It hasn’t been long since the “First Lady” (Summilux 50mm f1.4 1st) arrived. After testing her in daylight, I finally took her out for a night session last week. I felt her true character would shine brightest in the dark. Along with my regular model, Asuka Kisaragi, I explored the night lights of Otemachi. Every click of the shutter was a series of new discoveries.

The moment I shot wide open, the world through the viewfinder softened into a gentle bleed. This “glow,” reacting to strong light sources, is the very essence of the 1st edition. It melts around the model’s skin, making the cold night air feel warm and inviting.

Modern lenses would correct these imperfections, but here, the “flaws” are beautiful. I was fascinated by the bokeh; while circles are perfectly round in the center, they transform into semi-circles toward the edges. This classic rendering is something you just can’t find in modern ASPH lenses.

The SL2-S’s magnification makes focusing easier than on an M, but precise focusing in the dark is still a challenge. Without the sharp resolution peaks of modern glass, the light bleeds so softly that the focus point can be elusive. Sometimes, I look back and find the focus slightly soft. But the “First Lady” makes me feel that it’s okay. It prioritizes the atmosphere and the model’s presence over clinical sharpness, teaching me that “correct” photography exists beyond mere resolution.

My first night out with the “First Lady” was a series of revelations. While modern Summiluxes are like blades capturing the “certain truth,” this 1st edition is like a fountain pen recording a “forgotten dream.” Carrying these discoveries with me, I look forward to the next chapter: Marunouchi.