rscheffler wrote:
FWIW, my silver chrome 50 Lux ASPH v1 is 465g, without caps, on the kitchen scale. It's certainly a solid chunk of metal (brass) and glass.
Does anyone have the 50 Lux pre-ASPH MTF to compare against the reissue and ASPH?
Versions II and III share the same MTF performance. Here is the data from my Leica Pocket Book. Their performance is lower compared to the upcoming 50mm f/1.4 Lux from the "Classic Line."
Wow, extremely similar to the ASPH but with more falloff. The MTF looks nothing like the V2/V3. Shouldn’t call it a remake, its a new lens….and one that frankly looks very interesting seeing this
Yes, it certainly appears to be an entirely new lens, optically. It will be interesting to see how much it is a 'character' lens at and near wide open compared to the ASPH.
rscheffler wrote:
Yes, it certainly appears to be an entirely new lens, optically. It will be interesting to see how much it is a 'character' lens at and near wide open compared to the ASPH.
I'm imagining a new Leica 50mm f/1.4 Lux that delivers performance (resolution and contrast) similar to the latest ASPH version, but without the aspherical element. The rendering would have the character of the 50mm f/1.4 Lux pre-ASPH V2, all housed in a vintage pre-ASPH V2 barrel with classic mechanics. It would feature a 0.7m minimum focus distance and a 46mm filter thread. This new lens could appeal to those who feel the latest ASPH version is too modern or perfect (clinical) in its rendering.
stgrove wrote:
I am hoping this lens is just not TOO modern in its rendering.
Anyone looking to get one?
I wasn't going to until I saw the MTFs....looks like it won't have the low contrast and be as soft at wide apertures as my Lux V2. I will most likely be getting one
Hopefully it won’t have the design of earlier type 1’s, but I’m guessing the type 2 and 3’s all share the same Mandler design. I have a type 3 and simply love the built in hood, chromed brass and classic rendering. One of Leicas best lenses ever, imo.
Looks very much like the type 2 design except for the red dot mount grip. Pretty cool! The 1990’s type 3 go for approximately $1000 less, but this has the vintage vibe that would look great on an M3 or M2. Lot’s of chrome! Haven’t read any specs, but curious if it's the same Mandler design?
johnld wrote:
Looks very much like the type 2 design except for the red dot mount grip. Pretty cool! The 1990’s type 3 go for approximately $1000 less, but this has the vintage vibe that would look great on an M3 or M2. Lot’s of chrome! Haven’t read any specs, but curious if it's the same Mandler design?
According to Leica:
"Optical design based of the v2 50mm Summilux-M (1962-2005) with modern glass elements and lens coatings"
So, same optical design as 50/1.4 Lux Pre-Apsh (v2 and v3) but with different glass and coatings.
outside of both the V2 and new version being soft wide open, they don't look similar to me. Out of focus looks different, bokeh totally different shape. Once again, the new version looks amazing for portraits. I am going to order from Leica Miami (no tax and I get points) and will compare against my original V2
I like this concept of reissuing a classic lens at a reasonable price (for Leica), but most of the reviews are from digital cameras only. My type 3 Pre 50mm f/1.4 has beautiful softer contrast wide open with a rendering that’s has some of the nicest character of any lens I’ve ever used on my M2 with B/W film. It would be fun to try this “new” 50mm with Portra or TMax 400.
