So many decisions...

[cnphoto]

I've been shifting a lot of gear lately, selling down to just one camera system. And it looks like when all is said and done, I'll have somewhere around USD$2,000 to augment what I currently have.

This is what I have:

Leica M3
Leitz Summaron F2.8 (goggled)
Leitz DR Summicron (haze city, needs a clean badly)
Leitz 90mm Elmarit F2.8

I mostly shoot late at night around the city (Sydney) and bands at gigs for a e-magazine my friend and I do.

This is what I'm thinking of (idealy I'd like another M camera):

Leica M6 (metered, I thought this would be good. But I've survived with the M3 just fine) + perhaps CV35mm F1.4 (distortion has me worried).

Leica M3 or M2 + CV Nokton F1.1 or PreASPH 50mm Summilux (maybe if I can afford one)

or M4 + CV 35mm F1.4

or beater M2 + 35mm Summicron (would love a 35mm 'lux though).

So many decisions... I love the 35mm Summaron but can't view the frame lines on M3 with new glasses. I'd like faster glass for shooting shows, not sure if F2 will do. Is F1.1 really that much different to F1.4? And the Nokton looks HUGE... Hmm.

I'm not interested in a Bessa, looking to flesh out a good moderate/low light M kit to keep me happy and let me just focus on shooting. I prefer the older bodies, would only look at a newer M if it had a meter. That MAY come in handy for live gigs... But Jim Marshall used an M4 no trouble, so really I could too right? 😉

 

[cnphoto]

Does anyone have any wise words to sway me, or have been in a similar situation?

 

[stompyq]

Get a M6+CV 35mm 1.2

Should go nicely for the available light shots

 

[cnphoto]

I don't like the size of the CV1.2, else I'd look into it. I don't really like big lenses, hence my reservations on the Nokton 1.1

though it is an option i should maybe consider.

 

[Keith]

How about a 35mm f1.2 Nokto if you can deal with the size and an M2 intead of the M3?

For what you're doing it would be ideal MO!

 

[stompyq]

Actually I take that thought back. The M6 might be less than ideal for night time low light. A handheld meter might be better. So why not a M4 with the faster loading? I still regreat selling mine.

For a lens since you say the CV is too large the zeiss 35/2. Thats a combo i would like to get anyway🙂

 

[cnphoto]

2 votes for the 35mm F1.2

I can live with an F1.4 on a 35mm lens quiet ok over and F1.2 though if it means smaller lens.

My Nikkor 35mm I used on my D3 was an F2 and I did fine at ISO 1600/3200 so F1.4 would suffice... I just don't like the prospect of a huge 35mm lens on an RF ?

 

[dacookieman]

2 votes for the 35mm F1.2

I can live with an F1.4 on a 35mm lens quiet ok over and F1.2 though if it means smaller lens.

My Nikkor 35mm I used on my D3 was an F2 and I did fine at ISO 1600/3200 so F1.4 would suffice... I just don't like the prospect of a huge 35mm lens on an RF ?

If size does matter, i think the VC 35mm f1.4 is a great choice. Small, fast and discreet.

 

[Austerby]

Don't overlook the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 - a great little fast lens that doesn't have the apparent distortions seen by users of the 35mm. You can just use the full frame of the M3 or make allowances on an M2 or M6's 50mm frameline.

If you're comfortable without internal metering then you may find the M6 irritating as I tended to chase the exposure arrows in the viewfinder and being distracted by them. I find I'm more comfortable with either an AE or a non-metered camera - the habit of chasing the arrows for the right exposure drove me to sell my M6 and MP. I've ended up with an M3 and a Zeiss Ikon.

It may be appropriate to look for all three non-metered Ms and see which is the best model of them all that you can find. The only advantage I can think of for the M4 is the improved film loading which you may find useful if changing films at gigs, but if you're happy with the M3 this may not be a significant improvement.

 

[cnphoto]

Yes, that's something I hadn't thought of. Though F1.4 may be more handy than The Zeiss F2... Maybe. I just wish the distortion on the 35mm CV wasn't as prominant :S maybe in practice it would be ok though. I do like the way it renders...

I'm thinking probably towards an M2 and a CV35 F1.4, maybe an M4. The quickload isn't that much of an issue for me... An M2 would save a little $$$ to put towards a Nokton F1.1 or a 50 'lux. But the M4 does look nice.

The M3 frame lines, with my new glasses, ate just visible to me now. So a 40mm on the M3 may be no good...

Maybe a Nokton 40mm and an M2/M4? Arrgh, ha.

 

[Neare]

I don't think they are recommending the 1.2 simply because it's a little faster. It gets recommended because it makes images like no others can.

 

[cnphoto]

Yeah, but I can't think off the top of my head any images from that lens that I've seen that have made me think 'wow, I need that'.

I like the rendition if the 35mm pre 'lux a lot, but flare and softness wide open are potential issues (not to mention cost). I like how the CV 1.4 draws, aside from the distortion. And a pre Summicron would be nice, but I'm just unsure about living with F2. I'm sure it could be done though...

 

[Krosya]

Yeah, but I can't think off the top of my head any images from that lens that I've seen that have made me think 'wow, I need that'.

.

Seriously? Wow! I take it you have looked at the CV 35/1.2 thread, right?
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72649

If you dont like it - well, you can get any 35mm lens than. If you want to keep it small - get a Sonnar 50/1.5 or a CV 40/1.4 - both are great lenses and smallish. Having said that - I still would personally go for a CV 35/1.2 - it's one awsome lens. Combined with M-Hex 50/1.2 - great nightlife shooting combo.
But really, if you do the e-magazine - I think your Digital Nikon is the best choice anyway.

 

[cnphoto]

But really, if you do the e-magazine - I think your Digital Nikon is the best choice anyway.[/QUOTE]

I sold all of the digital gear 2 years ago now, and have never looks back. No interest in it for me.

I just REALLY don't like the idea of big RF lenses, especially ad the fast 35 would be my normal everyday lens.

 

[Krosya]

In that case - 35/1.4 or 40/1.4 CVs are your best options, I suppose.

 

[cnphoto]

In that case - 35/1.4 or 40/1.4 CVs are your best options, I suppose.

The other thing on my mind is viewfinder blockage. the smaller F1.4's don't have this.

 

[Keith]

I don't really see the 35mm f1.2 as huge ... it's big for a 35mm agreed ... on my M8 it balances the camera perfectly.

Like Krosya said ... how could anyone not be impressed by the images in the thread dedicated to this lens? It's OOF areas leave most other 35s for dead!

YMMV of course. 😀

 

[shyoon]

An M2/M4 with a Canon 50mm 1.4 could be another option. You'd probably have enough money left over for a 35mm Nokton or a 35mm Ultron to boot.

 

[gliderbee]

Don't overlook the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 - a great little fast lens that doesn't have the apparent distortions seen by users of the 35mm. You can just use the full frame of the M3 or make allowances on an M2 or M6's 50mm frameline.

If you're comfortable without internal metering then you may find the M6 irritating as I tended to chase the exposure arrows in the viewfinder and being distracted by them. I find I'm more comfortable with either an AE or a non-metered camera - the habit of chasing the arrows for the right exposure drove me to sell my M6 and MP. I've ended up with an M3 and a Zeiss Ikon.

It may be appropriate to look for all three non-metered Ms and see which is the best model of them all that you can find. The only advantage I can think of for the M4 is the improved film loading which you may find useful if changing films at gigs, but if you're happy with the M3 this may not be a significant improvement.

+1 for the Nokton 1.4.

How about an M6 without batteries if you don't like the meter-arrows ?

Stefan.

 

[cnphoto]

I don't really see the 35mm f1.2 as huge ... it's big for a 35mm agreed ... on my M8 it balances the camera perfectly.

Like Krosya said ... how could anyone not be impressed by the images in the thread dedicated to this lens? It's OOF areas leave most other 35s for dead!

YMMV of course. 😀

I'm after discreet and fast. I really think that a black M and the 35mm F1.4 are what I'm after, if not I can always sell and get the F1.2 I guess. I'm just really put off by the size and viewfinder blockage.

I think M6 + CV 35mm F1.4 will be my choice. Failing that, an M2/M4 and some 35mm... If the F1.2 was still available in silver/chrome I think it's sway my decision more so 😉

+1 for the Nokton 1.4.

How about an M6 without batteries if you don't like the meter-arrows ?

Stefan.

yep, i think that's what i'll do. though maybe the 35mm and see how the distortion feels to me, if it's too objectionable I can sell it and grab the 40mm...