50mm summilux f1.4 or Nokton f1.1

[sweat100]

Hi, I would like to ask the experts here who have played with a couple of 50mm lenses. I am planning to another 50mm for my camera, I am currently in some kind of dilemma. Currently I have the summicron ver.1 5cm LTM. I hope to get another faster lens to compliment the existing lens I have. I list my thoughts down, maybe someone can share some experiences?

Why the Summilux (v2 E43 or E46)

• Better quality bokeh compared to Nokton
• Longer focus throw (E43) compared to Nokton results in more accurate focusing
• The "feel" rendered by the lens
• Smaller and discrete compared to Nokton
• Less VF blockage

Why NOT the Summilux

• There maybe overlap in terms of "feel" and bokeh rendered by the lens and my current summicron V1. since both are old optical designs. Thus it may render one of my lens less used since both give similar images.

Why the Nokton f1.1

• Modern optical design. I can have 2 types of "feel". If I want sharp and contrasty pictures, I use the Nokton. If I want the soft and dreamy feel, I use the summicron.
• Abit brighther than Summilux
• Cheaper than Summilux

Why NOT the Nokton f1.1

• Bokeh quality may not be that good esp when stopped down. (I cant really tell the difference unless I examine the picture carefully, but that is what I read on the net)
• Short focus throw esp for longer distance (5m to infinity range). Will this hamper the ability to focus correctly at longer distance?
• Large in size, not discrete
• Viewfinder blocking, I have not attach one with a M camera. Maybe someone can tell me how much VF blockage with M3?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Yapper]

on a M3 it blocks almost 1/4

no problem with focusing though

 

[raytoei]

Hmmm...at 3k usd for the Summilux, I would think you could have the

* Nokton 1.1 + (<1k) for moden lens
* Canon 0.95 + (<1K) for absolutely fastest speed available
* Special Customed CZJ 50mm lens (<$1k) for photographing beautiful people

 

[third3rdwheel]

Not an expert, just want to say I think you are going to get different answers from different people.:bsmilie:

 

[gommy]

Not an expert, just want to say I think you are going to get different answers from different people.:bsmilie:

Agree.
You really can't go wrong with a Lux for its build & rendition.
& of course, it's the L brand, otherwise you may always feel that there's something missing!:bsmilie:

 

[baboonish]

Agree.
You really can't go wrong with a Lux for its build & rendition.
& of course, it's the L brand, otherwise you may always feel that there's something missing!:bsmilie:

Poison!

 

[zag]

thot the magic with Leica is in the lens..nothing else! no?

 

[sweat100]

Seems that Summilux is the way to go. Any CV users wish to speak up? :think:
I think the L poison is really strong in this forum. :bsmilie:

 

[sweat100]

Hmmm...at 3k usd for the Summilux, I would think you could have the

* Nokton 1.1 + (<1k) for moden lens
* Canon 0.95 + (<1K) for absolutely fastest speed available
* Special Customed CZJ 50mm lens (<$1k) for photographing beautiful people

I think at most can get the Nokton and the Canon 0.95. But now the 0.95 price is going high too!

 

[roundg]

I sold my Nokton and keep summilux V2. I am very happy with my decision.

Nokton is a great lens in optics, but cheap in build.

 

[hookonclassic]

If I have to choose only one to go with my RF...

I will choose the 50mm Summilux f1.4 because:

- the smaller size and built, simply looks great with the Leica M that you will always like to carry for general shoot
- the built-in hood (E46) for ease and convenient
- available in CHROME :lovegrin:

So how many 50's do you need?

 

[joshlty]

if speed is not the issue, you might want to consider the small and reliable Hexanon-M 50mm f2.0....
otherwise , the 50 lux is my cup of poison.

 

[gommy]

If I have to choose only one to go with my RF...

So how many 50's do you need?

Not enough! :bsmilie:

 

[hookonclassic]

Not enough! :bsmilie:

Paiseh...photo update service cannot keep up with the rate of acquisiition...:devil:

 

[sweat100]

If I have to choose only one to go with my RF...

I will choose the 50mm Summilux f1.4 because:

- the smaller size and built, simply looks great with the Leica M that you will always like to carry for general shoot
- the built-in hood (E46) for ease and convenient
- available in CHROME :lovegrin:

So how many 50's do you need?

For me I think about 2 is enough. The 2 should complement each other at different situations in terms of character, speed and other factors. Hope that I dont get into a gear acquiring syndrome. Later will have the case of "Lens, No enough". Haha... :sweat:

 

[gommy]

For me I think about 2 is enough. The 2 should complement each other at different situations in terms of character, speed and other factors. Hope that I dont get into a gear acquiring syndrome. Later will have the case of "Lens, No enough". Haha... :sweat:

If only 2 for you, then one must be a Japanese RF. I recommend a Fujinon50mmf2. :bsmilie::bigeyes:

 

[ZoomP]

If only 2 for you, then one must be a Japanese RF. I recommend a Fujinon50mmf2. :bsmilie::bigeyes:

:bsmilie::think:

 

[hookonclassic]

For me I think about 2 is enough. The 2 should complement each other at different situations in terms of character, speed and other factors. Hope that I dont get into a gear acquiring syndrome. Later will have the case of "Lens, No enough". Haha... :sweat:

This is where all the fun started....:devil:...lenses..not enough....muahahaha....must try this...must try that....German lens...Japanese lens...Russian lens...latest most advanced lens...old vintage lens...the Saga continues....may the force be with u....Muahaha

 

[ttmmfast]

Guess this is what hobbists like to do.
My 2 cents worth (I am new to RF and not a Leica user):
If you can afford a Summilux 50mm what is stopping you from also buying the VM 50mm 1.1? If don't like either or both put it out here for sale and lose a couple of hundreds?
If lighting conditions needs 1.1, your rangefinder bright enough? Or are you going to put ND filters on good lighting to get the shallow DOF?
I think RF shooters the main concern is compactness of our gear. So to me the VM 1.1 is out of the question.
It also seems that there are many reference to "legendary" lenses aka hard to find without overpaying... let them be legends, you have one just enjoy using it.
I do not own a 50mm yet but I am considering the new (yes made in Japan) 50mm 1.5ZM that is opt for 1.5 and can be bought at $1,500 or so. Heard not easy to focus at 1.5, hell shoot a few "focus bracket" if the shot is impt; 0 cost if you have a M9. If not impt then why bother.
Personally, if I can afford , I will buy them all, use them then sell off those I do not like after maybe 3 rolls each. Some things you just will not pick up again and end up taking up real estate.

 

[eamesboy]

Japanese LTM Canon 50mm f1.4.

or Summarit f1.5

LTM Canon 50mm f1.2 (Ektar 100 nite shoot)

,,,