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

[hmzimelka]

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1 hour ago, IMAGEPOWER said:

Well, I have got both versions, the older one in silver bras and, the latest one in a black anodized version.

Right after purchase I made a comparison on my M11, tripod, apertures from f/1.4 to f/8 and pixel-peeped at 300%. For comparison I used a Z9 (adapted with the latest TechArt AF adapter) to rule out focus problems on my side.

I could detect absolutely no difference in resolution or contrast. If at all the older version is even a tiny little bit better in resolution. This could also be due to manufacturing tolerances. Anyway I was a little bit disappointed. The bokeh from f/2 onwards is a little bit smoother (rounder bokeh balls) owing to the additional blades used in the current version, but for my professional work that's not important, really.

As for build quality the older (brass) version definitely has the edge. Focus feels more precise and smoother at the same time. According to many reviewers, this might be different on the older black anodized version, which is said to have produced more problems with the focus helicoid. I have never tested the older black version against the silver brass version, however, perhaps there are only much more black versions in the market, so statistics show more "faulty" black Summilxes

To put it in a nutshell, the new version's only advantage is its capability to focus closer. There is at least to me no other optical or even mechanical advantage. If I had known that before I would not have bought the new version. Actually I wanted to sell the older silver brass version, but now I am thinking about trading the new one...

Hope that helps with your decision.

 

Thank you very much. I really liked the look the original Summilux ASPH has, but the mid-zone dip was a little too strong for my taste, and therefore I sprung for the Summicron. However, sometimes I find the focus shift a bit of a drag. 

The best Summilux 50mm ASPH I tried was a used Silver brass lens, one that had a loose barrel and oil on the blades. The two new black lenses I tried since then both had issues with focus calibration and different mid-frame performance, of which the brass one was still the best. I was hoping the newer Summilux ASPH II would have at least better mid-frame performance. 

Edited July 23, 2023 by hmzimelka

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[EJS73]

My (black) previous-issue summilux 50 suffers from colour fringing in high contrast situations and benefits from 'focusing from infinity' more than my other lenses, but it doesn't show any obvious midframe dip or focus calibration issues. I did seriously look at the new close focus lenses but found the close focusing a distraction rather than helpful, in practice. Enough so to make someone else happy with my spot on the waiting list for the 35 apo 'cron.

 

[hmzimelka]

21 hours ago, Multicoated said:

Is this the 50 Summicron “v5”? Because I’ve never noticed any focus shift or other optical issues whatsoever. Focus is always nailed at every aperture in my copy at least. 

yes, the 50mm Summicron V5. Used on the M11, there is focus shift. Pretty much identical amount to the Zeiss ZM 50mm Planar. 

Mine seems calibrated at around f/2.8. F/4 and f/5.6 need a manual focus adjustment to compensate for the shift. F/8 usually is ok.

[hmzimelka]

10 hours ago, Multicoated said:

Yea I’ve never seen it in normal use. I’m on the M10R. I take most of my pictures at f4-f5.6 and f8.

If you go at every fast 50mm with a ruler. But in normal use the Cron is amazing. I’m not in the habit of shooting rulers and charts 😀 …

I don't shoot rulers  and charts, but the shift is obvious for me at those apertures. and needs a consistent adjustment, which is easy enough with the rangefinder patch. But it can often be annoying.  

[hmzimelka]

4 hours ago, Multicoated said:

Maybe it needs to be sent for calibration? As you can see mine is right on at those apertures. 

My Cron is the same as other Cron's I've tried, so there is no reason for me to suspect mine is in anyways out of spec. And I shudder at the thought of sending Leica a lens of mine. Their poor QC has cost me enough money to the point that I surprise myself I'm still willing to put up with the brand, let alone consider buying any of their products again. I'm not wealthy enough to shrug it off. 

My Cron's focus shift is practically identical to my ZM Planar 50, and my 5cm Summicron-M Collapsible is essentially the same as well. 

Focus and recompose often helps the focus shift situation, due to the slight field curvature the lens has it usually aids perfect focus when placing the subject a little off centre. So based on your second image, no conclusion can be drawn if subject placement is not at the centre. The first image, I can't tell on what you intended to focus, but the focus plane starts at the toolbox and extends backwards onto the stones behind it. 

Focus shift is just a fact of life with some lenses, and the simple double gauss design has it. Not a lot, but it's there. It certainly won't ruin a shot, and it's easily manageable with muscle memory as the adjustment is simple. Focus from infinity to the subject, and then a smidge more. It's become automatic for me. But I also don't intend not do I want to enter an argument over it. 

 

 

[hmzimelka]

1 minute ago, Multicoated said:

I’m not saying yours doesn’t. If you say so then it has it.

I’m just giving samples of mine at f4 and f5.6 that show 0 signs of focus shift. I just focus on the target and shoot. I don’t do anything to compensate for anything.

I never thought of it until you mentioned it. Because I’ve never seen it. At least not on my lens which is why I provided samples.

Some people just obsess over these things on every single lens they own. I’m sure if you are looking for it you’ll find something. 

We shoot differently. We have different styles. We have different needs from our tools/equipment. 

A basic requirement for me, is that I place focus on a subject where I want it sharp. at f/4 and f/5.6, that needs some intervention with this lens for me. If it doesn't for you, then thats great. There is no right and wrong here, because if it works for you then that is all that matters really. Just that ignoring focus shift doesn't work for me for what I shoot, most of the time. 

[Stephen.s1]

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Just took delivery of mine today.  It's outrageous.  (like it very much)  I'll have it welded to my M10M

 

[Bear]

Close focus is definitely a must have feature for me. Anyone have more photos to share at MFD? 

[Bear]

On 10/3/2023 at 10:36 AM, Bear said:

Close focus is definitely a must have feature for me. Anyone have more photos to share at MFD? 

Alright, so funny enough, I found one yesterday for a pretty good deal and it arrived today. Here's the first images shot on an M10 looking at a mirror. At 0.7m and then at minimum focusing distance. 

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[hoolyproductions]

This snapshot was at (pretty much) MFD. M11 @ ISO 1600, f1.4, 1/30th

 

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