Leica 50 Summilux ASPH Review

Introduction

The first Leica 50mm Summilux began production in 1959, and although there were new versions in 1961 and 1992 the optical design was pretty much unchanged until 2006 when the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH was released. This lens has been the mainstay of many photographer's kits over the last 15 years or so, it's a similar design to the 75mm APO Summicron and is often said to have APO characteristics (sometimes by Leica!).

The new Leica Summilux-M 50mm f1/4

So now we have a new version of the 50 Summilux Asph utilising the new close focus helicoid so that the lens can be focused down to 0.45 metres. This new lens is a companion to the 35 Summilux Asph released on September 15th last year .

Like the 35mm Leica have increased the number of aperture blades from 9 to 11 to help in producing a good bokeh. Unlike the 35mm this lens has a slightly modified optical design to help it produce more detail.

Close Focus

The close focus feature of the new lens brings the closest object distance to 45 cm, which increases the maximum magnification from 1: 11.3 to 1: 6.4. In this context it's interesting to note that the maximum magnification on the new 35mm Summilux is 1: 8.9 (improved from 1: 17.4).

There is a good detente at the point where the lens goes closer than the 70cm rangefinder closest focus, after which you need to use Live View on the LCD (or the EVF) for focusing.

It's worth mentioning at this point that one of my favourite lenses, the 75 APO Summicron has almost as good maximum magnification of 1: 7 at the normal closest distance of 70cm.

• 35 Summilux                1:17.4

• 35 Summilux CF          1: 8.9

• 50 Summilux                1:11.3

• 50 Summilux CF          1: 6.4

• 75 APO Summicron     1: 7

• 90 APO Summicron     1: 9

To continue reading Jono’s review, click here!