You're right if you use the same f/stop (relative aperture), but if you use the same actual aperture diameter, then it is exactly like cropping.palec said:
Taking the shot from the same spot is critical, of course, as perspective is a matter of distances only.
"One lens" is a useful learning experience I think. When I first got my M2 I had only a 35 'cron. The next year I got a 90mm too, but over the years I scarcely used it. The 35 was the universal lens... And later with the Minolta CLE the only lens I used on it for years was the 40 Rokkor, and I never really felt the need for anything else. Now that I have a 28 as well, I find that equally useful.
I still seldom carry a second lens when I go out shooting, though.
fawate
Member
I only have an 50mm Elmar-M 2.8 right now, but it is not a philosophical choice. While I like the concept of one camera and one lens (for carrying it around), I find this limiting. In some occasions, a 35mm would be a very nice option.
Finder
Veteran
I only have one lens for my Hexar Silver!
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
I have only one lens for a Norita 66, but I don't have the Norita
Finder
Veteran
chikne said:
It must be a long camera.
Folks get second bodies for different film.
nvs
Newbie
I just also have a 35mm, but looking for a 50mm as a backup lens and also for a different kind of prespective .... so now it´s just a question of "time"!
oscroft
Veteran
I often go out with only one body and one lens, and instead of observing whatever shots happen to be there I instead look for shots to suit the lens I have - I get my head into "75mm mood", or whatever.
I also have a couple of friends who are beginners, and an exercise that does seem to work well is for us to go out together to shoot, with them only allowed one lens each, and for me to choose the lens for them at the start of the shoot. They have both reported that it helps them to see things differently - and they have both come back with some good results.
But only owning one lens? No, I could never manage that - there are just far too many different shooting situations and different types of shot that I want to attempt that one lens couldn't possibly satisfy me.
I also have a couple of friends who are beginners, and an exercise that does seem to work well is for us to go out together to shoot, with them only allowed one lens each, and for me to choose the lens for them at the start of the shoot. They have both reported that it helps them to see things differently - and they have both come back with some good results.
But only owning one lens? No, I could never manage that - there are just far too many different shooting situations and different types of shot that I want to attempt that one lens couldn't possibly satisfy me.
sirius
Well-known
If I had to get one lens I would pick a 35. As Joe said, it is very versitile.
I like situational shots at low light (wide open) and the 35 has a little edge on depth of field from the 50 which helps me in focusing quickly and having my subject sharp. I also like situational pictures so wide fits.
If I did more portraits, like the lovely work of RFF member Bob Green (who only uses a 50---do a gallery seach and check-out his awesome work), the a 50 has more pleasing flatness close-in and isolates the subject better.
I like situational shots at low light (wide open) and the 35 has a little edge on depth of field from the 50 which helps me in focusing quickly and having my subject sharp. I also like situational pictures so wide fits.
If I did more portraits, like the lovely work of RFF member Bob Green (who only uses a 50---do a gallery seach and check-out his awesome work), the a 50 has more pleasing flatness close-in and isolates the subject better.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Lance said:Yeah, but what if I don't find out?
Then you've successfully went behind your own back
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
I made due for many years with only a collapsible Summicron on my first M3. Necessity is the mother of invention. I wouldn't go back to a single lens by choice, but if that's all you have, you learn to make it work!
pvenables
Established
Iridium
Good 50s are probably cheaper than any other focal length.
Buy one and if you don't use it, sell it.
Jupiter 8s go for £30-ish delivered on the bay. I'm looking at one now. I picked up my nearly mint 50 Dual Range Summicron for under £200. It is beautiful and can help to make lovely pictures [when I have my eye in]. 50 Elmar-Ms are also reasonably priced.
I started off with a 35 and had added a 50 by the time I'd had the 35 a year. Sometimes you don't want to get too close...
Go for it !!.
Paul
Good 50s are probably cheaper than any other focal length.
Buy one and if you don't use it, sell it.
Jupiter 8s go for £30-ish delivered on the bay. I'm looking at one now. I picked up my nearly mint 50 Dual Range Summicron for under £200. It is beautiful and can help to make lovely pictures [when I have my eye in]. 50 Elmar-Ms are also reasonably priced.
I started off with a 35 and had added a 50 by the time I'd had the 35 a year. Sometimes you don't want to get too close...
Go for it !!.
Paul
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
I'm very happy with a two lens kit, I know it's not one lens but it's still pretty minimal.
proenca
Proenca
makes me smile
I have two cameras and ONE lens .) Thing is, I was about to buy a second lens for my MP when they had a M8 on sale ... bummer...
Gathering money now for a 28 F2
But for now, I have ( as usual ) one lens : stellar performance and it's a liberating experience , not have to think to swap lens : you use your feet for that - go back, forth and intereact .
I have two cameras and ONE lens .) Thing is, I was about to buy a second lens for my MP when they had a M8 on sale ... bummer...
Gathering money now for a 28 F2
But for now, I have ( as usual ) one lens : stellar performance and it's a liberating experience , not have to think to swap lens : you use your feet for that - go back, forth and intereact .
Bike Tourist
Well-known
This week I sold my digital SLR system. No more commercial photography of any kind. Very liberating. I will ride my bicycles until I'm moved to start making pictures again on a personal level.
Until that happens, when that happens, I have ONE lens and ONE camera — a 40/1.4 on a Bessa T.
Until that happens, when that happens, I have ONE lens and ONE camera — a 40/1.4 on a Bessa T.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I can answer this question "Yes" if I get in my time machine and go back to 1960, when I bought my M2. I used it with only the 35mm Summaron until I had saved up enough for the 90mm Elmarit. Those two lenses were all I needed to get by for about 8 or 9 years, until I bought a second-hand Elmar f/2.8.
Ok Back to 2007. Now, if I got along well enough for 9 years on two lenses, why do I now have 19 bayonet-mount lenses, and three in LTM? Do I have GAS?
Ok Back to 2007. Now, if I got along well enough for 9 years on two lenses, why do I now have 19 bayonet-mount lenses, and three in LTM? Do I have GAS?
iridium7777
Established
Rob-F said:
to me, leica is a one lens 'system'. use your feet. for anything else there are way too many logical choices with slr/dslr out there. maybe i should have worded my question: "if you were to only have one lens, would it be 35 or 50mm?" but i didn't want another poll.
i hope i can contain myself with my 35. because, if i were to switch to 50mm it'd have to be the noctilux -- go big or go home. and then i'd have to sell off some stuff that i really don't want to sell off. but still, i won't have more than one lens for my leica
.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
The only lens anyone needs for a Leica is an uncoated prewar 50/3.5 Elmar...
What? <G,D,R>
William
What? <G,D,R>
William
Krosya
Konicaze
wlewisiii said:
Funny that you say that ! My grandfather, who was a photographer, and got me into this whole mess
, for many years use just that combo - old Barnack and coll. Elmar. And his photos still inspite me. Me - I have all sorts of lenses for Leica and otherwise. I sort of feel....odd to have them all, since I know that with knowledge and practice one lens can be all you need. I suppose, my excuse is - I'm still trying to find my "ONE" lens.