Buying the 50 Summilux ASPH - Which one?

[stevem7]

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I am replacing my 50 summicron with a summilux ASPH as I once owned the Summilux ASPH and it was AMAZING. The cron is great but I want 1.4. I noticed there are two versions out right now. (yes, I am buying new - USA) - I can get the normal 50 or the LHSA edition for $50 more. Has anyone used the lHSA version? If so, how is the handling compared to the standard summilux? I would imagine its worth the extra 50 as there have only been 125 of these made (black laquer) but I also liked the feel of the normal 50 summilux. Not sure which to get, and i plan on making the purchase on Monday.

 

if anyone has used both, let me know how they compare (handling wise)

 

Thanks

Steve

[abrewer]

I think Ray Harms has the LHSA, and sold the regular 50LuxASPH to get it. If he doesn't chime in here, you might consider PM'ing him.

 

Thanks.

 

Allan

[lambroving]

If you like the focusing tabs on your current wides, stick with the standard lens. The locking hood is also a plus for me. When extended, it does not block much of the 50mm frame on a .72. I still have a 1972 50/1.4 and never enjoyed the separate hood. On the retro version, it is virtually identical. You decide...

[MP3]

Hi Steve

 

I've been using the LHSA 50 ASPH Lux since last X'mas. For the LHSA version, you may choose silver or black paint, but no black chrome. The lens is gorgeously made with a more compact feel than the 50 ASPH Lux currently available, due to the retro 43mm thread. With it excellent flare resistance, I never use a hood, the RF view is excellent on 0.72. It's just a top normal lens.

 

The only concern of some members here is the lack of focusing tab (a good feature indeed), but from my experience, the handling of the scallop focusing ring is also excellent. I think just take some time and it will grow on it. You'll surely enjoy it.

 

Best

Matthew

[stevem7]

Thanks for the info guys..now to decide.

[SteveYork]

I suspect there is a weight difference, with the chrome or black paint retro model being heavier. And I suspect if you shop around a bit you'll be able to find the normal model for mre then $50 less then the special edition. And at least with the normal ones I've heard about, and the one I own, it's a very stiff focusing lens. The same is probably true for the retro version. So it's not going to be a situation where one finger on the lense tab will be able to focus the thing. I have one other stiff focusing Leica lens and it's a current 90mm Elmarit. I mention this because the 90mm lens doesn't have a focusing tab. And with the stiff focusing lenses -- which is a real drag compared to the silky smooth 35mm lens I have -- I prefer the fousing tab. It give you something to grab onto.

 

But with Leica stuff get the one you want, on an emotionally level; get the one that turns you on. They both have outstanding optics.

[lambroving]

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True, some of the 50/1.4 ASPH normal versions are stiffer than they ought to be. Leica can adjust this. While it is stiffer than a 35, I can still focus mine with one finger, no problem. If the tension were less, it would be difficult to focus a lens with such a shallow DOF accurately.

 

If you get a normal version which is stiff and does not foucus smoothly, exchange it. Leica is familiar with the issue. Some of the 75/2's have the same issue.

[wizard]

Steve, if the LHSA is only 50 USD more, go get it, as the future resale value (although you will probably never want to sell it ) will likely be higher. The list price of the LHSA is considerably higher, here in Europe it is 350 Euro more, which translates into roughly 500 USD price difference between the two versions. So you can apparently get a good deal.

 

I for one have opted for the LHSA version (I do not yet own it because I am having a hard time in still finding a chrome LHSA lens), because I do not particularly like the tabs. I liked them when they still had the infinity lock feature, but since that's gone, I prefer focussing with two fingers on the barrel, and a tab actually interferes with doing so. Also, while the locking hood on the normal version initially looks like a good thing to have, it it is not able to offer a lot of flare protection, as it does not stick out far enough. In that regard you are better off with the separate hood of the LHSA lens.

 

No matter how you decide, enjoy your new lens!

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[harmsr]

Steve,

 

This is truly a personal choice for you. I had the black standard Lux ASPH with focusing tab, which I sold for my chrome MP3 set.

 

Their are advantages and disadvantages.

 

I like the focusing of the LHSA lens better. I am not a big fan of the focusing tabs.

 

I do not like the 43 mm filter. My 35 Lux ASPH is 46 like the standard Lux ASPH, which allowed carry of only one filter set. The 43 does not allow use of the swing out polarizer, while the 46 does.

 

I am not a big fan of removable hoods like on the LHSA 50 or my 35 Lux ASPH, but have gotten used to it and think they are actually more effective when truly needed vs. the slide out hood. That being said, the 50 Lux ASPH in either configuration does so well that a hood is not always needed.

 

In summary, I like my LHSA 50 better than the standard lens but really wish it was 46 mm.

 

Best,

 

Ray

[rvincent]

Steve,

 

You can't go wrong with either one. They both have the same beautiful glass.

 

I have been very happy with the standard version that I bought from Ray. I like tab focusing because I can feel the approx. focal length in my hand without having to look at the camera. I also like the integrated hood. The lens is more compact than my tabbed Summicron with external hood attached.

 

f1.4 is magic with this lens. As to which version, it depends on whether you prefer blondes or brunettes

 

- Robert

[wilfredo]

Steve,

 

I bet you are feeling good about the purchase, which ever way you go. Eventually I'd like to purchase a 50mm Summilux ASPH to replace my 50mm Hexanon which is a very good lens at a fraction of the cost. Happy shooting with your new lens.

 

Wilfredo+

Benitez-Rivera Photography

[leicapfile]

Steve (and Ray),

 

Leitz made (and they show up from time to time on that auction site), an identical polarizer to their E39 version. It works fine, just bigger to accommodate E43 size.

 

I have version 2 of the old 'Lux, and I prefer the focus arrangement of the old style v. to the tab.

 

Your only problem will be securing Leitz E-43 filters of any kind on that auction site. It took over three years to get the UVa, and the basic black and white set of B, Or, G, R and light and dark Ys.

 

At 64, doubt the new ASPH version in new or retro form will make me a better shooter so I'll pass for now. If that lottery came in however, I'd go for the retro ASPH version, particularly if the premium is only 50 bucks as you noted. If nothing else, I suspect my heirs would be happier regarding what they could probably cash it out for.

 

Best,

 

Jerry

[harmsr]

Jerome,

 

I was able to acquire a very good set of 43 mm Leica filters (UVA, Green, Yellow, and Orange) from EBay and did know about the polarizer which they used to make.

 

That polarizer is the one with numbers that you adjust off of the lens and then remember the number to realign it when on the lens. I don't like that type.

 

I have the new universal Leica polarizer which mounts to the lens with a screw in filter adaptor then pivots out in front of the VF to set the polarizer and pivots back in front of the lens once set. Unfortunately, Leica does not offer an adaptor ring for this in 43mm.

 

Best,

 

Ray

[leicapfile]

Ray,

 

The polarizer you're looking for in E43 is Leitz part number 13351(W).

 

Just like the E39 version,but scaled up. The bigger one is out there, just not as common as the small one which I think was part number 13352.

 

Works fine, and like all their old stuff, is wonderfully made. In particular the hood portion in the old black crackle finish.

 

Hope you can find one.

 

Best,

 

Jerry

[harmsr]

Jerome,

 

Thanks for the heads up. I was confused on the older polarizers. I am now looking for the Leica 13351. Keep your fingers crossed that I can eventually find one.

 

Best,

 

Ray

[jamriman]

After seeing a few black paint pre 50 luxs for sale, I've been looking around for an ASPH LHSA BP Ver. So far no luck. I figure I could at least sell my regular 50 lux ASPH to put funds towards it. If anyone knows where one is please shoot me a PM. Thanks!!