januaryman
"Flim? You want flim?"
Sounds like you need a fast lens.
Decide on either 50 or 35, then I recommend one of: clean 50/1.4 Canon LTM, a CV Nokton 50/1.5, or a CV Nokton 35/1.4.
All outstanding fast lenses, that cost less than your budget. It does sound like spending less than 700 Euro will be welcome.
I recommend against the 35/1.2, due to size and viewfinder obstruction. Not exactly what Leicas were made for, IMO.
Roland.
Great suggestions that I had in mind to suggest; also consider the Canon 35/2.0 LTM - my current favorite 35.
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
I prefer small form factor lenses on my Leica; therefore, I would suggest the 40/1.4 Nokton. The 35/1.2 isn't a bad idea -- smooth bokeh and fast.
gshybrid
Well-known
Movie sets are generally well lit(Hopefully by professionals) I don't think you would need a particularly fast lens for that but it should be a little longer since you are not always going to get close to the action. Off set however can be incredibly dark even in working areas. I would want 2 lenses, for you money something like a CV 35 1,4 and a CV 75 2,5.
setyotomo
Established
CV Nokton 35/1.4 should be enough , you can always sell it later for good money if you want to go for 35 cron / lux.
errore404
Newbie
Buy a Summicron 50, Wetzlar version or newer. Then go two steps back, and you have a 35.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Movie sets may be well lit, but you said you will be working behind the scenes. That could include moments when the lights are off. It could include taking shots inside an actor's trailer or dressing room. So a reasonably fast lens would be safest and most convenient. You have expressed a preference for a 35mm lens, with a 28mm or 24mm being a possibility. I think the 35mm or 40mm Cosina-Voigtlander (CV) f/1.4 Nokton should be your main workhorse lens. I think its unobtrusive small size outweighs the slight 1/2 stop advantage of the f/1.2. It also leaves some money to pick up a 28mm or 25mm for those situations where the working room is very tight.
Reason to consider the 40mm: it matches the M6 35mm framelines very well, at all but very close distances. Reason to prefer the 35mm: it will give you a little safety margin around the edges when working quickly. And you would have to file the 40mm to make it bring up the 35mm frameline. The 35 requires no modifications. It's good to go.
Reason to consider the 40mm: it matches the M6 35mm framelines very well, at all but very close distances. Reason to prefer the 35mm: it will give you a little safety margin around the edges when working quickly. And you would have to file the 40mm to make it bring up the 35mm frameline. The 35 requires no modifications. It's good to go.
lawrence
Veteran
Loads of good advice here. Of course the CV Nokton 35mm f1.2 looks like a winner for this particular assignment, however it really is quite large and although I have one I wouldn't want it as my only 35mm. Of the 35mm CV lenses, I personally like the Ultron as it's optically superb (only available s/h now). However, I would imagine that the handling of the CV 35mm f1.4 is better than the Ultron and you can buy one new, so that seems to be the best recommendation.
retnull
Well-known
Your stated goal is to "document behind the scenes" -- this makes me wonder is 35mm will get you close enough to the action. If you're staying "out of the way" and have only a 35mm, then a close-up shot will be impossible.
So, if one lens, I'd say 50mm or longer. Or, a combo like 35mm + 90mm.
So, if one lens, I'd say 50mm or longer. Or, a combo like 35mm + 90mm.
tanel
Established
Loads of good advice here indeed! Thank you all who posted their replies! I've had some time to think about it and figured I would be taking Canon F-1 with 24mm and 50mm 1.8. And if I can get a lens for M6 in time, I will be replacing that 24mm with (hopefully) 35mm lens. So I would have two bodies, two lenses. One for close up (M6 would be perfect as it is quiet) and a second body for working at a distance. While 50mm might still be a bit too wide- it's still 1.8 (I do have 135mm 2.8 but it might not work out in a low light).
I have yet to buy the lens but 35mm Nokton seems really nice.
The reason I haven't already bought it is that (with the help af a fellow forum member) I found a "bokeh king" for 700 euros. It's in somewhat ..khm, used.. but according to the seller it is fully working and ready to go.
So, I'm between these two. Nokton would be cheaper and I'd have money to buy a second lens but to be honest with myself - "bokeh king" is what I had in mind in the first place when buying that M6.
I have pretty steady hands, so I figure that 1.4 and 2.0 doesn't make too much difference for me. But I do have to admit that money is the issue here. Having some left for a second lens or for something else would be nice. Then again, I'd hate to sell the lens later on as I'm one of the few in my country who is into rangefinders and Leicas. I'd prefer to keep what I buy.
I have yet to buy the lens but 35mm Nokton seems really nice.
The reason I haven't already bought it is that (with the help af a fellow forum member) I found a "bokeh king" for 700 euros. It's in somewhat ..khm, used.. but according to the seller it is fully working and ready to go.
So, I'm between these two. Nokton would be cheaper and I'd have money to buy a second lens but to be honest with myself - "bokeh king" is what I had in mind in the first place when buying that M6.
I have pretty steady hands, so I figure that 1.4 and 2.0 doesn't make too much difference for me. But I do have to admit that money is the issue here. Having some left for a second lens or for something else would be nice. Then again, I'd hate to sell the lens later on as I'm one of the few in my country who is into rangefinders and Leicas. I'd prefer to keep what I buy.