Have a CL on the way - need lens suggestions >>

[panerai]

Actually have 2 - one needs a small repair (I hope) and other was an Ebay buy without a working meter, but good price. Just hoping that maybe the seller didn't know how to activate the meter on the Ebay one as the camera image did have a battery in it.

What lens to buy though.

The Summicron-c and Rokkor I know are probably the best, but recently prices have been going way up with C's going for close to $500+ and Rokkor pretty close behind.

Saw a C in 70% condition on a camera site, but it's gone now, but that was still $400 + s/h. They had a Rokkor at $450 (also went quick).

Looking for something similar to these at a more reasonable price as I'm a amateur and just trying different cameras out, but don't want to sink a lot of money into a single camera.

If I shot a roll a day I wouldn't think twice, but I shoot maybe 1 picture a week (current camera still has the same 24 roll for the last 3.5 months

Curious as to what lens others are using instead

Thanks

DON

 

[Brian Levy]

I've not been following the pricing of the CL/CLE standard lenses and amazed at your observations. When I last looked the Summicron-C 40mm was in the range of about $200 for a clear very good to excellent one, about half the price of any Leica 50mm glass. The 90mm Elmarit-C and Rokkors were also in that range.

Do you have a specific interest in what you shoot and favorite lens length? This will influence your decision. For instance, I have never really liked the view of a 50mm lens while years ago finding the 40mm length is far more to my liking. It bridges nicely between the 35 and 50 so only need to walk a few feet to make up for the difference and hence no need for a bag full of lenses. The Cron-C 40mm from day on has been a favorite for my CL and even after having opportunities for both 35 and 50mm Leica glass opted to stay with it. My 90mm Rokkor gets almost no use as I am not a shooter that seems to like the telephoto results unless using it up close to the subject. I can not remember the last time I even mounted it or the 135mm Canon w/ M adaptor.

I'm not sure what your budget is for a system but remember it is more about the glass then the body for the results so don't skrimp on the lens. Expect to get at least one of the bodies totally serviced as with the age of these cameras it is almost always needed and when in spec it is an excellent, a really excellent, body. I prefer it to any of the M bodies as a carrier.

 

[panerai]

I've not been following the pricing of the CL/CLE standard lenses and amazed at your observations. When I last looked the Summicron-C 40mm was in the range of about $200 for a clear very good to excellent one, about half the price of any Leica 50mm glass. The 90mm Elmarit-C and Rokkors were also in that range.

Do you have a specific interest in what you shoot and favorite lens length?

Hi Brian,

No specific interst. Street photography and potrait. Right now I'm using my Yashica GX and after my Konica S2

I might just have to bite the bullet and hit the bid button on the C or Rokkor, but most likely will prefer the Rokkor as it will be less and filters are available for it.

I know if I drop down to a 35mm the price of such a lens goes up. Don't think I want a 50mm due to size

Other possible choice was the Voigtlander 40mm 1.4, but not sure how useful the 1.4 aperture will be and if I'm going to pay the CV price. Might as well pay the extra for the original lens.

Have to wait for the cameras to arrive, see which is the better condition and cost to repair the first (seller said the mounting bracket may need replacing).

Tough decisions

Thanks

DON

 

[former member]

A canon 35/2.8 is a nice match for the CL.

 

[Bruin]

You can pick up a used Nokton 40 for closer to $300. As good or better than the Rokkor and 'cron at f2 or slower (even bokeh-wise!). Think of it as having a bonus f1.4 when you need it.

 

[jsrockit]

Basically, you either get a 40mm rokkor or summicron or you get the CV 40mm f/1.4 ... anything else is more expensive and / or a compromise frameline wise.

 

[FrankS]

My CL usually wears either the CV40f1.4 or CV21f4 with accessory finder.

Could also fit my Summaron f3.5 or 2.8 as the framelines would be close enough, or Canon 28f3.5 using the entire viewfinder.

Lots of options.

 

[panerai]

Seems a number in favor for the CV 40mm 1.4

Checked out the Canon, but I guess you need an adaptor due to the screw threads

Will check around for the CV lens once the camera's arrive

Thanks

DON

 

[Brian Levy]

I've never used the CV 40. I have no doubt from many comments on this board it is a fine lens. I am not sure of the collapsed size of it but, consider it. The CL leather case does not have a lot of room when zipped closed as it was designed for the 40 with the rubber shade. |While not the greatest case in the world by far, it does help protect the camera. There is an aftrer market company offering a case but I've never seem one. I think it may be a more conventional 2-part ever ready case. This would at least protect the body area covered. The CL is really no more delicate than most cameras but it seems the top plate is prone to getting bunged up because of the 2-lug strap system. This means the rangefinder, etc. is somewhat vulnerable to taking hits. The case does help protect it.

While it may not be an issue I thought I'd mention it in case it might be something for you to consider.

 

[hamustar]

The CV 40mm is so compact, I'd think it's one of the most eligible 40s around, and at a faster speed too.

Cheap & Good.

 

[f16sunshine]

Hey Don
The nokton 40 is great. Not as small as the 40cron/rokkor but just as sharp plus one stop. It may well be the last lens you buy for your CL. Not sure I agree that the Bokeh is as good with the nokton as with the crons. Ymmv

 

[panerai]

Hey Don
The nokton 40 is great. Not as small as the 40cron/rokkor but just as sharp plus one stop. It may well be the last lens you buy for your CL. Not sure I agree that the Bokeh is as good with the nokton as with the crons. Ymmv

That was what I read about the C and Rokkor was the excellent bokeh, but not sure I would shoot at 1.4 with the CV lens and just use it from f2 and up

CV makes a 40mm f2, but not in an M mount and over $500. Not sure of the quality, but if good. Curious as to why they didn''t make an M mount in this lens

Thanks

DON

 

[panerai]

I've never used the CV 40. I have no doubt from many comments on this board it is a fine lens. I am not sure of the collapsed size of it but, consider it. The CL leather case does not have a lot of room when zipped closed as it was designed for the 40 with the rubber shade. |While not the greatest case in the world by far, it does help protect the camera. There is an aftrer market company offering a case but I've never seem one. I think it may be a more conventional 2-part ever ready case. This would at least protect the body area covered. The CL is really no more delicate than most cameras but it seems the top plate is prone to getting bunged up because of the 2-lug strap system. This means the rangefinder, etc. is somewhat vulnerable to taking hits. The case does help protect it.

While it may not be an issue I thought I'd mention it in case it might be something for you to consider.

I know which cases you mean. One Italian and one Chinese sellers of half cases.

While I sell leather goods. I don't make them (have a factory that makes to my specs) and I ship them leather, so have quite a bit downstairs. Only problem is it's thick and if I tried to make my own case. I would need to shave it down to halve the current thickness.

Something to try as I have pretty much most of the leather tools I need

Thanks

DON

 

[Biggles]

If I shot a roll a day I wouldn't think twice, but I shoot maybe 1 picture a week (current camera still has the same 24 roll for the last 3.5 months

I shoot 20-30 rolls a year, tops. I think I'm up to 15 for 2010 so far. I gladly live with the crushing expense and inconvenience of the very reasonably-priced 40mm f/2 Summicron with its non-existant filters and its disintegrating hoods. Why? Because the image quality is stupefying, that's why.

In my mind, there's no reason to put up with Leica's crazily impractical rangefinder bodies other than that lens mount. To be blunt about it, if you're buying Leica's wonkiest, neediest metered M-mount body and then immediately elect to use non-Leitz glass on it because it's cheaper, you may wish to consider taking up egg-tempera painting on recycled cardboard instead.

Seriously. Find a 40mm Summicron or Rokkor for it. They're made for it, anyway.

 

[ElectroWNED]

You can pick up a used Nokton 40 for closer to $300.

Not to derail the thread, but where should I be looking online for a used lens like the Nokton at ~$300?

I'm thinking about going to CL+CV40 route as an intro to things bigger and better than the XA...

 

[underbyte]

if you're buying Leica's wonkiest, neediest metered M-mount body and then immediately elect to use non-Leitz glass on it because it's cheaper, you may wish to consider taking up egg-tempera painting on recycled cardboard instead.

I think that made my night! 🙂

 

[Bruin]

Not to derail the thread, but where should I be looking online for a used lens like the Nokton at ~$300?

Put a WTB ad in the classifieds here, also check the GetDPI and photo.net classifieds. It's possible with a bit of patience. I got my SC for about $300 and sold it for about the same last year.

 

[panerai]

Put a WTB ad in the classifieds here, also check the GetDPI and photo.net classifieds. It's possible with a bit of patience. I got my SC for about $300 and sold it for about the same last year.

Thanks. Just signed up with both, but only have access to one site at this time (waiting to qualify for the other) and placed an ad on the classified section here

I would take a lens for $300, but they're hitting $450 - $500+ now.

Not just being purchased by CL and CLE owners

DON

 

[Bruin]

You're not looking at the 35/1.4 Nokton prices, right? A brand new 40 is $429.

 

[Jaans]

I shoot 20-30 rolls a year, tops. I think I'm up to 15 for 2010 so far. I gladly live with the crushing expense and inconvenience of the very reasonably-priced 40mm f/2 Summicron with its non-existant filters and its disintegrating hoods. Why? Because the image quality is stupefying, that's why.

In my mind, there's no reason to put up with Leica's crazily impractical rangefinder bodies other than that lens mount. To be blunt about it, if you're buying Leica's wonkiest, neediest metered M-mount body and then immediately elect to use non-Leitz glass on it because it's cheaper, you may wish to consider taking up egg-tempera painting on recycled cardboard instead.

Seriously. Find a 40mm Summicron or Rokkor for it. They're made for it, anyway.

That little piece put a smile on my face as well.

I have the second multi-coated Rokkor. It was seriously one of my best investments. I have stripped my lens 'collection' down to a 40mm Rokkor, 50mm Elmar 2.8 and a 50mm Summicron which I will eventually sell as the Elmar has more character.

Cheers