New LTM Summilux

[tmickan]

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I am in search of a fast lens. I have a Summicron-M 50mm but find it flares easily and the extra stop will be handy. I plan to keep the 'cron but wish to add either a Summilux pre Asph or a Nokton 1.5/50mm. The Asph 50 'lux is just too much for me atm.

 

I have been offered a new 'lux 50mm Ltd edition LTM for US$1 650 and a new in box never opened 'lux for US$1 850. I like the look of the pre-asph Lux but these ltd editions focus down to 1m as opposed to the last of the pre m mounts at .7m. This is holding me back at the moment as well as the fact that these LTM's sold slow. I also have read that it was the 'crons that sold slow and the 'lux's were the first to go. Now I plan on using this lens so is this a good buy (is it likely to retain its value or should something like this be kept in the box) or am I better to go for a late m mount 'lux?

 

The other option I have is an Asph 35mm 'lux for $3 000. It is only six months old and in mint condition.

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[aesop]

...if you can afford the ASPH, go for it. No brainer. However, if affordability is an issue and you insist on the extra stop, then the pre-asph should be very attractive. Sounds like you have both LTM and M-mount covered - cool.

 

I am a bit surprised to hear about flare in the Summicron - which version were you referring to? I ask because I use both lenses (ASPH and current Summicron) and shoot quite comfortably into light with them.

[enboe]

Another thought -

 

I have read here that certain batches of the current Summicron 50 used a glossier paint on some of the interior surfaces, resulting in a source of flare. If that is the lens you have, it may be refurbished to the less-glossy painting on the interior baffles and rings.

 

Eric

[tmickan]

Thanks for the feedback guys. My example flares easily, even inside on occasion!

[luigi bertolotti]

A Summicron that flares easily is something a little strange... better you follow the above advice and have a ggod verification on it. If you want anyway a 1,4 and are worried about flare, maybe the Summilux pre asph can be not the best choice... even if the LTM ltd. edition you quote is an interesting item to have. Of course, if you can afford the price of the Lux Asph, surely don't go wrong... otherwise, a very interesting alternative could be also the Nokton 35 1,2... you get a super luminous optics, and is a lens we have always read many appreciations about.

[jc_braconi]

The other option I have is an Asph 35mm 'lux for $3 000. It is only six months old and in mint condition.

 

That's way to go.

[tmickan]

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I will keep the 'cron but that extra stop is important for the work I do (weddings). I can't really afford either ASPH models without selling off a couple of lenses, my wife just doesn't get it.

 

i am leaning towards a Nokton for nw: a lens which I don't think I can go too wrong with. I just wasn't aware that the LTM 'lux was still available. Is that a particularly good price for one? If it is exceptional value, I might just go that way, but I don't think it is something that I need to have. More a want really.