Please recommend a first lens

[thompsonks]

After looking at your images, I'm pretty sure your best choice would be a 40mm Summicron C, modified to bring up the 35mm framelines. The images don't make a case for either 35 or 50, and the 40 is a fine and relatively inexpensive lens. Takes a bit of looking. It's not hyper-contrasty like new lenses but is sharp wide open. Second best for you would be 35mm Summicron pre-aspherical, v2-v4.

PS, I can't agree with the Zeiss recommendation above. They're fine lenses, but offer a very modern look.

 

[clayne]

I'm still of the opinion that if you want these types of images then a 60s-80s era lens design coupled with film is what will deliver. Anything else is just a hack.

It should absolutely not be ignored that that only addresses the asthetic portion of things and does not take into account setting, lighting, subject, subject relationship/interaction, or photographer.

 

[taskoni]

Summicron 50mm (DR or rigid) and any good 28mm lens. This is what you'll ever need 🙂

IMO the vintage look using digital is more based on processing than the lens, any lens you choose can get you there.

Regards,

Boris

 

[clayne]

Summicron 50mm (DR or rigid) and any good 28mm lens. This is what you'll ever need 🙂

IMO the vintage look using digital is more based on processing than the lens, any lens you choose can get you there.

Regards,

Boris

I respectfully disagree. Many modern ASPH lenses don't vibe with this look. They don't have enough SA or the same feel. I hate arguing about useless stuff like lens design, but at times it does matter.

Additionally, just the way digital responds to sheer light is bad enough already. If the OP wants to even get close to the referenced looks he/she desires, they're not going to get there with the cold linear edge of 0100101011.