Why The Leica Summilux 50mm Black Chrome is So Perfect | REVIEW

The search for the Perfect 50mm ended right here for me!
Here is my first look of the Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 Black Chrome Edition, along with sample images taken with my Leica M11P . This Lens combines timeless design with cutting-edge optics paying homage to the iconic 1959 Summilux design while incorporating a modern, state-of-the-art optical formula derived from the latest Summilux 50mm f1.4
Key Features:
📷 Classic 1959 Summilux Design: The Black Chrome Edition faithfully recreates the vintage aesthetic of the original 1959 Summilux, making it a collector's dream.
🌟 Modern Optical Formula: Beneath its classic exterior lies a new optical formula that ensures outstanding image quality and sharpness, even in low light conditions.
🔍 Exceptional Bokeh: Achieve stunning subject isolation and creamy bokeh, thanks to the fast f/1.4 aperture and precision engineering.
📸 Versatile for Any Situation: From portraits to street photography, the Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 excels in various shooting scenarios, giving you unparalleled versatility.
In this video, we will dive deep into the Summilux 50mm f/1.4 Black Chrome Edition, showcasing its performance, build quality, and real-world applications. Whether you're a vintage lens aficionado or a modern photography enthusiast, this lens is sure to captivate your creativity.
If you're considering adding this lens to your collection or camera gear, be sure to watch our review for my initial analysis. this is oart 1 of a part two series.
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#LeicaM11p #Summilux50mmf14 #Blackchrome

[@ABarrera]

I love the look of this Summilux. Best looking Leica 50mm imo

[@GastonShutters]

It really is!

[@eirikkittelsen9787]

I love it myself. They had one in Norway at a discount brand new! Had to get it!!

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah it’s a cool little and heavy lens.

[@wilfredshum3703]

I have this lens as well as the version 2 (silver) and version 3 (black) that give much softer images. Love the classic design of the barrel which is typically found in the more expensive special edition lenses.

[@GastonShutters]

Agreed 👍

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Thank you! ... 👌

[@GastonShutters]

You're welcome!

[@kurocamera]

The only problem with this lens is the weight and length, it’s too heavy and long for a 50mm (looks more like a 75mm or a 90mm), that’s why I prefer the pre-asph summiluxes that weight less than 300g, are almost the same size as the summicron, and keep that beautiful design in which this lens was based on.

[@GastonShutters]

The weight like I mentioned in the video is a bit off. But not much that all the other Summilux. I own the three modern ones and this one by far is the best looking and performing IMO. The close focus version is nice but useless with the range finder. The pre asph are too soft for my taste.

[@rubelukeable]

Hey Gaston, I just sold this lens last month. Loved it, but sold it for model 11728 (the current 50 1.4 with 0.45 close focus). The Black chrome is (0.7 close focus). If Leica produces the Black Chrome model with (0.45 close focus) then I might pick it up again. Love the style

[@GastonShutters]

Im in the opposite side hehe. I have the 11728 and I’m going to sell it i think. I’d love to see this lens in aluminum and close focus :)

[@rubelukeable]

@@GastonShutters It really is an amazing looking and solid lens. BTW, Thorsten Overgaard a Danish Leica expert /photographer on KZbin sells a circular hood that accepts filters. I have it and it's pretty nice and matches the matte finish of the lens. The hood that comes with the Black chrome model falls off very easily.

[@xiiiconcepts]

Leica also threads it for you if you send it in

[@GastonShutters]

Yes I have seen that video from Torsten. I just don’t use lens hoods in general. Thanks for the tip

[@GastonShutters]

@@xiiiconceptsyes I’ve heard of that service. But I don’t use lenshoods.usually.

[@GastonShutters]

Which one is your favorite fast 50mm? Let's start a deabte!

[@markusbuechter3766]

Leica 50 APO black paint , love the rendering, micro contrast and it looks amazing

[@camerafusion]

Great review

[@GastonShutters]

Appreciate the watch 🫶

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Gaston, All the recent Summilux 50 mm f1,4 M mount have the same optical formula. Including the 2023 version close focussing. The black version you show is not better than the other Summilux.

[@GastonShutters]

Yes. And I think I mentioned that in the video.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I own the 3 versions. My best out of the 3 is the 11728 (2023) edition.

[@GastonShutters]

Agreed. More aperture blades, smoother bokeh and closer focusing distance. But the 11891 is a better daily carry for me. Lighter and I rarely need to be 0.45M if anything with a 50mm

[@carlosestrada8756]

I also have this lens and love the sleek look red and white lettering without the “50” on it. It makes my M11 silver version very heavy and makes having the grip on a must. When are you going to do a review on your 35 1.4 Steel Rim?

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah the Brass m11 is 100 grams heavier. Does it tip forward when you lay the camera on its base? The Steel rim 35 will be my next lens review most likely. Subscribe in case you didn’t so you don’t miss it !

[@carlosestrada8756]

Yes it still tips forward, but with the grip on it does not. Definitely will subscribe and looking forward to your review. On a side note I wish I would have went with the Black M11 so my set up could be lighter. Might have to trade it in in the future.

[@GastonShutters]

I think you would be able to trade it quick.

[@AdamCzarnowski]

50mm 0.95 Noctilux. Takes a while to figure what it does well but wow.

[@GastonShutters]

That’s a beast of a chunky lens. But a beautiful one if you can focus with it at 0.95

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

Hi. Can I ask you where you sold your first lens when you replaced it with this new one? I have a collection of lenses and a Leica camera that I would like to sell. my regards.

[@GastonShutters]

I was able to returned it to a Leica Store I bought it from but KEH, MPB, Adorama, BH are great places to sell gear.

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

@@GastonShutters thank you 🙏

[@GastonShutters]

Anytime

[@xiiiconcepts]

You still rocking the Noctilux 50 on the mono if so how does this 50 compare being .2 slower ?

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah. Still use the Noctilux mainly on the Monochrome. It feels sharper on that camera and it just works so well for BW. It’s a hard call but all I can say is that the Black Chrome is more manageable and better for color IMO. It is a modern optical design which for certain situations I prefer it over the Noctilux. But each lens has a place and time.

[@roberttaylor4175]

Thoughts on Portugal manufacturing? Lens on sale now for $4600 new

[@GastonShutters]

Should be good too. I really like the stuff made in Canada and earlier German stuff. I do notice that some of the new lenses the aperture doesn’t click well or they gain play barrel. It could be just me.

[@pirapatjirakarnsiri9761]

I have this lens but in black paint 😅

[@GastonShutters]

Nice!

[@patrickhao8473]

You were able to trade it in leica store? Do all leica stores do this?

[@GastonShutters]

Most Leica stores will buy your lenses if they are acceptable to their standards. Or at least the ones I’ve been to do so.

[@patrickhao8473]

Thanks! Looking to trade my silver chrome version to this. The silver chrome is heavier than the Bc 😅

[@GastonShutters]

@patrickhao8473 yeah that silver is made out of brass too. It is similar to this one in weight

[@sijilo]

😊

[@GastonShutters]

😀

[@camelotvanerven9667]

Sold it, too heavy for me.

[@GastonShutters]

Almost same weight as the 2023 release.

[@guillaumevalli5031]

The silver is actually even heavier…. Almost 500g

[@GastonShutters]

Why thought? This one is brass already

[@guillaumevalli5031]

@@GastonShutterslittle bit thicker at the top with the hood included. Shame it has a plastic tab.... I had both, still not decided which I prefer. Love that lens and nice video, thanks.

[@GastonShutters]

@@guillaumevalli5031 all that metal and a plastic tab? I'll go with this version the ring is brass ...

[@veranovikovavalli]

to be super clear: Leica 11688: Brass. Black Chrome Finish. Detachable hood. No focus Tab, only scalloped focus ring. Leica 11892. Brass. Silver Chrome Finish. Retracable Hood. Focus tab made of black plastic. To be fair it blends well with silver bodies and their black leatherette.@@GastonShutters Leica 11891. Aluminium. Black anodised finish. Focus tab made of black plastic. The mos important difference is the filter size. The 11891/2 version use an e46mm that fits better as a system in the Leica-universe (same as 21f3.4 - 28f2 - 35f1.4 - 90f2.8...etc). 11866 and its 43mm is an oddball in the modern stable.

[@GastonShutters]

@@veranovikovavalli you got me confused for a moment. My 11891 is brass I believe. Thanks for the info

[@janfrosty3392]

Nice lens, what makes it ugly is that red feet marking, please, please, Leica drop that idiotic anglo feet scale. (I have quite nicely removed feet scale off my APO 2.0/75 lens looks so much nicer).

[@GastonShutters]

True. Meters are just fine. Easier to understand.

[@oshanefa]

wow ! I se you've been at Dolder hotel . good taste . I reckon that you've thoroughly enjoyed the view of Zurich from suite balcony

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah. Love that place. Are you from Zurich?