Best lens suggestions for a Leica newcomer?

bobby_novatron

bobby_novatron

Photon Collector
Local time
5:26 PM
Joined
Apr 13, 2010
Messages
1,239
Location
the Great White North (Canada)
View My Gallery
Hi everyone -- forgive me if this topic may have already been flogged in ye olde posts of yore, but I just wanted to get some quick comments regarding lens suggestions for a Leica "newbie" (that's me).

My background:

I'm a refugee from the Canon dSLR world, recently seeking safe-haven in film (again, after many years). I'm not a "pro" by any means, but rather an "enthusiast". Occasionally I get "GAS". Fortunately, my middle-aged position allows me to burn through money once in a while.


My style of photography:

I'm a street shooter. I like shooting people, places, things. When I grab my camera for the day, I like capturing those unique, fleeting moments on the street, the interactions of people, the character of a situation or a building...

I develop my own B&W and C-41. I probably shoot colour & B&W equally 50/50.

My gear:

Bessa R3A, and soon a Leica M6. I am receiving the M6 later this week. I am very excited to finally own a true Leica and share in the mystique.

With my Bessa, the only lens I currently own is the Nokton 50mm F1.1, -- a nice piece of glass, to be sure. But I find the bokeh very busy at times. I also am on the fence with regards to the contrast, but I can see where this lens would be very useful in low-light situations.

What I'm asking for is input on "reasonably" priced Leica lenses (a 35mm or 50mm) that would suit my shooting style but not break the bank. I find the labeling of all the relevant Leica lenses to be somewhat confusing...there's so many to choose from, at many price points.

If, after reading all this mush, someone has any input, I'd appreciate it!

Regards,
Rob
 
If you have a 50 mm and you're comfortable with the focal length, a 35/40 isn't that far a step. A 35mm Summicron can be had for 800-1700 depending on makes models (The 32/2 ASPH is pricey but supposed to be really nice.) There's the 40/2 Summicron which is Leica made but designed for the CL. People rave about this lens and it's qualities, and the price!!! You can get them cheap for about 350-500 depending on condition.

If you're open to non-leica glass, I'd look towards the ZM line of lenses. The 35/2 Zeiss Biogon is a great lens (owned one, sold it for a 50) and there's also a ZM 35/2.8 which is smaller.

Konica made some awesome Leica mount lenses, which are supposed to be top notch. There's the 35/2 UC (multi-coated) lens which commands a premium but has a fantastic bokeh.
http://www.dantestella.com/technical/hex352.html
There's also the Konica 35/2 which was designed from scratch specifically for the Hexar RF. Lots of love for this lens, and it's not too expensive.

Look around and read the forums here. You'll find lots of love and opinions. If you're local to some of the other users they might even let you fondle a lens or two before you decide upon buying something.

Good luck.
 
Try researching the Summicron DR. Pretty amazing bokeh, can focus up at 17"(with the goggles) I believe. Old-world craftsmanship and can be had for less than $500.

It's low contrast, which is excellent for B&W, but it is no slouch on color either.

If you need the extra stop, go for a pre-asph 50mm Summilux. There's a sticky thread on here with some impressive shots of this lens.

But since you have a 50mm, I'd personally go for a 35mm Biogon. f/2 lens and a great value. Depends how much you want the Leica name really.
 
Leica and "not break the bank" are never to go together unless an old 50/2.8 or 3.5 is to your liking. The confusion about lenses is simply there is about 60 years worth to choose from and it is easy to get wrapped-up trying them all out. I've owned and sold many and then later bought them again (at a higher price). The ones that stand out which I consider reasonably priced and excellent performers are Summicron 50mm Rigid (Second version), Dual Range (Third Version), and Fifth Version with focus tab and "50" on the barrel. For less you can get a nice 50/2.8 or 50/3.5 Elmar but be careful where you purchase from as they can be foggy.

As for 35mm I've tries many and settled a 4th version Summicron and can't see ever getting a different one.

Good Luck
 
I think the 35 and 50 summicrons, any versions, are what all RF shooters should have in their kit. They don't break the bank like the 'lux's and give that creamy bokeh that we all seem to like. The only lens I've seen or had that is equal to my eyes is the 35 VC Ultron 35. The old Elmar 50 is nice too but the aperture ring moving with focus is a PITA.
Of course if budget allows then seek out good copies of 35 and 50 'lux's, pre aspherics.
The 35 for a more classic look and the 50 for the extra stop.
 
If Bokeh is important, and you want a 50, don't mess around: just get the DR Summicron.

But you already have a 1.1 Nokton -- so get a different FL, and get something compact!!

I suggest, in no particular order:

35/2 Leica Summicron, gen 3 or 4*.
35/2.8 Zeiss Biogon-C. I just got this one and I am EXTREMELY happy so far. Here is a thread about the lens. I am in love with its color rendition and its bokeh (which to my eyes is better than the Zeiss 35/2). Tiny. Sharp (as sharp and contrasty as the 50 Summicron-M). Handles well. Super low flare. Little geometric distortion. This is already one of my three favorite lenses EVER.
35/2.5 C-V Color Skopar. Good buy, tiny, and people rave about this lens.

EDIT: *I'd also note that the Gen 4 35/2 Summicron is known for its bokeh. Mike Johnston, who popularized this idea (and the term "bokeh" in the west, and introduced the appelation "bokeh king" for the Gen4 Summicron) said this: "Worsens considerably as focus gets closer and apertures get wider." In my opinion -- and it is an opinion -- the Biogon-C looks absolutely fantastic at 2.8 and 4 and 5.6 and 8. I can't speak to the Gen3 or the Skopar, as I haven't used them.
 
Last edited:
summicron is the lense to go. it's really beautiful, sharp already wide open and as good as the summilux if you don't care about the missed stop. Also rather light and handy, plus quite affordable. I think I bought mine from a second hand dealer for around 500€.

If you don't want a second 50mm, go for a 35mm summicron.
 
Go for a pre 1952 Elmar f3.5/50mm (these can be had for under $200) and see why it was Leica's standard lens for over 30+ years 🙂

Results will be real vintage looking (great for Blk N' Wht's) and classic Leica looking, also the lens is very compact, I use one on my M8 quite often. (along with a Elmar 3.5/35mm
*which is a whole lot harder to find now, especially the wartime and postwar coated ones*)

Enjoy!

Tom
 
Last edited:
You have used the 50mm... is that OK with you? Do you wish you could take in more sometimes? Do you wish you could isolate your subject better?

A lens choice is, at least to me, a personal preference. I must admit that before shooting with my M3 or my Nikon S2, I simply didn't understand the appeal of the 50mm (I am more of a wide-angle user myself).

Do this: when your camera arrives, look through the viewfinder and fiddle with the little lever in the front (the one that allows you to see through different sets of framelines). See if you like a particular set, either the 28-90, 50-75 or the 35-135. That should be your best indication.

As for something being Leica and not breaking the bank... There are some of those, mainly old lenses, like the old 'crons and Summarons. Usually they're not outrageously priced, but then, it's up to you to decide what's outrageous for your budget.

Good luck and have fun shopping! 🙂
 
Can you give us a price range? The summicrons are the best for medium budget and seems to me that you want creamy bokeh not like what most aspherical lenses do, the pre aspherical Lux 50 is great but as mentioned if you have the 50 FL go and get a 35 cron preferably (IMHO) the version 4. It's out of focus rendition is considered one of the best, it is compact and sharp with a nice rectangular hood. From 4.0-5.6 a very high image quality is delivered. The price of this lens range good-excellent condition is from $1400-1700. Btw, the version 2&3 are good as well and cheaper. I suggest you browse thru the Collectible Camera site and check some description and price ranges as well. Goodluck!!!

This is what the 35 'cron V4 can do at f5.6. I shot this with an RD1 at a distance of about 20+ meters.

11393579_FQxC2
[/url][/IMG]
 
Last edited:
If you want to go for vintage looks, I would suggest the collapsible summitar50mm f2. It's a dream. I have the 50mm 1.4 asph and I love it, I somewhat regret that I sold my 50mm summicron in order to pay for the summilux, but I'm very glad that I still have the summarit. Very compact and wonderful looks, I use it regularly.

Check this site: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/03/05/the-leica-50-summitar-lens-review-on-the-leica-m9/ for some impressions.
 
I really appreciate everyone's contributions and responses to this topic. I think I'm starting to get a decent idea of what I should be looking for. There have been several excellent recommendations.

I will keep lurking on the RFF classifieds & sniffing around KEH etc. etc. to see what I can find.
 
Classic: 50/2 Summar, Summitar or Collapsible Summicron. Each have pluses and minuses. I like my Summitar a whole lot.

Current: ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar. Far more interesting lens than anything else right now to my eyes.

Good luck, good light & good fun!

William
 
As it was said earlier - Look into M-Hexanons - superb lenses, easily a good as Leica yet cheaper. CV offers good 35mm lenses from 35/2.5 to AMAZING 35/1.2. If you want a great 50mm lens that will give you sharp results and superb bokeh - look at Nikkor LTM 5cm/1.4. It's a Sonnar design awsome lens. Here is a pic from mine:
img084.jpg
 
back alley said:
an excellent street focal length is 25 and an excellent 25mm lens is the zm 25/2.8.
Click to expand...

True, but I don't think it's the best first lens for an M6 -- accurate framing requires an accessory finder which moots some of the things that make shooting with an M so lovely.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom