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!
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 RU-vidrs keep prices up so I guess someone benefits.......
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 😂
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.
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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 😁
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.
Longtime Leica user, had some Sony gear for a few years. The GM lens performance is undoubtedly solid, but they’re enormous in size. A good deal of Leica cost goes into that.
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.
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?
