Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: 50mm Leica M Lenses

We've saved the most storied focal length for last. Wrapping up our multi-part in-depth look at Leica M lenses, this episode is completely dedicated to 50mm focal length M lenses. We've amassed a comprehensive collection from over 66 years of Leica 50mm M legacy. From the numerous generations of standard Summicrons all the way to modern marvels like the 50mm APO-Summicron and exotic Noctiluxes, we'll discuss all the available Leica M lens options in 50mm focal length.

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Timestamps
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0:00 – Intro
5:58 – What’s going to make me choose a 50mm over another focal length?
10:10 – What should I consider first if I want to start a 50mm collection?
15:43 – Please get into a deep discussion of the 50mm Noctilux and the current 50mm Summilux
21:45 – Comparisons between 50mm Noctilux and 50mm APO-M
24:30 – Even though the Summilux 50mm was designed in the early 2000s, how does it manage in the digital era?
31:33 – The 50mm APO-M is a summicron and not a summillux. Why is it so expensive?
35:00 – Can you talk about 50mm Summicron v2?
37:40 – I’m on the cusp of buying my first 50mm lens and leaning towards the 50mm Summicron v5. How big of a problem is the lens flare on it?
43:40 – From your testing, does the 50mm Summilux-M ASPH have APO like performance?
45:25 – 50mm Summicron-M APO “Red anodized”
47:22 – 50mm Summicron-M v5 “Safari Edition”
47:45 – 50mm Summicron-M v5 “Jahre Edition"
48:10 – 50mm APO Summicron-M silver chrome “LHSA Edition"
48:40 – Leica M10-P “White Edition" with 50mm Summilux-M
51:10 – In your opinion, what is the best 50mm M lens to couple with the SL2?
57:35 – What is a CLA?
59:22 – 50mm APO or 28mm Summilux for M10 Monochrom?
1:01:15 – Comments on quality improvement from 50mm f/1 Noctilux to f/0.95 Noctilux
1:08:15 – Can you explain the differences between the 50mm Summilux black chrome and black?
1:12:30 – Is the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux optimal for digital sensors even though it was designed in 2008?
1:13:45 – Is it advisable to use UV filters on Noctilux and Summilux lenses? Does it affect performance?
1:17:40 – Which filter do you consider essential to use on the 50mm Noctilux-M?
1:25:07 – Silver chrome brass rear M cap
1:29:20 – 50mm Summicron Dual Range
1:32:15 – Any advice on street photography with a 50mm lens?
1:33:50 – Which of those lenses are made in Canada?
1:35:35 – Is there a push on cap for the 50mm Summilux f/1.4 ASPH?
1:36:16 – Can you address minimum focusing distance among 50mm M lenses?
1:38:35 – Collapsible 50mm lenses
1:45:15 – Why do none of the 50mm M lenses stop down to f/22?
1:48:40 – Which 50mm M lens would you use for astrophotography?
1:50:25 – Could you purchase a silver hood and cap for the Summilux 50mm ASPH?
1:58:30 – Is it easier to shoot the 50mm Summilux f/1.4 on an M with a Visoflex or SL with M-adapter-L?
2:04:04 – Any thoughts on the Tri-Elmar M lens?
2:05:10 – Favorite 50mm M lens?
2:08:30 – Differences between 50mm Summicron v3 and v4?
2:12:40 – 50mm Summilux-M v3 Pre ASPH “Black Paint”
2:14:00 – Leica 50mm Summarit f/1.5

[ernstfrohlich]

Herzlichen Dank! Ich bin sofort eingeschlafen.

[DarrenLoveland]

These videos are incredibly helpful and enjoyable to watch. I originally discovered them from the M11 talk and then noticed the video about 50mm lenses, right as I was researching 50mm lenses. I've been photographing with a pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux-M from the 1960's for awhile and wanted to find something more suitable for landscape and interior photography with edge to edge sharpness at the 50mm length. Based on your videos, I went with the Summarit-M 2.4, it's exactly what I was looking for and probably would have overlooked it in favor of a Summicron v4 or v5. Since then I've made a few different lens purchasing decisions that I probably would not have made otherwise, based on your dicussions and I could not be happier. Keep up the great work!

[joecunningham_mpls]

At one point in the discussion it was stated that the perfect team of normal lenses was the noct .95 plus the apo and that put quite a smile on my face. Those are the 50s I chose. I'm not rich, but a couple years ago a hefty lawsuit went my way and I went from shooting an obsolete Sony bridge camera (F-717) to shooting the M10 with 10 Leica lenses spanning the focal length range. It took 2 years to get that silly look off my face, and right about when the ohmygod factor wore off, my M10 Monochrom arrived from Miami. If I keep repeating "it's just a camera" long enough, my photos might eventually look as amazing as the ones I used to shoot with the battered old Sony.

[tamilhoward]

Enjoyed the live broadcast! 50s are like potato chips, you can’t have just one. Glad I snagged a Summarit 50 f2.4 silver chrome like new at a discount. I was surprised to learn its the second sharpest 50 but I always learn something from you guys. Some years ago I purchased an M3 from Ken Hansen and it came with a dual range 50 and goggles. I also have a 50 Summilux. I have a couple of other focal lengths but there is something about 50

[Sams]

Dave, Josh and Jose.. You guys have come a long, long way since the first episode I watched... Really loved the discussion, and thanks for taking my questions, I am now saving for the Noctilux 50 (version 2 of course) 😂

[paullefko]

With regards to the 2.8 elmarit; it’s a very low element lens which means a very different esthetic. I kinda think the discussion veered from this lens because it’s not expensive, fast or with exotic glass.

This lens does produce incredible images; it’s super small and light weight. And since it’s a 2..8 it’s much easier to focus. Unless there is a strong compelling reason to go faster than f2 of a cron; this lens is fantastic. You can really do wonders with this lens on an L mount body with a helicoid adapter and now you have close focus as well. For about 600 dollars you can find this lens and it outperforms visually so many modern autofocus optics.

[rexgigout]

Enjoyable presentation, thanks. “Liked, ” when I first viewed it, some time ago. The Summilux-M 50mm ASPH was the lens that lured me into adding the Leica M system, almost five years ago, and remains my favorite. I have, since, added two earlier versions of 50mm Summicron, and a collapsible Elmar-M 50mm. Each has its place, and its use cases. (Each was acquired pre-owned, in wonderful condition, for a reasonable price.)

[nohaybandaninguna]

Your streams are an absolute delight. Really looking forward to your show in two weeks 👍

[iphoie]

APO FTW!! My favorite lens of all time!

[davidmatthewknoblephotogra]

I love the black chrome lenses, I had no idea Leica could adjust my Summilux 50 ASPH black chrome lens hood to screw on so I can use filters! So excited because I love the black chrome series... Thanks as always for such great information!

[heresiarh]

I'd like an episode on cars, lenses, and watches, all in one. Thanks.

[andrewc]

Thanks guys for another insightful, informative, and entertaining session. Very relevant to me since I'm in the market for my first 50mm Leica lens (I shoot mostly using a 35mm right now). While the lens discussion was terrific, the star of the show for me was the BP MP and BP lens. I'm so glad that Josh snuck that in. I'm a film guy so that camera really took my breath away. I have a BC M-A and have almost considered buying an MP just for the black paint finish! To a sane human being that likely sounds crazy, but it probably makes perfect sense to this crowd :)

Looking forward to the next session in two weeks.

[yktube]

Video @ 18:44 "it's faster than f/1" - In the discussion they talk about difficulty to produce, focus DOF & Leica's quality, but what's extraordinary is that at f/1, you're basically at the equivalent light level/exposure 1 to 1 with the light striking the front of the lens vs. the film/sensor plane ! - At f/.95 it's actually MAGNIFING the intensity of light to the 'plane'❗

Video @ 37:14 "the Dual-Range" - I have to say that you 'kinda' skipped over this iconic lens. For YEARS this lens (up to that time) held the title with many photography magazines as the sharpest lens they had ever tested❗ - It was the resolution KING for many years; so why just a 'quick' mention?
Video @ 1:31:00 "you can actually have this modified" - 😫 Never, never never EVER kill the collectability and providence of this amazing lens❗
It's only original once, plus they don't make them any more ! - Geesh, if anyone is contemplating this, just sell yours & get a non-DR unit; you won't lose ANY money...


Video @ 55:20 "shooting with the Pinnacle of 50mm lenses" - I agree, even more special is that the only 'normal' lens that comes close to the 'perfect' APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, is the Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus. This lens weighs a whopping 37.8 oz (1070g) vs. the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH at only 10.6 oz / 300 g - The incredible performance along with the size and weight advantage, is another reason for this jewel-like lens's UBER high cost...

Video @ 57:53 "C L A service to factory tolerances" - You then said "sent to DAG or Youxin Ye" ! ? - Guys, Youxin doesn't perform a C L A to "factory tolerances"❗ - In fact, he's not factory trained and those who are truly in-the-know, state that he suffers MANY service Redo's; just ask Don at DAG, Sherry Krauter and/or Gus...

Video @ 1:24:58 "back cap, plastic" - A quick warning for those who chose to buy a NON-OEM rear lens cap. These 'cheap' caps can cause shaved off plastic dust/debris to be deposited into lenses and/or the body😨 - Talk about

[TL-vtuk]

Well you have convinced me to order a 50mm APO, cheers!!!

[mariumrajah]

50 cron v4
Excellent for me
Would like the noctilux

[sharonleibel]

Great, Informative and very good atmosphere as always! Who the hell gives 3 thumbs down for David and Josh (And Enzo Ferrari!)???

[RyB]

I bought an M9P with a silver 50mm Summilux ASPH in 2020. It’s such a beautiful lens. The rendering is incredible.

[alriteigiveup]

Saturday evening works so much better for us watchers in Asia.

[carlosmcse]

The basis of any 50mm collection or if you just want one is the Mandler 50f2 v4/5. The Summilux definitely shouldn’t be the first one you get.

[Photinos]

Congratulations to the acolytes of the Leica cult, all of us who enjoy and appreciate the near perfection of Leica as an instrument appreciate the scholarship of the hosts, I only have a doubt why they forgot the versions of Tri-Elmar that includes 50mm in its eloquent and funny presentation . Greeting.