Focus? Never Heard of Her

The Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 (11714) — on paper it’s my dream lens: classic styling, a natural look, and plenty of those perfect imperfections that give photos character.

In practice, it didn’t deliver. When I imported the first files into Lightroom I kept finding the same thing: focus was off, and when something did appear in focus it was so soft overall it wasn’t usable for what I shoot. Not a single frame was what I expected.

I don’t like jumping to conclusions, so I methodically worked through everything to find the cause. Short version: everything pointed at the lens.

What I checked • Tested on three different Leica M bodies. • Rangefinder focus vs Visoflex: there was a repeatable discrepancy. • I purchased a 1.4x magnifier to double-check my focusing accuracy. • Finally, I even had my eyes tested. (Figured if I was about to sell a kidney for a lens, I should at least check both eyes were in working order.)

After that, I contacted Leica Harrods with my findings. They initially suggested I was using the lens incorrectly, (Leica M shooter for 7 years), so I drove down to show them the problem in person. The outcome was a refund offer — which I appreciated — but the staff also tried to push a much more expensive alternative at the same time. That felt off, so it didn’t leave me with a great impression.

What I use now

I ended up trying the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.2 Nokton II. It’s a fraction of the price, lighter, and suits my Black M11D really well. It gives the look I wanted — especially when paired with a Tiffen Pro Mist filter — and for my work it’s been the practical, enjoyable choice the Summilux should have been.

Takeaway Sometimes an expensive name doesn’t equal the right lens for you. Test gear thoroughly, insist on seeing the results, and don’t be afraid to try alternatives — you might find a better fit for your style and budget.

Unfortunately, other then a few shots of my family which I do not intend on sharing, I dont have much to show for this saga. I took a few hundred test shots of inanimate object, none of which in focus, I deleted them in frustration...

On reflection. In the heat of the moment, my £3,000 lens disappointment felt like a tragedy worthy of a blog post. The images didn’t sing, the return process was awkward, and I was convinced it was a story worth telling. But with a bit of distance, I can see it for what it was: I bought something, didn’t like it, took it back, got my money, and moved on. Now I have gear I actually enjoy using. The whole thing was less a dramatic saga and more a minor shopping misadventure — though at least it gave me a reminder that sometimes the sharpest thing about a lens is the lesson it leaves you with.