New to Leica M: cheap first lens?

i have a summaron for sale right now if your are looking for a classic leica look . if you need speed though i would check out the cv lenses . good luck with your search
 
Not being a great fan of fast lenses, I would say the CV 35/2.5. It has a nice 39mm filter thread, just like the 50 summicrons (which I would heartily recommend as well).

In fact, I would recommend looking at the CV shoe mount meter, if you have made your mind up on needing something. It works well, and is VERY small.

Did I mention the 50 summicrons? Nice lenes. I own a couple. Used from $300 or so for excellent condition. (Note: Price for M-Collapse, DR, and older Rigids, not the most recent, although it is one of the only lens Leica made that is not ridiculously overpriced).

(I know... you were looking for 35s).
 
Id look at the CV range of lenses. I used to have the 35/2.5 and 50/2.5 both were great lenses, I had the 40/1.4 too but I traded them all for other fantastic cv lenses like the 25/4 and the 50/1.5. CV products are great buys and all that I've owned were definitley good performers. I had a thread mount leitz summarit 50/1.5 I probably should have kept. I had some clean vintage fsu glass that was very good as well. I'd recommend fedka for clean fsu gear, though they offer a much more vintage look to your shots. (something to consider) You've got plenty of options.
 
You are definitely on the right track focusing on the photography and the experience itself over expensive Leica glasses. 🙂

I've used CV 35/2.5, 40/1.4 and 50/1.5. Color-skopar formula is quite contrasty even for today's standard. I'm 97% B/W shooter and like mild contrast so it was a bit too much for me.

40/1.4 (more so with SC version) and 50/1.5 are still modern lens, but not as contrasty as Color-Skopar or over sharpened.

If you are mainly a color shooter or into contrasty b/w, that 35/2.5 is really hard to beat. Super compact and light with virtually no distortion.

Enough said about the 40/1.4. I recently got 50/1.5 and shot about 4-5 rolls with it so far. While it's big and heavy for RF standards (still only 52mm filter size though), it sure is a handy lens for low light situations. You can get one for super cheap, saving about $1k or more compared to older Summilux, and this Nokton performs really well.

If you stretch a bit, you might get lucky and find an user Summicron 35/2 for close to your budget. I got mine for $700 last year. Also Summaron 35/2.8 (or 3.5) will come down to your budget as well.
 
With $600 max, I'd probably go for a CV 35 or 40 Nokton. The 1.4, at least for me, would be handy with film if you shoot in low light at all without flash.
 
Thanks guys! These replies have been so helpful. Right now I'm leaning towards the CV 35/1.4 MC, and then getting a meter and the CV 50/1.5 with an adapter in a few months. I can use my SLR's meter and my eyes until then.
 
I've not used the CV 35mm f/1.4, I'm sure it's a lovely lens. As others have said, I do swear by my Ultron 35mm f/1.7 -- it's the best bit of glass I have ever owned and having used a Summicron 35mm f/2 (pre ASPH) last year I can't say I feel like I am missing out on it. It is a little bigger than the CV 35mm f/1.4 but it's a cracking lens.

My Flickr profile has tons of pics I have shot with it.

Enjoy the M2 whichever way, it's an absolute delight.

Vicky
 
35mm: in case you can live with the speed, the CS 2.5 would be my first choice by far. excellent performance for a ridiculously low price in Leicaland.
The old canon 35 can be very fine performers, but their minimum focus distance is 1m, which is a deal breaker for me. I had a 35 1.5 and it was very sharp. flared easily though.

for the 50's, you are blessed with more options.
The canon 1.8 black would be my first choice. great performer, very low price.
second would be the canon 1.4, with the advantage of the speed. Only drwback I found lately is distortion.
then, prices clim a bit: nokton, hexanon, planar, a cron from the 70's etc...

Personally I would leave the fsu out. Too many chances to find yourself with a paperweight...

Good luck and welcome to RFF.
 
First decide, 35mm or 50mm. Then decide on Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 ($450-600, for the less expensive versions), or VC/Canon LTM 35mm lens.
 
I was in your same situation earlier this year when I got an M6 body... in a hurry to get a lens to start shooting and short of money!

Finally I decided for an Elmar 50 from the 60s: I find it for 200€ and I like the compact (it's collapsable) and sturdy, vintage look.

As for the second lens, I lean towards the CV 35/1.4 myself!

Ciao,
 
As Tom A. wrote in his great post, a 40mm has the advantage of leading you to a wide and a tele.

I got the 1.4 Nokton in good company: a 15 and a 90. Too extreme? Nah! Those three just never overlap, and I use all of them a lot. They're a lot of great glass for little money.

Cheers,

Juan
 
Take Jupiter-12 (35/2.8) and Jupiter-3 (50/1.5). Make "free" 100 rolls and decide which focal length is "for you!!!". Then buy the best new (or not) lens that you will have until the end of the World (along with others bought and sold later).
 
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