50mm Summilux, asph or non-asph?

[Olaf_ZG]

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I have the asph v1 version, plus the sonnar, both on a monochrom.

would you sell both and get a non-asph version?

as I want to reduce the lenses for my m, I am tossing with this idea.

 

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[costa43]

I’m not sure you will get what you need from this thread as it is so subjective. A good example is that I have the opposite view to Al and prefer the fall off/rendering/bokeh of the pre-asph. I think the asph is an amazing lens but having owned both, the pre asph is my preference in every way but sharpness, which is the least important quality to me. 

Edited October 13, 2024 by costa43

[a.noctilux]

I did own and used asph. version for many years and now only non asph. version of Summilux-M 50mm.

I do understand the hype for asph. lens which is indeed unique but when I don't use it for a while, this one can happily be sold.

Each of us can choose asph. version, that's fine and can choose non asph. version, that's fine also.

Olaf,

Sorry I can not help.

Only you are the one, just try "non asph." before selling the asph. which you might regret.

Edited October 13, 2024 by a.noctilux

[Ray Vonn]

No, I'm afraid you might have to add to your collection even though that's not the aim here.

[jgeenen]

I had both and sold the non-asph. after realizing that I did not use it that often. But tbh, I am not a huge fan of "character" lenses at all.

[JoshuaR]

I recently sent off my 50 Lux ASPH v1 to a dealer, planning to return to the 50 Cron v5 or v4. But I retracted the sale after a week. The 50 Lux ASPH is just too useful to me. It's not just the rendering; it's also the combination of size, weight, focus tab, f/1.4, and total reliability and predictability in all sorts of conditions. It's just such a practical lens.

I also have the 50 Noctilux f/1.2 reissue. So that is my "character" 50, which I use for portraits most of the time. The 50 Lux ASPH is my 'out and about' 50 that I can also use for candid portraits when I want to. I use the f/1.4 mostly for mid-distance shots when I want to isolate a person.

Not sure that helps you! But I've learned my lesson and won't plan on letting go of the Lux ASPH again.

[FrozenInTime]

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Do you like what is shown here? https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318444-the-50mm-summilux-pre-asph-image-thread/

For B&W film use I like to have some outlining in the bokeh to retain more of an impression of the environment; modern lenses bokeh can be too smooth and at the same time as contrast harsh. My MS Sonnetar and CV 50/1.5 Heliar have glow and are not as sharp as the Summilux; their bokeh is often too rich; the Summilux has is a nice balance of central sharpness and smooth edge roll-off, with a enough texture in the bokeh.

I fell out with the ASPH v1 over focus stiction a few years ago, but plan to get the CF ASPH next year. Keeping the v3, as I would like to use the pre-ASPH with B&W film and the ASPH for resolution on digital.

If you can find a good pre-aspherical, you should give it a try. However the v3 E46 can be especially hard to find - it took me years. Prices are now not less than the ASPH v1 - which the market is now awash with.

 

[Olaf_ZG]

@Al Brown thanks.

[evikne]

If this was a competition in sharpness, the result shouldn't surprise anyone. 🙄

(Character, on the other hand, is another matter.)

Edited October 13, 2024 by evikne

[mokona]

Had both Lux asph and Sonnar (on a M240) that I ended up selling.

Then I got a monochrom that I paired with an 50mm APO and very happy with the combo. I eventually got another Sonnar but the APO is my go-to lens for the monochrom (because results are more predictable and the shorter minimal focus distance)  

M246 + APO

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[TheGodParticle/Hari]

14 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

I have the asph v1 version, plus the sonnar, both on a monochrom.

would you sell both and get a non-asph version?

as I want to reduce the lenses for my m, I am tossing with this idea.

 

What are you willing to live with if you get the pre ASPH v1 / v2

1m MFD

Very long focus throw 

E43 filters in the case of v2 

The way v1 and v2 render makes it well worth it 

OTOH, the asph variants have their own benefits

sharp wide open

aberrations very well corrected 

6 bit coding 

the best compromise for you could be to get a copy of the v3 

[lct]

Depends on what you need. If you need sharp results at f/1.4 you can only keep the Summilux 50/1.4 asph. If you prefer softer results there, keep the Sonnar and if you need both, keep both. Only advantage of the Summilux pre-asph would be at f/4-f/5.6 where it has not the focus shift of the Sonnar, but the Summilux asph has none either. Personally i have kept the 3 lenses but i use the Summilux pre-asph as backup for the Sonnar only so in your shoes i would not change anything.

[costa43]

A little over a 100% crop on pre asph with a 24mp sensor. It’s sharp enough for me. 

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Edited October 14, 2024 by costa43

[Biotar]

You don't need 2 Lux asph. (incl. SL) and advise you to use the e43 Mandler-SLX, especially for portraits, if you only want one lens for the Mono.

Edited October 14, 2024 by Biotar

[Olaf_ZG]

Thank you all for feedback. I have decided not to sell the sonnar nor my current lux.

 I might add a cron though…

[jja]

I'm a little late to the question and it looks like you have made a decision that you are happy with.  I used to own the pre-asph. v3, which is E46 and has a retractable hood.  I sold it and replaced it with the asph. v1.  This is a great lens, as everyone who has used one will attest, however, it does not have the special character of the previous version.  Importantly, the asph. lens is heavy and it does not balance as well as the pre-asph. v3.  When I compare the gentle transitions and creamy oof of the latter lens, I do miss it.

[Olaf_ZG]

I guess I am going to listen to @Al Brown… will keep the lux, add a cron v5, and most probably sell the sonnar. I went through a bunch of images (keepers) and often could not guess which lens it was taken with: lux or sonnar (with sharpness my least important aspect).

As the monochrom is an additional camera, I simply don’t want to have too many lenses. Maybe I shouldn’t buy even a cron. Just use the lux and that’s it.

But then, it’s heavy, so a cron is good for every day life…

[Ray Vonn]

17 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

sell the sonnar

Now now - don't be silly😀.

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[Olaf_ZG]

Two days ago with the sonnar

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[Olaf_ZG]

Yesterday with the lux

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