A third 50mm?

[dugby]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 5/30/2023 at 9:27 PM, Olaf_ZG said:

My favorite FL is the 50mm. I had a old cron (v2 or v3 depends which wiki one reads), but sold it together with the m10.

Now I have two wonderful 50’s: a chrom Lux A, and a sonnar. The first one is heavy: half a kilo, the second is great for portraits and a dreamy mood.

So, what to use for a daily carry? The “heavy” lux, the dreamy sonnar? Or may be to add a planar or cron to keep things light?

How many of us have triple FL’s?

I do have 3x 50mm, which is also my preferred FL on M10-R, as I am routinely a single lens shooter.

a) An original :  LHSA Summilux-M 50mm ASPH Silver Chrome over solid brass , weighs 460g. 
b) Zeiss Planar ZM 50mm f2

c) APO Summicron-M 50mm.

 

The Lux is a collectable and does get used for indoor portraits and other special occasions requiring razor thin DOF.

The Planar is on standby, for use in questionable locations.  

The APO50 is my preferred daily single must-use lens (and a 35FLE only if I need wide).

I find that 50mm gets me into many scenes/shots, whereas with the 35mm I feel like an observer “just having a glance”. If I get in close with the 35, I feel that the perspective is unnaturally biased.

Edited May 31, 2023 by dugby

[RexGig0]

My Summilux-M 50mm ASPH was my first M lens; the black anodized version. If I recall correctly, my second was my Summicron-M, a 50-Jahre Special Edition, so, made during the time known as Version V, but with a detachable hood. My Elmar-M f/2.8, the heavier silver chrome version, was the third to be added. (It is possible that I have the second and third in transposed order.) Notably, the Elmar-M is quite sharp, and is not a “character” lens.

For shooting in “available darkness,” I added a fourth 50mm, last year, though it is Cosina Voigtlander, the Nokton f/1.0 Aspherical. Shooting hand-held in really low light is better done with a wider-angle lens, of course. I decided to add “faster glass,” in 2022, rather than “upgrade” to an M10 Monochrom. I did not think that the Nokton would threaten the status of my Summilux as my favorite, and that has proven true. The Nokton remains a niche lens.

 

Edited May 31, 2023 by RexGig0

[RexGig0]

To clarify my above post, my Summicron and Elmar were my second and third 50mm M lenses, not my second and third Leica lenses of all focal lengths. (My second Leica lens was a Summaron 3.5 f/3.5.)

And, in my pre-caffeinated state, I totally forgot my fifth M-mount 50mm lens, though it did not start life as an M lens. It is a Summicron-R 50mm, converted by Skyllaney Opto-Mechanics to rangefinder-coupled M-mount. I decided to try this one, largely due to curiosity, and the idea of owning a hand-built conversion lens. I have not yet done controlled testing, against a uniformly-colored background, but the Summicron-R is said to vignette a bit differently than the Summicron-M, so, there is a creative aspect to this little venture. Skyllaney had listed it on the evil-bay, for somewhere around $1K US, which I consider inexpensive, for work done by a craftsman of that level.

If nothing else, it should stimulate conversations. That is always a good thing. 🙂 R lenses, used with an adapter, on M cameras, are not all that unusual. A conversion, that is rangefinder-coupled, is quite uncommon.

[dpitt]

I second the advice to go for a Summicron 50, preferably the v4 or v5. I have the v4 because I like to use a tab, the v5 has no tab, but has a built in hood. Both have the same IQ.

On the other hand, there is one cheap Leica 50 mm you do not have yet, and it does add something to the table none of the others do. I am talking about the Elmar f3.5 LTM lens with M adapter. When collapsed it makes your M into the most compact and light version ever. And it is a perfect daylight lens, sharp from wide open and rivaling the best when closed down a few stops.

Oh, what the heck, go for it and buy both the Summicron v4 or v5 and the Elmar, then you have 5 very different options to chose from

[Huss]

10 hours ago, Ouroboros said:

 

The summilux and sonnar are different enough from each other with creative options to cover most situations  but every Leica M photographer should also have a summicron!  

The v5 Summicron is perfect for travel/daily use if the chrome summilux is too heavy and f1.4 is not needed.  

 

 

 

Sounds weird to say this, but the Summicron v5 is so under-rated/over-looked recently.  What with Apo this and Apo that, 1.5 this, 1.2 that having been released..

the Cron v5 is just perfect. Super size, absolutely the best haptics, great character and yes it can flare - but use that.  So pleasant to use.

[rolu]

Am 30.5.2023 um 15:27 schrieb Olaf_ZG:

My favorite FL is the 50mm. I had a old cron (v2 or v3 depends which wiki one reads), but sold it together with the m10.

Now I have two wonderful 50’s: a chrom Lux A, and a sonnar. The first one is heavy: half a kilo, the second is great for portraits and a dreamy mood.

So, what to use for a daily carry? The “heavy” lux, the dreamy sonnar? Or may be to add a planar or cron to keep things light?

How many of us have triple FL’s?

You are a lucky fellow having 50 as your favorite FL - so much variability.

The Sonnar is vintage, I suppose? - It is unique. If vintage is still of your interest and you want to add a different kind: The Summarit 1,5 (amazing bokeh, a bit backlight prone) (quite compact, but 320g) or the Summicron collapsible (V2, non radioactive) (220g)(very pleasing, but not modern creamy bokeh, more a bit Monet-like, (whereas a Summitar (2,0) would have a more swirly, Van Gogh-like bokeh) could be a choice; both very usable, compact and sharp stopped down. If 350g and not so compact are no problem, the Canon 1,2 LTM is another dreamy option.

I have six LTM 50s (unfortunately not yet the Sonnar). Each has a different character esp. wide open. I decide by light situation, purpose and mood on which I take out. All vintage are lighter and smaller than contemporary lenses and, as you will know, you have two lenses in one, wide open and stopped down. In the my favorite 35mm FL, I have not so many choices, as there are not so many fast (esp. vintage) lenses so they can show their unique character. But I am very happy with both the Lux and the LuxA, both amazing but quite different.

Why did you sell the Cron? - was it the rigid? This could have been another option, but not my favorite. If you want to go more modern than above, I would lean towards the 50Lux (pre-asph) (275g): dreamy wide open - but different from the Sonnar -, sharp stopped down, so also a two in one; it sits right in the middle of both of your 50s. - And if you want the performance of the LuxA, you'll be happy to carry the weight.

 

Edited May 31, 2023 by rolu

[didier]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 5/30/2023 at 3:27 PM, Olaf_ZG said:

My favorite FL is the 50mm. I had a old cron (v2 or v3 depends which wiki one reads), but sold it together with the m10.

Now I have two wonderful 50’s: a chrom Lux A, and a sonnar. The first one is heavy: half a kilo, the second is great for portraits and a dreamy mood.

So, what to use for a daily carry? The “heavy” lux, the dreamy sonnar? Or may be to add a planar or cron to keep things light?

How many of us have triple FL’s?

It is my favorite FL as well.

I once asked myself if I should add a third 50. And did. Long time ago  

Beware, it can go on with a fourth… Not counting the 3 LTMs on my Barnacks, I own 7 of them in M-mount (crazy me). It can be addictive, and each Lens has its personality.

My most used is the APO 50 (amazing clarity, smoothest bokeh), but I love the Elmar-M 2.8 particularly for close-ups.

The lux 50 asph is a great all-rounder (though the ninja stars can be disturbing), the BC version is beautiful.

The ‘cron Rigid is perfect when I don’t want too much contrast, otherwise my chrome v4 is fine.

The Noct .95 is a specialty Lens. 

I resisted till now not buying the 1.2 Noct, as I didn’t really bond with it when trying them thought its handling is great.

 

To sum it up, you are on a dangerous (but wonderful) path    

[Simone_DF]

On 5/30/2023 at 2:27 PM, Olaf_ZG said:

How many of us have triple FL’s?

I have the 50 Lux, the Sonnar, the 50 APO SL, a Contax 50mm, the Helios 44-2 (ok that's 58mm), the Sigma 45mm and I'm planning to get at least one more 50mm, probably the 50 Lux SL.

If you want a edc 50mm go for either the Summicron or one of the Voigtlanders

[Ko.Fe.]

On 5/30/2023 at 9:27 AM, Olaf_ZG said:

My favorite FL is the 50mm. I had a old cron (v2 or v3 depends which wiki one reads), but sold it together with the m10.

Now I have two wonderful 50’s: a chrom Lux A, and a sonnar. The first one is heavy: half a kilo, the second is great for portraits and a dreamy mood.

So, what to use for a daily carry? The “heavy” lux, the dreamy sonnar? Or may be to add a planar or cron to keep things light?

How many of us have triple FL’s?

I'm sorry, but just as usual, to provide correct answer we need to know (well, some of us with wider experience) which media is involved. Film, digital or both.

I have Jupiter-3 and Canon 50 1.8 LTM. Sold all more expensive 50ies, including Crons and else, because I used to shoot mostly on film and those two lenses where just great not only by rendering, but serviceability and small size. 

I have three 35mm lenses. One was given to me as gift, one I purchased because I have to deal with low ISO (film, M-E220) and one because it is best 35mm lens  Summarit-M 35 2.5 (on film and digital). 

 

[fededuran]

On 6/1/2023 at 3:21 PM, Simone_DF said:

I have the 50 Lux, the Sonnar, the 50 APO SL, a Contax 50mm, the Helios 44-2 (ok that's 58mm), the Sigma 45mm and I'm planning to get at least one more 50mm, probably the 50 Lux SL.

If you want a edc 50mm go for either the Summicron or one of the Voigtlanders

Of all your 50s which one is your favorite, @Simone_DF?

[Stein K S]

My first 50… the Elmar-M silver. At the time the only 50 I could afford to supplement my 35 cron v4 silver. It was sold new at the time for a price being strangely low for a Leica lens…

Then added the 50 cron v5 silver 6 years later.

Another 10 years later I greeted myself with the 50 lux bc…

Very happy about the ¨diversity¨ I find these three to represent. But being more of a 35 guy, I defenitely must also stop with these three.  However, all three will also be staying safely in my set 😉

Edited June 2, 2023 by Stein K S

[fededuran]

I own a 50mm lux asph (I) and given that this is my favorite FL I'm also considering adding a second lens. I find it hard to decide, but it makes sense to have just a different rendering to complement the lux, so the pick could be a CV Apo (more sharpness), a CV f1 Nokton (more pleasing bokeh) or a sonnar 1.5 (vintage vibe). 

[lct]

22 minutes ago, fededuran said:

I own a 50mm lux asph (I) and given that this is my favorite FL I'm also considering adding a second lens. I find it hard to decide, but it makes sense to have just a different rendering to complement the lux, so the pick could be a CV Apo (more sharpness), a CV f1 Nokton (more pleasing bokeh) or a sonnar 1.5 (vintage vibe). 

Or a smaller 50/1.5 (Sonnar or Nokton) or a compact 50/2 (Summicron v4 or v5) or a triplet lens (Elmar v1 or v2)... you're spoilt for choice 

[Simone_DF]

5 hours ago, fededuran said:

Of all your 50s which one is your favorite, @Simone_DF?

Each one of them has pros and cons, hard to pick one, but probably the Summilux Asph M is the most balanced and a great all arounder, imho.

I see you're looking to complement your Summilux. It very much depends on what you want to use the lens for, but my vote goes to the Sonnar, it's such a special lens.

M10 + Sonnar at f/1.5 

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!

[fededuran]

8 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

Each one of them has pros and cons, hard to pick one, but probably the Summilux Asph M is the most balanced and a great all arounder, imho.

I see you're looking to complement your Summilux. It very much depends on what you want to use the lens for, but my vote goes to the Sonnar, it's such a special lens.

M10 + Sonnar at f/1.5 

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!

Beautiful portrait. That's my genre, so the sonnar sounds good. Would love to know more about the nokton f1, though. There are not many portraiture pictures of that lens on Flickr. 

[fededuran]

31 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

Each one of them has pros and cons, hard to pick one, but probably the Summilux Asph M is the most balanced and a great all arounder, imho.

I see you're looking to complement your Summilux. It very much depends on what you want to use the lens for, but my vote goes to the Sonnar, it's such a special lens.

M10 + Sonnar at f/1.5 

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!

Btw, @Simone_DF, if the 50 apo sl is as good as the 35, you have another jewel.

[Simone_DF]

20 minutes ago, fededuran said:

Btw, @Simone_DF, if the 50 apo sl is as good as the 35, you have another jewel.

It is, but I prefer the 90 APO SL on the SL side of things

[Olaf_ZG]

In the end I went with the Planar, found a mint one for a good price. Why the Planar? Back in the old days the Planars did great on both the 500cm and contax g, kind of nostalgia I guess. But then, the newer crons are still significantly more expensive, especially for a third lens.

So now my lens choice will be sonnar for portraits, the lux for serious outings and the planar for every day carry.

Now, if I could find a lux pre-asph e46, I could replace both the sonnar and the lux 😇

[Pierre68]

Well I think the Summicron V5 is a good candidate for every day carry.

One cannot have too many 50mm's. I currently have 8 and they all have their own personality...

Elmar f2.8 collapsible

LLL Elcan f/2

LLL Speed Panchro 2

Zeiss Sonar f/1.5

Summicron V5

Summilux Asph

Noctilux f/1.2

Noctilux f/0.95

 

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[IkarusJohn]

8 hours ago, Pierre68 said:

Well I think the Summicron V5 is a good candidate for every day carry.

One cannot have too many 50mm's. I currently have 8 and they all have their own personality...

Elmar f2.8 collapsible

LLL Elcan f/2

LLL Speed Panchro 2

Zeiss Sonar f/1.5

Summicron V5

Summilux Asph

Noctilux f/1.2

Noctilux f/0.95

 

Personality is the driver for me too.  Coming from Nikon, Hasselblad and the SL system, I don’t find any M lens too large or too heavy.

50mm is the sweet spot for the M system (it was what the M3 was based around).  I have 4 50s, each with its own character:

• Summilux ASPH, silver chrome was my first 50. It’s a lens I would find it hard to part with.  It’s relatively compact, silky smooth in operation and has creamy bokeh.
• Noctilux 0.95, really just a faster version of the Summilux. A beast, but it is an interesting lens which performs as well as the Summilux when you use the aperture ring and get over using it wide open - it’s far from a one trick pony.
• Summitar LTM, an impulse buy.  It was cheap (by Leica standards). It’s a coated, 11 blade version from 1948, which gives it weird bokeh (like the f/1 Noctilux) if there’s a busy background. Collapsible, making it compact on a film M.  The aperture blades give nice round bokeh, and it is reasonably sharp for a lens its age.  I just dismantled it and lubricated the aperture ring.
• APO Summicron, black chrome, optically close enough to the stellar SL version as not to make much difference. This has become my most used 50.  There’s lots of comment about “clinical” APO lenses. I’m with @jonoslack.  I don’t buy this criticism.  It is remarkable across the frame, and like its 35mm sister, the out of focus treatment and roll off is beautiful - no busy, swirly, jarring bokeh to distract from the subject, and the subject doesn’t appear to float, like some digital cut and paste, but gently rolls out of focus.

I don’t know the non-APO Summicrons or the Sonnar (but they seem to be much loved).  I had the 80/2.8 Planar CFE for my 503cx, and loved it.  As I also have the 75 Summilux, I doubt I will be adding to my 50s.  What I have span 70 years, and they provide enough variety in character to make choosing which one to take difficult!

 

Edited July 15, 2023 by IkarusJohn