Has anyone used both the 1959-61 version of the 50 Lux and the current version such that they can comment on the differences in image quality between them, if any? Thanks, Allan.

-- Allan Blair (awb1314@attbi.com), April 01, 2002

Answers

I've used both lenses but never in side-by-side shooting of the same subjects in the same light. I'm not a big fan of either. The v.2 like the v.2 only focus to 1m. I have heard others say the v.1 is lower contrast at the wider apertures and more flare-prone. That would not be surprising as it is characteristic of generational changes in Leica lenses. The latest version is the same optical design but focuses to 0.7m. Therefore if the design wasn't made for 0.7m in the first place I would suspect it would benefit from some stopping down at that distance.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 01, 2002.

Jay what about second design from 1970 and newest .70 cm focusing, is there any diference in image, and flare supresion?

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), April 01, 2002.

I have the later version, and it's perhaps my favorite M lens. I find it sharp wide open, albeit with a bit of field curvature, and at f/5.6 it's downright superb. It's also one of the smallest 50 f/1.4s, which makes it easily portable, and it's reversable, slotted hood is elegant. See my photography page for more info.

-- Tom Bryant (boffin@gis.net), April 02, 2002.