A few weeks ago, I posted a lens design that was taken in error for a Summilux 50/1.4 Asph. It was not, but it got me wondering what lens it was from. I came across this article by Jack Takahashi with a side by side of the (2004) Lux 50/1.4 v1 with the (2012) APO-Summicron Asph 50/2:
Jack points out they are similar in overall layout despite the different times of release. They share the same overall configuration of 8/5 (three doublets) and, critically, the fourth element being aspherical.
It appears DZO used the basic shared template of these two famous Leica 50s, then heavily modified the rear of the lens design, and used the front six elements (four groups) as their FLE 'floating group' - the exact opposite of what Karbe had done. Repurposing designs was very common before the explosion of CAD, and everyone used Zeiss designs as well.
DZO were able to engineer internal focusing in the Simera 50mm using this method. And of course they produced their very different glass formulae. DZO were paying homage to the overall Leica 50mm configuration here, 2004-2012. Some report the lens balances on the camera better, due to the internal focusing.
Andrew Brestansky does a sterling job of comparing the Simera 50mm with the Summilux 50mm v1 here. It's hard to say where character ends and aberration load begins. One thing the Simera has is terrific bokeh ball control, 'lemons' are mostly ovalized with very even inners. This one has a sound comparison of mid-distance by aperture at 7:40. (the usual ignorant comments follow).
mjc wrote:
In real life, which looks better the black or silver version?
Anyone have preferences for one over the other?
I have a unique "reverse Panda" color scheme for my M11. All my other lenses are black. So I decided to try a silver version of the Simera to complete the Panda look. I looks wonderful, and i am pleased with it. I still generally prefer black lenses however.
I don't know how the black finish holds up, but my silver Simera already shows some minor scuff marks after only a few weeks of use. None of my black lenses show any marks even after years of use. I don't know if this is a property of silver lenses or just the Simera.
Many thanks, 1bwana1. That is good to know.
Years ago, I had a silver VM 50mm 1.5 on a black Leica, and I liked it. That held up.
I have a black M9-P so might keep it simple this time.
Initial impressions compared to my first copy:
-smoother focus action with less play in the focus ring when changing directions.
-almost imperceptible 0.7m detent on this copy. Turning from infinity to MFD I can not feel any resistance. Turning from MFD to infinity I can feel a slight click but it does not stop the focus ring from turning with light pressure.
I think this makes it easier to focus around 0.7m compared to the sudden jump with stronger detents.
Will test the lens more to see if the front focusing issue persists when focusing from the infinity direction.
On further testing, slight front focus at around 0.7m wide open, but acceptable as focus point is just within acceptable depth of field.
Another observation is that there is some light leak from the upper left and upper right areas of the m mount.
You can test this by putting the lens cover on and activating live view.
spendychucky wrote:
...Another observation is that there is some light leak from the upper left and upper right areas of the m mount.
You can test this by putting the lens cover on and activating live view.
Wouldn't that be more likely a light leak from the lens cover itself? Does it go away if you put tape around the mount?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Is anyone who owns a 50 Lux selling their 50 Lux and getting this Simera 50/1.4 instead?
I don't see why you would unless you wanted to use it in harsh conditions that could damage your lux or you were strapped for cash and needed the funds for some ladies of the night and reality altering substances.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Is anyone who owns a 50 Lux selling their 50 Lux and getting this Simera 50/1.4 instead?
Not owning the Lux ... but, it might keep me from buying the Lux, and diverting funds to something else. More likely (for me), it'll be perceived as a (longer) upgrade to my 40 Cron-C, rather than a replacement for the Lux. I probably wouldn't spend for the Lux as an adjunct to my 40 Cron (50/40 is kinda close for a lot of $$$ spend). The Simera (or Eureka) with my 40, maybe.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Is anyone who owns a 50 Lux selling their 50 Lux and getting this Simera 50/1.4 instead?
No. If I start using my M system more again I might get the Simera as a backup to the Lux. I mean, I already have it (Lux) and don't feel a need to liquidate and reallocate funds elsewhere. I still think the Lux has better on-axis micro sharpness and LoCA performance. And likely better ergonomics (though have not tried the Simera). While the Simera might flare less, when it does, I haven't liked the examples I've seen. Closer MFD also isn't that big a draw for me. Selling Leica glass also seems to lead to regrets, at least for me. I know you haven't had that hang up.
But if I didn't already have the Lux, or I was just diving in to the whole Leica M experience, yeah, very high probability I'd get the Simera 50. Same with the Simera 28. When I was in this position back in 2010 I started with Zeiss ZM and some Voigtlander but still ended up with mostly Leica glass. But things have certainly changed since then. Whether I'd still end up trying the Lux and scratching that itch, is less certain.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Is anyone who owns a 50 Lux selling their 50 Lux and getting this Simera 50/1.4 instead?
I've been wanting the 50 APO....without spending a fortune having the Simera will allow me to sell the Lux and get the APO while retaining 95% of the Lux. I wouldn't sell the Lux and use the Simera unless I needed funds
Their future lies with mirrorless cameras, in particular Sony and Nikon - lots of unmet demand. I saw a three month old video review of the 50/1.4 which said the lens in the other mounts will be coming soon.
Hopefully it will be the next thing they do, to keep the cross-mount ranges intact for 28-35-50 and set the stage for the 75mm.
That one will certainly be more usable on the EVF cameras, and will be more svelte than the CV 75/1.5 lenses in those mounts. It already is in Simera-C guise: 450g vs 515-530g (CNS of the 75/1.5). I expect see it as sub-400g upon release in its stills version, which will balance well on the lighter MILC bodies.
They list the unreleased Simera-C 21mm T1.5 at 491g, within its larger casing and gearing, and 16-blade diaphragm. CV's 21/1.4 in the same mount (E) is 560 grams. Same design complexity (13/11) same filter size (62mm).
I got an open box used copy from b&h, I wonder if I received yours as all these complaints seem spot on including the front focusing.
spendychucky wrote:
Received my second copy of the simera50 from B&H.
Initial impressions compared to my first copy:
-smoother focus action with less play in the focus ring when changing directions.
-almost imperceptible 0.7m detent on this copy. Turning from infinity to MFD I can not feel any resistance. Turning from MFD to infinity I can feel a slight click but it does not stop the focus ring from turning with light pressure.
I think this makes it easier to focus around 0.7m compared to the sudden jump with stronger detents.
Will test the lens more to see if the front focusing issue persists when focusing from the infinity direction....Show more →
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Is anyone who owns a 50 Lux selling their 50 Lux and getting this Simera 50/1.4 instead?
I don't own a 50mm Lux. But I do have a 50mm Summicron v5. Currently I am not planning on selling it because I now have the Simera 50mm. But I have thought of doing so because I like the rendering of the Simera so much, and the Cron has no focus tab. I wish Leica would keep the ergonomics the same between all the focal lengths.
rscheffler wrote:
No. If I start using my M system more again I might get the Simera as a backup to the Lux. I mean, I already have it (Lux) and don't feel a need to liquidate and reallocate funds elsewhere. I still think the Lux has better on-axis micro sharpness and LoCA performance. And likely better ergonomics (though have not tried the Simera). While the Simera might flare less, when it does, I haven't liked the examples I've seen. Closer MFD also isn't that big a draw for me. Selling Leica glass also seems to lead to regrets, at least for me. I know you haven't had that hang up.
But if I didn't already have the Lux, or I was just diving in to the whole Leica M experience, yeah, very high probability I'd get the Simera 50. Same with the Simera 28. When I was in this position back in 2010 I started with Zeiss ZM and some Voigtlander but still ended up with mostly Leica glass. But things have certainly changed since then. Whether I'd still end up trying the Lux and scratching that itch, is less certain....Show more →
Not entirely true Rich! I never think about selling my 35 Lux pre-asph or Noct 50/1, though I do miss my 80 Lux often.
I like the 35 FLE and 50 Lux, but not at their price points
I have never landed on a 35 or 50 that has a modern draw, is small, fast, and works across Sony and Leica’s (and film would be a bonus).
With those criteria for 35mm, that would be a CV 35/1.7 I think. For 50mm, oddly enough probably the Syoptic 50/1.1.
