RE: [Leica] Nikkor 50/1.4 LTM

["Wilfred von Dauster" <vondauster@earthlink.net>]

Hi Folks,

In response to Peter's question, I owned one of these gems about 10 years
ago, also in fine condition. It is an excellent performer, though with
different color balance (much warmer) than most of my Leica lenses. Filters
were also a pain to find. As far as comparing it to the Summilux, the
current Summilux 50 should easily outperform the Nikon in almost every area.
I did find the Nikon to be head and shoulders above the Summarit, Leica's
first 50mm f1.5 - less flare, better resolution, microcontrast, etc. Were I
shooting mostly BW, I would not worry about upgrading from the Nikon lens.

Will von Dauster

> -----Original Message-----
>
> LUGgites:
>
> I'm still doing my evaluation of whether/how much to upgrade my outfit
> of IIIf and screw mount lenses.  What the general opinion regarding the
> 1950s Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 LTM is compared to the Leica lenses.  I've got
> one in very nice shape, perfect glass.  I know it's a quite a bit better
> than my old Summitar 50/2 was in the "f/4 and wider" category.
>
> Somebody in a camera store told me that actually the Nikkor is almost as
> good as a Summilux 50/1.4 [...ducking any incoming projectiles], and
> Erwin Puts says good things about the old 50 'Lux.
>
> Has anyone here compared the Nikkor 50/1.4 to any of the pre-aspheric 50
> lenses?  Am I going to be happy with this lens if I end up getting a 35
> Summicron, or am I going to lust after a 50 Summicron, too?  I have no
> intention of getting rid of the Nikkor, as it ought to be good for
> available light even if I have a Summicron.