35 Lux Vs 50 Lux for my shooting style.. ..

[pack_tor]

Hi,

Here are the facts of my case:

I currently own Canon 5D Mark II, 35L, 50L, 85L & 135L. My favourite lengths are 35 & 50mm - so much that the 85 & 135 are collecting dust. I love to shoot wide open and in dark situations.

I'm overwhelmingly tempted by M9, just based on the fact that it seems to suit my style (people/documentary photography at close quarters) and considerably less bulk. Also the Leica should help me get over my shyness shooting strangers as it doesn't draw too much attention.

To finance, I'm thinking of selling the 85L, 135L and a bunch of other accessories, but I'm torn on what lens to get as my first - 35 Lux or 50 Lux. I love both lengths, but a slight edge to the 35. I'm a little concerned about the focus shift issues with the 35 (i've faced similar issues with the 50L). This would be my only lens for a while, so it's a tough choice.

What would you guys recommend? This would be my first experience with a rangefinder (i have no problems shooting manual, so i should be fine)

Thanks for your help!

 

[Ghiom]

I would keep the 5D with the 50mm only... (more versality because of the minimum focus distance on a SLR... and by the way, why not shift for a Leica R glass?)
And go for the Lux 35 with the M9.
imho of course...

 

[slungu]

I would keep the 5D with the 50mm only... (more versality because of the minimum focus distance on a SLR... and by the way, why not shift for a Leica R glass?)
And go for the Lux 35 with the M9.
imho of course...

The advice is good to keep the 5D, but I would keep the longer lenses since you have a hard time getting a 135mm on a M9. Other than that, you could replace the L-Canon with R glass, but if you plan to go M9, I would rather not. Beware that M-glass clearly surpasses everything in terms of price, both R-glass and Canon-L, so it is a pretty big price to pay to be leightweight 😉

 

[Tim Gray]

Well... There are a lot of good options out there for various prices. If you're scared of the 35 Summilux and it's focus shift, go with the 50 Summilux ASPH (which is amazing I think), and pick up a CV 35/1.4 or 35/1.2. I personally like 28 and 50 as I've said here a bunch, so I'd skip 35 altogether. Or buy a different 35 and pick up the CV 50/1.1. Or...

 

[Livesteamer]

Rangefinders are very different from what you are now using. They are not just manual cameras but very manual cameras. With this in mind would you consider buying a used film M6 and 35mm just to test the water, so to speak. If you did not like it you could sell it and get your money back. If you sell your Canon lenses you may regret it. Quality glass seems to hold it's value or even go up in value. Good Luck. Joe

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I chose the very small 40 Nokton and 15 Heliar... (Could be the 21 too, instead of the Heliar...)

 

[funkpilz]

Another vote for the 40mm Nokton. And keep only the 5D and the nifty fifty. Your wallet will thank you.

 

[mfogiel]

To begin with, it is not a given that you need Leica latest glass. You should actually try a few other brand lenses as well as older Leica lenses to get the taste of what you like. Especially if you shoot B&W you might find the latest lenses not ideal. For the price of one Summilux ASPH you can get a Nokton 35/1.2 and a Summilux pre asph or even the Nokton 50/1.1 or 1.5 and still have some cash to spare. The 35/1.2 Nokton is probably the best low light reporter lens ever made in 35mm, albeit it is biggish in size. I would still keep a 50mm makro and a 135mm for your big gun Canon.

 

[peter_n]

I would hold off for a while on the 35/1.4 ASPH. There is talk that Leica may update the lens.