Summilux 50 pre-asph v3 : LTM vs M-Mount

[didier]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Dear all,

I am considering adding another 50 to my existing samples..

Can anyone tell me if there a difference in results between the Summilux 50 pre-asph v3 in M-Mount vs the LTM version ?

I am considering the LTM version I could get for the same price as a M-Mount one, as it would allow me to shoot it with my IIIg. This would be a nice to have, but not a must, and would not do it if - compared to the M mount version - there is a loss in IQ or any other drawback when used on a M.

Thanks for your input

Didier 

 

 

 

 

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[yorda@]

I think the only difference will be the 1m mfd on the ltm version.

[lct]

No need to butcher the flange of the lens for 6-bit coding, suffice to do it on the LTM to M adapter or to use a special adapter for that.

[graphlex]

No loss on an M but awesome on the iiig

Edited January 16 by graphlex

[farnz]

A friend of mine had the 50/1.4 Summilux pre-asph III in LTM that was made in small numbers for the Japanese market in the year 2000 (I think).  He used it with his IIIf and also with a bona fide Leica LTM to M adaptor on his M240 and found that the focus was minutely off when he used it on the M240. 

He sent it with the adaptor to Leica Solms to sort out the problem and it came back focussing perfectly but in the notes he was told that the tolerances of the Leica LTM to M adaptor weren't tight enough for that lens on a digital body and they expected that calibration would be needed again depending how tightly the adaptor was screwed onto the lens.  For unconnected reasons he sold the lens not very long afterwards so we never found out whether what Solms said came true.

I have had the 50/1.4 Summilux pre-asph III in M-mount for many years and it has been a superb lens, particularly for portraits of ladies of a certain age where it's not as razor-sharp as its asph cousin and kindly doesn't show every pore, wrinkle, bump, and tiny blemish.

Personally, if I had the choice between the LTM and M-mount versions I would (and did) go for the M-mount.  I hope this helps in some way.

Pete.