$8000 to spend on Leica lenses, what would you get?

I agree with Raid, reinvest $6,000 and use the profits in three years to fund an M9. For around $2K I would pick a different group of lenses though.

1. Nikkor 85/2 black
2. ZI 25/2.8
3. Brightline Finders for the 25 on the M6 and M8

I'm not a big lover of duplication in the same system these days.

B2
 
I would not waste my time with the 35 Lux ASPH and just keep the 35 Cron. The 35 Lux ASPH it is over rated. I would drop the Heliar and the Planar and get:

1) 21mm ASPH
2) 28 Cron
3) 50 Lux ASPH (or a Zeiss 50mm f1.5).
4) 75/90 AA (if there is still $$ left over)
 
Zeiss Ikon, C-Sonnar 50, Biogon 35, Elmarit 90.
Try to get all of these used and spend the rest on
a trip around the world.
 
25mm Biogon - $750
50mm Noctilux - $4200
75mm Summilux - $2500
28mm Voigtlaner 1.9 - ~$400?
=$7850

I presently have a 25mm Biogon, 35mm Summilux and 50m Noctilux and the only additional lenses that I am really interested in are the 15mm Voigltnander, which you have, and the 75mm Summilux.
 
lenses

lenses

Do you shoot low light? I would get a 28 f2 a 50 mm 1.4 last before asph. If you want a 35 summilux make sure it can be returned as many suckj on the m8 best off with a chrome or titanuim model of the 35 lux asph. I love my mate and wate lenses. Buy used when you can as it will save money and 8 grand in leica world goes fast. The 75 lux is nice be prepared for it to go to Solms for calibration . Or DAG . If I could only have 2 lenses 28 cron and 50 lux non asph. after that the mate and wate a 75 lux is nice though. If you have good luck with your 15 voigt maybe just get the zeiss 18 . David
 
Your decision to get the 35mm ASPH Lux is a good one! I would add the 24mm ASPH, as it will give you about 32mm equivalent on the M8. That seems like a good idea, since you can shoot both the M8 and M6 in essentially a 35mm focal length by using the 24 on the M8 and the 35 on the M6. I have both these lenses and can recommend them. You can even swap the 24mm onto the M6 when you need the extra coverage.

I seem to like the 75mm focal length on the M6. I use the Summilux. It is however majorly heavy. I don't mind; but if you do, then the new 75/2 Summicron might be a good choice for you, or the new 75mm Summarit. They won't weigh down your kit so much. On the M8, 75mm acts like a 100mm, which seems still in a reasonable range for the rangefinder camera. 135mm seems just too long to me, even on the M6 or M3! When I need a 135, it's time to use an SLR.

So I'm thinking 15-24-35-50-75. How does that sound?
 
What could $8000 buy??? Unfortunately I can't offer any advice on the Leica front but here's a shopping list. (prices from Popflash)

Zeiss 18 Distagon $957
" 21 Biogon $969
" 25 " $887
" 28 " $876
" 35 " $817
" 50 Planar $691 Total $5197
add Leica 75 Summarit $1495
Viewfinders for the 18 21 and 25 are $364 each or just buy the CV 21 for $128 and use it for all three. You would have enough left over to buy (from the head bartender)
CV 12 Heliar $594
CV 90 Apo Lanthar $315. Better allow $3-400 to buy one of the large Billingham's to carry it all. Not much change for film but it would cure most peoples Gas for a while.
 
Maybe I'm just fortunate - -but I bought the 24mm three years ago, and I've never regretted it. Its resolution and contrast are simply awesome when projected. If you're even contemplating shooting on English, Japanese, German, Turkish, Moroccan or Italian smaller streets. you'll be surprised at the capability oi this lens . Yeah, it's a super wide angle - - but it really isn't. If you're used to shooting close-ups and crowded street scenes, the 24 will be glued to your M body.
 
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