]

On 8/13/2021 at 10:00 PM, Steven said:

Yeah... not happening 😂🤪 Q2P is coming, but not with a new sensor. Sorry. 

That’s interesting Steven, clearly there will most likely be one but are you implying you know that it will be quite soon Like you I had a Q2 but ended up selling it and buying an SL2-S and M10R’s & M’s. I bought a GR3 for a very portable carry anywhere camera, it’s very good for APSC and gets very close to the Q2 at 5.6 but of course the Q2 can go to 1.7 and the GR3 only to 2.8. 

If a Q2P came along very soon I’d be tempted the only thing is that the lens is huge for a ‘compact’ so I’m torn between just using my SL2-S with the M-35mm APO f2 as I’d have to carry both over the shoulder anyway and still keep my GR3 as my go anywhere camera. Decisions decisions 😂

[Abracadaben]

Ive tested the 28mm elmarit, summicron and summilux on my M11 vs Q2.

here are my thoughts for now:
- the Q2 is slightly wider (I wish it wasnt). it also has more distortion than the M lenses
- The Q2 is sharper and has a more contrast than any of the other M lenses. Vs the M summilux, its sharper accross the frame until 5.6 at least.
- The summilux M tends to have slightly nicer bokeh than the Q2 but then the Q2 can get much much closer and produce nice creamy bokeh in closeups
- the summilux M has CA on the outside of the frame especially purple fringing above f5.6.... not the Q2. it controls pretty well CA at any aperture
- overall for the M I tend to like the summicron as its a good compromise, less CA and a lot smaller. The elmarit is great for compactness.
- I think the summilux M is way better for zone focusing. The Q2 goes from 2m to infinity straight up.... 

I did not imagine how great the Q2 would stack up to the M11+28mm summilux. that Q/Q2 lens is amazing.
The Q2 is amazing really, for the price, IQ, weight, and all features (AF, OIS, macro, weather sealing even video...)

I could find myself reaching more for the Q2 than my summilux 28 M IMO.....

Edited March 21, 2022 by Abracadaben