hi all

I've used a current 50 lux before and I sold it to a friend. Now the lux bug is biting real hard and I'm comptemplating a 50 lux again...

The feature I like abt our current 50 lux is its min focusing distance of 0.7m and its improved glass. But I hated its bigger size and weight.

The 2nd version is only slightly larger than a 50cron, and is the most compact 50 lux. But it becomes big when we mount its vented hood to it. Min focusing distance is 1m.

The 1st version is really classic. Its scalloped focusing ring is very nice and match M2/M3 prefectly.

any comments and experiences?

thanks in advance.

-- luxman (ericssan@yahoo.com), March 17, 2002

Answers

I chose the second version over the first for its improved optical performance. I love the looks of the chrome first version, but I felt the improved wide-open performance was more important.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), March 17, 2002.

the build in sliding hood comes really handy. a perfect lens

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), March 17, 2002.

I'm not a big fan of the sliding hood on the new model, but I am a big fan of the closer focusing distance. Because of this fact alone, the current model 'Lux is the only one I would consider.

:-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), March 17, 2002.

Luxman,

I just got my Summilux back from Sherry Krauter this week and was so excited I had to throw it on an apple box and shoot a polaroid of it. I have the first version, never thought it was deficient in any way, although later versions are slightly better performers. I've always thought this was splitting hairs when it came to making pictures. I think this was one of the lenses they got right from the get-go.

On the 1m focusing distance vs. the newer closer-focusing one, I remember reading in one of the Lustrum Press books I have about how so much of the magic in photography can happen at 1m where you're including something that either makes it special or makes it trashbin material. An interesting point. I tried to find the passage but couldn't. Essentially, it's the idea that much closer and you're into a close-up picture of something...just one school of thought.

Anyway, I too love the scalloped barrel and thinks it looks pretty good on my M5! And it's a user! Indulge me a little here...

-- Carlin (carlinm@abac.com), March 17, 2002.

Let me try that again:

-- Carlin (carlinm@abac.com), March 17, 2002.

Try this:

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), March 17, 2002.

Boy, your Summilux looks sooooo much smaller than mine. How come?

;-))))))))))))))

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), March 17, 2002.

Here we go again. My fav 50 'lux is the 50 'cron LP, LP standing for latest penultimate. (Because of the tab and because of the hood.)

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), March 17, 2002.

Thanks Jack! I've done it before but I must have missed something this time...

Yeah, it is the perfect size for the big M5, but so nice to use, great balance...

-- Carlin (carlinm@abac.com), March 17, 2002.

Luxman. The current 50/1.4 Slux with sliding hood absolutely does NOT have improved glass. The optical formula has not been changed since the second version was introduced in 1961 (though not publicized until 1965). The first version was made from 1959-1961. The 50/1.4 Slux is now the oldest optical design in an M lens still in production. All they did was to change the mount and reduce the clos focussing distance to 0.7 m (28 in.)

In the process, they also reduced the helical travel of the focussing mount, thus making the focussing slightly less accurate. Personally, I prefer the prior mount lens (made in Wetzlar) which reuires about a 180 degree twist of the barrel to go to closest focus (1 m or 40 in.). The one that takes the metal clip-on hood.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), March 17, 2002.

Hello Luxman and all. This is the the first time I've seen a chrome "Lux on a chrome M5...very pretty.

Used to own early chrome 'Lux with 2nd. version glass and sold it 'cause colour repro. was a bit flatter than the Summicron even though black and whites were nice and contrasty ..big mistake.

I'm now back to black one metre close focus version with clamp on hood.Colour is better,hood is effective against strong cross light,even though lens is flare resistant, but not as pretty as earlier lens.Personally,I don't find 0.7 m.close focus distance and pull out hood reasons to trade up.

Despite excellent reports on V'r 50mm. 1.5,I still prefer the build quality of the 'Lux, a 50mm. Leica lens which has always been made in Germany,gives fine contrast wide open, has been a favourite of Bill Pierce of "Nuts and Bolts" fame,and seems to grace any new M body when promoted by Leitz. Regards.

-- Sheridan Zantis (albada60@hotmail.com), March 18, 2002.

Luxman,

I've owned the Wetzlar black chrome version with the clamp on metal hood. And have a friend with the current model.

I like the balance of the new model and for me it is much better to handle and focus with. I found my lense had stiffer focus and the ridges of the focus ring "cut" a little into my fingers.

I also prefer the closer focus distance of the newer lense. The shorter throw of the focus ring also seemed to decrease focus time.

The advantages of my Wetzlar model? The hood is much more effective, and the lenses are usually half the price of the newer versions.

Cheers.

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.