Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]John >>It all depends what you want out of a 50/1.4. If it's purely the extra speed, the Nokton is great for the money. If absolute sharpness is your main criterion, the Nokton is a nose ahead. If smooth gradation and great-looking bokeh is your bag then I'd definitely go for the lux.<< I've never put much stock in the bokeh thing until recently. I had a chance to compare photographs from my newly acquired 35/1.4 ASPH M and my '70s vintage 50/1.4 M. There was definately a difference in the images, especially in the out of focus areas. After purchasing the 35/1.4 ASPH, I was going to sell the 50 Lux. But after seeing the differences in the two lenses, I've reconsidered. I'm guessing the difference is similar to a Nokton vs Summilux. I like using the newer lens for color and the older lens for b/w. I've pretty much soldered the 50 'lux on my M3. (Not literally, but I won't be changing lenses.) The viewfinder on the M3 with a 50 attached is just about as good as it gets. The M3 was made for the 50, and in many ways I much prefer it to my M6. OTOH, I really miss internal metering. My M3 is a very early model. It has old style shutter speeds. It was converted to SS, which I much prefer over DS. It has a glass backplate, but I've never had any problems with static streaks. I wonder if that was more of an issue with films of the '50s. My M3 lacks a preview lever. No matter, as I said I'll probably never put anything but the 50 'lux on it from here on out. That leads me to another point. I can't remember ever using the preview lever on my M6. It makes me wonder how important PV really is. Anyone out there find PV essential. Fortunately, I've got a ton of old PanF in the fridge. That'll allow me to shoot at max aperture more often. Not much latitude in PanF. I may look longer and harder at a new Cosina hot shoe meter. Dave