Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/12/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The (now delayed longer) new APO Summicron-M ASPH will be very limited hand production according to the Solms folks. It is not a replacement for the current Summicron-M at all. That one continues in the range as does the Summilux-M 50 ASPH Actually the design predates the Summilux. They never produced any before BECAUSE it is so expensive and difficult. It will cost about what the Newest Noctilux or the Summilux wides do which is to say it will be horrendously expensive. They are "statement" lenses if you like or reference lenses. If someone had the means and desire to have such a technical masterpiece then good luck to them. This is not an ostrich skin gold plated something. This one actually has I think the best (quoted) MTF characteristics that I have ever seen. Distilled essence of Peter Karbe if you like ;-) I bet they sell all that they can make to people that WANT one and can find the money. I only half fit that group myself ;-) None of these lenses have eliminated other lenses from their offerings. The alternatives are still available. What you have did not suddenly lose quality or value with the addition of new options. Just don't buy one. No you or I don't need it nor does a Magnum photographer need it. Of course you can take great photos with it or without it. However this chestnut about them keeping the company afloat is just chatter. They would be lucky to be able to produce a few hundred a year, if that. In this case they would be going broke since it looks like being up to 12 months since the first announcement before there are any for sale at all. I never understand these emotive reactions to when a new more expensive product is announced. Leica stuff costs a LOT. We all have our own reasons and priorities to use it/own it (or not!). Cheers, Geoff http://www.pbase.com/hoppyman On 3 December 2012 10:22, Richard Man <richard at richardmanphoto.com> wrote: > Mark is going to chew your arse off :-) > > This is exactly what I am talking about. I had a "last model" Summicron and > it only get replaced because I got a 50/1.4 ASPH which is better in every > way, and the price premium, in 2005, was "only" $1800. > > Now you can buy a used Summicron for $1000-$1500 or a new Summicron ASPH > for $7000+. Why would that make sense for anyone ESPECIALLY if you are an > working photojournalists etc.?! Magnum guys sell their stuff JUST fine > without this obscenity. > > Of course they will most likely go to Chinese collectors and the like. > Which is fine. It keeps the company afloat and may be eventually the 50/2 > ASPH would be about $4000 used... > > > > On Sun, Dec 2, 2012 at 4:09 PM, John McMaster <john at mcmaster.co.nz> > wrote: > > > To cover the extra R&D costs.... > > > > > > > http://www.reddotforum.com/content.php/310-Leica-APO-Summicron-M-50mm-f-2-ASPH-Deliveries-Delayed > > > > john > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Leica Users Group. > > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > > > > > > -- > // richard <http://www.richardmanphoto.com> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >