Slightly frustrated...

[Lauffray]

Hello all...

I have only one system I use all the time and so far I've been very happy with it (M7 + 35 cron asph)
Until one day while on vacation 6000km away from home, I had a nasty accident and was left basically with no working camera. So, after coming home and repairing it, I've decided to try and put together a less expensive backup system, an old-ish full mechanical rangefinder and a compact 35/2 lens.

After quite a bit of research online, I'm now basically facing two equally unattractive options, either an affordable, new-ish, slower 35mm (Zeiss 35/2.8 or Leica 35/2.5) or an older, expensive, faster one (typically Leica crons) with prices averaging 1500$ at least

Argh..... !!! I feel like I'm turning in circles with no decision in sight

 

[rover]

What is so unattractive about having to settle on a great lens as your back up?

 

[jsrockit]

Wow, you must rethink what unattractive really is... don't be too spoiled to enjoy quality equipment.

 

[Gregoryniss]

you could get a leica cl + 40mm summicron or minolta CLE + m-rokkor for under $1000. close enough to a 35/2 for a backup.

 

[nobbylon]

Why not get an M2 and a 35 Ultron? You really can't go wrong with them. If you need a meter get an M6.

 

[Lauffray]

I just feel there's too much compromise, the affordable option is too slow (I often shoot in low light, even f/2 is rarely enough) and the faster option is just way too expensive

 

[Leigh Youdale]

I'd suggest a Bessa R2M and the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.4.
If that's not good enough for you as a backup kit then the dilemma you're having is nothing to do with the available equipment.

 

[daveywaugh]

A Zeiss Ikon (or R2A) with VC 35 f1.4 would be a good BU IMO. Nice and light too.

 

[daveywaugh]

Sorry... mechanical ;-) Make that an R2M!

 

[daveywaugh]

Beaten by Leigh - great minds think alike heh ;-)

 

[LeicaFan]

Go with an M2/M4 and get a 35mm or 40mm Nokton. I'm sure that will be good enough for a backup system.

 

[jsrockit]

Leica M2 with a Nokton 35mm 1.2

 

[loplop]

I use a Leica IIIc with various 50/2 collapsable lenses, plus a 35/3.5 summaron.

Thing is, there weren't many fast & wide options back in the day... So use a 50 for low light, and the 35 in good light. What's not to like?

 

[cosmonaut]

The Nokton 40mm SC, razor sharp and the single coat was made for B&W, a M2/3 as a back up body.with Also think the VC 35 1.7 could be an option. Tuna is a magician with it.

 

[loplop]

The 35/1.7 is one of the few voigtlanders I really like... pity they aren't sold anymore.

 

[hausen]

Why don't you have your back up with a 50mm lens and can use back up when 50mm is more suitable and not just wait for next calamity? Retina IIIc with 50/2 is a cheap, tiny but superb back up. If I killed my M6 I would be happy with Retina until it returned.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Ultron if you can find one.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Lauffray]

Lots of good ideas here, thanks folks.

I do have a 50mm that I rarely use, ever since I got the 35mm It's been on 99% of the time

 

[RFluhver]

I don't see why this is such a big deal. I totally support suggestions of M2 + Nokton 35/1.4. I'll also suggest either M4-2 or M4-P with that same lens. Problem solved. And all very affordable.

 

[rxmd]

I have great trouble trying to think up a definition of "unattractive" that matches what seems to be yours when it comes to 35mm lenses.

Just get any of the Voigtländers already, 35/f1.7, 35/f1.4, 40/f1.4, or the outstanding 35/f1.2 if you can scrounge up the extra money, or a 35/f2.5 if it really has to be cheap.

If you don't mind used lenses, there is a Canon 35/f1.8 for 315 EUR Buy-it-now on eBay.