M4-P which lens

[vmlopes]

Hey fellas, I'm looking at taking my first step into Leica ownership and have seen a nice M4-P at Reddot Cameras in London, my question what would be a good starter lens that is not going to break the bank?

Any help appreciated.


Victor

 

[Roger Hicks]

What focal length do you want?

And how big is the bank it's not got to break?

For around 25 years my main combination was an M4-P and a 35/1.4 pre-aspheric.

Now (for film) it's an MP and the same 35/1.4 pre-aspheric...

Cheers,

R.

 

[vmlopes]

Hey Roger around the £500 mark for a lens, yes range wise similar to you 35 - 50mm would be good

 

[maddoc]

If you don't need the f/1.4 ... 35mm Summicron vs3. 🙂

 

[hans voralberg]

I'd recommend the VC 35/1.4 or 40/1.4, very good lens for cheap. Robertwhite have it new for 390 quids ex VAT here http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=1998&PT_ID=291

Cheaper if you can find one in the classified.

 

[Svitantti]

35/1.7 Ultron. Cheap but great...

 

[mr_phillip]

My first thought was the v3 35mm Summicron — it's roughly contemporary with the M4-P, is gloriously well made and takes beautiful pictures (I wish I hadn't sold mine!)

Alternatively the current Voigtländer Nokton 35/1.4 — beautiful lens, nicely built and very sharp.

 

[dfoo]

How about 28mm? I love the voitlander 28mm 3.5. Super small, and very sharp!

 

[rover]

Yeah, any of the CV 35mm lenses would be a good choice.

 

[Roger Hicks]

At £500 you have a lot of choice. Unless you're wedded to finger-grip/spar focusing (the main reason I stuck with the Summilux), yes, the Ultron 35/1.7 is a bargain and will leave you with plenty to spend on other lenses. The Color-Skopar is a lovely lens too, and very tiny, but a bit slow for my taste. Or if you want to stay with Leica, either a late 35 Summicron pre-aspheric or (if you can find it at a price you can afford) the near-legendary late Summilux pre-aspheric.

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[Mike Richards]

35mm Summaron

35mm Summaron

I have the new 35mm Summicron asph, but still like the classic Leica look and color rendition produced by my old 35mm f2.8 Summaron. It's compact, and handles very well with my film Ms. It's a great starter lens because you will keep using it even after you buy other, more modern, lenses.

 

[elshaneo]

As a start, the VC 35mm f/2.5 Color-Skopar is the best value for money you can buy !!!

 

[35mmdelux]

Alternatively, Hexanon 50/2.0 is a nice lens. $400(US).

 

[helen.HH]

How about the 50 1.5 Nokton ....$369.00
dead center sharp, smooth Falloff, Great Price
Stick with that & save up abit more moula


for the 35 pre asph Lux (one of my favs) ...

Best of Luck in Your Decision !
Cheers-H

 

[mrisney]

The Voigtlander 40mm 1.4, and get the Voigtlander Meter II, its a great meter

Then you can study which film works for you, current fave is Portra 160 NC

 

[maddoc]

Alternatively, Hexanon 50/2.0 is a nice lens. $400(US).

+ 1 ! My favorite 50/2.0/ 🙂

 

[George S.]

Like others have said, any CV 35mm or 40mm.
Or even a Leica Summicron-C at around $250- $350 USD they're the best value in a Leica lens. I know it's a 40mm, but the framing shouldn't be any problem.
A Leica Elmar would also be a nice companion to an M4.

BTW- a super nice M4 just hit the RFF classifieds, AND it's in the U.K.

 

[Roger Hicks]

...18 posts, 12 or so recommendations. In other words (a) it doesn't matter a whole hell of a lot and (b) it's deeply personal anyway.

Do you know anyone you can borrow any lenses from? If you are at Arles next week I could let you try a couple.

But as an example of personal preference among 50s, I love the current C-Sonnar; my wife loves her Summarit; I'd buy a Noctilux if I could afford it (I borrowed one for over a year); and I gave my f/1.2 Canon to a friend who fell in love with it...

Cheers,

R.

 

[thomasw_]

In what type of light do you want to be able to shoot film at 400 ASA? That's the big question, as it will determine whether you require a fast aperture. There are loads of very fine 35s and 50s that can do daytime shooting, but your choices narrow a bit as you require a f1,4 or faster lens, especially with 35s.
I recommend trying out a few lenses that are of interest if possible before buying. Otherwise there are loads of image samples with M-mount lenses here.

 

[vmlopes]

Sorry guys for my ignorance but what is a CV or VC is this thea make??

I;m a complete noob aint I