The Leica M9 which I've over-borrowed from Headfi's brilliant AnakChan, goes back in the next few days. I'll be honest and say that I didn't shoot much with it. Mainly, that is because I had to get used to, and if possible, like the Sony A7r which I purchased for its excellent live view system. I'll be honest and say that that didn't happen. I hate the Sony a7r today as much as I did when I first reviewed it. Its one saving grace is that is capable of making fine exposures.

The M9 came with a gaggle of Summilux lenses: 50 pre-ASPH, 35 pre-FLE ASPH, 21, plus the 90 Elmarit (e46) and the Summilux 50 ASPH. All of the lenses are incredible, but only one captured my imagination completely, and that was the pre-ASPH e46 Summilux 50.

Essentially, its OOF rendering is the paragon of delicate, soft, and pleasing draw. The lens is sharp enough, but not biting, it isn't overly saturated. It isn't overly free of distortion. It is a flawed lens. But its flaws are so beautiful.

I've shed my tears already. And I've begun setting aside a stack of money because this lens has to be mine.

Late next week, or perhaps later - maybe even earlier, who knows - I will write a formal opinion piece of praise. Not even the wonderful Canon 35/2 LTM stands up to the pre-ASPH Summilux's OOF and highlights. And on the Sony, it is brilliant.