stgrove wrote:
No confirmation on color of V1 reissue, yet ASAIK.
If what I read is correct, the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Lux (v1) had the shortest production run in Leica history. It shares the same optical formula (7 elements in 5 groups) as the Leica 50mm f/1.5 Summarit, but with possible improvements in coating and perhaps a different type of glass (lanthanum) in one of the elements. Anecdotally, it is said that the Summilux handles veiling flare better than the Summarit but has more controlled glow. For those looking for more character, the Summarit could be a better option.
I believe Leica mainly produced the 50/1.4 Lux v1 in silver chrome (brass), although they offered special order black paint as well.
It would be great if Leica revived it in black paint, although that usually implies a brass construction, which Leica is currently avoiding.
The classic Summilux 50mm 1.4 reissue is coming, but it isn't the version 1's optical design. The new lens' optics will be based on version 2's design with slight improvement for better performance (the MTF graphs are between the original Mandler-designed version 2/3 and the ASPH version), and the barrel design will be similar to the original version 1 and early silver chrome version 2, that is, a hefty 417g chrome brass body. The filter thread will be e46 and MFD will be 0.7m.
NodNova wrote:
The classic Summilux 50mm 1.4 reissue is coming, but it isn't the version 1's optical design. The new lens' optics will be based on version 2's design with slight improvement for better performance (the MTF graphs are between the original Mandler-designed version 2/3 and the ASPH version), and the barrel design will be similar to the original version 1 and early silver chrome version 2, that is, a hefty 417g chrome brass body. The filter thread will be e46 and MFD will be 0.7m.
I have a V2 absolutely mint with perfect focus. I love that lens, the rendering is so unique. Portraits on a monochrome are to die for. One of the classic Leica lenses without substitute in my opinion. I know the V3 is supposed to be so similar if not exact optics as the V2, but I had 2 V3s and they were slightly different in my opinion, enough for this novice to notice.
That being said, if I could get V2 with a 0.7 mfd and 46mm filter….it would be tempting. 417g brass lens would be the negative. May be beautiful, but my aluminum lens is light
It looks like it’s happening. The newly reissued Leica lens will be the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux V2 (pre-ASPH).
As mentioned above, here are the specs:
New Lens in the Leica Classic line.
Based on optical calculation of the Leica Summilux-M 50 Version II. (which is the same as the III)
Unique bokeh and soft rendering at open aperture, highest sharpeness when stopped down.
Made of brass with chrome-plated surface finish.
Close focus distance 0.7m.
46mm filter thread (E46).
Made in Germany.
NodNova wrote:
The classic Summilux 50mm 1.4 reissue is coming, but it isn't the version 1's optical design. The new lens' optics will be based on version 2's design with slight improvement for better performance (the MTF graphs are between the original Mandler-designed version 2/3 and the ASPH version), and the barrel design will be similar to the original version 1 and early silver chrome version 2, that is, a hefty 417g chrome brass body. The filter thread will be e46 and MFD will be 0.7m.
The brass construction is nice, but the weight seems to be the biggest downside of the new reissue. Compared to the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux V3 in black, which is just 275 grams, the new version adds a hefty 142 grams!
A little concerned about the weight as well… it’s up right there with the 28 Lux (440g), 50 Noctilux (405g). BTW, the release is quite imminent. Like this coming week. The images and PowerPoint slides that you see on LeicaRumors are given to dealers. Anyways, maybe check with your local dealer if you’re interested.
Instead of focusing on improving resolution as @NodNova mentioned above, it would be great if Leica made a slight tweak to reduce axial CA, which is quite noticeable in this optical design. I have the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-ASPH V3, and that’s my only complaint about it.
It seems the field curvature on the original pre-asph design is now greatly mitigated. Fred Miranda wrote:
Instead of focusing on improving resolution as @NodNova@@@@@ mentioned above, it would be great if Leica made a slight tweak to reduce axial CA, which is quite noticeable in this optical design. I have the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux pre-ASPH V3, and that’s my only complaint about it.
It seems the field curvature on the original pre-asph design is now greatly mitigated.
Thanks for posting the MTF. It doesn’t look like the v2/v3 at all. I had to double-check my Leica Pocket book for this! It's as if Leica designed an entirely new lens!
As you mentioned before, it's more akin to the Leica 50/1.4 ASPH (with noticeably more astigmatism) but without any aspherical elements.
FrozenInTime wrote:
Have a look at the MTF curves for the Zeiss ZM 50mm C-Sonnar.
Very similar to this new re-edition Summikux.
Aside from the conversion of tangential and sagittal lines (astigmatism), it looks like Leica has managed to bring the performance of this new Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 pre-ASPH lens close to their 50/1.4 ASPH.
Either way, according to the MTF graph posted here, it looks like a new lens with its own characteristics, housed in an older vintage body.
Here is the MFD for the 50/1.4 Lux ASPH for comparison:
