Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/09/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Andrew - Tom Shea is certainly right that the new ASPH is superior to the older Summilux (at least from what I read), but the old one is no slouch. I got one of the older models recently from a well known supplier of used Leica lenses, for the same price you're looking at. It was in what was probably listed as EX+ condition, but you have to have good light and know where to look to see any signs of use. The aperture tabs are indeed small, but they're right at the front of the lens and if you're using the hood your fingers just naturally stop where you should grab the tabs. It sometimes happens that I'll twist the hood while moving the aperture, but at worst this moves the cutout in the hood to block a bit of the viewfinder, which I don't find to be a big deal. If I could afford all the newer ASPH lenses I'd go for it, but for less than a new 35/1.4 ASPH I got older 35 & 50 Summiluxes (in the same great shape) plus an old 90/2 with excellent glass but lots of signs of use. I may not be at the leading edge of optics or prettiness, but I've got a very useful low light setup at a price I could (almost) afford. Best of luck whichever way you go. Cheers, Kip Babington