what is the best lens for an M3?

[Sureño]

hi guys, I was wondering, if money is not a problem, what is the best lens you could put on a Leica M3?

thanks

 

[chris00nj]

The 50/2 Summicron DR. Great lens for B&W

 

[raid]

What is the definition of "best lens"?
I would get the 35mm Summicron and the 50mm Summicron as a stsrt. I view this pair of lenses as being part of the M3, it gives you the classical set.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

A new-in-box dual range Summicron. Or 21mm f/3.4 Super Angulon with a Zeiss 21ZM finder. Or a 90mm V2 Elmarit.

Your opinions may vary of course, so don't take mine as anything but that, an opinion. Start shooting and find out what lens best goes with your M3!

Phil Forrest

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

If I could spend that lot of money I'd have a black M3 with a black collapsible Elmar-M on, and a black ASPH Lux in my jacket pocket just in case. But I'm one of the few that can't spend $20,000 right now in another camera... But I would enjoy it... Maybe I should buy lottery for the first time...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[RAZOR]

Another vote for the 50 dual range summicron.

 

[Sureño]

What is the definition of "best lens"?
I would get the 35mm Summicon and the 50mm Summicron as a stsrt. I view this pair of lenses as being part of tje M3, it gives you the classical set.

the best lens for you, the one you would pick if money was not a problem.

 

[mfunnell]

If I could spend that lot of money I'd have a black M3 with a black collapsible Elmar-M on, and a black ASPH Lux in my jacket pocket just in case. But I'm one of the few that can't spend $20,000 right now in another camera... But I would enjoy it... Maybe I should buy lottery for the first time...

Cheers,

Juan

A combination after my own heart. I guess I'll stick with my chrome M3, my Elmar-M and just lust after that ASPH Lux. I sure won't be affording one of those anytime soon. The ZM C-Sonnar 50/1.5 will, I hope, be a good alternative faster 50, once I get used to it.

Still, the fantasy is nice to contemplate.

...Mike

 

[jsrockit]

Zeiss Sonnar 50mm 1.5?

50mm Elmar-M Black?

CV 50mm Nickel Heliar?

MS Optical 28mm f/4 with Zeiss finder?

 

[JMQ]

+3 on the Summicron DR. A most beautifully crafted lens, and great images.

 

[maddoc]

Either a like-new DR Summicron or a Noctilux, the latter was my favorite when I had an M3.

 

[photo4ls]

+4 on the Summi. DR

 

[raid]

If you paid the bill, I would choose the Noctilux 50mm.

 

[semordnilap]

If I could spend that lot of money I'd have a black M3 with a black collapsible Elmar-M on, and a black ASPH Lux in my jacket pocket just in case. But I'm one of the few that can't spend $20,000 right now in another camera... But I would enjoy it... Maybe I should buy lottery for the first time...

Cheers,

Juan

I agree!

Though a 90 elmarit-m would be pretty nice as well... Not as your only lens, though, so my apologies for heading off topic 😀

 

[Vickko]

Noctilux f1.2. Compact, superb bokeh, and the larger magnification of the M3 viewfinder makes it perfect for the slim depth of field of a Noctilux.

 

[Hibbs]

I'd say a Canon 50 1.5 or a ZM 50 2 Planar...as they are a couple of the better ones that I have.

~ Hibbs

 

[Mackinaw]

Since you said M3, you probably should stick with a 50mm. I'd suggest a 50mm Summilux-asph.

Jim B.

 

[kosta_g]

i'd vote for the regular summicron rigid. same optics as the DR without the extra weight. Close focusing is nice though.

 

[zauhar]

Yet another vote for the 50mm DR.

Randy

 

[35mmdelux]

Black M3 with a black paint 50mm Summilux Millennium.