The Leica 50mm Summilux Pre Asph - Review by Milan Swolfs

[shanefking]

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Thank you for the thoughtful writeup and delightful photography, Milan!  I admire your elegant sensibility and eye for color.

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

[FlashAndPoof]

On 2/25/2025 at 11:05 AM, Milan_S said:

You mention some of my all time favorite lenses the 35mm Steel Rim and the F1 v1, all very wonderful also in color. I think the Reissue 50mm Summilux could compliment this because it has a dual character and it has gorgeous colors and bokeh. 

Love your write up on this 50mm Summilux classic! Any chance you’ve posted your thoughts or had a similar write up for the 35mm Steel Rim Reissue?

[Milan_S]

11 hours ago, FlashAndPoof said:

Love your write up on this 50mm Summilux classic! Any chance you’ve posted your thoughts or had a similar write up for the 35mm Steel Rim Reissue?

Thank you, I did please find the review on the Steel Rim here: https://www.overgaard.dk/Leica-35mm-Summilux-Steel-Rim-Review-and-Sample-Photos-by-Milan-Swolfs.html

[didier]

Thank you so much @Milan_S for this great review.
If you had to take either the Noctilux 1.2 or this Summilux 1.4, which one would you choose, and why ?

(I am a 50 shooter and own - among others - the APO 50, the summilux 50 ASPH, the Noctilux .95, the Elmar-M 50 - and I wonder if adding either the Noct 1.2 or this ‘lux would make sense..)

Thanks

[Milan_S]

7 hours ago, didier said:

Thank you so much @Milan_S for this great review.
If you had to take either the Noctilux 1.2 or this Summilux 1.4, which one would you choose, and why ?

(I am a 50 shooter and own - among others - the APO 50, the summilux 50 ASPH, the Noctilux .95, the Elmar-M 50 - and I wonder if adding either the Noct 1.2 or this ‘lux would make sense..)

Thanks

Avec plaisir Didier, I would recommend the 50mm Summilux Pre ASPH in that case it's a total different lens compared to the modern 50mm lenses you have right now and it offers the closer focusing compared to the F1.2. You will love the look of the Pre-ASPH which is totally different compared to the ASPH version but still is very sharp at f2.8! @didier

[CHP]

Milan, how different is the bokeh from v2 to v3? It seems to me from previous experience that the lux v3 has a smoother bokeh, that the out of focus rendering is more pleasant, less busy.