Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/08/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Vick, In answer to your question, I would have to answer that it depends. If you own a 50 Summicron or the Zeiss equivalent and have no real need for F1.4 then no, it would not be reasonable to buy the lens. On the other hand, if you use a 50mm quite a bit, and you find yourself below F2 often, and you want a clean sharp image with none of the Noctilux attributes then the new Summilux is your ticket. Compared to the Noctilux it focuses closer, is very much sharper off axis, is much lighter, and displays none of the wierd oof effect that a Noctilux can occasionally display. However, the new Summilux is slightly more suceptible to vieling flare than the Noctilux. Up against the other competitors from the past, there is no real competition once you get off axis (assuming you are not looking for a unique look such as the Summarit displays wide open). I have most of the competitors(Canon, NIkon, Leica, Zeiss) from the past with the exception of the original Summilux. Until you get past 2.8 the new lens is very clearly superior in almost any context you could care about. Against current lenses, the Konica 1.2 looks a lot like the Cosina 35mm1.2. You get a clean image that appears sharp but does not have the fine to really fine details that the Summilux delivers. The new Summilux is also clearly superior to the current SLR offerings from the major players. So, again, if you use a fifty frequently and around 1.4 to 2 fairly often then the new Summilux is worth it and you should add it to your arsenal. However, if you mostly do not go below F2 then I would just consume more film; carry a couple of rolls of higher speed film and when you need to use it, rewind whatever you have in the camera and up speed the film. The current 50 Summicron is close enough to the Summilux that you will have to analyse your needs. 0.02 Don don.dory@gmail.com On 8/10/05, Vick Ko <vick.ko@sympatico.ca> wrote: > Now that the ASPH Summilux-M 50mm has been out a while, and there have > been some user opinions, I'd like to ask whether it is worth the major > expense to buy one. > > Is it turning out to be a legendary performer? > > Regards, > > Vick Ko > > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >