The AA bokeh, reminds me of the 50 pre-asph lux with a little more movement. If it helps I have a 35 f2.8 Summaron which is lovely too and I also use a MkIV cron that is superb at f4.0 where for me that lens has some magic.
Keep looking and you might find a bargain. What really does it for me is the ability to paint in almost 3D, a bit like the mkIV at f4.0 but more so and with greater clarity and add some early mandler style bokeh. Your right its a darn shame they are collectable
i'm ashamed to admit i have to go out and shoot my 35 pre-asph again before i comment on the bokeh in comparison (i mostly shot it on my Epson R-D1 so i need to look at on FF)... i do remember it being more pleasant than the Asph, though...
when you say the AA bokeh reminds you of the 50 pre-asph Lux, are you talking about the E43 or E46?
i will keep on looking, btw, but i'm not holding my breath... a lot of people know i'm looking for a "user" lens, but the prices people have been asking for even those is absurd... if you see one for a reasonable price, please holler!
PS I still want to own and try an 8 element 35 Summicron and a 50 Noctilux f1.0
Very interested in views of the E58 vs E60
the 8 element Cron is exquisite! it has the magic 3D look you speak of and capable of beautiful but not distracting bokeh (depending on f-stop). it is a low contrast lens and produces beautiful pastels and/or lush b/w and is capable of picking up minute details and changes in tones... truly a stupendous lens that has finally met its digital soulmate in the Monochrom.
as for the Noctilux, i am all for E58, especially if you can find a very early serial number (where there are rumours of different glass used). the collectors Nocti is the f/1.2 and it had the double glass (like your AA) and a very painterly effect. the early f/1 Noctis retained much of this character, imo, without the obscene price tag of the former. open, it may be a bit softer than the E60 but it doesn't really bother me. if i'm shooting f/1, it usually means that my eyes could be the issue as much as the lens -- i.e., no light to focus in :ROTFL: and the bokeh can be a bit unpredictable, but it always thrills me.
it is the one of the two lenses i own that has thrilled me on *any* camera i have used it on!