What is your choice between the Leica Summicron-M 50/2 or Summilux-M 50/1.4 lenses and why if the cost the lens is not a factor? Thanks.

-- Kenny Chiu (amchiu@worldnet.att.net), May 11, 2000

Answers

Unfortunately, it depends on your subject. As far as resolution, the summicron is superior, by a slight margin at f2 and f2.8, to the summilux. After f4 you would need to magnify over 22x to notice. Of course, if you need to shoot indoors with no flash, the summilux is faster and renders out of focus areas (bokeh) beautifully. I believe the out of focus rendition of the summilux is finer than that of the summicron.

-- pedro lastra (plastra@bellsouth.net), May 18, 2000.

A Leitz guy 20 years ago told me that the Summicron was the better lens, as far as sharpness and contrast at f/5.6 went. Photodo.com bears him out.

However, in the real world, you'll never see the difference, it's very subtle, and hand holding erases it anyway. That extra stop makes all the difference sometimes, and I favor the Summilux, despite the extra bulk and intrusion into the bottom right of the finder's field. They're both exquisite lenses. You'll be happy with either, and never really know if you made the right choice.

-- Tom Bryant (tbryant@wizard.net), May 18, 2000.

I just settled an Summicron-M 50/2 lens. The build-in lens hood is very handy and compact (in my camera bag) but a little bit thin. The front lens element is very closed to lens cover and a good UV filter is almost required to protect the lens being scratched. The focusing ring rotates with smooth(then I found my 90 Summicron-M is bit too tight) and easy feeling. I do not need the focusing tab but still it is good to have. It looks very good on my .85 M6 (possible the best. Almost 'full frame' for an eye glasses user like me). Only a bit blocked in the lower right corner when the build-in lens hood extended. Thank you for your information to help me selecting this lens.

-- Kenny Chiu (amchiu@worldnet.att.net), June 14, 2000.