Summilux-M 50mm coatings

[TJV]

Hello.
It's been discussed before but I can't seem to find the tread(s).
I've got a Summilux 50mm Version II on the way back from DAG and am wondering what the differences are between it and the later pre-ASPH versions. I understand the later versions are optically the same, the filter sizes and chrome changes to black, but are the coatings also identical?
Compared to a modern Summicron how does a VII Summilux compare? I haven't had a chance to shoot with the 'lux yet as it was a paperweight before I sent it away. Oh, the anticipation!

[sepiareverb]

I'd suppose the coatings would have changed as the Summilux had one of the longer runs of production. I had a late E43, and now an E46- I've not noticed any difference beyond handling shooting the same project, but there is clear difference in the color of the coatings on my 40 Summicron and the current lenses, and the E43 Summilux was certainly around before the 40 Summicron.

[TJV]

There's two things I wonder about the coatings and one is resistance to flare. What I'm wondering also is if the older coating will effect colour temp. I'd prefer it if it was warmer...

Actually, I don't own the Summilux but am thinking of trading my Summicron towards it. I sent it away for my old boss at a camera store to DAG. At the end of the day I'd like the extra stop but am trying to consider the options, pros and cons. The Cron is the new version, black, and has the M8 bar code and had a recent CLA. The Lux was suffering from a really bad rear element separation that Don has apparently fixed, along with aperture blades that were a bit stiff. I guess there's always a problem with older lenses that this may happen again or to another group of elements. Can the older Lux get coded for M8?

A few things to consider.

Any more thoughts?

[sepiareverb]

Leica will code older lenses, or you can do that yourself with a marker- there are a few threads about that.

There are clear differences in signature between the current Summicron and a pre-ASPH Summilux. You might make a few test shots to see exactly the difference before changing lenses. The Summilux has much swirlier bokeh for sure, but gives less even illumination (not as much of an issue on the M8) and has less clearly defined details and somewhat lower contrast at f4 and even at 5.6.

Shooting digitally color temperature should be easy enough to control after the fact once you get to know the lens.

[TJV]

I guess the signature is something to consider seeing as I'm using a 35 'Lux ASPH and a 28mm Elmarit ASPH, which I'm assuming are a lot more "clinical" by comparison?

If I had the money I'd buy a Noctilux, then I'd really have a consistency problem!

[sepiareverb]

They get called 'clinical' for sure. I find both have a place in my kit.