Summilux 50

[rob_x2004]

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Maybe it is just that you are more likely to get the cron in focus plus shoot with more f/stop?

Interesting though. Any K64 examples?

[lct]

My 50/2 is as smooth as my late pre-asph 50/1.4 but it is a Canadian version with tab from the end of the seventies. Surprising that the current one might have become that harsh with the same optical formula. Now there are indeed differences between generations of same optical formulas like early and late pre-asph Summiluxes 50/1.4 and 35/1.4 for instance. Are there other owners of the current 50/2 here?

[thomasw_]

Maybe it is just that you are more likely to get the cron in focus plus shoot with more f/stop?

Interesting though. Any K64 examples?

 

This may be the case, Rob, and I had not thought of this. Though I think it has to do with its signature to some extent, too. Yet it is true that I do like to shoot with my Lux at more open apertures. There some shots at my smugmug.

 

LCT, Yes that may seem strange, but that is merely my view on the lens

[lct]

...that is merely my view on the lens

HCB (your avatar i guess) could have said it himself

[robsteve]

The 50mm Summilux ASPH is also known to have some focus problems on the M8 that were not noticed on film. Perhaps this lens is one that needs the focus cam adjusted and then the images will be as sharp and contrasty as the 50mm Summicron.

[tom0511]

I got my 50öux asph calibrated and its very accurate now.

I find it a very sharp lens but still with smooth bokeh and I would say smoother bokeh than the 50cron.

I am still inclined to get a 50pre lux one day but then again if I shoot the 85lux wide open I am sometimes a bit disappoimted. the 50asph works great even wide open.

Another very interesting lens is the 50/1.5 Zeiss IMO:

 

Not supersharp but sharp wide open, very sharp stopped down, interesting bokeh (but not smooth bokeh)

[rob_x2004]

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Thom I dont think you can say this isnt sharp. Wide open at close focus so most of the subject is not in focus.

The other thing with any of the Lux and other mnfrs wide stop lenses is they dial in properties to enhance an image in lower light situations. Often see comments Lux blow highlights, which is pretty simplistic appraisal but probably kinda sorta accurate. You are already seeing the effects with the highlights, highlights to shadow, and the dark to light shadow regions in the background, where a cron might have hanldled it differently regardless of f/stop. Maybe Cron is more forgiving and a better all round general workhorse. I dont own one so I cant really comment.

Call me dense but I am still learning 35LuxASPH after a year, and find it does requite a different approach, film (no m8), exposure and post processing.

This f/1.4 just because I can approach is pretty flawed, even if it is after dark you might still need to work in the f/twos threes fours, and the Lux is up for it.