Excellent comparison. So nice to see something that is based on real world experience, and that goes into the subtleties,. not just the easily discovered specs / physical differences. Well done!
I keep on rewatching this review... because I keep coming back to this very question, but each time I'm impressed all over again with how useful the information is and how well it's presented! The perfect review for the Leica fan who's debating between these two lenses and trying to get the best info before making such an expensive purchase!
Howdy, just wanted to share my own experience and a data point readers of these comments might be interested in. A year on from my last comment, I've now had the chance to own and compare the Summicron 50mm v5 and Summilux 50mm ASPH v1. I agree with all the observations in the review, based on my own experiences. The biggest standout difference for me, as mentioned in the review, is how much shallower the depth of field is with the Summilux vs Summicron at f2 and even f2.8. It's very noticeable, as well as the smoother rendering of blurred portions of the image. I'm not sure if I've seen or read another review (besides this one) that calls that out, but having used the two side by side, it's one of the biggest differences I think people should be aware of. The one datapoint I wanted to mention based on my own experiences is how the Summilux vs Summicron performs for full body length portraits, especially group portraits. Essentially my main use case for owning the Summilux was to take these kinds of family photos (4 people in a line) and get a really blurred background similar to a medium format look. What I found is that the dreaded "mid zone dip" really has an impact in this specific use case, at about 5m from subject, where faces may be placed just outside the central 1/3 of the image. Even with the EVF attachment on an M10, focusing on those faces, the Summicron is noticeably sharper at f2 than the Summilux at f2. The Summilux doesn't really catch up in this scenario until about f5.6, which was shocking to me. That central 1/3 on the Summilux is always sharper, but outside that the resolution at this distance noticeably drops compared to the Summicron which has a very linear decrease in resolution across the frame. Is it a big enough difference to matter? That's really subjective, and won't matter at all if someone's style of portrait photography keeps the subject's face within the central third of the frame. The Summilux really excels here and does astonishing things at f1.4. It also won't matter much for landscape photography as you're using the lens at f8 or f11, with the one caveat that if your main use case is landscape photography you're better off with the Summicron because it's cheaper, smaller and lighter. For me though, my reason for buying the lens was for a specific type of composition where it's easy to have the faces of the subjects outside that central area of optimal performance. I now know to play to the Summilux's strengths, I need to reconsider the composition of these shots, maybe take a few steps back and weight the composition more towards the bottom so faces stay within that central third. I think my take away from this is the Summicron is more like a dependable old tool that always does what you want without surprises. Where the Summilux is more of a specialty tool, that does specific things the general purpose tool can't, but needs to be handled in a way to bring out those strengths. In other words, if your intended use cases don't play to the specific strengths of the Summilux, there's really no advantage over the Summicron or maybe in my case a slight disadvantage. Just wanted to share this specific experience and give another data point to potential Summilux buyers in case they have a similar use case to myself :)@@GenericPhotographer
@@stephenhaber very well said and I’m glad that your findings are the same! I’ve learned to live with that slight degradation in IQ from the summilux in the midzone. If you don’t go looking for it, you won’t notice it. That said I tend to stop down to f2 if my subject is close enough and I know that I can sacrifice the dof for the added sharpness and framing possibilities.
"How useful the information is" - Well ? ? ?, video @ 7:02 - "C L A - it will get one eventually" - With the exception of : A lens going through a Rodeo or beach shoot where you introduced sand & grit, OR if one sees oil migrating onto the aperture blades, OR it's been decades with the same lubricants inside the focus helical where out-gassing is beginning to deposit a micro-cast of haze/fog, I consider these wonderful optics 'Maintenance Free' - So, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" - BTW, I'm a Leica repair technician...😎
Gotta say, you have the absolute best reviews I've seen... and I've seen aaaaaaalot. Your images are amazing, which makes what you say much more valuable. I don't care about 90% of the stuff other reviewers choose to discuss. And when you see their pics, it makes the last 10% worthless. Please keep up the amazing work and reviews!
Great comparison: very in depth! I have the Summilux and love it. Some of my favorite shots have been made with it. I admit to curiousity about the Summicron though, as I have heard some say they like the unique rendering better. I also have a Summarit 5cm f1.5 LTM. It has a unique old school rendering. So many lenses and not enough time...
I found this video a few weeks ago. Even thought it is more than 35 mins long, I watched several times. A great and best competition of 50mm Lux vs Cron ever! Plus, all of your photos are beautiful! Cheers!
Thanks for the comment and for watching. Yeah haha, there’s a lot to be said and I really wanted to cover as much as possible, glad you enjoyed my photos too! Cheers!
At the end, it seems that when you have a 50 summicron, you always want a 50 summilux, except if you have a 50 AA maybe. And that's why I bought a 50 summilux this afternoon.
Very good! A little anecdote about choosing a lens. I once asked a Leica lover which M lenses he likes and owns. He looked at me with a smile and just said: „All of them.“
I have assisted in too many (boring) discussions between Pro-Cronron and Pro-LuxLux. I can't agree more: whichever you get, you get a great lens. Discussions are senseless outside of professional use. You are the best comparison between the two lenses I had the pleasure of seeing. Because of my work, I ended with a Summicron and a Noctilux (at the time, it was f:1). I have used the Summilux many times the Summilux, and it's a stunning lens. Thank you for sharing.
Honestly, great review, the best comparison I‘ve seen so far. Was torn between these two lenses as well and in the end pulled the trigger on the Summilux. Haven‘t regretted my choice once. Keep up the good work. Would love to see more reviews in the future!
Great review. I know it is a different camera system, but you might want to try the Sony 50 f/1.2. The Sony FE mount is obviously a totally different type of camera system compared to Leica M, but this one lens alone is reason enough to pick up a Sony and give it a try. One of the huge advantages of the Sony is perfect focus on nearly every exposure even wide-open at f\1.2. All the best.
For sure, been shooting Sony professionally since 2008 actually. The 50 1.2 is a gem. I’ve just never been able to vibe with autofocus lenses. The only af lens I have is the 24-70gmii despite the fact that I currently use three Sony bodies. Peaking and magnifying on Sony is just so quick and I take fewer shots when I manually focus. Less spraying and praying and more engaging experience when I manual focus.
I always return focus to infinity in between shots so that I’m always starting from the same point. Once you get used to it, you always know where to go with it & it becomes 2nd nature.
I have the black chrome lux and a DR Summicron (1960) and your review is spot on. The Summicron excels in film, especially B&W and the Summilux renders (colors and Bokeh) unlike any lens I've ever used. Great review...thank you.
One of the best lens-experience commentaries that I have seen. Excellent depth in the descriptions of these Summi lenses. All so very well presented, factual, detailed, and expert. Congrats and thanks.
Between the two I chose summicron. As you've mentioned it leaves very little and I dare say no trace of character in my shot like it's a transparent exact copy of what I intended to record from the scene, which doubles the value of the 50 mm focal length as it gives the transparent angle of view.
That was an excellent review of both lenses. The best I’ve seen and covers everything a potential buyer would need. I’ve had both these lenses and really loved the Summilux for all the things you mentioned and the added speed factor (did you mention the Summilux floating elements for close-up correction? The Summicron is already very good in the close range). For the cost reason, and going back to my roots, I’ve settled on v3 Summicron I’ve used for so long. It has 10-aperture blades, bokeh is beautiful, holds shapes and is smooth, and more rounded highlight balls, I like the clip-on hood (doesn’t collapse if knocked, so better protection), and a longer focus throw for accuracy. Yes, one weakness is strong light sources at the edge of the frame can produce a vailed flare problem with the Summicron. Not sure what you are talking about when you mention curvature of field, as the [at least] v3 Summicron, has a very flat field without distortion. Anyway, thanks for your thorough and well illustrated with photo examples review. One last thing, many Summilux lenses came from the factory with ‘sticky’ focus action (maybe from the complex focus mount and grease used), not smooth. An adjustment and proper lubricant from a person that knows what they are doing cleared this problem up.
I agree with the others, this was an excellent review of these 2 lenses. I also have shot with both the Cron and Lux. You are spot-on with your observations. In the end I also went with the Lux and in my case the black chrome edition. The "Lux Look" does take some time getting use to; however, I learned to control much of the effect by my selection of aperture. Again, great review and thank you for all of your work producing this video. Best- Mike
Thanks, and stunning lens! Totally agree, stopping it down allows for more control over that distinct look. It's like a two-for-one; wide open it's dreamy, stopped down its modern and clinical.
Great review. I will never forget my first roll of film on my 50 Lux. It was one of those OMG moments. It produced images that I had never seen with any other lens in my life. There is magic in there - soft glow with sharpness combined seems impossible. Probably the only lens that hits all the sweet spots combined - more than any other ever produced. My favourite lens.
Exactly! And I find that the magic is especially apparent on film! It’s safe to say that I agree with you, it ticks the right boxes. It’s a modern classic.
When I jumped into the Leica game late last year, the 50mm Lux was my first choice, mainly because I didn't want to miss out on the extra stop of available light. Great in-depth video!
Great video! I have been using Leica lenses since the mid 80ties and finally kept my Cron from 1956, sold your mentioned Cron to buy a Lux. Not because I did not like it but just to get the more „modern“ lens. I never regretted it. It´s a great lens. I like your side by side comparison including the specific film rendering characters since I am shooting analog most of the times. Thanks for that.
It's supposed to have a glow at 1.4! I mean, that's the point, ain't it? The Leica Glow is everything! Thanks for this great video. I have both lenses, fun to hear someone other than me talk about them like this. Much appreciated!
Thank you so much for sharing this. As someone looking to get their first 50mm, this video was incredibly helpful.
3 ปีที่แล้ว +1
Thank you for this deep and detailed explanation. Now I like my Summicron even more, but equally I want a Summilux. They are just such wonderful lenses.
Great job man. You nailed it. Everyone talks Lux or nocti . I absolutely love the cron needles to say prefer the size. Lux is sweet at 1.4 period but the cron is just so fine in contrast and less saturated. I have quite a few fine Leica lenses but if I had to choose I would take the vVcron and leave the elmarits and luxes on the table. It’s so easy to use I think or let’s say it feels I never missed a shot and it always looks decent. ( well it’s a 50 after all) Thanks
I’ve never been interested in the 50 noctilux personally and the summilux is all I want in a 50. I totally agree with you on the Summicron, easy to use and fantastic image quality if you’re not looking for a lens that leaves a bold signature.
The .95 is similar to your be loving lux but you should definitely try the 1.0 and 1.2 that’s signature. Very soft and bit dreamy. You won’t like the long focus way though 😂.Just way to big for walkabouts. In my opinion it reduced the basic idea of the M. A small camera with a small lens.
I have the new Summilux-M 50 mm ASPH II (terrific lens with 0.45 m closest focusing distance) and two Noctilux-M 50 mm (f/1.0 and f/1.2 re-issue, both different and fun) lenses. Your video compelled me to get a Summicron-M 50 v5 and an APO-Summicron-M 50. I hope I can find the latter used! I also have the Summilux-M 35 FLE I (0.7 m closest focus distance, great lens) and just picked up an APO-Summicron-M 35 mm ASPH (0.3 m closest focusing distance). The latter was pretty costly, but it’s so good, I’ll eventually learn to not care.
Thank you so much for such a balanced and professional review. I can afford either but only one. I'll never be able to buy another. You've helped me reach a decision. You've a great channel and I'm delighted I found you. Good luck.
This is a great in depth review comparison of both lenses. I started with the Cron 50 V3 and it showed that it wasn't what I expected from my M240 right after the purchase of the camera. Sold it for a Cron 50 Version five (build around the year 2K, its the silver brass version). This lens does all I could have hoped for. Its absolutely true to colors, its relative sharp (always sharpen it with post- production) and I think its a great allrounder lens. Its slightly better than my Cron 28mm asperical so when its about quality, this lens comes first for me. I never tried the apo Cron 50 because it isn't affordable for me now. Maybe I will prefer this in future because I'm a big fan of sharpness and detail. But the colors of the new Cron 50 are superb and I'm very glad to use this lens, it simply delivers what I expected from a modern Leica camera. The version three didn't do this, it had outwashed colors and wasn't sharp at all, even after post production. It looked middle class pictures compared with the top class quality of the modern V5 cron. An affordable set in combination with an M240 today and it produces top notch performance.
This video is absolutely spot on: excellent job. I have owned a summicron 50 for many years now, and the only issue I have with it is it's abismal flare resistance (including in studio: grids are a big help). Which you quite correctly pointed out. Other than that, it's wonderful.
Great video. Perfectly explanation. I have had a summicron for 15-20 years now. And I was just thinking if it was time to "upgrade" to the summilux.I t seems like I should almost keep the summicron. I shoot more street and portraits, and itI like the extra sharpness (specially if I do BW work).
Nice head-to-head Andy! Like you, I prefer the experience of using the lens as opposed to charts and shots of brick walls. I have both of these lenses (as well as 90+ others) but really do prefer the Lux...it has more of an artistic signature (which I prefer) than the Cron. I use both, but the Lux finds itself on my M9 or M10 more often than the Cron. The Lux is quite similar to its big brother the Noctilux but does not break the bank nearly as much. Leica just has that certain knack for producing great glass! Keep up the great work on your channel. Cheers from Vietnam!
Great video excellent comparison between 2 of the best lens ever. My Lux 50 is "stuck" to my M10P and I love it. On the Lux I added a lens focus tab (from Taab - 25€) and it is perfect ... it feels like the Summicron 35mm or like any other Leica Lens.... easy and fast. Excellent content keep doing this kind of video .. a pleasure to watch and listen Thanks
LOVE my 50 Lux Asph, my desert island lens on my MP or the SL. I recently got a Sigma 65/2 for its AF and weather sealing on the SL and although promising, its no 50 lux
Best review ever. Not a single debate on the points you’ve put across. I have both lens, M and SL versions (and the new sigma 65 F2 dg dn). Your assessment is spot on.
Excellent video and comparison. I feel you cannot go wrong with any of these two. Very authentic description of putting them to use! Probably the noctilux will be similar to the summilux again. And all the time the hasselblad is sitting there thinking: yeah yeah, but actually I take the best images 😂😅
I had a Summicron and sold it to buy the Zeiss f/2 because of the excessive veiling flare. At least on mine, it was almost unusable. I realized the main problem for mine was that the inside back of the lens barrel was painted the same luster black as the outside, and this could easy be seen to reflect stray light if you just look through the back of the lens at any light source. I found some discussion online where somebody said they sent back the Summicron to Leica for repair for the flare issue, and they got back a completely different lens with proper matte black coating on the inside (the same thing basically every other lens I own has). This is something to check if you're having flare problems with the 50 Summicron. I suspect Leica had a period where they were using the wrong paint for this part.
Loved this review, Andrew! Such a detailed comparison with insights from a clearly a lot of time spent with both lenses. You mention the ZM 50 C-Sonnar briefly in this review and this is a lens I have and love. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts on it and how you use it. Off topic: your 28 Ultron v2 review pushed me other the edge and now it’s gonna be the main lens for me m8!
Thanks for watching, that 28 ultron is really something else, you’ll love it! Haven’t used a c-sonnar in years unfortunately. It’s a fantastic lens but tricky to use, especially for critical focusing and accommodating the focus shift, (some models are calibrated for 1.5 focusing and others f2.8). Otherwise, the size is perfect and the colors, charm and pop are sublime. I’d love to give one another spin eventually. Hope you’re enjoying it!
@@GenericPhotographer Oh I'm enjoying it a lot and I guess this is what led me to your review because still lust for the Summilux LOL. Most of my kit is ZM-- 50/2, 50/1.5, 35/2.8, 25/2.8 but I'm so intrigued by the 50 Lux. The C-Sonnar has it's limitations (well documented) but it has character but I want something that focuses to 0.7m and a bit more predictable in use. I think I'm over the lust for the 50/2 because the Planar is great plus it hardly flares... Thanks for your input, Andrew. I think a lot will benefit from your channel and it's probably just a matter of time before loads of subscribers pour in. Meantime, I hope you always have the passion and bandwidth to keep this channel going.
Please review the 35mm summicron asph. You’ve done the best 50mm summicron and summilux review on TH-cam. Objective with enough personal experience shared. Most definitely not a generic photographer. Great opinions too.
The Summicron 2/50 M is the best 50mm ever made in the history of photography. It has practically not changed since the 1970s, its formula is so close to perfection. It is undoubtedly the Leica lens with the best quality/price ratio and the ideal optics to start equipping yourself with Full M. The Summilux is more expensive and heavier than the Summicron for not much more, especially for a standard focal length.
I Leica your review on these 2 lens. I watched the video to the end. Was interesting the hole time. I have a Leica store about 40 miles away. I am impressed with Leica lens in the 35mm to 50mm so enjoyed your take on the lens. They both are wonderful. I started out with the D-Lux 7 and really like using the camera. I am in my 70's so I don't think my eyes are very good with the range finder camera. The Leica dealer loaned me a M -10 for the weekend and I enjoyed using the camera and love the Leica colors coming from the M10.About half my files were out of focus . I am thinking the Leica Q would be a good choice instead. I live near Seattle and have traveled to Montreal for Formula 1 3 times and really like the city and taking in the race and shooting the race with my auto focus lens on a D850. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Hey Ron, thanks for commenting! Glad to hear that you have gotten to experience Montreal at its best during those f1 weekends, I’m usually out downtown the entire time, it never disappoints! The M cameras can be a bit unforgiving, but with practice there are many ways to overcome the shortcomings of the rangefinder system, especially if your eyesight might feel like it’s not up to the task. Wider lenses have a greater depth of field and are much more forgiving. A 28 f2 for example, can easily be zone focused, even wide open, negating the dependency of using the viewfinder. The Q is a stellar camera, but it isn’t as engaging as an M, though you won’t miss a shot and the viewfinder and lens are fantastic. It took me a while to get used to using and acquiring focus with the M10, now it feels second nature. So much so that my Sony cameras with the same lenses just aren’t as accurate. Feel free to have a look at my M10 entry in my site for some info on the camera and how I went from almost getting a Q and wound up with the M10: andrewbphotography.com/leica-m10
Great review - the best I have seen so far. I own the Lux and the Cron V3. The V3 has less busy bokeh than the never crons so comparison is slightly different from your review, but both lenses have their place and purpose for me. Thanks again.
This was very interesting. Thank you for making it. I have the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M Titanium 6-bit lens (Leica 11624). I have never tried the 50mm Summilux.
Greetings, I watched this review again because it is such a thorough, thought provoking and informative review. I needed that because while I sold my 50 Lux to support my purchase of the 50 APO - which is INCREDIBLE!; I still miss the magic of Lux. So I’m saving to not just purchase another Lux, but my Lux. It’s still on the used shelf at my local camera store. Time to bring it home. Be Blessed. Chaps
Video @ 7:02 - "C L A - it will get one eventually" - Look folks, with the exception of : A lens going through a Rodeo or beach shoot where you introduced sand & grit, OR if one sees oil migrating onto the aperture blades, OR it's been decades with the same lubricants inside the focus helical where out-gassing is beginning to deposit a micro-cast of haze/fog, I consider these wonderful optics 'Maintenance Free' - So, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" - BTW, I'm a Leica repair technician...
Thank you for your great real world use review. I owned the pre aspheric 50mm summilux (model 11 868, build 1992-2004). I first used it on my M8. When I started using it on my Sony A7III, and compared it to the results with my Zeiss FE 55mm f1,8 I sold the Summilux. Hope to buy a M10 soon, for the 24mm Elmarit, 75mm Summilux and 135mm Elmar I kept, and then get me a Leica f2/35mm ASPH and f1,4/50mm ASPH lens. Your review helped deciding on that last one.
Fascinating and really informative review of these two lenses. I chose the f/1.4 ASPH because it gives me both a really beautiful sort of classic Leica look wide open, yet also performs exceptionally well at typical landscape or street apertures such as f/5.6 to f/8 on the M10-R. Great video.
@@gewglesux I do have an M7, but have not used the 50mm/1.4 extensively on it. 41 M pixels is more than any commercial film, so I would expect to see even less differences between the two on film. The f/1.4 is a lot sharper (more micro-contrast) the the f/2 on the high-res digital sensor.
Magnificent video! I love Leica lenses especially those for M mount but as a Canon user I love my Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE. Actually I prefer the Planar’s character more than Otus 55mm. I wish I could have access to lenses such as APO Summicron 50mm though… they are great and their build quality is awesome! Maybe I must migrate to Leica system one day…
Thanks! Something special about the zeiss colors and pop. Especially the classic ones, it’s why I continue to use my 85 1.4 planar. My M10 does 90% of all my work. Other than the 85, I only use M glass on my mirrorless cameras. You can definitely make the switch depending on your usage.
Great video! It covers a lot in a relatively short amount of time and I enjoyed your observations about these two lenses! And it makes me feel good about my recent purchase - the Summicron. I am a multidisciplinary artist and when it comes to photography I've done both events and portraits, lately more portraits and I enjoy working on my medium format cameras and I have some great Nikon lenses for that system for portraiture, but I really wanted a smaller, well built camera for everyday shooting, whether it's street or friends and family, and I think your assessment of the Cron as a journalistic lens and the fact that it is a bit smaller makes it exactly what I need. Beautiful Lux though.
Hey brotha ! Nice youtube you got here. I use to have the lux and sold it, I regret it up until this day. I'm thinking of buying it again, but this time I want the black chrome version made of full metal brass, I just love the look. Everything you said about the lux is true. The 3d pop image it gives is amazing. One knows when you have taken a picture with the lux, it has that look that has a tell. Hey cheers man :)
Nice! Enjoy your journey, tons of good 50mm lenses out there. I just released a video on the Thypoch which is very close to Summilux performance for a lot less money.
Merci pour une super vidéo (car vous êtes à Montréal) :-) J'adooooorrrrre my Summicron, but I totally understand the love of the Summilux. Very well-presented, thank you for the vid!
I don’t have the luxury of owning a lux and a cron in 50. Got the latter, actually. But I agree that the Summicron wide open has significantly more depth of field than a Lux at the same aperture. My 28 Lux is not the right comparator (comes added to a Q1 body) not only because of the focal length but also because it only reaches 1.7, but still it is much shallower at F2. Said that, except for portraits, as a documentary photographer, I rarely shoot wide open. Liked very much your review, and your portrait work. :-)
Thanks for the comment. The Q is such a great camera and that lens is the icing on the cake. Glad you enjoyed the video and share a similar experience. Happy shooting!
Seems like it’s been said before, but thanks for the great side by side review on two lenses I’m currently lusting after. Unfortunately, I still can’t decide whether to go with “cron” or the “lux”!!
Currently in the market for a 50/35MM but for the MP. This a fine review. I primarily shoot Street scenes. I think you said the "Cron" is a better choice for street Film shooting. I still have to check both in person and have a chance to play with both of them. Currently there is a pretty big difference in price. Thanks for a fine Review.. going to rewind the video and watch it again. Whichever one i decide YOU helped make that decision. Thanks.
Peter! As a Leica photographer since the 1960s let me assure you that you can make fabulous photos with older Leica lenses that cost a small fraction of what the marketers are telling you should buy. If you have no reason to balk at spending $5,000 and up merely for a lens, please ignore this observation.
Both are surely excellent lenses but 50mm is not my preferred focal lens. Therefore, and to keep things light for travelling I went for the 1:2.8/50mm Elmar, which is collapsible. My everyday lens is the 35cron.
Wouaw, what a review !!! Well, I actually own the Cron ans as I sold my summilux SL someone proposed me to make and exchange with a Summilux M Silver chrome and I accepted. I will receive next week and was about to sell my Cron but after watching your video I’m considering to keep both a moment just to feel the difference and take a decision later, ever I keep both or not. Thanks for your hard work to give us your feedback.
Remember, lenses don’t take pictures, photographers do and more important than cron vs lux are good composition and interesting and meaningful subjects. The great photographers of the past, pre-TH-cam, didn’t spend all of their time creating equipment vlogs. They were out taking pictures. In many cases, timeless pictures with what would be considered on TH-cam as inferior equipment. 99% of photography TH-camrs are consumed by equipment and rarely discuss actual photography.
I definitely agree and at the same time there are “subtle” differences we refer to as “rendering” and I do have preferences for certain lenses for a variety of reasons, features, size and weight etc. I have a feeling that if Henri Cartier Bresson had access to TH-cam he would have watched gear reviews. Some artists are also gear nerds. You see it in music as well. The Edge, is a gear nerd. Jeff Lynn… gear nerd, Brian Eno.. gear nerd. George Harrison… gear nerd. Paul Mcartney couldn’t care less about gear. Also sometimes gear can act as an inspiration to make art. Case in point Neil Young said that he would often get a new song out of a new guitar because different guitars inspired different songs. So I think it’s best not to judge either way, just follow your passion and make art.
I had the 35mm f 2.0 Summicron for my Leica M 11 (bought last October) and then I bought the new 35mm F 1.4 Summilux. I like the wide angle of the 35mm better than the lesser angle of the 50mm...plus with 60 megapixels I can zoom in later without loss of resolution. Also, I can shoot in lower light with the f 1.4 vs the f 2.0...So far I'm going to stick with the Summilux. I can shoot closer with new 35mm Summilux than with the Summicron f 2.0. That makes a difference when shooting smaller things I'd like to get closer. As for 50mm, I'm truly not certain if I want one for the M 11. I have a RF 50mm f 1.8 Canon lens for Canon R 6. While it brings in sharp images I must often step back to bring everything I want into a picture. So for that I stick with 35mm or 28mm. The Leica though still creates the best images and comparing apples to oranges is not a contest. I think my next lens for the Leica will be the 28mm f 2.8. And then maybe a longer lens...we'll see. Love the Leica! I'd love to try some Zeiss or Voightlander lenses. Anyone have good suggestions?
Great review! I went with the Lux and the Zeiss Planar for the more compact/all-rounder choice. I’m not going to convince myself that there is any need for the 50cron (unless its the APO...here I go smh). Would love to see some Leica/Zeiss comparisons from your perspective!
Great comparison video ! I have a Leitz pre-aspherical 35mm lux (the one with the two little tabs on the aperture ring - and one of the smallest lenses Lietz/Leica ever made - looks fantastic on the M bodies). Have always loved the images it produces on my M6, very classical, especially in b&w. Should have bought a modern one a few years back when prices weren't quite so astronomical. If I ever get a digital M (24mp M10 or variant), I'll have to bite the bullet and get one, though probably a Summicron at today's prices. I pretty much only do street photography nowadays, so the Summicron probably is the better option, anyways. Will have to watch this video again to pick up more of the details. Thanks.
What a great review. I have a silver cron which I use on my M film cameras and my Digital CL and SL2S .My two fav CL lenses are the 23 Cron and the TL35 `lux .
the Summicron v5 has no floating elements while the Summilux Asph does. this is important to make the lens sharp at large apertures across the entire focus range. you can argue that at f2.0 it is rarely needed (the Zeiss 50 ZM didn’t have it either) but note that the Leica 50 APO and the new Voigtlander 50 APO have FLE...and in my experience it does make a difference especially with MFD wide-open. IMO performance-wise it’s getting harder to pick the v5 Summicron over the Voigtlander APO...unless you want the Leica brand. I have the 50 Summilux ASPH and Voigt APO and have owned the Summicron v5 and Zeiss in the past. i would rank the ASPH, APO, ZM and then v5 respectively according to optical quality...but for build quality and overall sexiness, v5 takes 2nd with the APO in close 3rd and the Zeiss in distant 4th.
Someday I will change my TTartisan 50 1.4 for a summicron, but I’ve heard alot about the voigt apo. But the size scares me. I have the voigt 28mm ultron and I really hope that they do a 50mm ultron (to mach the leica summicron). Love the quality of the ultron, optics and build. A small f2 ultron 50 from voigt, YES!
I had a Summicron 50mm but sold it to buy 35mm and 28mm lenses. Having used those for several years I'm now going back to 50mm again. I'll probably buy both the Summicron and the Summilux but just not at the same time. I've decided to get the Summicron first because I should have given it more of a chance first time around.
Thx for the great review. I also have both but did watch and listen your review with big interest. Summicron is for me better for travelling light with one lens camera. Sometimes I take 24/2.8 Elmarit as a pair to 50 Cron. Keep posting new reviews and thank you.
Hey Jonathan, I explain it briefly in my 35 distagon review. I put a mark at the top of the filter where the polarization angle works best, rotate the filter when needed. Obviously on digital I can chimp or use liveview if needed. I also use the same kaesemann mrc htc filters on all my lenses as a 1 stop “nd”.
Simply the best Summicron/Summilux comparison I've ever seen.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for showing actual real-life samples and not just your head, thanks!
Excellent comparison. So nice to see something that is based on real world experience, and that goes into the subtleties,. not just the easily discovered specs / physical differences. Well done!
I keep on rewatching this review... because I keep coming back to this very question, but each time I'm impressed all over again with how useful the information is and how well it's presented! The perfect review for the Leica fan who's debating between these two lenses and trying to get the best info before making such an expensive purchase!
So glad to hear that you find it interesting and useful. It’s a very personal choice at the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either.
Howdy, just wanted to share my own experience and a data point readers of these comments might be interested in.
A year on from my last comment, I've now had the chance to own and compare the Summicron 50mm v5 and Summilux 50mm ASPH v1.
I agree with all the observations in the review, based on my own experiences. The biggest standout difference for me, as mentioned in the review, is how much shallower the depth of field is with the Summilux vs Summicron at f2 and even f2.8. It's very noticeable, as well as the smoother rendering of blurred portions of the image. I'm not sure if I've seen or read another review (besides this one) that calls that out, but having used the two side by side, it's one of the biggest differences I think people should be aware of.
The one datapoint I wanted to mention based on my own experiences is how the Summilux vs Summicron performs for full body length portraits, especially group portraits. Essentially my main use case for owning the Summilux was to take these kinds of family photos (4 people in a line) and get a really blurred background similar to a medium format look. What I found is that the dreaded "mid zone dip" really has an impact in this specific use case, at about 5m from subject, where faces may be placed just outside the central 1/3 of the image. Even with the EVF attachment on an M10, focusing on those faces, the Summicron is noticeably sharper at f2 than the Summilux at f2. The Summilux doesn't really catch up in this scenario until about f5.6, which was shocking to me. That central 1/3 on the Summilux is always sharper, but outside that the resolution at this distance noticeably drops compared to the Summicron which has a very linear decrease in resolution across the frame.
Is it a big enough difference to matter? That's really subjective, and won't matter at all if someone's style of portrait photography keeps the subject's face within the central third of the frame. The Summilux really excels here and does astonishing things at f1.4. It also won't matter much for landscape photography as you're using the lens at f8 or f11, with the one caveat that if your main use case is landscape photography you're better off with the Summicron because it's cheaper, smaller and lighter. For me though, my reason for buying the lens was for a specific type of composition where it's easy to have the faces of the subjects outside that central area of optimal performance. I now know to play to the Summilux's strengths, I need to reconsider the composition of these shots, maybe take a few steps back and weight the composition more towards the bottom so faces stay within that central third.
I think my take away from this is the Summicron is more like a dependable old tool that always does what you want without surprises. Where the Summilux is more of a specialty tool, that does specific things the general purpose tool can't, but needs to be handled in a way to bring out those strengths. In other words, if your intended use cases don't play to the specific strengths of the Summilux, there's really no advantage over the Summicron or maybe in my case a slight disadvantage.
Just wanted to share this specific experience and give another data point to potential Summilux buyers in case they have a similar use case to myself :)@@GenericPhotographer
@@stephenhaber very well said and I’m glad that your findings are the same! I’ve learned to live with that slight degradation in IQ from the summilux in the midzone. If you don’t go looking for it, you won’t notice it. That said I tend to stop down to f2 if my subject is close enough and I know that I can sacrifice the dof for the added sharpness and framing possibilities.
"How useful the information is" - Well ? ? ?, video @ 7:02 - "C L A - it will get one eventually" - With the exception of : A lens going through a Rodeo or beach shoot where you introduced sand & grit, OR if one sees oil migrating onto the aperture blades, OR it's been decades with the same lubricants inside the focus helical where out-gassing is beginning to deposit a micro-cast of haze/fog, I consider these wonderful optics 'Maintenance Free' - So, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" - BTW, I'm a Leica repair technician...😎
This is perhaps the best lens review/comparison I have ever watched. Thank you for doing this.
Thank you very much! I look forward to making another soon!
One of the best lens comparison videos I’ve seen on TH-cam, you were very informative. Looking forward to your future videos!
Gotta say, you have the absolute best reviews I've seen... and I've seen aaaaaaalot. Your images are amazing, which makes what you say much more valuable. I don't care about 90% of the stuff other reviewers choose to discuss. And when you see their pics, it makes the last 10% worthless. Please keep up the amazing work and reviews!
Wow, appreciate the kind words and support! Glad you like my work! I'll be posting more soon!
Great comparison: very in depth! I have the Summilux and love it. Some of my favorite shots have been made with it. I admit to curiousity about the Summicron though, as I have heard some say they like the unique rendering better. I also have a Summarit 5cm f1.5 LTM. It has a unique old school rendering. So many lenses and not enough time...
This was by far the best video comparison I've seen on these 2 lens, WELL DONE!!!!! 10 stars!!!
Thank you very much! I worked very hard on it, means a lot!
I really love your way of comparing the lenses and showing the sample images as you continue to explain your experiences.
I found this video a few weeks ago. Even thought it is more than 35 mins long, I watched several times. A great and best competition of 50mm Lux vs Cron ever! Plus, all of your photos are beautiful! Cheers!
Thanks for the comment and for watching. Yeah haha, there’s a lot to be said and I really wanted to cover as much as possible, glad you enjoyed my photos too! Cheers!
This was a great exercise in evaluating the subtle differences between the two lenses. Thank you that is very helpful.
At the end, it seems that when you have a 50 summicron, you always want a 50 summilux, except if you have a 50 AA maybe.
And that's why I bought a 50 summilux this afternoon.
congrats on the new lens! Well said haha
Amazing and thorough review! WE WANT MORE
the people have spoken! Thanks James!
Very good! A little anecdote about choosing a lens. I once asked a Leica lover which M lenses he likes and owns. He looked at me with a smile and just said: „All of them.“
Haha well said!
I have assisted in too many (boring) discussions between Pro-Cronron and Pro-LuxLux. I can't agree more: whichever you get, you get a great lens. Discussions are senseless outside of professional use. You are the best comparison between the two lenses I had the pleasure of seeing. Because of my work, I ended with a Summicron and a Noctilux (at the time, it was f:1). I have used the Summilux many times the Summilux, and it's a stunning lens. Thank you for sharing.
Honestly, great review, the best comparison I‘ve seen so far. Was torn between these two lenses as well and in the end pulled the trigger on the Summilux. Haven‘t regretted my choice once. Keep up the good work. Would love to see more reviews in the future!
Great review. I know it is a different camera system, but you might want to try the Sony 50 f/1.2. The Sony FE mount is obviously a totally different type of camera system compared to Leica M, but this one lens alone is reason enough to pick up a Sony and give it a try. One of the huge advantages of the Sony is perfect focus on nearly every exposure even wide-open at f\1.2. All the best.
For sure, been shooting Sony professionally since 2008 actually. The 50 1.2 is a gem. I’ve just never been able to vibe with autofocus lenses. The only af lens I have is the 24-70gmii despite the fact that I currently use three Sony bodies. Peaking and magnifying on Sony is just so quick and I take fewer shots when I manually focus. Less spraying and praying and more engaging experience when I manual focus.
I always return focus to infinity in between shots so that I’m always starting from the same point. Once you get used to it, you always know where to go with it & it becomes 2nd nature.
Absolutely, that’s what I do too and most of my m lenses have a similar throw and tab placement.
I have the black chrome lux and a DR Summicron (1960) and your review is spot on. The Summicron excels in film, especially B&W and the Summilux renders (colors and Bokeh) unlike any lens I've ever used. Great review...thank you.
Glad to hear others agree! Thanks for watching!
One of the best lens-experience commentaries that I have seen. Excellent depth in the descriptions of these Summi lenses. All so very well presented, factual, detailed, and expert. Congrats and thanks.
Thanks very much! Appreciate the feedback! Wasn’t easy but I’m glad that it’s appreciated!
Great video. The 50 Summilux is my absolute favorite lens of all time. Even better than the Noctilux.
You should try the Lux 50 preasph. It’s honestly 90% Nocti f1 (swirly preasph bokeh) in a much smaller package with closer min focus.
Between the two I chose summicron. As you've mentioned it leaves very little and I dare say no trace of character in my shot like it's a transparent exact copy of what I intended to record from the scene, which doubles the value of the 50 mm focal length as it gives the transparent angle of view.
Really cool presentation, calm, collected and intelligent with some really lovely images. Well done friend!
Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it!
That was an excellent review of both lenses. The best I’ve seen and covers everything a potential buyer would need. I’ve had both these lenses and really loved the Summilux for all the things you mentioned and the added speed factor (did you mention the Summilux floating elements for close-up correction? The Summicron is already very good in the close range). For the cost reason, and going back to my roots, I’ve settled on v3 Summicron I’ve used for so long. It has 10-aperture blades, bokeh is beautiful, holds shapes and is smooth, and more rounded highlight balls, I like the clip-on hood (doesn’t collapse if knocked, so better protection), and a longer focus throw for accuracy. Yes, one weakness is strong light sources at the edge of the frame can produce a vailed flare problem with the Summicron. Not sure what you are talking about when you mention curvature of field, as the [at least] v3 Summicron, has a very flat field without distortion. Anyway, thanks for your thorough and well illustrated with photo examples review. One last thing, many Summilux lenses came from the factory with ‘sticky’ focus action (maybe from the complex focus mount and grease used), not smooth. An adjustment and proper lubricant from a person that knows what they are doing cleared this problem up.
I agree with the others, this was an excellent review of these 2 lenses. I also have shot with both the Cron and Lux. You are spot-on with your observations. In the end I also went with the Lux and in my case the black chrome edition. The "Lux Look" does take some time getting use to; however, I learned to control much of the effect by my selection of aperture. Again, great review and thank you for all of your work producing this video. Best- Mike
Thanks, and stunning lens! Totally agree, stopping it down allows for more control over that distinct look. It's like a two-for-one; wide open it's dreamy, stopped down its modern and clinical.
Enjoy your comparison videos. Honest, thorough and no drama or exaggeration.
Thanks 🙏
Great review. I will never forget my first roll of film on my 50 Lux. It was one of those OMG moments. It produced images that I had never seen with any other lens in my life. There is magic in there - soft glow with sharpness combined seems impossible. Probably the only lens that hits all the sweet spots combined - more than any other ever produced. My favourite lens.
Exactly! And I find that the magic is especially apparent on film! It’s safe to say that I agree with you, it ticks the right boxes. It’s a modern classic.
Yup, lens cap comes off, magic comes.. through? :)
When I jumped into the Leica game late last year, the 50mm Lux was my first choice, mainly because I didn't want to miss out on the extra stop of available light. Great in-depth video!
Thanks! Great choice and totally agreed. Welcome to the club!
Was it worth it to you? I mean the extra stop. was it a good move?
Great video! I have been using Leica lenses since the mid 80ties and finally kept my Cron from 1956, sold your mentioned Cron to buy a Lux. Not because I did not like it but just to get the more „modern“ lens. I never regretted it. It´s a great lens.
I like your side by side comparison including the specific film rendering characters since I am shooting analog most of the times. Thanks for that.
Appreciate the feedback from another experienced user! Really wanted to cover as much as possible, glad it helped! Enjoy the lux!
Awesome review, best I ever saw. As a 50mm nerd, I got both. Truth in every word. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear that you agree!
It's supposed to have a glow at 1.4! I mean, that's the point, ain't it? The Leica Glow is everything! Thanks for this great video. I have both lenses, fun to hear someone other than me talk about them like this. Much appreciated!
Haha that is the point! It also saves your highlights ;) glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
Thank you so much for sharing this. As someone looking to get their first 50mm, this video was incredibly helpful.
Thank you for this deep and detailed explanation. Now I like my Summicron even more, but equally I want a Summilux. They are just such wonderful lenses.
Happy to help, try before buying the cron is a splendid lens
One of the best reviews I've ever watched. Thank you for very informative and interesting video!
Great job man. You nailed it.
Everyone talks Lux or nocti .
I absolutely love the cron needles to say prefer the size.
Lux is sweet at 1.4 period but the cron is just so fine in contrast and less saturated.
I have quite a few fine Leica lenses but if I had to choose I would take the vVcron and leave the elmarits and luxes on the table. It’s so easy to use I think or let’s say it feels I never missed a shot and it always looks decent. ( well it’s a 50 after all)
Thanks
I’ve never been interested in the 50 noctilux personally and the summilux is all I want in a 50. I totally agree with you on the Summicron, easy to use and fantastic image quality if you’re not looking for a lens that leaves a bold signature.
The .95 is similar to your be loving lux but you should definitely try the 1.0 and 1.2 that’s signature. Very soft and bit dreamy. You won’t like the long focus way though 😂.Just way to big for walkabouts. In my opinion it reduced the basic idea of the M. A small camera with a small lens.
I have the new Summilux-M 50 mm ASPH II (terrific lens with 0.45 m closest focusing distance) and two Noctilux-M 50 mm (f/1.0 and f/1.2 re-issue, both different and fun) lenses. Your video compelled me to get a Summicron-M 50 v5 and an APO-Summicron-M 50. I hope I can find the latter used!
I also have the Summilux-M 35 FLE I (0.7 m closest focus distance, great lens) and just picked up an APO-Summicron-M 35 mm ASPH (0.3 m closest focusing distance). The latter was pretty costly, but it’s so good, I’ll eventually learn to not care.
Awesome awesome review. Super interesting: i get the same flare of the Summicron on my 90mm Elmarit-M. I use it creatively sometimes as an advantage
Thank you so much for such a balanced and professional review. I can afford either but only one. I'll never be able to buy another. You've helped me reach a decision. You've a great channel and I'm delighted I found you. Good luck.
Mind sharing which lens you ended up choosing and why?
I’m currently wrestling with this dilema. 50 lux or cron, or a 35 FLE.
This is a great in depth review comparison of both lenses. I started with the Cron 50 V3 and it showed that it wasn't what I expected from my M240 right after the purchase of the camera.
Sold it for a Cron 50 Version five (build around the year 2K, its the silver brass version). This lens does all I could have hoped for. Its absolutely true to colors, its relative sharp (always sharpen it with post- production) and I think its a great allrounder lens. Its slightly better than my Cron 28mm asperical so when its about quality, this lens comes first for me. I never tried the apo Cron 50 because it isn't affordable for me now. Maybe I will prefer this in future because I'm a big fan of sharpness and detail. But the colors of the new Cron 50 are superb and I'm very glad to use this lens, it simply delivers what I expected from a modern Leica camera. The version three didn't do this, it had outwashed colors and wasn't sharp at all, even after post production. It looked middle class pictures compared with the top class quality of the modern V5 cron. An affordable set in combination with an M240 today and it produces top notch performance.
This video is absolutely spot on: excellent job. I have owned a summicron 50 for many years now, and the only issue I have with it is it's abismal flare resistance (including in studio: grids are a big help). Which you quite correctly pointed out. Other than that, it's wonderful.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you agree!
Best comparison of the cron and lux I have seen. Awesome work ! Liked & subscribed !
Thank for the support!
Great video. Perfectly explanation.
I have had a summicron for 15-20 years now. And I was just thinking if it was time to "upgrade" to the summilux.I t seems like I should almost keep the summicron. I shoot more street and portraits, and itI like the extra sharpness (specially if I do BW work).
Nice head-to-head Andy! Like you, I prefer the experience of using the lens as opposed to charts and shots of brick walls. I have both of these lenses (as well as 90+ others) but really do prefer the Lux...it has more of an artistic signature (which I prefer) than the Cron. I use both, but the Lux finds itself on my M9 or M10 more often than the Cron. The Lux is quite similar to its big brother the Noctilux but does not break the bank nearly as much. Leica just has that certain knack for producing great glass! Keep up the great work on your channel. Cheers from Vietnam!
Thanks for the support and for watching. Definitely see your point and I would tend to agree. Happy shooting!
Great video excellent comparison between 2 of the best lens ever. My Lux 50 is "stuck" to my M10P and I love it.
On the Lux I added a lens focus tab (from Taab - 25€) and it is perfect ... it feels like the Summicron 35mm or like any other Leica Lens.... easy and fast.
Excellent content keep doing this kind of video .. a pleasure to watch and listen Thanks
LOVE my 50 Lux Asph, my desert island lens on my MP or the SL. I recently got a Sigma 65/2 for its AF and weather sealing on the SL and although promising, its no 50 lux
Best review ever. Not a single debate on the points you’ve put across. I have both lens, M and SL versions (and the new sigma 65 F2 dg dn). Your assessment is spot on.
Excellent video and comparison. I feel you cannot go wrong with any of these two. Very authentic description of putting them to use! Probably the noctilux will be similar to the summilux again.
And all the time the hasselblad is sitting there thinking: yeah yeah, but actually I take the best images 😂😅
I had a Summicron and sold it to buy the Zeiss f/2 because of the excessive veiling flare. At least on mine, it was almost unusable.
I realized the main problem for mine was that the inside back of the lens barrel was painted the same luster black as the outside, and this could easy be seen to reflect stray light if you just look through the back of the lens at any light source. I found some discussion online where somebody said they sent back the Summicron to Leica for repair for the flare issue, and they got back a completely different lens with proper matte black coating on the inside (the same thing basically every other lens I own has).
This is something to check if you're having flare problems with the 50 Summicron. I suspect Leica had a period where they were using the wrong paint for this part.
By far the best review of both of these lenses online. Excellent, thanks!
Very good and thorough comparison. Thank you very much, am running with Summicron but thinking about lux every other week
Thank you for this fantastic review! I have wanted a summicron for the longest time. This video helped me make the decision to purchase it.
Happy to have helped! Enjoy the Summicron!
@@GenericPhotographer Thank you so much. I am loving this lens!. I bought the version 5.
You need more subscribers man! Best lens comparison review I’ve seen hands down.
Appreciate it! Thanks for the support!
Loved this review, Andrew! Such a detailed comparison with insights from a clearly a lot of time spent with both lenses.
You mention the ZM 50 C-Sonnar briefly in this review and this is a lens I have and love. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts on it and how you use it.
Off topic: your 28 Ultron v2 review pushed me other the edge and now it’s gonna be the main lens for me m8!
Thanks for watching, that 28 ultron is really something else, you’ll love it! Haven’t used a c-sonnar in years unfortunately. It’s a fantastic lens but tricky to use, especially for critical focusing and accommodating the focus shift, (some models are calibrated for 1.5 focusing and others f2.8). Otherwise, the size is perfect and the colors, charm and pop are sublime. I’d love to give one another spin eventually. Hope you’re enjoying it!
@@GenericPhotographer Oh I'm enjoying it a lot and I guess this is what led me to your review because still lust for the Summilux LOL. Most of my kit is ZM-- 50/2, 50/1.5, 35/2.8, 25/2.8 but I'm so intrigued by the 50 Lux. The C-Sonnar has it's limitations (well documented) but it has character but I want something that focuses to 0.7m and a bit more predictable in use. I think I'm over the lust for the 50/2 because the Planar is great plus it hardly flares...
Thanks for your input, Andrew. I think a lot will benefit from your channel and it's probably just a matter of time before loads of subscribers pour in. Meantime, I hope you always have the passion and bandwidth to keep this channel going.
Thank you for the review....i like the 50mm summicron - great lens and lighter!
My pleasure, the cron is a gem!
Please review the 35mm summicron asph. You’ve done the best 50mm summicron and summilux review on TH-cam. Objective with enough personal experience shared. Most definitely not a generic photographer. Great opinions too.
The Summicron 2/50 M is the best 50mm ever made in the history of photography. It has practically not changed since the 1970s, its formula is so close to perfection. It is undoubtedly the Leica lens with the best quality/price ratio and the ideal optics to start equipping yourself with Full M. The Summilux is more expensive and heavier than the Summicron for not much more, especially for a standard focal length.
I Leica your review on these 2 lens. I watched the video to the end. Was interesting the hole time. I have a Leica store about 40 miles away. I am impressed with Leica lens in the 35mm to 50mm so enjoyed your take on the lens. They both are wonderful. I started out with the D-Lux 7 and really like using the camera. I am in my 70's so I don't think my eyes are very good with the range finder camera. The Leica dealer loaned me a M -10 for the weekend and I enjoyed using the camera and love the Leica colors coming from the M10.About half my files were out of focus . I am thinking the Leica Q would be a good choice instead. I live near Seattle and have traveled to Montreal for Formula 1 3 times and really like the city and taking in the race and shooting the race with my auto focus lens on a D850. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Hey Ron, thanks for commenting! Glad to hear that you have gotten to experience Montreal at its best during those f1 weekends, I’m usually out downtown the entire time, it never disappoints! The M cameras can be a bit unforgiving, but with practice there are many ways to overcome the shortcomings of the rangefinder system, especially if your eyesight might feel like it’s not up to the task. Wider lenses have a greater depth of field and are much more forgiving. A 28 f2 for example, can easily be zone focused, even wide open, negating the dependency of using the viewfinder. The Q is a stellar camera, but it isn’t as engaging as an M, though you won’t miss a shot and the viewfinder and lens are fantastic. It took me a while to get used to using and acquiring focus with the M10, now it feels second nature. So much so that my Sony cameras with the same lenses just aren’t as accurate. Feel free to have a look at my M10 entry in my site for some info on the camera and how I went from almost getting a Q and wound up with the M10: andrewbphotography.com/leica-m10
Great review - the best I have seen so far. I own the Lux and the Cron V3. The V3 has less busy bokeh than the never crons so comparison is slightly different from your review, but both lenses have their place and purpose for me. Thanks again.
This was very interesting. Thank you for making it. I have the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M Titanium 6-bit lens (Leica 11624). I have never tried the 50mm Summilux.
Stunning lens! If you don’t need to, don’t bother, the cron, and especially the titanium coated one, is a solid choice!
Great review! I'm fortunate to own both. I do think your observations are spot on and I learned some new things as well!
Thanks for the feedback. Very glad to hear that others share the same experiences, happy to have helped haha
Wonderful detailed review. One of the best comparison videos I have seen.
Appreciate it! Wasn’t easy
Greetings, I watched this review again because it is such a thorough, thought provoking and informative review. I needed that because while I sold my 50 Lux to support my purchase of the 50 APO - which is INCREDIBLE!; I still miss the magic of Lux. So I’m saving to not just purchase another Lux, but my Lux. It’s still on the used shelf at my local camera store. Time to bring it home. Be Blessed. Chaps
Thank you for the very kind feedback Chaps, you are going to be a very happy person with both of those incredible pieces of glass! happy shooting!
Video @ 7:02 - "C L A - it will get one eventually" - Look folks, with the exception of : A lens going through a Rodeo or beach shoot where you introduced sand & grit, OR if one sees oil migrating onto the aperture blades, OR it's been decades with the same lubricants inside the focus helical where out-gassing is beginning to deposit a micro-cast of haze/fog, I consider these wonderful optics 'Maintenance Free' - So, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" - BTW, I'm a Leica repair technician...
Thank you for your great real world use review. I owned the pre aspheric 50mm summilux (model 11 868, build 1992-2004). I first used it on my M8. When I started using it on my Sony A7III, and compared it to the results with my Zeiss FE 55mm f1,8 I sold the Summilux. Hope to buy a M10 soon, for the 24mm Elmarit, 75mm Summilux and 135mm Elmar I kept, and then get me a Leica f2/35mm ASPH and f1,4/50mm ASPH lens. Your review helped deciding on that last one.
Straight to the point and very well explained, I love this channel.
Thanks! The channel loves you too!
Fascinating and really informative review of these two lenses. I chose the f/1.4 ASPH because it gives me both a really beautiful sort of classic Leica look wide open, yet also performs exceptionally well at typical landscape or street apertures such as f/5.6 to f/8 on the M10-R. Great video.
Are you shooting Film by any chance? I'm still trying to decide.
@@gewglesux I do have an M7, but have not used the 50mm/1.4 extensively on it. 41 M pixels is more than any commercial film, so I would expect to see even less differences between the two on film. The f/1.4 is a lot sharper (more micro-contrast) the the f/2 on the high-res digital sensor.
@@bobsykes Thanks for the reply. I'm still trying to decide on what i am going to do.
@@bobsykes Thanks again.
I love shooting at F1.4 it's so much sharper. Especially while shooting B/W
Magnificent video! I love Leica lenses especially those for M mount but as a Canon user I love my Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE. Actually I prefer the Planar’s character more than Otus 55mm. I wish I could have access to lenses such as APO Summicron 50mm though… they are great and their build quality is awesome! Maybe I must migrate to Leica system one day…
Thanks! Something special about the zeiss colors and pop. Especially the classic ones, it’s why I continue to use my 85 1.4 planar. My M10 does 90% of all my work. Other than the 85, I only use M glass on my mirrorless cameras. You can definitely make the switch depending on your usage.
Great video! It covers a lot in a relatively short amount of time and I enjoyed your observations about these two lenses! And it makes me feel good about my recent purchase - the Summicron. I am a multidisciplinary artist and when it comes to photography I've done both events and portraits, lately more portraits and I enjoy working on my medium format cameras and I have some great Nikon lenses for that system for portraiture, but I really wanted a smaller, well built camera for everyday shooting, whether it's street or friends and family, and I think your assessment of the Cron as a journalistic lens and the fact that it is a bit smaller makes it exactly what I need. Beautiful Lux though.
Hey brotha ! Nice youtube you got here. I use to have the lux and sold it, I regret it up until this day. I'm thinking of buying it again, but this time I want the black chrome version made of full metal brass, I just love the look. Everything you said about the lux is true. The 3d pop image it gives is amazing. One knows when you have taken a picture with the lux, it has that look that has a tell. Hey cheers man :)
Thanks, noo sorry to hear that. Yeah I really can’t see myself parting with the lux. I loved the black chrome. Smooth as heck and it is pretty!
Great comparison and review. I have the 50 lux and it’s my all time favorite lens.
I’d have to agree, enjoy it!
Great work, thank you. I´m new to the Leica Universe with an used M10. This comparison is very helpful looking for a faster 50mm lens.
Nice! Enjoy your journey, tons of good 50mm lenses out there. I just released a video on the Thypoch which is very close to Summilux performance for a lot less money.
Totally agree. I've had both. Recently got a 50 Cron, version 4 which has a tab and is about 5 grams lighter. Ticks all boxes.
Merci pour une super vidéo (car vous êtes à Montréal) :-) J'adooooorrrrre my Summicron, but I totally understand the love of the Summilux. Very well-presented, thank you for the vid!
514 represent! Le summicron est un véritable bijou. Merci pour le support!
@@GenericPhotographer OBTW, je suis d'accord: le summicron et B&W film est une tuerie!
The Sumilux is my choice. But money no object the 50 APO from Leica. Enjoyed your video .
I don’t have the luxury of owning a lux and a cron in 50. Got the latter, actually. But I agree that the Summicron wide open has significantly more depth of field than a Lux at the same aperture. My 28 Lux is not the right comparator (comes added to a Q1 body) not only because of the focal length but also because it only reaches 1.7, but still it is much shallower at F2. Said that, except for portraits, as a documentary photographer, I rarely shoot wide open. Liked very much your review, and your portrait work. :-)
Thanks for the comment. The Q is such a great camera and that lens is the icing on the cake. Glad you enjoyed the video and share a similar experience. Happy shooting!
Thanks for this incredibly thorough and insightful review, and for sharing your keen experience !
Seems like it’s been said before, but thanks for the great side by side review on two lenses I’m currently lusting after. Unfortunately, I still can’t decide whether to go with “cron” or the “lux”!!
same for me
😂
Thank you for putting so much effort in this comparison. Brilliant work
Currently in the market for a 50/35MM but for the MP. This a fine review. I primarily shoot Street scenes. I think you said the "Cron" is a better choice for street Film shooting. I still have to check both in person and have a chance to play with both of them. Currently there is a pretty big difference in price.
Thanks for a fine Review.. going to rewind the video and watch it again. Whichever one i decide YOU helped make that decision.
Thanks.
Thanks for this detailed review on both lenses. I just getting into the Leica system, so any information is welcome for me.
Happy to help, welcome to the system. You’re gonna love it
Peter! As a Leica photographer since the 1960s let me assure you that you can make fabulous photos with older Leica lenses that cost a small fraction of what the marketers are telling you should buy. If you have no reason to balk at spending $5,000 and up merely for a lens, please ignore this observation.
Both are surely excellent lenses but 50mm is not my preferred focal lens. Therefore, and to keep things light for travelling I went for the 1:2.8/50mm Elmar, which is collapsible. My everyday lens is the 35cron.
Thank you for that!!!
I was thinking about chosing between these two)))) Now I just relax and watch
Wouaw, what a review !!! Well, I actually own the Cron ans as I sold my summilux SL someone proposed me to make and exchange with a Summilux M Silver chrome and I accepted. I will receive next week and was about to sell my Cron but after watching your video I’m considering to keep both a moment just to feel the difference and take a decision later, ever I keep both or not. Thanks for your hard work to give us your feedback.
Fantastic overview of these 2 lenses! Now I would love to see the same treatment with the 35 Cron vs 35 Lux.
Agree. I am on the fence line between both.
A little late to the party, but: Best comparison review that I have seen till today. Great job. (And I like your photos 🙂)
Remember, lenses don’t take pictures, photographers do and more important than cron vs lux are good composition and interesting and meaningful subjects. The great photographers of the past, pre-TH-cam, didn’t spend all of their time creating equipment vlogs. They were out taking pictures. In many cases, timeless pictures with what would be considered on TH-cam as inferior equipment. 99% of photography TH-camrs are consumed by equipment and rarely discuss actual photography.
Very well said.
I definitely agree and at the same time there are “subtle” differences we refer to as “rendering” and I do have preferences for certain lenses for a variety of reasons, features, size and weight etc. I have a feeling that if Henri Cartier Bresson had access to TH-cam he would have watched gear reviews. Some artists are also gear nerds. You see it in music as well. The Edge, is a gear nerd. Jeff Lynn… gear nerd, Brian Eno.. gear nerd. George Harrison… gear nerd. Paul Mcartney couldn’t care less about gear. Also sometimes gear can act as an inspiration to make art. Case in point Neil Young said that he would often get a new song out of a new guitar because different guitars inspired different songs. So I think it’s best not to judge either way, just follow your passion and make art.
I had the 35mm f 2.0 Summicron for my Leica M 11 (bought last October) and then I bought the new 35mm F 1.4 Summilux. I like the wide angle of the 35mm better than the lesser angle of the 50mm...plus with 60 megapixels I can zoom in later without loss of resolution. Also, I can shoot in lower light with the f 1.4 vs the f 2.0...So far I'm going to stick with the Summilux. I can shoot closer with new 35mm Summilux than with the Summicron f 2.0. That makes a difference when shooting smaller things I'd like to get closer. As for 50mm, I'm truly not certain if I want one for the M 11. I have a RF 50mm f 1.8 Canon lens for Canon R 6. While it brings in sharp images I must often step back to bring everything I want into a picture. So for that I stick with 35mm or 28mm. The Leica though still creates the best images and comparing apples to oranges is not a contest. I think my next lens for the Leica will be the 28mm f 2.8. And then maybe a longer lens...we'll see. Love the Leica! I'd love to try some Zeiss or Voightlander lenses. Anyone have good suggestions?
Great review! I went with the Lux and the Zeiss Planar for the more compact/all-rounder choice. I’m not going to convince myself that there is any need for the 50cron (unless its the APO...here I go smh). Would love to see some Leica/Zeiss comparisons from your perspective!
Solid choice! I loved the planar, if I get my hands on one for a while I’ll definitely make something. The new APO VM is also very compelling
Great comparison video ! I have a Leitz pre-aspherical 35mm lux (the one with the two little tabs on the aperture ring - and one of the smallest lenses Lietz/Leica ever made - looks fantastic on the M bodies). Have always loved the images it produces on my M6, very classical, especially in b&w. Should have bought a modern one a few years back when prices weren't quite so astronomical. If I ever get a digital M (24mp M10 or variant), I'll have to bite the bullet and get one, though probably a Summicron at today's prices. I pretty much only do street photography nowadays, so the Summicron probably is the better option, anyways. Will have to watch this video again to pick up more of the details. Thanks.
Amazing video! Thank you. Very informative for new Leica M user))
Glad it was helpful!
What a great review. I have a silver cron which I use on my M film cameras and my Digital CL and SL2S .My two fav CL lenses are the 23 Cron and the TL35 `lux .
Owned both and sold both with that money I switch to Zeiss 50mm f2 and zeiss 35mm f1.4 and 28mm 1.4 summilux never regretted.
the Summicron v5 has no floating elements while the Summilux Asph does. this is important to make the lens sharp at large apertures across the entire focus range. you can argue that at f2.0 it is rarely needed (the Zeiss 50 ZM didn’t have it either) but note that the Leica 50 APO and the new Voigtlander 50 APO have FLE...and in my experience it does make a difference especially with MFD wide-open. IMO performance-wise it’s getting harder to pick the v5 Summicron over the Voigtlander APO...unless you want the Leica brand. I have the 50 Summilux ASPH and Voigt APO and have owned the Summicron v5 and Zeiss in the past. i would rank the ASPH, APO, ZM and then v5 respectively according to optical quality...but for build quality and overall sexiness, v5 takes 2nd with the APO in close 3rd and the Zeiss in distant 4th.
Someday I will change my TTartisan 50 1.4 for a summicron, but I’ve heard alot about the voigt apo. But the size scares me. I have the voigt 28mm ultron and I really hope that they do a 50mm ultron (to mach the leica summicron). Love the quality of the ultron, optics and build. A small f2 ultron 50 from voigt, YES!
Can you make a comparison between the 50-cron SL and the 50-Lux SL?
Wonderful video. I have both of these lenses. Such quality Thank you for your efforts RS. Canada
Thanks for watching and for the support RIchard, enjoy those amazing lenses!
I had a Summicron 50mm but sold it to buy 35mm and 28mm lenses. Having used those for several years I'm now going back to 50mm again. I'll probably buy both the Summicron and the Summilux but just not at the same time. I've decided to get the Summicron first because I should have given it more of a chance first time around.
Thx for the great review. I also have both but did watch and listen your review with big interest. Summicron is for me better for travelling light with one lens camera. Sometimes I take 24/2.8 Elmarit as a pair to 50 Cron. Keep posting new reviews and thank you.
Good choice! thanks for watching
How do you use a CPL on a rangefinder, especially a film version? Wondering how you set the polarize as you're not looking through the lens
Hey Jonathan, I explain it briefly in my 35 distagon review. I put a mark at the top of the filter where the polarization angle works best, rotate the filter when needed. Obviously on digital I can chimp or use liveview if needed. I also use the same kaesemann mrc htc filters on all my lenses as a 1 stop “nd”.
Honesty and obvious knowledge on the topic.. subbed.
Thanks!