honestly, the difference between v1 and v2 is mere. Couldn’t tell the difference unless you put the photos together for a direct comparison. Wanna check out the difference for 50 apo and lux v2 though
Both amazing lenses. Once the hype dies down it'll once more be down to personal preference. But RUclipsrs keep prices up so I guess someone benefits.......
I have the feeling Leica is trying to imitate the Rolex business model of waiting lists, everyone online said that the M6 was impossible to get, including one of the stores I visited, they literally called me back 3 days later, and only because there was a weekend in between.
Liked, and subscribed. Good presentation, with the field work done in such a beautiful place, with a wonderful model! I started using the Leica M system, in April 2018, because I wanted to use the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH. Everything about the original ASPH seemed perfect, and still does. This includes the texturing on the focusing ring, which the ASPH II does not have. (I will use the tab, on a small lens, but would rather grip the focusing ring, itself, if the lens body is large enough.) The original ASPH is also more pleasing to my eyes. The ASPH II looks like a generic canister. Aesthetics matter, when being creative. Obviously, these are individual-preference factors, applicable only to myself, so, not “advice.” I very much understand the reference to the Sony being like a computer with a lens, or a lens with a computer attached. There is so much more intentionality when using a fully-manual, fully-mechanical lens, and a camera with a simpler menu and physical controls. Intentionality is a part of creativity. I added the Leica M system to help me to re-learn to love photography, after 7+ years of the duty of evidentiary/forensic/crime scene photography, late in my first-responder public service career. The emphasis was on photographing the injuries of family/domestic violence victims, as soon as possible after the incident. Technically perfect images. No background blur; get everything in focus. Use every bit of the latest AF technology, and image stabilization technology, to combine combine action-shooting, with macro and close-range shooting. (Traumatized victims do not want a tripod to be set-up, right in front of them, and one cannot erect a tripod, inside an ambulance, or inside an ER treatment room, anyway.) After being so very empathetic, being gently persuasive, and eating a huge serving of stress and trauma, while using the technically-best Image-Stabilized macro lens in the world, at the time, (Canon 100mm Macro L) on a camera with class-leading AF technology, for its time. (Who said macro was best done with manual focus?) Yes, it was time to step back. Back to basics. No focus by wire. Feel the mechanical things happening, inside the lens, and inside the camera’s focusing mechanism. Look through a viewfinder, that is a window to the world, rather than a narrower tunnel that sees only what the lens sees. No viewfinder black-out, when the shutter clicks. To keep caring about photography, I had to change how I photographed, how I crafted images. The distinctive background blur of the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH was/is part of that. Well, this is starting to look like a book. Time to stop. Maybe the algorithm will see this lengthy post, in a favorable way. Have a safe, eventful trip!
I am so glad you mentioned the focusing. I honestly could not nail focus at 1.4 on the new Lux. I had a buddy of mine who owns the old one also try it on his camera and said the same thing. I returned mine because I thought it was not calibrated. Version 1 gave me no issues.
@@davidherringinteresting you had the same issue. I wonder if something might be off with the first batch. I am waiting for a second copy, no point in keeping a lens I can’t use at 1.4 😂
Very useful comparison/review. I have the older 50 summilux asph, which is somehow magically easy to focus at its widest aperture. I also have a made in Canada summicron (v3?) and I have to say I prefer the summicron's rendering at f2, so I'm planning on selling the summilux. Good to know that it holds its own against the new version. Enjoying your channel and content.
Interested Patrick. I'm in the exact same boat, except I don't own the v3 summicron yet. I want it though. I'm not fully committed to selling the 'lux. First develop the last few rolls I've shot with her, scan and spend time absorbing them. I have a feeling I need them both.
Just picked up my close focus summilux. It is worth every penny. I adapt it on my Sigma FP L. Holy cow.... Macro images is MENTAL. Also use it on my M7 but I can't use the close focus obviously. Still produces some insane pics.
Man you're going to LOVE it! Be sure to check the focus accuracy, though. I learned via the comments on this video that my focus wasn't aligned, and then Leica confirmed it wasn't and replaced the lens.
Your explanation for using the Leica lens over the Sony lens is the BEST EXPLANATION and JUSTIFICATION that I have ever heard !! I use all Leica equipment too. RS Canada
My 50 lux v2 shows sharper corner wide open and stopped down against the v1 on higher megapixel camera. You can see the difference on the m11 or m11 mono
Thanks! Great work. I am having problems telling any of the Leica images apart at f4 and above.... which confirms my own experience testing the Summicron V and Summilux ASPH I on film.
Great photos and very nice comparisons! I agree that for Leica summilux 50mm f/1.4 asph I v.s. II, I would always get the II because this is a big investment and I want it future-proof. The M11 has the 61mp sensor and the sensor resolution would only go higher in the future. The II is just better for the higher resolution body. With that said, I own Sony A7R5, Leica M10 and Leica M6. I feel like because all modern lens all pretty much look the same, I would rather get a used Sony GM 1.2 (this is actually Leica Noctilux territory for a fraction of the price but without the Noctilux characters) instead of either Leica summliux I or II. Because the Sony GM 1.2 is very cheap ($1.3k if you get it used in Japan) comparing to the Leica lens, you don't need to worry about resale values if its value goes to zero in 30 years. I can actually use the remaining budget for a Leica summliux 50 f1.4 v2 or v3 which has more characters than any of the modern lens and holds the value as well as the asph I or II counterparts.
Haha good eye Nathan! When I’m shouting multiple lenses on the M system, especially when it’s the same lens but different versions, I use my hand to break up the sequence so I know what lens is which in Lightroom. LR records the lens, but for both V1 and V2 of the new Summilux, it says the same thing. I could easily mix them up if I didn’t take a photo of my hand to break up the sequence. Make sense?
I have the older 50 Lux which I bought only 4 months ago with no notion it was about to be replaced. I prefer the design of the older one. I have the latest 35 Lux and I find the focus action odd compared to Leica lenses without the close focus range. It feels almost like there is more resistance turning the focus tab one way than the other.
@@davidherring I hear you - but my V1 was also new and it focuses like it's running on melted butter compared to the new 35 Lux. I am sure it has something to do with the close focus implementation. At least, that is my theory - and I'm sticking to it!
The new one has better edges and better "bokeh balls". For me the close distance focussing is key (enough) to buy. Yet... this Rolls Royce is way better than that one? 😂 We way past beyond the point of stuff we need to make great pictures 😁
I think they’re exactly the same. I didn’t notice the old one being brass / heavier when I had it. I know there is a brass one, but I don’t think the old one is brass by default.
Oh, apologies. I think they're identical. The only difference is the newer one can close focus. Otherwise the images looked exactly the same. @@volnwer1
Nice man! Hard to tell much difference in there for me. All look beautiful. That 50GM is pretty stunning too, but totally get the computer analogy. It’s why I love shooting film over digital when I can! Have to say, I really enjoyed the SF streetcar episode. Cool meet up, and awesome character of a guy (sorry that his name is escaping me). The view from the depot rooftop was worth it on its own!
I do not think that the "test" was that useful as most lenses behave well in the center of the vision field, especially contemporary ones. If one really want to compare lenses shouldn't they look at corners (vignetting, distorsion, resolution) and check flare with a light source in the frame?
honestly, the difference between v1 and v2 is mere. Couldn’t tell the difference unless you put the photos together for a direct comparison. Wanna check out the difference for 50 apo and lux v2 though
Would be cool but I don’t have access to the APO!
@@davidherring I’m thinking about getting one. Maybe we could utilize that one as well.
Both amazing lenses. Once the hype dies down it'll once more be down to personal preference. But RUclipsrs keep prices up so I guess someone benefits.......
I have the feeling Leica is trying to imitate the Rolex business model of waiting lists, everyone online said that the M6 was impossible to get, including one of the stores I visited, they literally called me back 3 days later, and only because there was a weekend in between.
Yeah, there's definitely hype!
Liked, and subscribed. Good presentation, with the field work done in such a beautiful place, with a wonderful model! I started using the Leica M system, in April 2018, because I wanted to use the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH. Everything about the original ASPH seemed perfect, and still does. This includes the texturing on the focusing ring, which the ASPH II does not have. (I will use the tab, on a small lens, but would rather grip the focusing ring, itself, if the lens body is large enough.) The original ASPH is also more pleasing to my eyes. The ASPH II looks like a generic canister. Aesthetics matter, when being creative. Obviously, these are individual-preference factors, applicable only to myself, so, not “advice.”
I very much understand the reference to the Sony being like a computer with a lens, or a lens with a computer attached. There is so much more intentionality when using a fully-manual, fully-mechanical lens, and a camera with a simpler menu and physical controls. Intentionality is a part of creativity.
I added the Leica M system to help me to re-learn to love photography, after 7+ years of the duty of evidentiary/forensic/crime scene photography, late in my first-responder public service career. The emphasis was on photographing the injuries of family/domestic violence victims, as soon as possible after the incident. Technically perfect images. No background blur; get everything in focus. Use every bit of the latest AF technology, and image stabilization technology, to combine combine action-shooting, with macro and close-range shooting. (Traumatized victims do not want a tripod to be set-up, right in front of them, and one cannot erect a tripod, inside an ambulance, or inside an ER treatment room, anyway.)
After being so very empathetic, being gently persuasive, and eating a huge serving of stress and trauma, while using the technically-best Image-Stabilized macro lens in the world, at the time, (Canon 100mm Macro L) on a camera with class-leading AF technology, for its time. (Who said macro was best done with manual focus?) Yes, it was time to step back. Back to basics. No focus by wire. Feel the mechanical things happening, inside the lens, and inside the camera’s focusing mechanism. Look through a viewfinder, that is a window to the world, rather than a narrower tunnel that sees only what the lens sees. No viewfinder black-out, when the shutter clicks. To keep caring about photography, I had to change how I photographed, how I crafted images. The distinctive background blur of the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH was/is part of that.
Well, this is starting to look like a book. Time to stop. Maybe the algorithm will see this lengthy post, in a favorable way. Have a safe, eventful trip!
Thanks for sharing all of that! I agree - something about the manual process is very "back to the basics" and a great experience.
I had the same feeling with my a7iii, so I've sold it a few weeks ago and used the money for the visoflex 2, the SF58 and the Voigtländer 28 f2
Nice! I’m not in a position to leave Sony behind right now, but definitely grabbing the Leica kit 9/10 shoots.
I am so glad you mentioned the focusing. I honestly could not nail focus at 1.4 on the new Lux. I had a buddy of mine who owns the old one also try it on his camera and said the same thing.
I returned mine because I thought it was not calibrated. Version 1 gave me no issues.
I’m hoping it was just me being off… but time will tell!
@@davidherringinteresting you had the same issue. I wonder if something might be off with the first batch. I am waiting for a second copy, no point in keeping a lens I can’t use at 1.4 😂
@@ABarrera I’m hoping that’s not the case! Shooting it as much as I can for the next week or so to see if it’s consistently a problem.
I bought mine 2 weeks ago, it focuses perfect. Your problem is that when focusing close up?
When close up it is extremely narrow depth of field like millimeters
Man you’re knocking it out the box! The transparency, honesty and spectacular content is setting you apart!! 👏🏿👏🏿✊🏿✊🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Thanks Dwayne!
Very useful comparison/review. I have the older 50 summilux asph, which is somehow magically easy to focus at its widest aperture. I also have a made in Canada summicron (v3?) and I have to say I prefer the summicron's rendering at f2, so I'm planning on selling the summilux. Good to know that it holds its own against the new version. Enjoying your channel and content.
Thanks for sharing Patrick!
Interested Patrick. I'm in the exact same boat, except I don't own the v3 summicron yet. I want it though. I'm not fully committed to selling the 'lux. First develop the last few rolls I've shot with her, scan and spend time absorbing them. I have a feeling I need them both.
That close focus on the v2 lux is awesome! The eye colours on the f/4 shot is just perfect
Thanks! I love the new Lux for sure!
Just picked up my close focus summilux. It is worth every penny. I adapt it on my Sigma FP L. Holy cow.... Macro images is MENTAL. Also use it on my M7 but I can't use the close focus obviously. Still produces some insane pics.
It looks really awesome and I’ve been very happy with it for over a year now!
But the question would be if I am buying a 50 for the first time which should I go for
If you want to focus close, the newer one. If that’s irrelevant to you, save money and get the older. They create identical images.
Looks like you were metering off your hand a couple times? Good, old school technique for tricky lighting with centre weighted metering.
Ha yep I’m old school with meters. A lot of times I just wing it.
My Summilux 50 f1.4 II arrived today at my place while away on vacation. Can’t wait for vacation to end!
Man you're going to LOVE it! Be sure to check the focus accuracy, though. I learned via the comments on this video that my focus wasn't aligned, and then Leica confirmed it wasn't and replaced the lens.
Your explanation for using the Leica lens over the Sony lens is the BEST EXPLANATION and JUSTIFICATION that I have ever heard !! I use all Leica equipment too.
RS
Canada
Thank you!
I have sold all my Sony gear and the M11 has arrived. next for the 50mm lens. Thank you so much for your inspiration and all your content
Thanks for the kind words Simon! I think about selling all my Sony gear… but then talk myself out of it haha
Same here!
My 50 lux v2 shows sharper corner wide open and stopped down against the v1 on higher megapixel camera. You can see the difference on the m11 or m11 mono
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Great work. I am having problems telling any of the Leica images apart at f4 and above.... which confirms my own experience testing the Summicron V and Summilux ASPH I on film.
Thanks! I see a bit more contrast on the summilux… a bit more pop. Planning to sell off the sumicron when I’m back from Europe.
LOL love the zone 6 hand trick in the vid. OG mode yo
Haha carryover from film days.
great comparison, the V1 has that magical flare that the V2 does not , which is one of the reasons i have not upgraded.
Thanks for sharing, Marc! My Summicron flares so bad that I'm just over flares right now haha
Great photos and very nice comparisons! I agree that for Leica summilux 50mm f/1.4 asph I v.s. II, I would always get the II because this is a big investment and I want it future-proof. The M11 has the 61mp sensor and the sensor resolution would only go higher in the future. The II is just better for the higher resolution body. With that said, I own Sony A7R5, Leica M10 and Leica M6. I feel like because all modern lens all pretty much look the same, I would rather get a used Sony GM 1.2 (this is actually Leica Noctilux territory for a fraction of the price but without the Noctilux characters) instead of either Leica summliux I or II. Because the Sony GM 1.2 is very cheap ($1.3k if you get it used in Japan) comparing to the Leica lens, you don't need to worry about resale values if its value goes to zero in 30 years. I can actually use the remaining budget for a Leica summliux 50 f1.4 v2 or v3 which has more characters than any of the modern lens and holds the value as well as the asph I or II counterparts.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Dave, other than mega pixel count difference is there any other reason to get m10r over m10?
Looking to get a second hand m 😊
The R has better dynamic range. Retains highlights MUCH better than the 10, even better than the Q2.
Hey! At 6:45 you stuck you hand out. Were you metering for your skin?
Haha good eye Nathan! When I’m shouting multiple lenses on the M system, especially when it’s the same lens but different versions, I use my hand to break up the sequence so I know what lens is which in Lightroom. LR records the lens, but for both V1 and V2 of the new Summilux, it says the same thing. I could easily mix them up if I didn’t take a photo of my hand to break up the sequence. Make sense?
I have the older 50 Lux which I bought only 4 months ago with no notion it was about to be replaced. I prefer the design of the older one. I have the latest 35 Lux and I find the focus action odd compared to Leica lenses without the close focus range. It feels almost like there is more resistance turning the focus tab one way than the other.
V2 is a bit stiff for me right now, but it’s new. Hoping it loosens up over the years. I’d love to find a 35 lux! That’s on my list.
@@davidherring I hear you - but my V1 was also new and it focuses like it's running on melted butter compared to the new 35 Lux.
I am sure it has something to do with the close focus implementation. At least, that is my theory - and I'm sticking to it!
Yep no differences . You take good photos though! Great positioning of model and therefore good lighting!
Thank you!
The new one has better edges and better "bokeh balls".
For me the close distance focussing is key (enough) to buy.
Yet... this Rolls Royce is way better than that one? 😂
We way past beyond the point of stuff we need to make great pictures 😁
There’s truth in this for sure 😂
It’s brass vs aluminum also. So for me it’s the older brass version that I’ll buy.
I think they’re exactly the same. I didn’t notice the old one being brass / heavier when I had it. I know there is a brass one, but I don’t think the old one is brass by default.
@@davidherring I believe what I read is that the older silver version is brass, while all the new ones are aluminum.
I’ve held a brass one and my old one was nowhere near that heavy.
@@davidherringI bought the chrome version of the prior model and it’s definitely brass. Fantastic lens.
Interesting video
Thanks!
Hello, is version one of 50 Summilux good for Leica M11? Your photos taken on 10-R...
I’ve never used version one before, sorry!
@@davidherring no I mean previous version
Oh, apologies. I think they're identical. The only difference is the newer one can close focus. Otherwise the images looked exactly the same. @@volnwer1
Hi ! How did you focus without Live View?
Is it possible to nail focus on a m6 at 0,45m ?
I used live-view to close focus. There is no other way.
@@davidherring but how do you use that with the MP ? Sorry I never used that aha
@louis3986 you don’t 😅 The close focus will only focus with a screen. No rangefinder coupling.
@@davidherring oh so sad aha
does the new flares like the old one ?
No, it’s much more controlled and subtle.
Nice man! Hard to tell much difference in there for me. All look beautiful. That 50GM is pretty stunning too, but totally get the computer analogy. It’s why I love shooting film over digital when I can!
Have to say, I really enjoyed the SF streetcar episode. Cool meet up, and awesome character of a guy (sorry that his name is escaping me). The view from the depot rooftop was worth it on its own!
Oh the 50 GM is amazing. That and the 135 GM are Sonys best lenses in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
@@davidherring Agree 100%!
i hope to support my local camera shops but all of them are closed...
That's a bummer :-(
I do not think that the "test" was that useful as most lenses behave well in the center of the vision field, especially contemporary ones. If one really want to compare lenses shouldn't they look at corners (vignetting, distorsion, resolution) and check flare with a light source in the frame?
Thanks for sharing!
Great video and interesting takes! Agreed with the computer/Sony analogy. Subscirbed! Enjoy the lux!
Thanks! Also, love your channel. Big fan!
@@davidherring thanks Dave, very appreciated 🙏
Summicron is my favorite😉
It’s a fantastic lens. Especially on a film camera!
Great content, but you got to fix your microphone
This video is over a year old when my channel was 5 months old.
Nice hat! Really fits you.
Baldness forced me into hats 🎩 🧢 🤠
@@davidherring lol normally baldness and smartness are proportional XD
@@davidherring lol normally baldness and smartness are proportional XD
Love this
I get that Sony make everything Leica make cameras
Truth!
😂 finally you got it. Congratulations
Haha thanks!
Cost benefit ratio 😂
Always that
lol they all look the same. just insane to spend all that money on .01% performance increase.
Everyone sees things differently I suppose!