Budget lens suggestions?

M

Mephiloco

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I just got my first real rangefinder, a M2, at a pretty good price and am trying to find a 'ghetto' lens so that I can immediately start using it. I wasn't prepared to bankroll a new camera at this time, but I don't think I could pass up a $400 M2 user that isn't ugly. There are some pin holes, but I'm fine with a sharpie/liquid cement fix, especially after paying leica some $600 to fix the pinholes in my friend's M5 after I borrowed it :bang:.

So.. for $400 I'm going to have a camera with no lenses to go with it. All my lenses are canon slr mounts (fd and ef) which I can't use. It's looking like the most cost effective solution would be to get a ltm->m ring and pick up a lens as cheaply as possible.

So, going that route, my choices are basically the Jupiter 12 (which seems to be pretty hit or miss), a Canon RF 35mm/f2 (good quality but expensive due to collectability), Voigtlander Ultron/Nokton, then old Leica lenses (flare prone).

I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible, just to hold me over til I can get a real lens. Are there any other lens types that I can convert to M Mount and still have rangefinder coupling ?

I'm thinking I might just have to get a 50mm lens for now, since it appears good quality 50mm's are cheaper than the 35's, and I wouldn't have to comprimise quality so much..


Thanks
 
the chrome Canon 50/1.8 is the best quality/price balance I've found - a good one can easily be found for less than $150. The Canon 35's are good as well, but a bit pricier, especially if you want wider apertures.
 
35mmdelux said:
Check Camerquest and Voigtlander lens - many for <$450. You can prob get what you want for ~$300(US).
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was trying to find some used voigtlander glass but haven't had any luck. If all else fails I think i'll have to get the 35mm skopar for $230
 
Look for any of these for less than $50:

Industar L61 50f2.8
Jupiter 8 50f2
I-22 50f3.5 collapsible

Jupiter 12 35mmf2.8

You'll need a LTM to M mount adaptor.
 
The 35 Skopar is a fine lens. Not fast, but for most stuff it's fine. I like it because it is so small and light, as well as pretty sharp. Definitely not a bad way to go for a first lens.
 
Most VC lenses are exceptional in their own right. You cant go wrong with any of them. Just get one that fits your budget.

VC lens quality exceed any glass used by HCB and Kertesz to make many of their legendary fotos.
 
the cv 35/f2.5 punches way above it's weight, and the 50/f2.5 is one of those Cinderella lenses that hasn't yet been fully appreciated

2285857362_0b4f271459_b.jpg



2952060170_fec9ac97b7_b.jpg
 
Another vote for the CV 35/2.5. As good as the pre-asph Summicron, and tiny. And half stop is easily compensated with film. You can get a used one for less than US 200, and a new one for US 230 or so. The biggest bang for the buck in 50s is the Canon 50/1.8. Also here you will have difficulties distinguishing it from a classic Summicron. And the coating is certainly better.

Cheers,

Roland.
 
ferider said:
Another vote for the CV 35/2.5. As good as the pre-asph Summicron, and tiny. And half stop is easily compensated with film. You can get a used one for less than US 200, and a new one for US 230 or so. The biggest bang for the buck in 50s is the Canon 50/1.8. Also here you will have difficulties distinguishing it from a classic Summicron. And the coating is certainly better.

Cheers,

Roland.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I've been looking for a used one but haven't had luck. Worst case scenario is I'll have to pay $230 for a good 35mm I guess
 
Hmm KEH has one in EX without the infinity lock (which most people seem to disable anyway). But they do want $199 for it. *shrug* Kevin Cameras or Jiri_ie probably have them in stock too.
 
A Canon 35/2.8 is a high quality lens for a reasonable cost. ~$150 for a nice one. It is lower contrast than a lot of newer lenses, so it gives to classic 1950s look.
 
I saw a 35/2.8 at kevincameras, the canon, but I was thinking for about $50 I'd get a new voigtlander.

I think for now I'll grab a jupiter 8 just so I have something, and then get the vc 35/2.5 after jazz fest passes
 
I hope you can find one that is already suited for
your camera, since I have read here many times
that the J-8 lens can sometimes be a real gamble.
FWIW I would try someone that has a good reputation
to buy from.
Nelson
 
Mephiloco said:
I just got my first real rangefinder, a M2, at a pretty good price and am trying to find a 'ghetto' lens so that I can immediately start using it. I wasn't prepared to bankroll a new camera at this time, but I don't think I could pass up a $400 M2 user that isn't ugly. There are some pin holes, but I'm fine with a sharpie/liquid cement fix, especially after paying leica some $600 to fix the pinholes in my friend's M5 after I borrowed it :bang:.

So.. for $400 I'm going to have a camera with no lenses to go with it. All my lenses are canon slr mounts (fd and ef) which I can't use. It's looking like the most cost effective solution would be to get a ltm->m ring and pick up a lens as cheaply as possible.

So, going that route, my choices are basically the Jupiter 12 (which seems to be pretty hit or miss), a Canon RF 35mm/f2 (good quality but expensive due to collectability), Voigtlander Ultron/Nokton, then old Leica lenses (flare prone).

I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible, just to hold me over til I can get a real lens. Are there any other lens types that I can convert to M Mount and still have rangefinder coupling ?

I'm thinking I might just have to get a 50mm lens for now, since it appears good quality 50mm's are cheaper than the 35's, and I wouldn't have to comprimise quality so much..


Thanks
Click to expand...

25 2,5 excellent, new , not expensive, you don't a have to worry if it has fungus or not etc etc ;)
 
Pickett Wilson said:
The 35 Skopar is a fine lens. Not fast, but for most stuff it's fine. I like it because it is so small and light, as well as pretty sharp. Definitely not a bad way to go for a first lens.
Click to expand...

You won't be missing out on anything by taking this lens over (say) a 35mm leica. The skopar is fantastic.
 
Get the J8 from Fedka for about $60. I believe he (Yuri) checks them out. You can probably return it if you don't like it.

I recently bought a new old stock J8 from Russia (ebay). It seems to work fine. (yeah, it was a bit of a gamble.
 
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