Summicron-SL 50mm: first impression

[rsh]

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I recently added an SL2 with the 50 using the Leica promotion which was like getting the body at a thousand dollar discount and the lens at no charge.  It is a fine lens and to this point, I am pleased with the performance.  The lens is reasonably lightweight and the focus quick.  I am not bothered that the optical design originated with Panasonic and I do not know what tweaks Leica made other than the coatings and metal construction.  
 

Hope this helps.

Edited February 3, 2024 by rsh

[Chris Nebard]

5 hours ago, Jon Warwick said:

Given it’s almost a year later, I was wondering if greater usage has led to any more views on the Non-APO Leica Summicrons?

As a previous owner of the SL 50 APO Summicron, I considered that lens a little too “sharp” at times by producing too much acutance for my taste. I daresay many might concentrate on the Non-APOs as being not as sharp and so not as good as the SL APO primes, but I’m wondering after trying out some DNGs if the Non-APOs produce a more classic and gentler rendering that could actually be very pleasing for those of us who like a less “modern” rendering?

….possibly an SL equivalent of the gentler rendering of the M 50 Summicron v5 (or even M 50 Summilux ASPH) that are both less sharp / less modern, but which some of us nonetheless prefer, versus the technically more perfect M 50 APO?

Anyone else see it that way?

 

 

 

I definitely see it that way. I have absolutely no problem with the 50mm M-Summicron V5 being technically inferior to Leica’s modern SL lenses. I use it on my SL2-S most of the time and, although it’s more than sharp enough, there is a beautiful softish fall-off into the out of focus areas. There’s a reason this lens has been a Leica mainstay for 45 years. It’s a beauty. Apologies if you’ve seen these examples before. 

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[huwm]

5 hours ago, Jon Warwick said:

Given it’s almost a year later, I was wondering if greater usage has led to any more views on the Non-APO Leica Summicrons?

As a previous owner of the SL 50 APO Summicron, I considered that lens a little too “sharp” at times by producing too much acutance for my taste. I daresay many might concentrate on the Non-APOs as being not as sharp and so not as good as the SL APO primes, but I’m wondering after trying out some DNGs if the Non-APOs produce a more classic and gentler rendering that could actually be very pleasing for those of us who like a less “modern” rendering?

….possibly an SL equivalent of the gentler rendering of the M 50 Summicron v5 (or even M 50 Summilux ASPH) that are both less sharp / less modern, but which some of us nonetheless prefer, versus the technically more perfect M 50 APO?

Anyone else see it that way?

 

 

 

Sort of answering

I have Changed from Sigma 35 1.4 to the 35 2 to the non apo 35 and finally to the lens I always wanted the 35 apo 

The 35 1.4 was closest to what I wanted but I thought too big so downsized, then when I realised that I wasn't using the 50 apo (just not my fl really) and feeling I really should have at least one apo swapped it for the 35

I do have a Panasonic 50 which I find perfectly ok when needed and personally would plump for Panasonic or apo skipping the non apo as not sure difference justifies the cost, based on my experience of the 35

The apo probably doesn't either but is just wonderful

[Archiver]

On 2/3/2024 at 11:09 PM, Jon Warwick said:

Given it’s almost a year later, I was wondering if greater usage has led to any more views on the Non-APO Leica Summicrons?

As a previous owner of the SL 50 APO Summicron, I considered that lens a little too “sharp” at times by producing too much acutance for my taste. I daresay many might concentrate on the Non-APOs as being not as sharp and so not as good as the SL APO primes, but I’m wondering after trying out some DNGs if the Non-APOs produce a more classic and gentler rendering that could actually be very pleasing for those of us who like a less “modern” rendering?

….possibly an SL equivalent of the gentler rendering of the M 50 Summicron v5 (or even M 50 Summilux ASPH) that are both less sharp / less modern, but which some of us nonetheless prefer, versus the technically more perfect M 50 APO?

I have the Panasonic 50mm f1.8 S and the Summicron M 50, and in terms of rendering, I still prefer the Summicron M. The bokeh has a certain character that the 50S lacks, and it is still more 'organic' while still being very sharp. I just shot some outdoor portraits with the Summicron at f2 where you could see and count each eyelash and eyebrow, while the background had a very pleasant look. Granted, the 50S is easier to focus because of AF, but the Summicron just has a little something extra. And I would hope it does, given the price difference.

[jaapv]

On 2/3/2024 at 6:30 PM, rsh said:

I recently added an SL2 with the 50 using the Leica promotion which was like getting the body at a thousand dollar discount and the lens at no charge.  It is a fine lens and to this point, I am pleased with the performance.  The lens is reasonably lightweight and the focus quick.  I am not bothered that the optical design originated with Panasonic and I do not know what tweaks Leica made other than the coatings and metal construction.  
 

Hope this helps.

Even the coatings I doubt. I compare the Panasonic 35 and the Leica 50. Held side by side the Leica appears slightly more greenish. But when I put protective filters on, the Panasonic does.

[rsh]

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