Converted to F mount, this is by far my favorite Leica-R lens. It’s a very good performer from wild open, and even sharper than the new Nikon AF-S 50mm at close focusing range. However, at distance and stopped down, the performance of these two lenses equals. The only thing you could tell is the much colder color rendition of the Leica. Also, above 1 or 2 meters, the Nikon Noct still out performs this lens significantly. This is definitely the best 50/1.4 I've ever seen. The build quality is what you expect from lens of this price, but the focus ring rather tight on my copy, maybe it needs CLA. The hood is built-in like the rest of the Leica-R I own, I consider it quit convenient. (This is the E55 version, or the second version of this lens.)