Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4 Review // Never thought it’d come to this…

[@teseglet]

Nice review. I started on my M11 with a 28mm Summicron. I just ordered this to expand options. For now, no more gas.... these 2 lenses should satisfy my needs and creativity for a long time.

[@superkrell]

Can you please identify for me the lens showing at 0:26 in the video.? Is it a repaint by Kanto of the 11728...?

[@bangsmash]

I think a fast 35 is the best place to start. That was the advice I had from a professional sports photographer back in the early 2000s. I then migrated to 28 for my own style and a 50 to me is a speciality/portrait lens to my mind.

[@tashihishey34]

Yes, I agree. The Summilux 50 1.4 ASPH - I touched it and now I want to buy it!

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I am from Canada, 71 yo artist photograph, since I was 16 yo, i use Leica M with mostly exclusively 50mm focal Summilux f1,4 and i got all the models including the 2023 for my M11P. Second choice is the 35 mm . When i shoot i always use one camera one lens. 90% of the time is 50mm. For me 50mm is deeply increased in my style. Like a second nature. I feel I own this focal length in my eyes and the way I see what life is around me. Many others dont have the same feeling and it is ok. I dont believe is any rules in creativity. I just believe everyone see the world in different ways and this is fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@SamAbram-dl1mg]

I have the Leica sl3 seeing the 50mm summilux makes me want to buy one after seeing your video and also playing around with some files online, do you recommend me to buy the Leica 50mm summilux SL lens or Leica 50mm summilux M and mount to my sl3 ?? Thank you

[@BrandonTalbot]

With the built in hood, can you still throw a filter on the front?

[@GajanBalan]

Yep, 46mm filter thread.

[@richsugg2443]

Great video. The 50 is a challenge after spending so much time with something wider. I shoot with an m11 now and find myself carrying a 50 and a 35. Both great focal lengths. keep up the great work. You're knowledge and introspection is so enjoyable!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@stayuntilforever]

28mm & 50mm is my go to lenses. Perfect combo. I never got along with 24mm or 35mm/40mm

[@arsalanalim]

Same! I use these almost exclusively on wedding days, and it's the perfect balance for me.

[@pothast]

🐘 years ago I got the 50 Summilux ASPH as my first M lens. The look of the photos is just gorgeous. Love the red lettering on the lens 😃

[@GajanBalan]

Incredible, enjoy!

[@xavierfumat7567]

What film were you using in your M6? How do you get such nice contrast from the film? How do achieve the richness inn your bw film photos? Thank you, great video!

[@REMY.C.]

Thanks for the video Gajan. What you said is what I always what I say when I get asked for help, when you start, go wide, 28mm is gorgeous to document the life around you and learn how to approach photography, and is easier, you can crop if you messed up the horizon, if you need to "delete elements", it's easier in tighter places... Then go to 50mm if you want to go more in details. When asked about my favorite focal lengths and the ones I'd have my entire life, 28, 50, no questions. Additional 35 would be the icing on the cake.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for watching as always ✌🏾

[@philippgunther3558]

Thank you for your well thought and elaborated review. What you said about 50mm focal length really got me thinking. It is always a pleasure to watch one of your videos. Thank you!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

Nice video and photos! I used to prefer shooting with 28 mm and 35 mm lenses. but picked up Leica’s Noctilux-M 50 f/1 and f/1.2 and the new Summilux-M 50 w/ close focusing and am hooked. I recently got a used Summarit-M 50 mm f/2.4 (even lighter), and will someday get an APO-Summicron-M 50 (I’m waiting for Leica to make a close-focusing version of it too).

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@RobiePunsalan]

Yeah you really got me man. Never in my entire history of watching youtube (for idk at least 15 years?), have I encountered someone that can deliver this kind of depth and quality in a camera gear review. I was first introduced to your channel by the Q3. After watching those videos several times and stumbling on the M-series content, I was really able to absorb the points that you made which is ultimately giving me the power to make my own decision. Should I get a Leica? Is Leica worth it? Which Leica should I get? I've had these questions ever since I discovered Leica from the movie Eurotrip in the 2000s but watching your videos has honestly given me the answers. Having a family trip to Japan next year and I'll definitely be in the market for an M11-P. Right now I'm diving deep into my current gear and practicing different focal lengths to know which lens to go for and here we go again, another video by Gajan on M lenses. Bottom line, you've really inspired my journey recently and I'm grateful for that. Hopefully everything aligns when the time comes to purchase my first Leica. Thank you Gajan! 🐈

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for the kind words ✌🏾

[@dannelson2326]

I LOVE the red letter modification. I’m going to have to look into that. Anything you need to do aside from mailing it to Wetzlar with a letter? I’m in the USA.

[@GajanBalan]

I don’t know if that still works. I was fortunate enough to be in Wetzlar and ask really nicely, haha.

[@sonderbass]

Stellar review! Appreciate your approach/format of this video! 🦁

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you. Truly appreciate the support 🙏🏾

[@kriscuth]

I started off my photography journey on an apsc camera shooting at a 45mm equivalent and I’m grateful for it. But I can say, that I stagnated after a good 2-3 years of shooting in multiple realms (portrait, product, action/sports, family, etc). My images started to feel like they looked the same and I really began to wonder why I was shooting at all. If I could start over today, I would definitely have started off with a 24-28ish wide focal length and the 45-equivalent as a compliment. Nowadays, I keep a 35 glued to my camera, but I still favor 28mm. I’m definitely looking forward to see what else comes to the lens space across the board as 28mm is not very common in Sony E-mount… maybe I’ll be able to make the Leica switch before Sony has a remedy….. Great video as always Gajan!!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for sharing that brother. Enjoy the journey!

[@jumbodog5955]

Man you gotta share your tips on keeping lenses clean / lens cleaning tips I see you travelling quite a bit ( India, etc ) where dust is not hard to come by It would be helpful to know how you go about cleaning your equipment … I generally refrain from shooting out of vehicles etc when in India, as there is a lot of dust in the plains when it hasn’t rained Love your work and the way you review and put together things… thank you 🐘

[@JungjoonKim]

what a great perspective. thank you for sharing.

[@Cruz7906]

I think the "nifty 50" was recommended for so many people that just bought their first DSLR was because it was fast, had less distortion than say a 28 or a 35 for portraits, and most importantly it was like $300. When you're starting out and don't necessarily have an extra couple grand for expensive glass, the 50 is a great starting point. If you're talking about Leica glass then the 50 vs 28 or 35mm is a bit different because price doesn't really factor in.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s part of it. There’s also the commercial aspect of attaching additional glass that complimented the value of a 50mm lens.

[@krolldavid]

Love the photos you took with the lens. Oh yes and what a lens! Interesting also to hear your perspective on the focal lengths. I felt the same way since starting in photography, 50mm didn’t feel ‘standard’ or ‘natural’ to me. I’m trying to learn to get on with it better but 35mm and even 28mm somehow felt more natural to me.

[@GajanBalan]

Agreed. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@sneakingelephant]

🐿️ I started my lens journey(on a Sony body)with a 35mm and 85mm combo. I’ve actually come to enjoy the 21mm the most closely followed by the 50mm. I recently bought a M3 with a collapsible 50 cron. I also don’t agree with the statement that “it’s closest to what the eye sees” but there is something amazing about shooting a 50mm with the M3 with both eyes open. It’s like having an AR overlay on my vision of what the frame is going to be. I do want to eventually buy a 28mm(trying to decide between a Summaron and Summicron). The only downside will be the need for an external viewfinder but I can live with that.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching all the way through and appreciate you sharing. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@gurnbass]

Good talk about a lens that will be in my bag very soon. Thank you! - However, I tend to disagree with your suggestion for a starter lens, not just because I learned on a fixed 50 in a 1960’s camera. My recommendation would be a 35, which is maybe the most versatile lens and has the least bias. 50 or 75mm lenses teach you to make choices. 28 or 24, or maybe even 21, teach you how to compose.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾 And I think 35 is a great starter for those with a bit more experience. So, yea I kinda agree with what you’re saying.

[@ianforber]

I started in the late 1970s with a 40mm fixed lens rangefinder. Then moved to a SLR with a 50mm lens. I was always wishing for either a wider or longer focal length so after about 7 years I bought a 28-85mm zoom and found myself usually using the extreme ends of the zoom. I agree with Gajan. Start with a cheap-ish 28mm and use it before deciding what to do. The advantage of M-mount lenses is that they usually retain value in the used market.

[@_parkphoto]

🦊 I don’t usually think of the 28 as a starter lens (used to shrug it off as too wide for me), but I’ve been branching out and I see what you mean - takes a bit more effort to compose well, get close enough, and manage the chaos in the frame. 50 Lux is still my holy grail lens, can’t wait for the day I can cop one.

[@GajanBalan]

Yep! And that work is what genuinely breeds some growth. Thanks for watching brother ✌🏾

[@_parkphoto]

@@GajanBalan yeah man you bet

[@stigottesencreations]

Great video, Gajan, thanks.Watched also your other vid's about focal lengths and lens combo's. Interesting topic, I seem to think a lot about these days. My Leica Journey began with a Q - so 28mm is for me very natural. Later came an M into my stable, and I paired it with a 50 Summilux. Everything now seemed perfect, I love the 50mm and pairing it with a 28 was/is a good lens combo. Enter the "disruptor": 35mm Summilux FLE, ("none close focus"-version). Fantastic lens - also as you point out. But I'm having problems convincing myself that my perfect lens combo is now: 28-35-50 -(and 90, btw, I have that also). It could be interesting to hear your thoughts about combining especially the 28 with a 35 combination: When to use which? and so forth ?

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Stig. I wanna make an updated video on this. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@stigottesencreations]

@@GajanBalan Thanks - I will be looking so much forward to that - and meantime continue shooting pictures :-) - and BTW: Love your photos.

[@just_eirik]

It looks very fun to shoot with! Like just having it in your hands and shooting with it looks fun. I don't have full frame but I have crop and medium format, and I have 50mm equivalent lenses on both. 50mm is so nice!

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@JohanKhoo]

I started with a 50.. in the 80s, but didn't really know how to use it. 35mm became my go to and even now 35/40mm is the way I see as default. I got a Q and forced myself to shoot 28, but for the longest time, I would frame it at 35 and have to crop a little, but now with smartphones, I think I can shoot down to 24mm with some success. But then I returned to 50mm and had to force myself (one camera, one lens) for a few months to learn the "mechanics" of 50 and now I think my ideal set up is a 28 on the Q on one body and 50 on a M or SL - all bases basically covered.

[@GajanBalan]

Nice. It’s all a journey. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@martinlocret6288]

That's basically my default set up.

[@fgaglione]

my move as well, Q3 and a50mm Summilux on an SL2S, couldn't be happier.

[@wilfredshum3703]

Love the lux for both 35 and 50 mm ASPH.

[@costascosta273]

You can pick up the old v1 ASPH one for around 2k used, the best value in modern Leica I think. I started with a 50mm and have slowly gone wider over the years. I tend to use a 24mm and 35mm now alongside a 50mm and a 90mm. With the two latter lenses seeing less use.

[@DavidHananel-f3h]

So, two "magical" lenses Summilux 35 and 50... If you can have only one, which one???

[@GajanBalan]

35

[@ryanthigpen]

Just bought this lens a few days ago with an M11-P. In the learning and “seeing” mode at the moment.

[@GajanBalan]

Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@goesch]

🐈 I started on my dads 50mm when I was 10 years old and that focal length tought me to „see“. 30 years later my 50 Summilux Asph is glued to my M3 but I’m more a 28/35 guy myself too now 😊

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@TOOBBIINN1]

Red numbering....Very nice!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@rossxjohnson]

🦁Agreed on the 28mm perspective as a start. New photographers who use their phones a lot will feel more comfortable and get an easier start into photography. Many people over time will then decide if they want wider or tighter and then challenge themselves from there. I fell into the trap of a 50mm first years ago when I had a Nikon and immediately found it too tight for what I wanted to achieve.

[@GajanBalan]

Absolutely. And thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@vincenttan399]

Great video! I personally love the rendering of the Apo Summicron but the new lux with close focus got me thinking about it. By the way, is the lens in the start of the video a modified version for red numbers? I can't seem to see a version anywhere with red number scale.

[@GajanBalan]

Yea, I mentioned it in the video. It’s a custom job that I had done by the friends at Leica.

[@picturemaker]

I've shot a 50mm for 15 years professionally for almost everything. I would guess for 95% of my work. Nikon D and the Summilux. I tried adding the Q2 for a while to complement the setup but found it very difficult to get comfortable with the 28. I see in 50 and that's that and I'm not so interested in spending however many years it takes to nail a new focal length. And for rendering and character nothing beats the 50 Summilux with an M. Thanks for another super interesting video Gajan. Any update on the in-depth SL3 video?

[@picturemaker]

Oh and to add, @wolfcrow did a great video on the focal length of the human eye just recently. Spoiler, 42mm. Would love to see Leica make a Summilux 42mm. That would be the holy grail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGHafnaVjryfhMU

[@gordoncahill1170]

@@picturemaker While 43mm (the diagonal of a 24x36mm frame) is the *normal* the human eye doesn't work like that. What you're brain gets is a composite image of many frames with some side to side scanning thrown in. For most people the true *normal* would be a couple of 42/43mm frames stitched together. So more xPan than Leica M. Having said that, after 35 years as a 50mm guy the 55V on a X2D (44mm equiv) has become my personal favourite,

[@picturemaker]

@@gordoncahill1170I would like to try a 44. I think 40 is the closest I could get.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome man and thank you for watching. I’m actually writing the review now for the SL3 and hope to have it out in early July. It’s gonna be special.

[@picturemaker]

@@GajanBalan Looking forward to it!

[@tfresh99]

Nice vid and good advice. Nifty is usually in the context of budget and killer performance from what I’ve seen. Leica lenses are not budget really. I loved the 28mm but I’m all about that 35,50 and 85 now.. first vid I’ve seen on your channel, cool stuff!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@ianforber]

I’m still on the fence about the 50mm focal length. I spent about 18 months shooting 28mm on my Q2. When I got my M11 I decided to get a 50mm Summicron to ensure it was a different experience. After using the 50mm exclusively for 12 months I bought a 35mm Voigtlander lens to try out that focal length. Problem is, I still reach for the Q2 more often than the M11!

[@Zetaphotography]

never seen this camera before. what is it

[@GajanBalan]

Leica M6 with a custom wrap

[@Kamukix]

Great video, 50mm is my jam and has been for many many years.....BUT now that there are some good lenses in the 40mm range, I've moved that way. I never really got into 35mm too much, but there have of course been many times that I've wish my 50's were wider (or longer), and I'm glad there are finally excellent options to do that. I am also a fan of 28mm focal length as it's wide enough to tell a story and not be too wide...for that stuff I like 20mm. I also strongly agree with 28mm being a great place to learn photography instead of just getting a 'professional lens to get super shallow DOF' and learning almost nothing of composition. 🐒

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks so much for sharing. And thanks again for watching all the way through 🙏🏾

[@Kamukix]

@@GajanBalan you're welcome, and thank you for sharing with us 🙏

[@j.f.7509]

I always considered the 50 as neither fish nor fowl. But it'a the cheapest and fastest high quality lens and was the kit lens back in the days. In my opinion, I would recommend instead the 35mm. It's a "normal wide" and is great for snapshot photography by using the hyperfocal distance. It also works well combined with a medium telephoto (80mm/90mm).

[@AlexOnStreets]

I was in the middle of writing a really long string of innuendos about stroke length but then realized this is never ending and I need to go to bed. Also I agree that most photographers should break away from 50mm asap and focus on 28 or 35 to expand ones vision and abilities.

[@GajanBalan]

Lmfao! If you only knewww how many lines we dropped before I just decided to just settle on nothing 😂 Appreciate you watching brother. Thank you ✌🏾

[@igottheshaft]

I disagree, actually. I felt so restricted initially with a 50mm, which was my first "real" lens that wasn't a zoom. The window to the world felt so small. I immediately wanted to go wider, and I did. It wasn't until I was on vacation with only a 50mm as an alternative to a heavy zoom lens, that I learned what could be done with a 50mm. I finally got it, and now it's my preferred focal length.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

🐲 Another awesome long term review Gajan! Although I was curious about your thoughts on the latest 50mm Lux and I myself just purchased the previous version for a very good price - your thoughts on the 50mm focal length somehow blew my mind. Although I'm still relatively new to photography and doing this only as a hobby I always thought, that the 50mm focal length doesn't look like my field of view, but still believed what others told about 50mm, since they are professionals. That being said, I shot for almost 1 year only 28mm (Q system) + 35mm and when I shot with 50mm again I really understood what I was missing from the 50mm (mostly the compression + bokeh for protrait like shots - 85mm is not usable for me in family situations). But after hearing your thoughts ... I'm now looking for a good deal for a Elmarit 28mm 2.8 for my M system :D Keep up the great work! You rock!

[@GajanBalan]

I truly appreciate the kind words, thank you. Enjoy the journey!

[@tomcruz3774]

🐳 I started with a 50mm and now I'm using 24mm to 28mm and sometimes 75mm for portraits. Tbh I'm kinda glad I started out wrong 😂 I spent enough time with the 50mm to know it isn't for me but great to have just in case the situation calls for it.

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, took the long road like many of us. But you found your happy place. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@singhonthestreets]

A bit underrated element but your script is very interesting and has a certain finesse. Next time I go home to India, I would try to do a street photoshoot. Also can we please have a zine of yours which is just street photography from India?

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you brother. And I don’t have plans for a zine specifically, but do have something else I’m working on. Hoping it can drop early 2025.

[@baxterbradford7063]

Really enjoyed this, thanks. I’m curious how often you actually get closer than 0.7m. I’ve got previous version & love the way it renders, but am interested in the 35mm FLE V2 changing from 35 Summicron mostly due to rendering but partly because of the closer focussing ability. It is significantly more expensive than FLE V1 to get this capability.

[@GajanBalan]

I use it a lot. It really is a such a great creative tool to punch in and accentuate the depth in certain instances.

[@baxterbradford7063]

@@GajanBalan Thank you very much, my bank balance was afraid you’d say that! I can definitely see it is advantageous, I’ll start saving.

[@ianforber]

I bought the CV 35mm f1.5 Nokton to try out 35mm. It has a close focus of 0.5mm but I rarely use it. Might be just because I tend to use for landscape or street rather than portrait

[@baxterbradford7063]

@@ianforber I can’t remember using my Summicron at 0.7m, but if I do change, I only want the expense of doing it once! Huge premium to pay for newer version.

[@HN-sk2lr]

I prefer 50 and 35. Those are the best for street and portrait 👌 😍

[@richa2495]

Very informative, excellent video. I liked it. I shoot almost exclusively with the 35mm Summilux f1.4 close focus. Love this lens. I am thinking about adding a 50mm f2 Summicron for a different perspective and look. I am an avid amateur. I shoot with the m10. What do you think about this choice? 🐅

[@GajanBalan]

It could work. I’d say look at the photographs you enjoy most and see where that focal length lies. Good luck!

[@raksh9]

I use a Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 primarily, and a Summicron 50 for portraits. The Summicron 50 is a superb lens, you can't go wrong if you enjoy 50mm.

[@richa2495]

@@raksh9 I only have the 35mm, so I think the 50mm Summicron would give me a closer perspective and a different look than the Summilux. I think I’d like the Summicron 50mm. Thank you for your input. Do you like the Weiss?

[@raksh9]

@@richa2495 The Zeiss is my favorite lens of all time. The clarity and rendering is wonderful, even wide open. I've read many good things about the close focus Summilux but I'm very satisfied with the Zeiss Distagon.

[@noenken]

That doesn't check out for me. For people that have been shooting on their phones so far a 28mm is just more of the same. There is no "out of the comfort zone" moment. If you're in that situation and want a challenge .. get a 50. 11:30

[@GajanBalan]

I hear where you’re coming from, I just have a different conclusion. I don’t believe 50mm brings you out of your comfort zone.

[@noenken]

@@GajanBalan I guess I don't understand what you mean by that. If it's not familiarity with the focal length then what is it? ... And now that I think about it, I also don't see a benefit in discomfort for beginners. ... I think I'm fundamentally misunderstanding what you meant to communicate. That might be my fault, no blaming going on here. It just does not compute. 😄

[@GajanBalan]

@@noenken haha, no worries. The short version is that, valuable learning happens when we get outside of our places of comfort. Some lenses (50) can keep us in a place of comfort because of how it keeps us away from subjects. Others might force us to get closer (28) to tell a more compelling story. This is more of an opinion than a science anyway, but that’s why I feel going wider to start might make for a more fulfilling journey.

[@noenken]

@@GajanBalan Ooooh, you mean you have to get physically closer to people with a wider lens. Yes, I see what you mean now. Thank you. 👍 Yes, that can get you "closer to the story", absolutely. I would personally still advocate for the 40-50mm range (maybe a 35) as a starting point for beginners, partly because of the relationships between foreground and background being more familiar but mostly because I think it makes framing easier with a "normal" lens. I have the theory that phone pictures look like phone pictures not because of less detail, more noise, bad optics or anything like that, but because it is a photographic shotgun. It gets pointed forward, roughly on a target and then it just hits everything. Tigtening the field of view can help beginners to make decisions about what they want in their photos and what they might want to leave out. I think that is a skill I would try to get a beginner to learn first. But in the end both approaches are valid. 🙂 Oh and by the way: Congrats on the lens! I had the predecessor for a bit and I am still thinking about getting another lux again.

[@PeterB-Dlux]

Hi Gajan. Your reviews are quite good. While the 28mm is a good lens to start with, you actually argued quite convincingly for the 50mm focal length! Whether it's "normal" or not is arguable. I think it's a good length that allows for wide shots (if you step back a bit) or close shots (if you step forward...out of your comfort zone if you will). Regarding the look being sterile or boring...I certainly wouldn't call images made by the likes of Bresson, Erwitt, Haas and others boring. Like you said, get a lens and explore with it.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@Gvacam1222]

very special lens specially at close focus, but i prefer by far (a galaxy) the sigma 50 1.2 on SL3 (this one crush both noctilux50 and lux 50 CF)😗

[@billyabroad8057]

🐐 very nice analysis!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@albrechtn]

...great review...

[@Kevon420]

The World's Greatest Lens!

[@GajanBalan]

For many people, it is.

[@gewglesux]

Wait.. this is new? why aren't more people talking about it?

[@Dan_photo]

I think the close focus had been out for a year or so.

[@gewglesux]

@@Dan_photo thank you very much.. The one i purchased is the previous version

[@-DreniM-]

Just buy second hand 50 summicron and go for a trip taking pictures.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s great too.

[@danielcoburn7696]

cron/lux both great just different. Enjoy 😉

[@lutzd.schilling8032]

Confirmed👍

[@Zetaphotography]

Love my Summicron V4 on a Monochrom 246

[@AManWhoWasntThere]

The standard focal length doesn't really have anything to do with the field of view of our eyes. It's an arbitrary decision based on the idea that most pictures will be looked at from a certain distance based on the diagonal of the image. When you do that the picture diagonal will take up about a specific angle of your field of view, so if the picture was also taken with the same diagonal field of view it will be like looking through a window. But if you look at the picture from further away you would need a tighter field of view for the same effect. Close up you would need a wider lens. This arbitrary diagonal field of view for any format can be achieved with a focal length equivalent to the diagonal of the format. On full frame (35mm film) that would be a 43mm lens. On 4x5 large format it would be a 150mm lens etc. The reason 50mm established itself as kind of the standard was because it was the closest lens Leica had lying around when they build the first 35mm film camera.

[@zergwof]

Yes! The use of the word "nifty" when taking about 50mm lenses will have to stop. Yesterday.

[@sanjayvijayanathan5038]

Interesting, and looks like a lovely lens. Unsurprisingly- I’m guessing you’ll have anticipated pushback. I started with a kit zoom on my micro four thirds- and like the wirecutter said bought the cheap 25mm f1.8 Panasonic lens ( the mft 50mm equivalent) and while I knew ( and know ) nothing about photography- I knew what I liked- and that focal length satisfied my taste. I’ve come to appreciate 28mm on the q2 and 35mm equivalent on the x100 series ( though I’m probably in the Chris Nicholls camp here). (Possibly accentuated by reading ‘the decisive moment’ but) nothing satisfies my personal aesthetic like a 50mm. 🐘

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for sharing. And well said.

[@xiiiconcepts]

You might as well put sandpaper to the camera and go all the way to match the hood as well lol

[@GajanBalan]

Nature will take its course, haha

[@yidong5567]

started with 28mm (Q2) and regretted it cus it's too wide for everyday use but not wide enough as a complimentary lens for my personal taste. ever since I started using 50 and 70 Summilux, my Q2 has been collecting dust. However, if I could only keep one lens, that would be the Q2 with 28mm. It doesn't do everything perfectly but at least it could do almost everything.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

I have the feeling that I can get similar results with Q3, but most likely I am wrong 🙂

[@elliotresnick5433]

?

[@xiiiconcepts]

The Q3 or any Q for that matter can never get the look from a 50 lux. Ever.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

@@xiiiconcepts , not so sure

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

what I mean you can get close, so that not sure one would pass the blind test.

[@GajanBalan]

I largely disagree, but with enough technique and skill, you might fool some people.

[@ShawnPBruce]

I’ve been using the 50 Summicron for the last five years, but the draw of the Summilux is getting harder and harder to ignore. 😅

[@GajanBalan]

I apologize in advance 😂

[@zkramez]

I need one wow

[@95slowdiver]

Im inclined to disagree on not starting with a 50. The 50 closely relates to what can be seen directly in a scene from a photographers direct perspective, rather than the extended details a 35 or 28 offers. Canon proved this in the 60s with their Canon P film rangefinder that used a 1X magnifying viewfinder where you can have both eyes open and it feels like you aren’t even looking through a viewfinder. Within that viewfinder the 50mm framelines take up the entire portion of the view. Theres also better DOF sharpness with a 50 between f8 and f16 compared to a 35 and 28. The 50 can also be used for basic portraiture when you need it, as separation of the fore, middle, and background elements can be quite dramatic even at f2. I can agree that a 50 can be too tight in a number of situations, and with traditional spec rangefinder lenses (often limited to around 3ft minimum focus) the limitations can be very clear. And yes, while you may have better DOF sharpness with a 50, the bounds are far tighter than a 35 and 28. But it would be wise not to avoid a 50mm as a first lens. There is a lot a photographer can learn starting with one, and there really is a reason 50mm lenses are regarded as “nifty 50s”. 35mm is a lot better of a recommendation for an alternative first lens as it can provide more constraint of a scene in a number of situations than a 28. 28mm can be unforgiving if composition and exposure isn’t fully accounted for.

[@GajanBalan]

I hear you. And I’m sure there are many inclined to agree with you. However, I just can’t seem to shake the element of growth. Having a wider lens that demands more intention and work; I wanna believe that’s gonna make for a more engaged learning experience. But hey, there’s not right or wrong. Really just a matter of opinion. Thanks for sharing yours ✌🏾

[@95slowdiver]

I 100% agree, it really is just my opinion, and everyone’s mileage will vary. I hope I did not give off some kind of doctrine that “you must start with a 50mm before anything else” because the reality of shooting photos is that one’s environment should dictate what lens is placed on a camera. Cheers, and great video btw 🙏🏽

[@GajanBalan]

@@95slowdiver Absolutely not, I appreciated the dialogue. Cheers ✌🏾

[@bunnytobin]

28/50 Fo'evah.

[@georgefinch8160]

🐆 great overview

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@arsalanalim]

Great review Gajan, I'm probably never going to buy this lens but still found this video really interesting. I love that you suggested newer photographers go for a wider prime to start with, I see too many people recommending 50mm as a starting point and it's just not ideal for learning photography. P.S. I don't know if you've ever considered this, but I would love to watch a video where you talk about your experiences photographing people in south asia!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks brother. And yea, I got one video up where I talk about the photography experience through Chennai. Working on more episodes in the months to come.

[@arsalanalim]

@@GajanBalan sweet i'll check that one out! Can't wait for more!

[@Ullr-Zero-Kelvin]

What’s so attractive with the new lenses is the close focus.

[@GajanBalan]

Spoke about it in the video ✌🏾

[@prettiestflacko]

Nice AP

[@GajanBalan]

Poor man’s AP 😂 prx

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

I think 50mm is best for most people. Neater compositions. But a 28mm is good as the second lens. 35mm is just neither here nor there. But most people should consider a 50mm as their first lens. It gives you a perfect balance that’s not telephoto nor wide. Also how come you call photographers “creatives” and not “photographers”? It’s a yellow card offence second only to that word “content”.

[@GajanBalan]

First, I don’t agree but I respect the opinion. There’s many that’ll champion the 50 as a great starting point, I just don’t think that fosters better learning to start. Second, not everyone that practices photography is a photographer. Creative is an umbrella term I use to refer to anyone involved in creativity. I think you might be projecting a bit here. Anyway, thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

@@GajanBalanyou’re entitled to your opinion even though it’s wrong.

[@GajanBalan]

@@Vladimir-hd5nn 🤣

[@ABarrera]

🦁

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you watching brother ✌🏾

[@bushbeatnik4480]

50 Lux for portraits, VM Ultron 35 for everything else......Until there is a Summicrion V4 re-issue..LOL I have owned the V4 for 35 years and it shows it's age past the M10 24mp sensor. Just saying Leica- when we going to get a new Summicron that's not APO?

[@FLMUSACanada]

I never heard the term "nifty fifty" until a couple years ago. Very annoying. The new 50 is a gorgeous lens with superb rendering. The 50 is my least-used lens. The 21 is top dog for me, and the 35 is a distant second. A 24 or 35 is a better starter lens, I think. Much of this is very subjective.

[@mikeknobloch6740]

Hang on a sec… Can we not blow past that comment about how Wetzlar did a custom paint job on the numbers on that lens…? 😅 How might one go about such a mod (via Leica)….?!

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, yea it was mentioned in the video. It was a custom job done in Wetzlar by my friends at Leica.

[@gordoncahill1170]

I like 50's but it's still a shame the majors really don't make a *nifty* 35, 28, 24 etc. Sony have a 28. But not Nikon or Canon. As it is, you can go Sony or Leica M or get offered a 50 as there's no starter lenses in other focal lengths. And only Pentax and Hasselblad make a 43/44mm (equiv for the HB). Canon and Nikon don't make a 28mm at all and the 24's are all giant and expensive. Even for the SL system there's no *affordable* 28. YOu get offered a 50 because there's little option.

[@jamman85]

🐝

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@SamiPaju]

🐙

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@moritzberger4898]

Summilux-SL 50 is even better ... (if you can forgive its size)

[@CalMukumoto]

🎉

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@XboxTheBeatboxer]

28mm isn't wide enough. Needs to be 21mm. I'd shoot 21mm, 50mm, 135mm.

[@GajanBalan]

21mm is great. I just don’t see it as a starting point for most people. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@garychen7000]

不会用leica M的讲评M镜头

[@philippgunther3558]

🦉

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you sticking all the way through 🙏🏾

[@philippgunther3558]

@@GajanBalan Thx, I am exited about your next one

[@2252freddyng]

🦍

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@chrismeetschris]

🦝🦝🦝

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching brother ✌🏾

[@CrnaInBela]

🐘

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you watching through the end ✌🏾

[@thenosyhungarian]

dude you're on a roll in this one!! "what a load of shit that turned out to be" hhahaha classic! 🐈

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@ChrisSaunders]

🐕

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching Chris ✌🏾

[@antonyhands5662]

The nifty 50 was recommended because it was fast and cheap. That's the ONLY reason. People wanted to be able to explore shallow depth of field - this was the most affordable way. You just totally misunderstood the entire purpose of the lens.

[@GajanBalan]

😂

[@Jebusjoose]

Using liveview on a leica m is terribly unprofessional and shabby

[@GajanBalan]

😂😂😂

[@lkl7045]

Damn poisoning video

[@GiancarloBenzina]

MTF charts don‘t work. Pictures do. BS talk over and over again, another one, collecting clicks by applying a red brand name to his channel.

[@GajanBalan]

lol k

[@azzkhan8746]

So it’s similar to Fuji 35mm 1.4 and Fuji GFX 80mm 1.7. Character

[@GajanBalan]

Nope

[@azzkhan8746]

@@GajanBalan ah good to know. We can all have unique images then ;-) And its not the gear that matters. All legendary photographers are not known for the gear they used, but the images they have taken.

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

It’s somewhat similar to the 80mm f1.7 actually

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

"It's just a smidge thicker and a tad shorter... a perfect analogy for what getting old feels like." [4:10] Gajan, why you gotta do that to me?!? 🧑‍🦯

[@GajanBalan]

Lol I’m right there with you pal 😅

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@GajanBalan When the monopod goes from being a hiking stick to a cane...

[@doksdavaudoo9075]

🦍

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@doksdavaudoo9075]

@@GajanBalan thx for sharing your thoughts

[@robmitchell7355]

🦝

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾