Re: [Leica] Talk to me about 50 Summicron vs. 50 Summilux

[Lucien <lucien@ubi.edu>]

Dr.Richard Clompus wrote:

> As much as I respect Leica for manufacturing specific lens shades for many
> of its lenses, I greatly appreciate the sliding lens hoods on many of its
> newer lens designs.  They made be a "shade" less efficient, but they are
> always there when you need them.  I tend to lose stuff, put things down and
> forget about them or otherwise end up losing a shot looking in a camera bag
> for the lens shade.  I must admit that the built in shades for some of the
> moderate wide angle lenses may not be optimal, but a less optimal shade that
> is always present is always better than a great shade left in the car or in
> the bottom of a camera bag.  Sometimes (gasp!!!) I don't even use a shade or
> filter on my Leica lenses most of the time.  I guess I like the risk of
> going out and taking pictures without protection.  Its not the best way to
> run your life but it works for me.

Richard,

A matter of taste.

I like the fact that because the separate lens hood offer a
better protection, I can put my 50/2 or 50/1,4 without lens
cap in the bag.
The lens cap on the sliding hood version of the 50/2 is one
of it's main defect.
It disappear as soon as you use it.

Two other advantages of the 1979/94 version of the M-50/2:
- - the focusing tab on the focusing ring.
- - the fact that it accept the former  slip-on M polarizing
filter (13352) that you can use without slower screwing
adapter rings. 
That great filter work also on all the 35/2 (Asph or not),
on both the 90/2,8 Tele-Elmarit and on the the 135/4 until 1992.
Another excellent design which was replaced by a less
efficient (slower and bulkier) version (13356).
Thanks to the the sliding hood (50mm) and to the new filter
sizes (46 and 49mm) (90/2,8 & 135mm).
:-/

Lucien