Leica Leica 50mm Summilux Pre-ASPH Reissue

[JayOC]

I have decided to get a Summilux-M 50 but deciding on which model has been the question. There are some good clean copies of the current and previous release including the limited edition black chrome version. But with this announcement, I am leaning towards the reissue. My thoughts on this are:

• Cheaper than current model
• Comes in silver
• I have the Version 5 of the Summicron 50. A lens with different characteristics would be good.
• Walter Mandler design with Peter Karbe adjustments and current coatings.

But what really got me seriously thinking about it was the review on Thorsten Overgaard’s website Review
The only thing holding me back is an interview I saw with Peter Karbe. In it he was pressed for his favorite lens. After much hemming and hawing, he said the Summilux-M :1.4/50 was his favorite. There are better lenses but the Summilux is his favorite. He also stated in another interview, there lenses were made to shoot wide open.

 

[BruceRH]

I have decided to get a Summilux-M 50 but deciding on which model has been the question. There are some good clean copies of the current and previous release including the limited edition black chrome version. But with this announcement, I am leaning towards the reissue. My thoughts on this are:

• Cheaper than current model
• Comes in silver
• I have the Version 5 of the Summicron 50. A lens with different characteristics would be good.
• Walter Mandler design with Peter Karbe adjustments and current coatings.

But what really got me seriously thinking about it was the review on Thorsten Overgaard’s website Review
The only thing holding me back is an interview I saw with Peter Karbe. In it he was pressed for his favorite lens. After much hemming and hawing, he said the Summilux-M :1.4/50 was his favorite. There are better lenses but the Summilux is his favorite. He also stated in another interview, there lenses were made to shoot wide open.

I am kind of interested in this reissue also. I read Milan’s review (it’s the same as on Thorsten’s site) on the Leica Forum and he seems to like it. The price is reasonable for a Leica lens and if I am patient, I should be able to find a used one sometime this year.

 

[rayvonn]

It's nice looking and renders nice as well from what I've seen but like (most?) RF owners I have too many 50s as it is so this would appear to be a want rather than a need. The MFD on this new lens is 70cm too, a positive deal breaker for many but not for me so considering that I'd be quite comfortable going for an older and cheaper V2 Summilux instead. A well maintained Leitz lens is always going to be lovely which makes it easier for me to take a pass on these reissues.

 

[BruceRH]

Yeah, I definitely don’t need anything anymore, it’s all want now 😃

 

[JayOC]

It's nice looking and renders nice as well from what I've seen but like (most?) RF owners I have too many 50s as it is so this would appear to be a want rather than a need. The MFD on this new lens is 70cm too, a positive deal breaker for many but not for me so considering that I'd be quite comfortable going for an older and cheaper V2 Summilux instead. A well maintained Leitz lens is always going to be lovely which makes it easier for me to take a pass on these reissues.

Considering that I only have the 50 Summicron, one more can’t be two many 😳. If I get the current version, I don’t have to wait. My local Leica dealer should be able to get the silver version. If not B&H has it in stock. Or I could get a used copy from KEH in like new - condition.