Summilux 50mm ASPH - The non Leica option


paisatge

New Member
So, what is the non Leica option for a Summilux f1.4 50mm ASPH?
Is the VG f1.1 better than the Hexanon f1.2 Limited?

Sharpness, Contrast, Colour ? :think:
 

There is no better no best.. but depends on what works for you.

Some prefer sharp, some wants character, some want something compact, some is determined by price.

I can't say for the Hexanon and it isn't a fair comparison. They are bother priced differently (if price is a factor for consideration) but the VG1.1 is a value for money lens. Its modern, affordable and produces sharp pictures.

Another you might want to consider is the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm F1.5.
 

There is no better no best.. but depends on what works for you.

Some prefer sharp, some wants character, some want something compact, some is determined by price.

I can't say for the Hexanon and it isn't a fair comparison. They are bother priced differently (if price is a factor for consideration) but the VG1.1 is a value for money lens. Its modern, affordable and produces sharp pictures.

Another you might want to consider is the Carl Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm F1.5.

Thanks tan131. I did left out the details. Yes, I'm looking for a sharpy, contrasty and saturated colour look. And I'll be using it with a M8 (ie with UV/IR filter).

I've tried the Hexanon briefly but I'm wondering if the VG would be better since it's more modern.
 

Nokton 40mm f1.4 is sharp and contrasty. As for Hex, it is modern. Lens technology does not change overnight like computer. ASPH is a more recent development. But Hex has buttery beyond belief creamy OOF. Try it to believe. ;)
 

Thanks everyone.

From what I've gathered on the internet, the Zeiss is soft wide open. So, I should probably stay away.
 

i love my VC 50 1.5 best after compare with my old cron 50 DR and 50mm cron v4, sharp at wide open and creamy bokeh, not to forgot the ASPH makes color good as i'm full time color neg and slide shooter :)
 

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Honestly, Summicron 50mm (tyle 4 or 5, current) is the sharpest I have seen. The amount of micro details resolved by this lens is astonishing.
 

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I'm leaning towards a Hexanon now. It's cheaper than a new Summicron, and of course, it's f1.2. And the VC f1.1 doesn't look appealing....

Before I take it home, what's the signature of the Hexanon f1.2? I mean is it famous for a certain characteristics like sharp, smooth bokeh, etc.?....well, besides being limited?
It's difficult to find much info about it on the internet...
 

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

I'm leaning towards a Hexanon now. It's cheaper than a new Summicron, and of course, it's f1.2. And the VC f1.1 doesn't look appealing....

Before I take it home, what's the signature of the Hexanon f1.2? I mean is it famous for a certain characteristics like sharp, smooth bokeh, etc.?....well, besides being limited?
It's difficult to find much info about it on the internet...

Your sure the Hexanon is cheaper than a new Summicron??

Anyway, what do you mean by famous for certain characteristics? You should see more pictures taken by the Hexanon and understand its signature before you take the plunge.

But do bear in mind, the Hexanon 50 F1.2 aint going to come cheap ;) unless you have some "special" offers.
 

Your sure the Hexanon is cheaper than a new Summicron??

Anyway, what do you mean by famous for certain characteristics? You should see more pictures taken by the Hexanon and understand its signature before you take the plunge.

But do bear in mind, the Hexanon 50 F1.2 aint going to come cheap ;) unless you have some "special" offers.

Yes, for the shop I went to. A new Summicron costs 1600€ and the Hexanon (used) 1400€. Of course it would be even more cheaper if I don't have to pay the 18% VAT.
I've decided to give the Hexanon a try. I figure it should be quite easy to sell it if I don't like it.

Thanks again for the help.
 

In Erwin Puts old website, there were several comparisons and he mentioned that the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 is almost as good as the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4. The only other 50mm than came close was a non M mount Canon 50mm lens. Unfortunately, that particular review seems to have been taken off his site when it was revamped. Perhaps you can find some older references that other users have quoted off that particular article.

If you like sharp, contrasty and saturated images, you might like to know that using f/1.2 lenses can be fairly challenging for the sharp portion, especially on film cameras. Worse if your choice of camera body has a short base length (e.g. Leica CL, Minolta CLE). Some Leica users have mentioned that Konica lenses don't focus well on the Leica M bodies. Similarly, Konica Hexar RF users have also mentioned that some Leica M lenses does not not focus well on the Konica bodies. It's been pretty well discussed on several internet sites. Something you might want to take note of. Others have no problems at all..

If you are coming back to Singapore soon, you might want to pick up the lenses here instead since you have an 18% savings on the VAT alone.

Cheers,
 

Yes, for the shop I went to. A new Summicron costs 1600€ and the Hexanon (used) 1400€. Of course it would be even more cheaper if I don't have to pay the 18% VAT.
I've decided to give the Hexanon a try. I figure it should be quite easy to sell it if I don't like it.

Thanks again for the help.



If you are refering to the Hex 50mm f2, then yes, it is cheaper. But if you are refering to the Hex Limited 50mm f1.2 but it will cost more than a summilux. It has the smoothest oof I have seen. But you have been warned, this lens is soft wide open, perfect for portrait. I like it but most people wouldnt. Seeing your tone of manner, I suppose you are looking for a sharp lens when wide open. Then stay away from the Hex if you are.
 

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If you want something sharp & contrasty, then Lux50mmf1.4Asph it is!
Yes, Voigtlander 50mmf1.5LTM is very good also.
 

If you are refering to the Hex 50mm f2, then yes, it is cheaper. But if you are refering to the Hex Limited 50mm f1.2 but it will cost more than a summilux. It has the smoothest oof I have seen. But you have been warned, this lens is soft wide open, perfect for portrait. I like it but most people wouldnt. Seeing your tone of manner, I suppose you are looking for a sharp lens when wide open. Then stay away from the Hex if you are.

I've decided to give it a try ...after all it's f1.2....so maybe I can compromise a bit on the sharpness. Yes, it's a f1.2 and yes, it's cheaper than a brand new summicron, let alone summilux.

Thanks for the input
 

If you want something sharp & contrasty, then Lux50mmf1.4Asph it is!
Yes, Voigtlander 50mmf1.5LTM is very good also.

Ok! Only that pocket not deep enough for a summilux.....:embrass:
 

I've decided to give it a try ...after all it's f1.2....so maybe I can compromise a bit on the sharpness. Yes, it's a f1.2 and yes, it's cheaper than a brand new summicron, let alone summilux.

Thanks for the input


good luck man. it is a great lens. I had 3 of them at one time. Im sure you will enjoy it.
 

A Millennium Nikkor on an Amedeo adapter is also an option worth considering :)

 

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