My new Leica 50mm f1.4 Summilux

[colonel]

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For some reason, I found myself unexpectedly in a Leica shop. You know, as you do. I think my family were shopping for cosmetics or shoes, but can't quite remember.

I just started to chat to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and found myself playing around with a myriad of Leica 28s, 35s and 50s. Really not a good idea......

One of the first leica lenses I had was a 50mm summilux, a very long time ago, I think it was on an M9. Anyway I remember holding and testing the latest 50mm Summilux. There is nothing that feels like a Leica lens in the hand. So I bought it, and have been using it for a bit already.

Despite everything reviewers tell you about this lens or that lens, the pictures are incredible, IMHO. The sharpness and micro-contrast at f1.4 is breathtaking, and the feeling of the atmospheric etherial cold blueish draw came back from those lost years.

I like the design, where the width has been kept to that of the lens mount, making a dense lens seem almost compact. The built in hood is a small thing but very convenient.

Some people feel the kodachrome look with the Leica cold sharpness is special, but I would also add in weighted spot metering. Exposure of the main subject, if there is one, gives it the benefit of maximum contrast compared to the subsidiary ones.

Unfortunately, I am looking at the new 35mm Summilux now. I am sure it was only one bathroom, not two, that my wife wants to redo... can't remember

 

 

[LeicaR10]

Colonel,  It appears to me, that you got the better deal than going for painful shopping for shoes, etc..  The 50 Lux is superb and as your photographs illustrate.  Al in his post #2 above has a great idea too.  Congratulations on your new Leica M lens(es).  r/ Mark

[pippy]

Lovely Photographs! Thanks for posting. Congrats on your purchase and I hope you have lots of fun with it.

Philip.

[Huss]

Love that last pic.  Some more details on how you took it?  Those 'sunstars' suggest the lens was stopped down.

[rramesh]

Message to wife. "I know a place where you can shop for shoes and cosmetics".

[OR120]

4 hours ago, colonel said:

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

For some reason, I found myself unexpectedly in a Leica shop. You know, as you do. I think my family were shopping for cosmetics or shoes, but can't quite remember.

I just started to chat to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and found myself playing around with a myriad of Leica 28s, 35s and 50s. Really not a good idea......

One of the first leica lenses I had was a 50mm summilux, a very long time ago, I think it was on an M9. Anyway I remember holding and testing the latest 50mm Summilux. There is nothing that feels like a Leica lens in the hand. So I bought it, and have been using it for a bit already.

Despite everything reviewers tell you about this lens or that lens, the pictures are incredible, IMHO. The sharpness and micro-contrast at f1.4 is breathtaking, and the feeling of the atmospheric etherial cold blueish draw came back from those lost years.

I like the design, where the width has been kept to that of the lens mount, making a dense lens seem almost compact. The built in hood is a small thing but very convenient.

Some people feel the kodachrome look with the Leica cold sharpness is special, but I would also add in weighted spot metering. Exposure of the main subject, if there is one, gives it the benefit of maximum contrast compared to the subsidiary ones.

Unfortunately, I am looking at the new 35mm Summilux now. I am sure it was only one bathroom, not two, that my wife wants to redo... can't remember

 

 

Beautiful shots with your new lens. Regarding the bathrooms/bathroom, I'm sure it was just one.

[charlesphoto99]

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I finally bought myself one of these last Wed, the day before our annual trip to Hawaii. Always coveted one, but have always had 'lesser' 50's (two or three of which will now go on the market - on the fence about my V3 pre-asph)). It's a brilliant lens. Got mine absolutely mint from my dealer for $2799 (before 10% tax). Knew I'd never see one again like it at that price som took the plunge. And I can say that it will take a drubbing of sea water - down by the shore and got a shower from an unexpectedly big break - two days in a row. Probably not the best way to treat what is essentially a brand new lens! It's also why I use UV filters...

[colonel]

5 hours ago, Huss said:

Love that last pic.  Some more details on how you took it?  Those 'sunstars' suggest the lens was stopped down.

hi. Yes. f8. ISO 100. long exposure - 12 seconds. I am a  fan of brick walls, rather then carrying round a tripod

[colonel]

3 hours ago, charlesphoto99 said:

I finally bought myself one of these last Wed, the day before our annual trip to Hawaii. Always coveted one, but have always had 'lesser' 50's (two or three of which will now go on the market - on the fence about my V3 pre-asph)). It's a brilliant lens. Got mine absolutely mint from my dealer for $2799 (before 10% tax). Knew I'd never see one again like it at that price som took the plunge. And I can say that it will take a drubbing of sea water - down by the shore and got a shower from an unexpectedly big break - two days in a row. Probably not the best way to treat what is essentially a brand new lens! It's also why I use UV filters...

really great pics on your link. all Leica ?

[charlesphoto99]

8 hours ago, colonel said:

really great pics on your link. all Leica ?

Hi,

Thanks. Most all from the last twenty years with various Leica's (some on IG with a Pixel phone), though my archival rock work was shot mostly with Nikons and 24mm lens (a few later ones with a Leica M6).