LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 version 5

[lct]

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6 minutes ago, Bobonli said:

As someone also shopping for a 50, I'd say that the nomenclature is not universally accepted or understood, at least not at all the places I've been shopping. Some of them just list "50 mm f2 Summicron" and you have to follow up with questions to see what version they are selling. I'm looking for a V4 and have had to be very specific: " I want v4, that's the model with a focusing tab and removable hood." So far in about 50% of the responses, the seller has written back, "yes and it has a hood that collapses into the lens body."

At least it is the way we count since i'm lurking on the LUF (2002) if my memory serves we well. If the buyer or seller doesn't understand 50/2 v4, suffice it to add the order number of the lens eg  11819 (black) or 11825 (silver).

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[lct]

3 hours ago, VailJohnson said:

This would be the most accurate. 

So mine is the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 11826. If I call them anything I just call it what Leica calls them. Leica calls it the Summicron-M 50mm f/2 (IV) Mat.-Nr. 11826 and the other one the SUMMICRON-M 50 f/2 (IV) Mat.-Nr. 11819

Not sure Leica mentions that IV number in its catalogs. I would simply say Summicron-M 50/2 v5 and v4 here but it's me

[lct]

These lenses are well known and appreciated here. I prefer the 50/2 apo on landscapes but v4 and v5 are still among my favorites on portraits.

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[lct]

1 hour ago, VailJohnson said:

[...] I could never buy a $9,000 lens [...]

Got my 50/2 apo for € 5,400 in 2015. I wanted to see what an almost perfect lens can do but i would not buy it again TBH as i prefer character lenses generally.

Edited September 6, 2023 by lct

[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, VailJohnson said:

Yea they’re still selling for that. Crazy. I wish I had $5,400 just to see what a lens would do. 😀

I rented one and demo-ed two others at a Leica dealer, for that reason. Irrespective of price, I preferred my 50 Summilux ASPH v.1, including ergonomics and controls, which can only be assessed in person.

Jeff

[bourne]

I have enjoyed following this thread immensely.  I am debating which 50mm to purchase...50/2 non-apo summicron or 50/1.4 summilux.  I have the 35/2 summicron and love everything about it and am now leaning heavily towards the 50 summicron.  Size and weight are important to me as well as how a sense renders, and reading all of the comments seems to suggest I won't be disappointed with the summicron.  I have tried the summicron several times in the store and am pleased with ergonomics as well as the images.

Thanks for this thread!

[hdmesa]

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12 minutes ago, bourne said:

I have enjoyed following this thread immensely.  I am debating which 50mm to purchase...50/2 non-apo summicron or 50/1.4 summilux.  I have the 35/2 summicron and love everything about it and am now leaning heavily towards the 50 summicron.  Size and weight are important to me as well as how a sense renders, and reading all of the comments seems to suggest I won't be disappointed with the summicron.  I have tried the summicron several times in the store and am pleased with ergonomics as well as the images.

Thanks for this thread!

Is your 35 f/2 an ASPH or one of the older pre-ASPH? I would stick with the same as you have now since you like that. 

Current new Leica M 50s:

— 50 Summicron “v5” non-ASPH / non-APO

— 50 Summilux ASPH v1 - or v2 with close focus

— 50 APO Summicron ASPH

[bourne]

My 35/2 is the ASPH version.

[hdmesa]

2 hours ago, bourne said:

My 35/2 is the ASPH version.

In that case I think you’d be happier with the 50 Lux ASPH, either version — if the idea is to match looks at similar apertures.

That said, the 50 Cron v5 (non-APO) is one of my all time favorite lenses, but it renders very differently than the 35 Cron ASPH. It’s just as sharp, but it has lower contrast, more subdued colors, and unique flare shapes when shooting into the sun.

[lct]

5 hours ago, bourne said:

My 35/2 is the ASPH version.

Your better match would be a Summicron 50/2 apo or a Summilux 50/1.4 asph then IMHO. Among less expensive lenses, i would choose a Planar 50/2. Not to say that a Summicron 50/2 v4 or v5 would be a mismatch but it is a Mandler lens with a bit less acutance than asph or apo lenses. Now same v4 or v5 would bring a gentler rendition on portraits so it could be a good complement to your somewhat harsher 35/2 asph from this view point.

[lct]

5 hours ago, VailJohnson said:

The APO-Lanthar was sharper without being harsh.

I have no experience with the Apo-Lanther. It is too bulky for my taste so i won't buy one anyway but my sharp CV lenses are hardly gentler that their asph or apo Leica counterparts so i would not hold my breath with all due respect.

[Jewl]

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Edited September 7, 2023 by Jewl
No one asked for my comment - should have read the initial post thoroughly haha

[F456]

On 11/1/2022 at 12:45 AM, Jeff S said:

FWIW, Erwin Puts includes the 11826, in his Leica Chronicle, under version IV, and the 50 APO Summicron following in 2012 without any version number. 

Jeff

Thank you, Jeff — I don't think you can ask for a more definitive answer than that!