Summilux 50mm 1.4 ASHP Black vs Silver

[adavis47]

Researching forums/Web, it sounds like the black versions of this lens have issues (stiff focus, chipping) that the silver version does not. Wondering if this is just the squeeky wheel being heard or the aluminum version just doesn't work as smoothly as the brass version. Would appreciate any info. Thanks

[mdozier]

I can't address the "silver" version but I do have the black 1.4/50 ASPH. I noticed a slight stiffness in the focus only in one area of the throw. I posted and had several enlightening discussions at the time.

I would have described the feeling not as sticky but just slightly stiff in one area of focus but nothing that I would consider as a problem. I got similar confirmations and most seem to agree that it was noticeable but not a significant issue (not to put words in folks but just summarizing).

It seems there was some consensus that it may have been related to the ASPH element in the 50 focal length or some other slight tolerance issue but at the time I didn't see any correlation to the barrel material, it just seemed random.

Regardless of what it was, it has just about disappeared with regular use so either the movement has loosened up or something else has changed but I can tell you that I think the lens is magnificent and I now have zero complaints (and excuses ) and the focus is much smoother.

FWIW, my 1.4/35 ASPH was a bit more used when I got it and it had no hint of stiffness.

good luck
m

[adavis47]

Thanks mdozier, good info.

[peter_n]

It is now thought that the heavier initial dampening at the closest focus end of the scale is due to the new mechanics moving the floating element. Most people's experience is that it smooths out over time. I've had both LHSA versions of this lens and they both showed the same issue. I also have a used black 35/1.4 ASPH and it is probably the smoothest Leica lens I own.

[sepiareverb]

Mine (black chrome) has significantly improved in smoothness- and it too was only 'catching' at one spot near the near limit. Didn't take all that long, I've had this lens for about 4 months.

Peter- did you have the MP3 kit version? That is the one I finally gave up on finding in black those 4 months ago.

[peter_n]

Yes Bob, first I had the silver version (which I have sold), now the black one. My MP3 came sans lens so I had to buy one separately.

[sepiareverb]

Originally Posted by peter_n

My MP3 came sans lens...

As did mine. I watched for a BP version for more than a year, before deciding I'd not find one. Still haven't seen a black one, though there is a silver on ebay right now. Paint or chrome it is a wonderful lens, as it turns out I actually like the tab a lot more than I expected to on a 50mm.

[peter_n]

I got my BP on eBay from a guy who had bought it for his M8 but then got fed up with all the malarky around that cam. He dumped all his Leica gear and I picked up his 50. Lovely lens. Pic below shows the two ASPHs with my v.2 Summilux but I sold that lens a couple of weeks ago too.

[john_s]

Originally Posted by peter_n

I got my BP on eBay from a guy who had bought it for his M8 but then got fed up with all the malarky around that cam. He dumped all his Leica gear and I picked up his 50. Lovely lens. Pic below shows the two ASPHs with my v.2 Summilux but I sold that lens a couple of weeks ago too.

Interesting to observe in your photo of your lenses the differences in the focus scale (and DoF marks) between the old and new lenses. Did Leica consider that the smaller throw was better for accuracy in focusing, or was it for mechanical reasons?

[peter_n]

John, as a user of both old and new lenses, I do have my preference with respect to focus throw, but in at least one particular case, the Noctilux, you need the long throw to focus accurately at very wide apertures. So I don't think their reasoning was that a shorter throw improves accuracy. Its possible that improved mechanics made shorter throws possible - certainly the trend over recent years has been for the throw to become shorter.

I don't know what Leica's rationale was, but from a usability perspective I do prefer the short(ish) throw of the modern lenses. I am lucky enough to have 20/20 vision in my VF eye so a short throw really suits me and what I shoot. I have a modern Leica 24/2.8 and a 1960's CZJ 25/4 and the difference in usability is unbelievable. It makes you really respect people like Josef Koudelka who shot so many incredible pictures with the very same CZJ lens under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.