I just read Jonathan Slack's review of the new "Leica Classic 50mm f/1.4 Summilux" and after going through the sample images, the rendering appears to resemble the current 50mm f/1.4 ASPH more than the 50mm f/1.4 Pre-ASPH (v2 and v3). It is interesting that Leica achieved this while seemingly using the same optical design as the Pre-ASPH.
The review also mentioned that Peter Karbe was involved in this new design, which results in a noticeably different MTF response compared to the vintage lens. At first, I thought the improvements might be limited to resolution and contrast, but based on the review samples, the rendering is completely different as well. This feels like a new lens wrapped in the appearance and aesthetics of the old one!
The rendering falloff has noticeably smoother transitions compared to the Pre-ASPH, and the new lens shows very little outlining, which was a defining characteristic of the earlier version. Some may appreciate the more modern look of the new lens, while others who were hoping for a faithful revival of the classic design might feel differently.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I just read Jonathan Slack's review of the new "Leica Classic 50mm f/1.4 Summilux" and after going through the sample images, the rendering appears to resemble the current 50mm f/1.4 ASPH more than the 50mm f/1.4 Pre-ASPH (v2 and v3). It is interesting that Leica achieved this while seemingly using the same optical design as the Pre-ASPH.
The review also mentioned that Peter Karbe was involved in this new design, which results in a noticeably different MTF response compared to the vintage lens. At first, I thought the improvements might be limited to resolution and contrast, but based on the review samples, the rendering is completely different as well. This feels like a new lens wrapped in the appearance and aesthetics of the old one!
The rendering falloff has noticeably smoother transitions compared to the Pre-ASPH, and the new lens shows very little outlining, which was a defining characteristic of the earlier version. Some may appreciate the more modern look of the new lens, while others who were hoping for a faithful revival of the classic design might feel differently.
From the review, the portraits look fantastic and the rendering of the image titled 'Late Summer' looks amazing. As you mentioned, optical formula may be the same but the rendering is nothing like the V2/V3.
This is going to sell very well at this price point!!!!!!!! 100% not the same rendering as the original but very intresting addition to Leica's moder offering.
I like the 12 blade aperture and the updated coatings. I also love they didn't cripple this lens with a 1m mfd- (looking at you Steel rim)
RustyRus wrote:
This is going to sell very well at this price point!!!!!!!! 100% not the same rendering as the original but very intresting addition to Leica's moder offering.
I like the 12 blade aperture and the updated coatings. I also love they didn't cripple this lens with a 1m mfd- (looking at you Steel rim)
If someone is seeking that barrel aesthetic with entirely different performance and rendering compared to the original v2 and v3 lenses, this could be a modern alternative, exactly what Leica has created. However, based on the samples I've seen, there is still noticeable axial CA, though I’m not sure if it's at the same level as the v2 and v3. This is where the latest ASPH. version would have an advantage.
However, the 50/1.4 Lux v3 "black aluminum" already has a 0.7m minimum focusing distance and a 46mm filter thread. It also offers that classic, glorious rendering from the past and is relatively affordable as a used Leica lens. Furthermore, it’s the lightest 50/1.4 Lux pre-ASPH at just 273 grams, with a built-in hood (measured).
The new lens is 417 grams without the hood. With hood add another 20-35 grams to it.
My takeaway from Jonathan's review is that it's a more characterful version of the ASPH that lacks FLE and has some focus shift. The non-ASPH design will also mean clean bokeh balls with very strong OOF specular highlights. And compared to the ASPH v1, the aperture shape/design should result in more pleasing bokeh in the f/2.8-4.5 range where the ASPH exhibits strong 'ninja star.'
Based on his photos I think Leica have done a good job of balancing modern performance against vintage character. It also seems like a really good 'daily driver' alternative to the ASPH. I am curious though how it will compare in respect to LoCA performance. This isn't always a Leica strength with non-APO lenses
Kind of wonder if Leica might now finally totally redesign the ASPH to address its weaknesses.
I personally much prefer V2/V3's bokeh rendering over the reissue... The biggest problem of the early silver chrome E43 (V2) is the 1m MFD. I was hopping the reissue retain all the rendering characters of the old lens with an improved MFD but it is not the case.
Fred Miranda wrote:
The review also mentioned that Peter Karbe was involved in this new design, which results in a noticeably different MTF response compared to the vintage lens. At first, I thought the improvements might be limited to resolution and contrast, but based on the review samples, the rendering is completely different as well. This feels like a new lens wrapped in the appearance and aesthetics of the old one!
The rendering falloff has noticeably smoother transitions compared to the Pre-ASPH, and the new lens shows very little outlining, which was a defining characteristic of the earlier version. Some may appreciate the more modern look of the new lens, while others who were hoping for a faithful revival of the classic design might feel differently. ...Show more →
Any idea how it handles lens flares? I’ve got a 50mm APO but looking into getting either a Noctilux or Summilux for pretty lens flares and bokeh for portraits and engagement/wedding photos
sander9t wrote:
I personally much prefer V2/V3's bokeh rendering over the reissue... The biggest problem of the early silver chrome E43 (V2) is the 1m MFD. I was hopping the reissue retain all the rendering characters of the old lens with an improved MFD but it is not the case.
FlashAndPoof wrote:
Any idea how it handles lens flares? I’ve got a 50mm APO but looking into getting either a Noctilux or Summilux for pretty lens flares and bokeh for portraits and engagement/wedding photos
FlashAndPoof wrote:
Any idea how it handles lens flares? I’ve got a 50mm APO but looking into getting either a Noctilux or Summilux for pretty lens flares and bokeh for portraits and engagement/wedding photos
There is actually a thread about how the 50 Lux ASPH (M version) flares, right here on FM:
Jonathan Slack's review suggests this new lens is fairly flare resistant, though there are at least a couple sample images with a lot of veiling flare. So far I have not yet experienced a Leica 50mm or longer M lens that was not susceptible to higher than normal flare (compared to current, modern lenses). Every Leica 90 I have owned was quite poor, technically, in this area, including the otherwise great 90AA.
sander9t wrote:
I personally much prefer V2/V3's bokeh rendering over the reissue... The biggest problem of the early silver chrome E43 (V2) is the 1m MFD. I was hopping the reissue retain all the rendering characters of the old lens with an improved MFD but it is not the case.
I think we need to see more images that have higher contrast OOF specular highlights. Most of Jonathan Slack's images have fairly muted backgrounds. But in the image "Here and There" you get a glimpse at higher contrast bokeh balls that show some edge definition, which I think is closer to the older Luxes. I think this new one is going to sit somewhere between the v2 originals and the ASPH.
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brick33308 wrote:
I'll be curious to see how the new lens compares to the cron 50/2 rigid (which I own and love).
The Rigid will have harder edged bokeh balls and flare more easily.
Slack’s pics are very nice. Two examples show flare - the first one I find charming, the second I feel ruined the image.
It would be nice to see how it flares with the light source in the image.
Fred Miranda wrote:
However, the 50/1.4 Lux v3 "black aluminum" already has a 0.7m minimum focusing distance and a 46mm filter thread. It also offers that classic, glorious rendering from the past and is relatively affordable as a used Leica lens. Furthermore, it’s the lightest 50/1.4 Lux pre-ASPH at just 273 grams, with a built-in hood (measured).
The new lens is 417 grams without the hood. With hood add another 20-35 grams to it.
Good point about the used v3 lenses.
Also, I have a 50 Summilux ASPH v1 and I'm not sure this is different enough in rendering plus it's heavier with a longer focus throw. I find the 50 ASPH v1 also has such a nice industrial design, it's always been one of my favorites. However, I think if I were really wanting a brand new 50 Summilux then I would buy this over the close focus version. It should be a good selling lens.
pinewood wrote:
Good point about the used v3 lenses.
Also, I have a 50 Summilux ASPH v1 and I'm not sure this is different enough in rendering plus it's heavier with a longer focus throw. I find the 50 ASPH v1 also has such a nice industrial design, it's always been one of my favorites. However, I think if I were really wanting a brand new 50 Summilux then I would buy this over the close focus version. It should be a good selling lens.
I found that version 1 has a different rendering compared to versions 2 and 3, with performance and character much closer to the Summarit 50mm f/1.5. Copy variation can play a role, but this assumes testing optimal copies of each version without haze or other issues.
417g? That's a chunky boy, but I guess you know what you're getting into with solid brass.. wish they would've added the close focus mechanism from the latest 50, but I guess that wouldn't be very "classic" of them..
Beautiful lens. I think from a kit standpoint, if you own a 35 FLE, pairing this 50 would make a lot of sense. You get some classic character in a 50. If you have a 35 reissued, having a modern 50 Lux is a better pair. 35 reissued is also crazy small, almost make the M body pocketable.
gordec wrote:
Beautiful lens. I think from a kit standpoint, if you own a 35 FLE, pairing this 50 would make a lot of sense. You get some classic character in a 50. If you have a 35 reissued, having a modern 50 Lux is a better pair. 35 reissued is also crazy small, almost make the M body pocketable.
That is one of the main reasons why I bought the 35mm SRR. I am a sucker for small M glass.
ZdevilH1 wrote:
That is one of the main reasons why I bought the 35mm SRR. I am a sucker for small M glass.
A practical sucker. 😊
Damn. After recently adding the 35 SR to pair with the APO I was looking at either the 1.2 reissue or f/1 Noctilux to pair with the 50 Lux asph. And now, this release. I’m still leaning toward the f/1, but would enjoy the thoughts of others.
