So, what were the best LTM classical lenses?

[Vickko]

So, what were the best LTM classical lenses?

I assume if it weren't "classical", the best lenses would be some of the Cosina modern lenses, or some of the newer Leica lenses but made in LTM.

Vick

 

[Rob-F]

Well, three that I own that should probably be on the list are the collapsible Summicron; the 50/3.5 Elmar; and the Summarit 50/1.5. I also have the Summaron 35/2.8. Mine is in bayonet, but it was also available in LTM. Many would add the f/3.5 version of this lens. I tried the 50mm Summar, wanting to see the "glow" for myself. I didn't keep it, having quickly gotten my fill of "glow" but some folks really dig this. The 50mm Hektor should be mentioned just because it is so "cool" looking. A definite collectible! In fact, if you get The Viewfinder, Tom A wrote up a nice article on that one, several years back. The 90/4 Elmar should definitely be on the list, as should the 85mm Summarex.

I'll stop now, as I don't want to get into naming every lens! These are the ones that come immediately to mind for me. I find the 50/1.5 Summarit especially noteworthy because of how it became the basis of the 50/1.4 Summilux. Not only that, but in Walter Mandler's hands, its basic schematic became the basis of the Canadian version of the Noctilux as well!

 

[kzphoto]

I've been looking for a decent "vintage" portrait lens for awhile and I've come across these three that need mentioning:

90/4 Elmar (collapsable M / LTM)
100/3.5 or f/2 Canon LTM
105/2.5 Nikkor LTM

They're all great (from what I read here) and should be added to this list.
The late model Canon 35/2 is a stunner as well.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Elmar 50mm
Xenon / Summarit 50 mm
Summicron 50mm
Summarex 85mm

 

[fbf]

nikkor 35/1.8; 35/2.8 summaron, 50/2 cron collapsible

 

[filmtwit]

50mm Nikkor-SC f1.4 or the 2.o in LTM

 

[Vince Lupo]

50/2 Summar
50/3.5 Elmar
50/1.5 Xenon
73/1.9 Hektor (personal fave)
90/2.2 Thambar
50 and 90 Summicrons
105/6.3 Mountain Elmar

 

[sahe69]

I've been looking for a decent "vintage" portrait lens for awhile and I've come across these three that need mentioning:

90/4 Elmar (collapsable M / LTM)
100/3.5 or f/2 Canon LTM
105/2.5 Nikkor LTM

They're all great (from what I read here) and should be added to this list.
The late model Canon 35/2 is a stunner as well.

Nikkor 85/2 LTM isn't too bad either.

 

[johannielscom]

The Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f1.5 Sonnar in LTM. Wartime lens, some 3,000 made.

It's focusing is perfected for the Leica off-factory.

It is a whole different lens when opened from 1.5 to 4.0 than when it is stopped down from 4.0 to 22.0.

It's focusing is accurate at shorter distances when wide open, but it is sharp when stopped down as well.

I like to compare it's Sonnarism to a Noctilux at times, without having to sell off house and family to own one or lug a heavy lens around when shooting.

I'd like to complete mine with a Super-Angulon 21mm f3.4 and a Hektor 73mm f1.9 someday.

 

[softshock]

1,5 50 Summarit & 2,8 35 Summaron

 

[Keith]

A good Jupiter 3 is hard to beat IMO ... provided it focuses correctly! 😀

For speed I'd nominate the Canon 50mm f1.2

And in Leica, anything with 'Summicron' on it!

 

[Keith]

Oh yes ... and the very rare 50mm Summilux if you've got money to burn!

 

[johannielscom]

A good Jupiter 3 is hard to beat IMO ... provided it focuses correctly! 😀

For speed I'd nominate the Canon 50mm f1.2

And in Leica, anything with 'Summicron' on it!

That's were the wartime Carl Zeiss Sonnar comes in, Keith!

It's essentially the same lens but with off-factory Leica-compatible focusing.

 

[Voe]

Orion-15 28mm f/6 pancake.
Jupiter-12 35mm f/2.8

Both lenses give good resolution and low contrast.

 

[Kherberos]

I am not to sure what "classical" means, but in terms of longevity, I would say the elmar 5cm/3,5 and the 9cm/4.

 

[Luddite Frank]

I've been looking for a decent "vintage" portrait lens for awhile and I've come across these three that need mentioning:

90/4 Elmar (collapsable M / LTM)
100/3.5 or f/2 Canon LTM
105/2.5 Nikkor LTM

They're all great (from what I read here) and should be added to this list.
The late model Canon 35/2 is a stunner as well.

For "portraits" ( ie: slightly "soft and flattering" ), also consider:

73mm Elmar ( Hektor?)

90mm Thambar

(both very pricey....)

 

[xayraa33]

The Canon 50/f1.5 and the 50/f1.8 are often used favorites of mine.

 

[D.O'K.]

I think the Summitar gives a "classic" look, i.e. reasonably sharp with somewhat subdued contrast and a "rounded" look; at least at its wider apertures.

Regards,
D.

 

[kzphoto]

For "portraits" ( ie: slightly "soft and flattering" ), also consider:

73mm Elmar ( Hektor?)

90mm Thambar

(both very pricey....)

I was interested in the price points on the lenses in particular. IE what was going to be the most bang for my buck. I think the canon 100 f/3.5 might be it!

 

[Krosya]

IMO:
in 50mm - Summitar, Canon 50/1.8, Nikkor 50/1.4 ltm, Summicron.
in 35mm - Canon f2, Nikkor 35/1.8, I like my Komura 35/2.8.
in 85/90 - Nikkor 85/2 is hard to beat
longer - Nikkor 105/2.5 and 135/3.5 are superb.