Wipeout Posted Monday at 12:43 PM Share #1 Posted Monday at 12:43 PM Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I wanted to start a dedicated thread specifically for the Leica Classic Line 11714 Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4. While there are other threads they tend to become quite broad. This thread is intended to be a focused resource for those who own, are considering buying, or are simply curious about this particular version — the 11714; and not other pre-asph lenses. Let’s keep this thread specifically about the 11714 Classic Line edition, so it remains a useful reference for others searching for information on this lens in particular. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted Monday at 12:43 PM Posted Monday at 12:43 PM Hi Wipeout, Take a look here Just the Classic Line 11714 Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 Topic. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Al Brown Posted Monday at 01:10 PM Share #2 Posted Monday at 01:10 PM The question most folks are asking is certainly whether this lens is the same as the original. As per Jono: "So the optical formula of the lens is the same as that of version II/III, that is, with elements two and three separate, but elements six and seven cemented. Then Peter Karbe was called in to help. His concept was to make, in effect, two lenses, one which had the lovely gentle bokeh of the version II and III, but which, when stopped down, had more of the performance of a modern lens. This was done by using different glass and new coatings that weren’t available when the lens was first designed." https://www.macfilos.com/2025/02/20/long-term-review-the-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f-1-4-classic-line/ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted Monday at 01:30 PM Share #3 Posted Monday at 01:30 PM 16 minutes ago, Al Brown said: The question most folks are asking is certainly whether this lens is the same as the original. As per Jono: "So the optical formula of the lens is the same as that of version II/III, that is, with elements two and three separate, but elements six and seven cemented. Then Peter Karbe was called in to help. His concept was to make, in effect, two lenses, one which had the lovely gentle bokeh of the version II and III, but which, when stopped down, had more of the performance of a modern lens. This was done by using different glass and new coatings that weren’t available when the lens was first designed." https://www.macfilos.com/2025/02/20/long-term-review-the-new-leica-summilux-m-50-f-1-4-classic-line/ My experience of the lens calls that statement into dispute. The 11714 contrast, foreground and background bokeh look nothing like a v3 ( and by inference the v2 ) Summilux. The 11714 rendering is closer to the ASPH, but with poorer corners due to the lack of aspherical elements. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted Monday at 01:33 PM Share #4 Posted Monday at 01:33 PM 2 minutes ago, FrozenInTime said: My experience of the lens calls that statement into dispute. The 11714 contrast, foreground and background bokeh look nothing like a v3 ( and by inference the v2 ) Summilux. The 11714 rendering is closer to the ASPH, but with poorer corners due to the lack of aspherical elements. But the statement explains how Peter Karbe did exactly what you describe to the lens… Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted Monday at 01:34 PM Share #5 Posted Monday at 01:34 PM Just now, Al Brown said: But the statement explains how Peter Karbe did exactly what you describe to the lens… Yes, with the emphasis there Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wipeout Posted Monday at 01:36 PM Author Share #6 Posted Monday at 01:36 PM Has anyone found a better lens hood for the 11714 The original one I have keeps unclipping and falling off — it’s becoming a bit of a nuisance. A genuine replacement isn’t exactly cheap either (£193.50), so I’d love to hear if anyone has found a more secure (or affordable) alternative that works well. 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/422462-just-the-classic-line-11714-summilux-m-50-f14-topic/?do=findComment&comment=5822574'>More sharing options...
pedaes Posted Monday at 01:59 PM Share #7 Posted Monday at 01:59 PM (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 24 minutes ago, Wipeout said: Has anyone found a better lens hood for the 11714 Not sure about better, but I knew from outset this hood would be a problem as you say, and also may mark lens. I bought a 'cheap' <£10 screw in off Amazon. If you can be fussed you can make a spacer with thin thread to line up slot exactly. I just leave it loose and adjust when I am using lens. The literal 'elephant in the room' with this lens is its weight. 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 Monday at 02:02 PM by pedaes 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/422462-just-the-classic-line-11714-summilux-m-50-f14-topic/?do=findComment&comment=5822591'>More sharing options...
swatch Posted Monday at 02:12 PM Share #8 Posted Monday at 02:12 PM Non-asph v3 and v4(11714) maybe close in rendering moreover I agree to dedicate one specific thread for v4 since their feeling on hand are different (weight and focus thrown). My copy of v3 has focus shift when stop down at close focus range below 1.2 meters (not sure if v4 behaves the same or differently). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted Monday at 02:20 PM Share #9 Posted Monday at 02:20 PM 7 minutes ago, swatch said: Non-asph v3 and v4(11714) maybe close in rendering They are not ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swatch Posted Monday at 02:29 PM Share #10 Posted Monday at 02:29 PM 7 minutes ago, FrozenInTime said: They are not ! I hear you ☺️ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted Monday at 02:41 PM Share #11 Posted Monday at 02:41 PM 11 minutes ago, FrozenInTime said: They are not ! I think you have to buy this lens for what it is, not what it isn't. It has modern formula glass for the elements and modern coatings, it looks amazing, is beautifully built and has its own rendering which is very slightly different from the current Summilux ,especially wide open. 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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