New Summilux Officially Announced

SolaresLarrave · 05-27-2004

A thread in photo.net brought the news. Let's hope
THIS NEWS have an effect on the price of the previous 'lux. I really would like a slightly faster standard lens!

Here's the text of the announcement, copied from that photo.net post.

Leica Announcement

We are pleased to announce a new high-speed standard lens for the Leica M System offering maximum imaging performance: the new LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. The goal of the optical designers at Leica was to create a reference lens that would exceed the technical boundaries of imaging creating a new performance benchmark of the standard 50mm focal length. The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. delivers virtually the same outstanding results through out all apertures and focus settings. This is the first major redesign of this lens since 1962.

The optical structure of the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. consists of eight lenses in 5 groups. Glass with anomalous partial dispersion (elements 2/3) was used to ensure correct color rendition. Lens element 2 is made of a fluorite-type glass while lens element 3 is made from glass originating from the former Leitz glass laboratory. Lens element 4 has an aspherical surface. Lens elements 1, 6 and 7 are made of glass with a very high refractive index to minimize monochromatic aberrations. In every innovation currently available in lens technology aspherical lenses, glass with anomalous partial dispersion (APO), glass with a high refraction index and a floating element has been combined to create a lens that will set new imaging standards.

This is the first Leica M lens with a specifically patented floating element used to maintain imaging performance at a very high level even in close-focus ranges down to 0.7m. During focusing, the rearmost optical component (elements 7/8) moves relative to the rest of the optical system and produces brilliant image quality in near focus ranges. To maximize the benefits of the floating element an extremely precise adjusting mechanism has also been utilized that had to fit into the restricted space inside this compact M-lens.

At full aperture, the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. offers high contrast rendering even for the finest structures. This performance can only be raised slightly by stopping down. Another notable feature of this lens is that it is virtually distortion-free. The normal vignetting for such high-speed lenses at full aperture is strongly reduced by stopping down slightly. Furthermore, the use of the most advanced coating technology ensures a high degree of anti-glare.

The new LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. also offers special new features in terms of its handling: The built-in lens hood not only provides protection against stray light and dust, it can also be locked in the extended position to guard against accidental retracting. In addition to the familiar knurled ring, the lens is equipped with a finger grip that allows easy focusing using one finger. The balanced proportions of the lens also provide comfortable usage for longer periods of time.
Technical Data
LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.

Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) 47°, 40°, 27°

Optical design
Number of lenses / groups 8 / 5
Aspherical surfaces 1

Distance setting
Focusing range 0.7m to 8
Scales Combined meter/feet graduation
Smallest object field 11 inches x 16 inches
Largest reproduction ratio pprox. 1:11.3

Aperture
Setting / Function Preset, with click-stops, half values available
Lowest value 16

Filter mount
Internal thread for screw-on filters size
E46, non-rotating

Lens hood Built-in, telescopic, lockable

Finish
Black anodised only

Dimensions and weight
Length to bayonet flange approx. 2 inches
Largest diameter approx. 2 inches
Weight approx. 10.5 ounces

Price will be about $2500

jdos2 · 05-27-2004

Good news!

Of course it is $2,500 for a standard lens.

Taipei-metro · 05-27-2004

Francisco,
I though you have a 50 already.
The big clear front glass sure is attampting,but,a 50 is a 50 is a 50...50% for decorative use...(Sorry...)
Why not save some money for 28?
Is it me?or..? In my professional or non-pro situations I never use a 50,a 35mmf2 was with me all the time,and 28 f2.8(f2 is too expensive and toooo heavy)is the best..
Just my 2 cents..,thank you for the info!

SolaresLarrave · 05-27-2004

I do have a 50/2 'cron, but I also would like to have a slightly faster lens. Dreams come cheap, taipei!

Besides, you have to admit this: the 'lux looks really cool on a Leica M6 body!

back alley · 05-27-2004

francisco,

1 less cup of coffee a day...and you will be steady enough to handhold your current 50 at slower speeds.
just look at how much money i saved you!

and really, if you're shooting b&w film the difference in aperture is negligble(sp?). just under expose a bit.

you, my friend, are addicted!
must have new glass....scary!
but then who am i to point fingers...

joe

Kris · 05-28-2004

Fransisco, won't you better be served by Nokton than current 50 Lux? As you know, optical performance of current Lux is a hair below Nokton but the Nokton costs only US$300? Either shell out $2500 to see the big improvement, or go for $300 Nokton or stay with your 'Cron, is my suggestion. No current 'Lux!

Contrary to Taipei Metro, I find 50mm extremely versatile. Perhaps 60-70% of my photos are taken with 50mm, so it's not for decorative use only.

SolaresLarrave · 05-28-2004

Joe, you're the man! I'll cut down on the caffeine.

Kris... I intend to be practical. With the 'cron I already have, I'm fairly well stocked. In my dreams, I can buy the currently previous version of the 'lux just because it looks "kewl," but in reality... the Nokton also looks neat on a Leica body!

I'm a sucker for glass...

jdos2 · 05-29-2004

From what I've heard, the R-9 'Lux performance is just about indistinguishable from the 'Cron. That being the case, it would be an awesome lens. I like fast glass, I have been slowly collecting neutral density filters for my 40.5 thread lenses in an effort to be able to use these lenses wide open outside- being able to throw something in the background SO out of focus is important to me, and the 'Lux would do that even better than the 'Cron.

I wonder if there's going to soon be a new formulation for the Noc?

Brian Sweeney · 06-04-2004

Well I have the 46mm Filter for it at least.

$2,500. Wow.

That is more than both of my M3's,Summicron,135 Hektor,and 2 Summarits (M and LTM) with CLA on all of them ran me! Throw in the 5cm F1.4 Nikkor in LTM for the change! More than both chrome SP's with F1.4 lenses on each of them.

Hello, my name is Brian. It has been 7 years since I bought a NEW camera or NEW lens.

SolaresLarrave · 06-04-2004

Let's not diss the 50mm focal length. As Kris points out, it's extremely versatile and, as opposed to wide-angles, it allows you to fill the frame with your subject at a confortable distance.

About the price... I wonder how much of it goes to cover actual production costs (including employees' salaries) and how much of it runs on the lens's fetish value...

For one thing (and let's hope destiny doesn't prove me wrong), it is my humble opinion that the Noctilux is a bit overrated and the Summilux, instead, is probably underrated. The Summicron seems to strike the right balance in use and performance.

But let's see who robs... I mean who gets the new Summilux first!