chris_tribble Posted December 31, 2023 Share #1 Posted December 31, 2023 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Well - the Q2 has gone to Ffordes, along with my venerable M-50 Lux Asp which I must have had since about 2008, and they've funded the purchase of the new close-focus 50 Lux. I won't be attempting a review here (see @jonoslack's excellent review for this at https://www.slack.co.uk/leica_50_2023.html). However, I thought it might be useful for others to give a couple of comments The lens is beautifully made and handles as you'd expect - detent stops are positive and focus (with the tab) is positive and smooth. The detent for close-focus is as it should be, and the black chrome looks like it will wear well. And I like the new hood! I'm really enjoying using the lens and having the option of closer focus. It's not as great a magnification as the Q2's macro mode (1:3.8 vs 1:6.4) , but it will do the job for me and doesn't feel like a sacrifice (though I strongly recommend using the Visoflex-2 as I find it hard to focus / keep things steady using the rear screen) Colour, bokeh, sharpness all feel as expected. Predictable is good 😊 A few snaps from a local walk today below. I hope they give an idea of performance. I'm very pleased with the results. I'd be interested to hear of the experiences of others. 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! 100% crop Edited December 31, 2023 by chris_tribble 10 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 100% crop ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=4968395'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 31, 2023 Posted December 31, 2023 Hi chris_tribble, Take a look here New Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH close-focus. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jonoslack Posted January 1, 2024 Share #2 Posted January 1, 2024 Hi There Chris I finally cracked and bought one too - I have the silver chrome one and I'm really enjoying it as well. All the best 2 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrM Posted January 2, 2024 Share #3 Posted January 2, 2024 (edited) Hi Chris, I swapped my 50/1.4 ASPH I for the II last Friday. Although I only had a quick try, I completely agree with you. Smooth, compact, like your fav wine, nice and meeting your expectations. The shorter MFD is great, and the main reason for me to upgrade. I sold my noct 0.95 and 35/1.4 FLE/I as well and complemented the new 50lux with the 35APO. I noticed that my M is becoming more versatile and I enjoy the new possibilities. Happy new year, and happy shooting, Marc 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! M11, ISO6400,SOOC, Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH II @ 1.4, 1/90s,~0.45m Edited January 2, 2024 by DrM 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! M11, ISO6400,SOOC, Summilux-M 1:1.4/50 ASPH II @ 1.4, 1/90s,~0.45m ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=4969999'>More sharing options...
MaticB Posted January 2, 2024 Share #4 Posted January 2, 2024 3 minutes ago, DrM said: complemented the new 50lux with the 35APO. I noticed that my M is becoming more versatile and I enjoy the new possibilities. The same here! Happy new year! Matic 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted January 2, 2024 Author Share #5 Posted January 2, 2024 Ah. Would that I had a noctilux or two to sell! The 35 M-APO is the most serious temptation I face at the moment…. Heigh ho 🙂 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrM Posted January 2, 2024 Share #6 Posted January 2, 2024 2 hours ago, chris_tribble said: Ah. Would that I had a noctilux or two to sell! The 35 M-APO is the most serious temptation I face at the moment…. Heigh ho 🙂 365 new days of temptation left this year.. ps.: it is 🤩 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
microview Posted January 2, 2024 Share #7 Posted January 2, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) Chris: nice to see you posting here (have followed you over the years0. This lens is definitely on my wish list! Best for 2024 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
didier Posted January 2, 2024 Share #8 Posted January 2, 2024 Hi all, I own 2 ‘lux 50 asph : the regular one I bought 15+ years ago and was recently serviced in Wetzlar. It is in the best condition and it was my go-to-everywhere for a very long time, on my M7 and later on my M(240), only replaced as my best companion with the Apo-Summicron 50. And a Black Chrome version I received as a Birthday Present last year, which is beautiful, but does not handle IMHO as well as the normal design (heavier and much larger with the hood), but I find this Lens to render better (a bit more sharpness, and a more precise focusing), and is a Joy to use. Sample variation probably ? May I ask what interest one can have to replace the regular ‘lux asph V1 with the new one, apart from close focusing (I’m not really interested in the close-focusing capabilities) ? Didier Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrM Posted January 2, 2024 Share #9 Posted January 2, 2024 Hi Didier, There are a couple of change in the design. For me personally it is the MFD, but for others the 11vs9 aperture blades with a smoother bokeh, or the new hood design might be more attractive. I had the former version for years and enjoyed it. If you feel the difference are not bringing you anything why change. Best Marc 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillCB Posted January 3, 2024 Share #10 Posted January 3, 2024 I was an early adopter of the new close-focus Summilux and have found it a joy to use. For close-ups I usually set the lens to the closest focus and move myself til the image is sharp on the screen (or the V2). Here's a recent example at 0.45 metres, slightly cropped. In a dark forest, 1/250th sec, F11, ISO 3200 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! 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=4971033'>More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted January 3, 2024 Author Share #11 Posted January 3, 2024 It was the close focus that attracted me. I really liked the facility on the Q2 but never felt at home with the 28mm lens, and never enjoyed the overall experience which felt a bit “fly by wire”. While the 50 lux II isn’t near macro, combining the 50mm fl with the 45cm close focus isn’t bad, and with the EVF2 in my pocket I have a great degree of flexibility AND the image quality of the slightly improved Version II. 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strmbrg Posted April 10, 2024 Share #12 Posted April 10, 2024 (edited) I also have the new version. Found an old ELPRO 3 for a reasonable price, to use with it, for some close-ups on small animals. These specific animals are especially well suited for slow manual focusing. 😆 Not at all as close as it gets by the way. Approximately this combination gets to 1:4, by a simple test with a shot on a ruler. I suppose that the optical performance allows doubling that magnification by post-cropping, with reasonable image quality left. And by the same time, not so problematic depth of field. This photo was taken with aperture 4,8 by the way. 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 10, 2024 by Strmbrg 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=5179727'>More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted April 19, 2024 Author Share #13 Posted April 19, 2024 Some additional thoughts on this lens. 1. I find the electronic VF2 to be essential when working close focus. Trying to frame and focus with the rear screen just doesn't do it! 2. I continue to take pleasure in the additional flexibility and quality the lens offers. Further examples below: 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! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=5198478'>More sharing options...
Strmbrg Posted April 21, 2024 Share #14 Posted April 21, 2024 On 4/19/2024 at 11:06 AM, chris_tribble said: Some additional thoughts on this lens. 1. I find the electronic VF2 to be essential when working close focus. Trying to frame and focus with the rear screen just doesn't do it! 2. I continue to take pleasure in the additional flexibility and quality the lens offers. Further examples below: So you use the older VF2. I have some thoughts of getting the 020, but the one you use is maybe good enough for the purpose of focusing for close-ups. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strmbrg Posted April 21, 2024 Share #15 Posted April 21, 2024 Regarding the hood on this lens: It is very short. Maybe just about one cm. Is it because the lens itself is very flare-resistant, and therefore it is of no meaning to have a longer hood? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted April 21, 2024 Author Share #16 Posted April 21, 2024 4 hours ago, Strmbrg said: Regarding the hood on this lens: It is very short. Maybe just about one cm. Is it because the lens itself is very flare-resistant, and therefore it is of no meaning to have a longer hood? Hi - I can't comment on this objectively - but my experience has been that flare hasn't been an issue thus far. I've looked back over the archive and nothing leaps out as a problem. Hope this helps. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strmbrg Posted April 21, 2024 Share #17 Posted April 21, 2024 Taken with the headlined lens and an old ELPRO 3. I'm satisfied with the results. 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/386573-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f14-asph-close-focus/?do=findComment&comment=5204305'>More sharing options...
Jan1985 Posted April 21, 2024 Share #18 Posted April 21, 2024 Who loves this lens? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted April 21, 2024 Author Share #19 Posted April 21, 2024 55 minutes ago, Strmbrg said: Taken with the headlined lens and an old ELPRO 3. I'm satisfied with the results. That's interesting. I'm thinking of getting the Elpro 3 if I can find a good version. What step-up ring do you use? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strmbrg Posted April 21, 2024 Share #20 Posted April 21, 2024 (edited) 1 hour ago, chris_tribble said: That's interesting. I'm thinking of getting the Elpro 3 if I can find a good version. What step-up ring do you use? Hm, Kenko. It was quite hard to find a 46-55 in stock here in Sweden. (Not at all the first time no one has what I'm searching for...) Obviously odd but one single shop (Gothenburg) had it in stock. Maybe not the best quality (aluminium) but I screw it (loosely) in the brass-B+W UV-filter, that sits in place all the time. Edited April 21, 2024 by Strmbrg Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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