Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. – The New Generation for Even More Versatility and Flexibility

[LUF Admin]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

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!

Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. – The New Generation for Even More Versatility and Flexibility

Wetzlar, 13th April 2023. The long-established company Leica Camera AG revolutionised the world of photography more than once. One of these sensations was the introduction of the Leica M series in 1954, which has been making history with M cameras and lenses up to the present day. One of these legendary M lenses has now been consequently refined and presents itself with the latest high-end technology while keeping its compact and lightweight design: the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. – for even more flexibility and freedom when taking pictures.

With its standard focal length of 50 mm, the new Summilux-M is suited for almost every photographic situation. Like all M lenses, it is characterised by an unmistakably high image quality. The new Summilux-M exploits the full performance potential of new camera sensors and offers exceptionally high-contrast and detailed results even in difficult light conditions. Moreover, 11 instead of 9 aperture blades ensure a visibly rounder bokeh.

The closest focusing distance has also been extended, from 70 cm to 45 cm. This was only made possible by the double cam gear specially developed by Leica engineers. As a consequence, the rotation angle of the distance ring could be greatly expanded compared to the previous model so that focusing has become even more precise over the entire setting range. At the same time, neither the frame size nor the sensitivity of the focus has been changed, which makes the lens particularly comfortable to handle even when focusing in the extended close-up range. Up to 70 centimetres, focusing is done, as usual, via the range finder of the digital and analogue M cameras. For focusing in the extended close-up range between 70 and 45 centimetres, it is necessary to use Live View on the screen, the Visoflex or the Leica FOTOS app after a discreetly perceptible resistance.

Just like the 35 mm model from the high-speed Summilux-M series, the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. has now been refined technically and optically. The lens hood also shows a round design with a focal length of 50 mm. Directly integrated in the lens, it can be screwed in or unscrewed at any time with only a flick of the wrist. Just like the previous model, the new Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. is available in the silver or black anodised version.

The focal length classic is suited for all current and for all future M cameras. In combination with the M-Adapter L, the Summilux-M also enables photographing and filming with the Leica SL2 and the SL2-S. This is system compatibility “Made by Leica”.

The Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. will be available globally at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers starting now. The retail price of the M lens will be €4,550.00 including VAT for the black version and €4,750.00 including VAT for the silver version.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[algrove]

I just read Jono Slack's article on this lens and the way it paints the image is very, very nice. Talk about glow.

Jono has PP'd his images to perfection. I certainly hope someday I will be able to do the same. Thanks, Jono.

Edited April 13, 2023 by algrove

[jrp]

What do the MTFs show about the comparison of the old with the new?  If you are not interested in closer focus is the extra bulk worth it?

[snapwell]

4 hours ago, jrp said:

What do the MTFs show about the comparison of the old with the new?  If you are not interested in closer focus is the extra bulk worth it?

Good question!

Me, I’m kindof super sensitive to distortion, field curvature and focus shift - previous versions haven’t quite rung the bell on all three of these issues.

In fact, I’ve decided that I’d rather sacrifice a stop to have these aspects minimized.

[mdg1371]

14 hours ago, jrp said:

What do the MTFs show about the comparison of the old with the new?  If you are not interested in closer focus is the extra bulk worth it?

The MTFs are nearly identical. 

[charlesphoto99]

21 hours ago, jrp said:

What do the MTFs show about the comparison of the old with the new?  If you are not interested in closer focus is the extra bulk worth it?

IMO it’s  about close focus and GAS. If you don’t need/have either of those I wouldn’t bother. I bought an absolute mint, late model used 50 lux asph two months ago from my local dealer for $2800 so ‘bargains’ can be had if you don’t need or cant afford the latest greatest. 

[Leon Berg]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am thinking about doing the same thing and reserved a demo copy from a store in Germany for 20 percent below the old SRP.

Its a silver one for my black M240.
The only thing that’s on my mind is the weight of it, because it’s made of brass, which the newer one is not.

I like the fact, that it’s brass, though. For romantic reasons I guess, it’s not necessarily rational. 
 

the other two lenses that I have are 250g max…

I’m also curious to see first tests of the lens and if the roundabout 1K in euros is worth taking the newer Modell (more future proof due to maybe better bokeh? Better corner sharpness? Even less CA?

 

Edited April 15, 2023 by Leon Berg

[Hanno]

On 4/15/2023 at 7:59 PM, charlesphoto99 said:

IMO it’s  about close focus and GAS. If you don’t need/have either of those I wouldn’t bother. I bought an absolute mint, late model used 50 lux asph two months ago from my local dealer for $2800 so ‘bargains’ can be had if you don’t need or cant afford the latest greatest. 

Playing with the MFD:

1st shot: M11 with Noctilux 1.25/75mm at 0.85m MFD

2nd shot: M11 with Summilux 1.4/50mm at 0.45m MFD

... typical cat behaviour... who moved while I was changing the lens 😁, so not a like-for-like comparison, but it may give some idea of the (spectacular) 0.45m MFD rendering on the new Summilux 50mm.

 

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!

 

Edited April 20, 2023 by Hanno

[charlesphoto99]

18 hours ago, Hanno said:

Playing with the MFD:

1st shot: M11 with Noctilux 1.25/75mm at 0.85m MFD

2nd shot: M11 with Summilux 1.4/50mm at 0.45m MFD

... typical cat behaviour... who moved while I was changing the lens 😁, so not a like-for-like comparison, but it may give some idea of the (spectacular) 0.45m MFD rendering on the new Summilux 50mm.

 

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!

 

Cute cat, but can't say I'm swayed by the fact that it took almost $35k of gear to take these shots. Keep in mind the M11/M10-R now give one lots of room to crop as well, and the more 'inexpensive' 75 cron, which I own, actually focuses down to .7m. Kudos to Leica for making old lenses better of course, but I see no need to switch and spend the $$ if one already owns the 50 lux asph and/or a 75. Of course everyone's needs/wants and pocketbooks are different of course. 

[Jeremy Bunting]

Based on Hanno's photos, the 75 Noct and new 50 Summilux render pretty similarly. The 75 Noct (which I own) wins for contrast and sharpness, but only by a fur.

I'll be skipping the 50 Summilux because I've got the new close focus 35 Summilux, and three 50's (50 Noct f0.95, 50 Noct f1.2, and 50 APO).  But if Leica manages to improve the MFD on the f0.95, that'll be a mighty tempting trade.

 

[rtai]

On 4/20/2023 at 10:48 AM, charlesphoto99 said:

Cute cat, but can't say I'm swayed by the fact that it took almost $35k of gear to take these shots. Keep in mind the M11/M10-R now give one lots of room to crop as well, and the more 'inexpensive' 75 cron, which I own, actually focuses down to .7m. Kudos to Leica for making old lenses better of course, but I see no need to switch and spend the $$ if one already owns the 50 lux asph and/or a 75. Of course everyone's needs/wants and pocketbooks are different of course. 

 

Your Hanoi photos left me speechless. There must be stories behind every one of those amazing photos.

[Hanno]

On 4/20/2023 at 6:48 PM, charlesphoto99 said:

Cute cat, but can't say I'm swayed by the fact that it took almost $35k of gear to take these shots. Keep in mind the M11/M10-R now give one lots of room to crop as well, and the more 'inexpensive' 75 cron, which I own, actually focuses down to .7m. Kudos to Leica for making old lenses better of course, but I see no need to switch and spend the $$ if one already owns the 50 lux asph and/or a 75. Of course everyone's needs/wants and pocketbooks are different of course. 

I think you forgot to add the costs of the desktop computer, display screen and software.

Edited April 22, 2023 by Hanno

[kinetic]

17 minutes ago, Hanno said:

I think you forgot to add the costs of the desktop computer, display screen and software.

I'm going to guess he didn't spend all the money just to take those two photos of the cat and then throw his gear away... /s

[mark1958a]

M11 50mm/1.4 at f2-2.8 cannot remember exact aperture I used now 

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!

[evikne]

In 2021 Peter Karbe talks about "the fifth generation of Leica M lens design". The first four were: Classic > ASPH > FLE > APO. The fifth would be "squeezing the lenses down," using new technologies to reduce size.

I wonder – where do you place these new, close-focus lenses? They are not particularly small. Are they some sort of intermediate stage for the fifth generation? Karbe said such development always takes a long time.

[Leon Berg]

vor einer Stunde schrieb evikne:

In 2021 Peter Karbe talks about "the fifth generation of Leica M lens design". The first four were: Classic > ASPH > FLE > APO. The fifth would be "squeezing the lenses down," using new technologies to reduce size.

I wonder – where do you place these new, close-focus lenses? They are not particularly small. Are they some sort of intermediate stage for the fifth generation? Karbe said such development always takes a long time.

Interesting point. 

About the 50ies: 
I was in Wetzlar yesterday to deliver my cameras for a CLA. My analog M is gone now for 5-6 months haha.. 
After doing that I went to the store and had the opportunity to try out the new chrome version (which is not my preference), the old one in silver chrome (which I first
intended to buy because I had an offer weeks ago for a demo one for a great price) 
which I found to be tooooo heavey (heard it from so many people already, but experiencing it is another thing.)

To be honest, after trying the "old" 11891, i.e. the black version, it was the gem I fell in love with! Compact, good looking, not so noticeable and
everything was smooth! The old silver chrome had irregularities with the focus throw, I found that really weird. 

The black version works like a charm. 

[kinetic]

7 hours ago, evikne said:

In 2021 Peter Karbe talks about "the fifth generation of Leica M lens design". The first four were: Classic > ASPH > FLE > APO. The fifth would be "squeezing the lenses down," using new technologies to reduce size.

I wonder – where do you place these new, close-focus lenses? They are not particularly small. Are they some sort of intermediate stage for the fifth generation? Karbe said such development always takes a long time.

I would say it's just another version of the FLE generation. Technically that's what it is since it's not APO. Or maybe the squeezing down would still remain with these technologies and not be renamed?

I doubt this one is squeezing them down, it's not at all smaller.

[250swb]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:49 AM, evikne said:

Karbe said such development always takes a long time.

Other manufacturers seem to manage it. But slow and steady has always been Leica's motto, if they release the ultimate version first it cuts out all the tiny increments in performance in-between that people pay money for. It fuels the GAS and as can be seen in the camera body, the M11-P will come along sooner or later, but it could in all probability have been released at the same time as the M11, as could the M11M.

There will be people who switch from their old Summilux to the new one because of the close focus ability, and others who look at the posted photos, squint at the screen and think 'Leica are pulling my leg, I can't see any difference at all between the old and the new'.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[mediumformula]

On 5/4/2023 at 7:02 AM, Leon Berg said:

Interesting point. 

About the 50ies: 
I was in Wetzlar yesterday to deliver my cameras for a CLA. My analog M is gone now for 5-6 months haha.. 
After doing that I went to the store and had the opportunity to try out the new chrome version (which is not my preference), the old one in silver chrome (which I first
intended to buy because I had an offer weeks ago for a demo one for a great price) 
which I found to be tooooo heavey (heard it from so many people already, but experiencing it is another thing.)

To be honest, after trying the "old" 11891, i.e. the black version, it was the gem I fell in love with! Compact, good looking, not so noticeable and
everything was smooth! The old silver chrome had irregularities with the focus throw, I found that really weird. 

The black version works like a charm. 

If the new Summilux was a smaller, lighter more compact version of the V1 Asph, I would seriously consider buying it.  Instead it got bigger and heavier. 

[kinetic]

25 minutes ago, mediumformula said:

If the new Summilux was a smaller, lighter more compact version of the V1 Asph, I would seriously consider buying it.  Instead it got bigger and heavier. 

It's really for people who want close focus and possibly 11 aperture blades. Otherwise I can't see it being an upgrade. If you want something smaller and lighter, and don't care about the other items, then it's definitely not for you.