Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: The Leica 50mm Summilux-M Lens Episode

This episode of Red Dot Forum Camera Talk is all about the 50mm Summilux-M. In 1959, Leica introduced the first Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 lens, setting the bar for a fast aperture lens in perhaps the most classic of all focal lengths. Since then, we’ve been treated to five iterations, each with its own character and range of exotic and unusual special editions. Join Leica experts Josh Lehrer and David Farkas on a deep dive into the full history of Summilux-M 50mm lenses, from the very first 50 Lux to the latest 50mm ASPH v2 with close focus, with comprehensive image quality comparisons and insight into what makes each one unique. This is a deep dive you will not want to miss. Between extensive testing and live shooting, you'll be able to see which 50mm Summilux is right for your M kit.



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[rexgigout]

Well-done! As I stated in the Live Chat, my first M lens was a Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, bought pre-owned in April 2018; the main reason I added the Leica M system, and still my favorite M lens. The transition from in-focus to out-of-focus, and the overall character of the background blur, are so very lovely, to my eyes. This lens enabled me to re-learn to love photographing people, which may have kept me from totally leaving photography, after 7+ years of the sad duty of photographing crime victims. (Mostly living, breathing family/domestic assault victims, late 2010 to very early 2018.) The Summilux-M 50mm ASPH has been my “Therapy Lens.”

[pierpi]

Your videos are the only ones that can make me emotional and make me understand better why I have been using Leica for over 30 years. You put incredible attention, competence and passion into your work. Thank you so much! ❤

[garymc]

I offer the suggestion of the 35mm Summicron for a future program. Not just a cheaper 35 option, its unique features and characteristics make it a justifiable choice. With six versions including a recent adaptation provide both historic and current perspectives. And there’s enough opinions floating, eg. “Bokeh King”, to warrant useful factual clarifications. Thanks for this great program.

[wilfredshum]

Very informative. The ASPH is much sharper than all the non-ASPH at f/1.4, but most of the vintage ones do improve quite significantly in sharpness when stepped down while the modern ones improve very little.

[swampscott]

Thanks. This episode helped me pick my 50 - went with the 11892.

[jdesantis]

Hey guys! Such a great show. This is one of my favorite episodes you’ve ever done. Just picked up a Version 3 pre-asph because of this episode. Keep up the good work!

[jacobh]

Great episode. The 50 Lux-M is my absolute fav lens. Though the ASPH I and II have the same optical formula, I’ve seen a comparison cut-through diagram that shows that the L1, L2 and L3 elements are slightly different shaped near the sides. Jonathan Slack of Red Dot Cameras shows it in his review. It is supposed to slightly improve corner performance on hi-res bodies like the M10-R and M11.

I’ve opted for the II because of the close focus capabilities and the lighter weight that goes well with the black MP11-P.

[rumblestar]

Great show and fantastic info. Great job Josh, David and Jose! Please continue with this great content.

[rolandrickphotography]

My favourite would be the Titanium with that screw on lens cap. The one at 1:01:22 🤪

[j.f.]

I've always read that what you call v.3 is actually a v.2 E46 (the previous being v.2 E43). Because, optically, your version 3 is a version 2. As a matter of fact, for Erwin Puts, in his "Leica Chronicles" (my bible!), the version 3 (or III), is actually the FLE ASPH.

[on-streetphotography]

You have so much know-how about Leica gear. It is fantastic. Thx for all that Information!

[stuartmeador]

Thanks... I appreciate the detail of explanation for this series of lenses.

[rolandrickphotography]

Because of the time shift EST (Miami) and CET (Vaduz/Liechtenstein) I unfortunately always miss the lifestreams. Miami time +6 hrs = Vaduz time.

[BrandonTalbot]

This was rad. The stainless steel and unfinished brass are so damn cool looking

[stevieraveon]

Amazing, can't wait for the 28mm!

[markturner]

The Leica shop in Manchester in the UK has a white m10-p set with a silver chrome 50mm summilux with white numbers
Not the sort of thng that would go unnoticed when doing street photography but it looks cool 😎

[AswinSastrowardoyo]

Greatest episode ever, guys!
I wanted to know how “soft” is the image made with the version 3 pre-asph in the middle of the image at closest focus distance. Is it still usable for portraits?
Thank you 🙏🏼!

[lorenzoporras]

Will there be a new remote shutter release? According to the online manual there seems to be a dedicated connection point in between the headphone/mike. Also, will the RC-SCL6 work? Thanks for putting this show together. Very informative!

[hayyana]

Very informative, thank you. The aperture mark on my V2 is not at the center. Wonder if it’s broken!

[rolandrickphotography]

Your live streams and its contents are awesome. I’m totally addicted to them. Unfortunately I always miss the live broadcast. Where must I subscribe to get informed prior to the next one? I subscribed a long time ago and checked the bell to get all information, but somehow the info about upcoming livestreams don’t reach me, I have no clue why.