Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/10/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Oct 12, 2004, at 6:41 AM, Philippe Orlent wrote: > > Should I go for the 1st version or the last one of this beauty? > Merci, > Philippe There are four versions of the 1.4/50 Summilux: Version #1 (1959-61) CODE: SOOME/11114 chrome / 11113 black. Serial numbers range from circa 1,645,300-1,844,000 I would skip the very first version of the Lux. It was only made for about two years (1959-61) and supposedly is not very good, below 5.6. It's mostly a collectors item. Version #2 (1962-1994) CODE: 11114 Chrome - 11114 black Serial: 1,844,001-??? NEW optical formula, which was used until the arrival of the ASPH version this year. This version has a clip on hood and focuses down to 1 meter. Version #3 (1995-2004) CODE: 11868 black, 11856 chrome Serial numbers: ??? SAME optical formula as version #2, except now it focuses down to .7 meters. Newer coatings. I have one of these and it has the dreaded collapsible hood. I ended up getting a screw-in metal hood from the Contax G series. Version #4 (1.4/50 Summilux ASPH - 2004) CODE: ?? SERIAL: ?? Introduced this year (2004). The best 50 on the planet? New optical design that utilizes ASPH surfaces and a floating element for improved close-focus performance. This is the lens that people love to bash. It's been in the Leica lineup for 40 years, but still delivers the goods. I have the 3rd version and really like it. It's sharper than my Summicron DR, but at f2 not as sharp as the current 2/50 Summicron-M (in the field and corners). Puts describes it as a Summicron 2/50 version 3 opened up one stop and based on my experience shooting with it and the Crons I agree. But I also believe that absolute sharpness isn't everything. This lens is a real bokeh machine and displays a perfect balance between contrast and sharpness. It may be the apex of the old school of lens design that dictated high resolution and moderate contrast. It's superb for black and white work. Feli _______________________________________________________ feli2@earthlink.net www.elanphotos.com