Anyone have the new black paint 50mm summilux or 35mm summicron. How would you compare the look and feel to the standard versions...was it worth the stiff premium they command?

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), August 31, 2001

Answers

I have both, and the credit card bill to prove it. They have a warmer, softer feel than the standard versions, and the aperture ring seems quieter and more refined to the touch. The 'lux has the pleasant feature of the scalloped focussing ring, harking back to the good 'ol days. The bright white markings seem to stand out clearer. Were they worth it? If you have a black paint body and the tactile experience matters to you, yes they are. Happily I got mine at a price that wasn't too much over the standard price, but I have no regrets.

-- Paul Hart (paulhart@dornoch.u-net.com), November 29, 2001.