[Leica] Comparing new 50s, or 1 meter focusing.

[Frank Farmer]

Warning: this topic may’ve already been beaten to death, so my apologies in advance if that’s the case. 

I’ve toyed with the idea of replacing my long-serving 50mm Summicron (version III) for some time, and recently, I had a chance to visit the Leica Store in Washington, DC (what a treat) to mount up the current offerings. I’ve always loved the idea and look of the Noctilux, and that was really what I was there to see. I figured if I was going to buy another Leica 50, I may as well purchase one that grabs more light, right? However, what I quickly found is that I think I’m going to be flummoxed by the 1 meter minimum focusing distance. 

If I remember correctly, my version III was the first 50 to focus to .7 meter (that may be totally wrong, but I had that tucked away in my head, anyway). I have to admit, though, that I’m quite accustomed to using it at that less-than-a-meter range. Are my Noctilux dreams dashed? Do any older Noctilux lenses focus more closely? Should I just crop? Have I just saved myself a pile of money?

I get it, this is really a subjective question, and Noctilux aside, I will say that I loved the look of the new ‘cron in the very, very limited time I had to play with it in the store. 

Decisions, decisions. 

Frank F. Farmer
Jackson, Mississippi