Summilux 50mm ASPH LHSA special edition silver... keep or sell and get a black summilux ASPH E46?

[Anne Palmer]

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Hello all

First time posting here! I got this lens barely used in France in 2007 or 2008 I think in box from a reputable camera store. I used it then on an M8 and now use it on my M10M and have loved the results with both cameras. If I am careful I can get to focus where I want wide open or stopped down with the rangefinder more often than not... I had a bit of a pause with my photography for a few years and now I am back to it and wonder why I ever stopped! (I am also pretty involved with horses and those tend to be quite time and money consuming!!!).

I dropped the lens at a Leica store to finally get it coded and the person who helped me was really intrigued with it. When I purchased it I was just looking for a summilux ASPH and this what I found while in France at that time. I would have preferred a regular black version (always have black bodies) and had not realized it was a special edition till recently. At the time I paid pretty much the same as for a regular version of the lens used. Now I am really toying with the idea of selling it and getting the E46 Summilux ASPH in black. I do not like the clip on vented hood on the LHSA version (it s the same as the black Chrome) and I would appreciate the lighter weight of the black lens. Am I crazy to want to do this? for those with experience with a couple versions of the summilux ASPH, are they any differences in the rendering of the lenses? I do love the results I have had with my LHSA version. any issues with focusing accuracy on the E46 ASPH?

[Guest]

A nice problem to have. Why not just sell the LHSA silver chrome version if you prefer the black anodised one? The rendering of the original black anodised 50mm Summilux-M ASPH lens is the same. However, the lens has just been updated by Leica and now comes with improved close focus ability to 0.45m (which may or may not be useful for your purposes; you need to use live view or an electronic viewfinder to make use of this ability, you can't use the rangefinder below 0.70m). I am not sure whether the new version renders differently, but I assume it does not. 

If you decide to sell your LHSA lens, you might consider sending it to a reputable auction house (especially if it is in great condition and comes with its original box). This is a collector's item in high demand. I assume you have seen the prices the lens currently sells for. 

Personally, I very much like the heft of the silver chrome lenses and would never sell the LHSA version. I also happen to like chrome lenses on black cameras and scalloped focus rings. In fact, I was looking for one for a long time, but they meanwhile have become too expensive for me. The LHSA lens also may serve as a good investment, further price increases are likely.

[dugby]

9 hours ago, Anne Palmer said:

Hello all

First time posting here! I got this lens barely used in France in 2007 or 2008 I think in box from a reputable camera store. I used it then on an M8 and now use it on my M10M and have loved the results with both cameras. If I am careful I can get to focus where I want wide open or stopped down with the rangefinder more often than not... I had a bit of a pause with my photography for a few years and now I am back to it and wonder why I ever stopped! (I am also pretty involved with horses and those tend to be quite time and money consuming!!!).

I dropped the lens at a Leica store to finally get it coded and the person who helped me was really intrigued with it. When I purchased it I was just looking for a summilux ASPH and this what I found while in France at that time. I would have preferred a regular black version (always have black bodies) and had not realized it was a special edition till recently. At the time I paid pretty much the same as for a regular version of the lens used. Now I am really toying with the idea of selling it and getting the E46 Summilux ASPH in black. I do not like the clip on vented hood on the LHSA version (it s the same as the black Chrome) and I would appreciate the lighter weight of the black lens. Am I crazy to want to do this? for those with experience with a couple versions of the summilux ASPH, are they any differences in the rendering of the lenses? I do love the results I have had with my LHSA version. any issues with focusing accuracy on the E46 ASPH?

I too, own and occasionally use one of these 11628  LHSA Summilux-M ASPH 50mm (6bit coded) with LHSA Certificate.  Despite being heavier because of the solid brass it's images are as expected, pure magic.  Ebay prices are huge, so I won't be parting with mine for quite some time.

 

Fortunately I also have the lower cost 50 APO-Summicron-M which is my daily M10-R lens which produces my best images.

 

Occasionally I use my 35FLE if I need wide or go traveling. I also have a Zeiss ZM 50mm Planar (great low cost value ), which may I suggest could be a tangible buddy to your LHSA 50.  Please do not sell the LHSA, instead opt to add the light weight Planar when you want to go light-weight.

 

 

 

 

[RexGig0]

Welcome to the forum!  🙂

LHSA editions can be investments, with a good return, so, do not sell it casually, or cheaply. 

Edited June 28, 2023 by RexGig0

[pedaes]

Welcome to the Forum.

I don't think you know how lucky you were! One for sale here https://www.schouten-select.com/index.php/products/leica/leica-50mm-f1-4-summilux-m-lhsa-special-edition-silver.html

[jakontil]

Dont sell a leica glass… especially a special edition ones.. not to mention an LHSA

[Photoworks]

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I am sure few people would be interested in you Summilux.

There is a New Summilux-M 50 in black and silver and it is lighter. I have replaced my Summilux-M 50 Chrome for the weight too.

The new one comes with a nice hood and close focus, and Leica says it is now a high-resolution lens. There is a bit of improvement in the corners at wider apertures. Lastly, the star effect has been reduced but using 11 blades.

In my opinion, the look has not changed much, but it is nice to come closer sometimes.

[Anne Palmer]

Thank you all for your answers and recommendations… won’t sell my lens right away, if I do, since I left the box in France and will first bring it back at the end of the summer before deciding anything. I do love the results I have had with this glass from day one. I had it with me on a pretty memorable trip to Eastern Tibet (now Chinese Qinghai province) in 2008 and the M8 and pretty much used it exclusively with incredible results… I have to dig those files out. It s been my most used lens ever since… but recently developed autoimmune arthritic disease that makes me need to lighten the kit even a bit more and I tend to not use lots of lenses so what is the point of owning it if it sits in a drawer… I was insanely lucky to find this gem in France at the price I got it for… 

cheers

[Kiwimac]

FWIW

 

I think the penultimate non close focus 50 Summilux is the best looking lens made for an M yet. 

[dugby]

Hi Anne , so sorry to read of your autoimmune arthritic disease.

As you mention looking to "lighten the kit" not sure if you are aware that the Leica Summicron-C 40mm is considered as Leica's smallest/lightest M lens in the wide-to-normal focal distance range.

Hope your treatment plan works out.