35mm lens recommendations for B&W

ark8012

ark8012

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I was recommended many times that 35mm Summicron 8 elements is the best for B&W, but are there any other choices other than 8 elements?

any recommendations? Thanks,
 
Too many choices ... need more info on:

Budget, camera, desired speed, what do you shoot (subject and film), how do you develop, desired filter size, brand preference, other focal length available to you, etc.

Without, you'll get a list of all available 35mm lenses, and there are many for M/LTM.
 
Any lens that is great for color will be great for black and white and vice-versa. There's too much mythology around this topic. Buy the best glass you can afford.
 
ferider said:
Too many choices ... need more info on:

Budget, camera, desired speed, what do you shoot (subject and film), how do you develop, desired filter size, brand preference, other focal length available to you, etc.

Without, you'll get a list of all available 35mm lenses, and there are many for M/LTM.
Click to expand...


haha.. I think I am too new here to know all of those info.

I am thinking around $1000-$1300. I prefer a fast lens (maybe no later than 2.8). I mostly shot my daughter. Oh I am using M2.
For film developing, I usually use local photo lab. Do not have brand preference yet.

Did I answer all questions? :D

Thank you for your input here.
 
I happen to love my 35mm 2.8 Summaron. I think it's a great lens for black and white work.
Excellent sharpness and contrast.
They can be had for $500-$800
 
I love my Canon 35/2.8 for B&W amazing value at $400ish. If I was shooting my daughter I might lean towards at 50mm lens though. You could get the 35/2.8 plus excellent 50/1.4 + adapters and be under budget.
 
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I'm not a wide angle guy, but the M Rokkor 40 2.0 I once owned left nothing to be desired. Thought it was a great lens and a great value. Don't often see those two attributes together.
 
Well what kind of b&W are you talking about?

Some lenses are good for high contrast, sharp shots while others have creamy and dreamy renderings. My personal favorite is the lux pre-asph but it's definitely not sharp until much stopped down.
 
Araakii said:
Well what kind of b&W are you talking about?

Some lenses are good for high contrast, sharp shots while others have creamy and dreamy renderings. My personal favorite is the lux pre-asph but it's definitely not sharp until much stopped down.
Click to expand...


I think I prefer a creamy and dreamy renderings for B&W rather than sharp and contrast. I prefer sharp and contrast for color though. :D
 
Strange no one has mentioned the Zeiss C-Biogon 35mm 2.8.
Small, cheap, and tack sharp at all levels. The only lens I have ever regretted selling :)
 
thomasw_ said:
for your budget the v1 summicron is not possible. to shoot your daughter in various lighting, in keeping with your budget, I recommend the cv Nokton 35/1.4. a very verSatile lens. I'd buy the sc version if you only shoot BW film. ymmv.
Click to expand...

I second that recommendation. Or, if you don't mind the lens size and higher price the CV 35/1.2 (recommended by poster #8). For available light portraits f1.4 or f1.2 is very useful. So is a minimum focus distance of 0.7m.

You can find many example photos taken with either lens in

http://www.flickr.com/groups/86731438@N00/pool/tags/VoigtlanderNokton35mmf1.4SC

and

http://www.flickr.com/groups/86731438@N00/pool/tags/VoigtlanderNokton35mmf1.2Aspherical

Roland.
 
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