Rumors of a new Summilux lens

[SolaresLarrave]

Read a while ago in the Leica users forum. Check the information out here:
http://www.leica-camera.com/discus_e/messages/2/53871.html?1080042981

[Doug]

It makes sense, and seems long over-due. Next up, a 75mm Summicron or Elmarit? ;-)

[HelenB]

This has been rumoured for years. The last story I heard that was slightly better than just a rumour, about three years ago, was that the aspherical prototypes were not sufficiently better than the current model to justify going into production because of the low anticipated demand for a 50 'lux at the increased price - I've heard that the current one only sells about a thousand a year. Is that correct, I wonder?

I have the 43 mm filter version (same venerable optics as the current version, slimmer metalwork), and it is one of my favourite lenses.

Best,
Helen

[SolaresLarrave]

The current one (which, from the little I know, is the same you have, only different cosmetics and larger filter size) sells <gasp!> for around $1,500. Kind of a hefty chunk of cash for a glob of polished glass... :eek: :rolleyes:

However... doesn't it look great on any M6 body? :) :D

Let's see how things develop. Apparently, this lens is great wide open, but then it's basically a great bokeh maker up to 5.6, when it recovers sharpness. This, at least, is what some Summilux and Summicron owners say; I don't own one, but I'd like to if the current version went down in price on account of the new one coming soon (supposedly)...

[ZeissFan]

Price is relative. People have no problem putting down $1,000 or more for a digital SLR without a lens that is sure to be obsolete within five years. While $1,500 for a great lens that will outlast nearly anything on the market today can be seen as too much money.

[SolaresLarrave]

For some, yes, money and prices are very relative. I've seen (rather read) with a certain amount of surprise how a number of people just ditched their M6TTL bodies and got the recently coined MP. Or before, the much decried M7. To me it's not an investment, but rather a fine, pleasant to work with tool.

Let's see how prices go when this new glass hits the market, and let's hope it's a gain for all! :)