Leica LTM Best fast 50

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Two sets of options to offer:

Planar type: Canon LTM 1.4/50 or 1.8/50. Both are excellent lenses, I prefer the rendering of the 1.4 but the 1.8 is smaller, less expensive and still an excellent lens.

Sonnar type: Jupiter-3 1.5/50 or Canon LTM 1.5/50.
 
Canon LTM 1.5/50: These were not cheap when I was looking several years ago. (> $400) Have prices come down?

50's I have:
Canon 50f1.8
Cron rigid 50f2
Cron collapsible 50f2
Summar collapsible 50f2
Elmer collapsible uncoated 50f3.5
FED collapsible coated 50f3.5

used to have:
Cron (1969-79, first black) 50f2
Summitar collapsible 50f2
Summarit 50f1.5
CV 50f2.5
Zeiss 50f2 (in Jupiter 8 barrel)
Nikon 50f2 with close focus
 
From what I've seen the Canon 50/1.4 LTM will be a bit ungainly on a Barnack. On an M it looks right. Great lens, but if compactness is a chief concern, you might look elsewhere. I love mine on my M4/M6 duo.

I'd look at the Canon 50 1.5 LTM or Jupiter 3 (both are of the Sonnar design) or 1.8 (Planar).

There have been haze issues widely reported with the Canon 1.8, and just as many people say theirs is fine.

I have 2 Jupiter 3s, one black, one silver, from different eras. Both are adjusted to Leica spec and both are excellent. They can be hit or miss, as you'll see if you research them much.
 
I vote pre-ASPH Summilux which, in its various decades of availability, has been released with LTM mount—sometimes as an expensive special edition. Rendition and handling will please any Leicaphile. I personally prefer a lighter lens for my Barnack.
 
FrankS said:
Canon LTM 1.5/50: These were not cheap when I was looking several years ago. (> $400) Have prices come down?
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I just did a quick Ebay check. Prices ranged from $175 to $500. They can be found at reasonable cost with patience and luck. More expensive than the Jupiter-3 but less risky a purchase.
 
Hern said:
I'm going to throw in a more modern option: the Voigtlander Nokton f1.5 ltm. Fast, bokehlicious, sharp when stopped down to f2.8. And a decent lens coating for resistance against flaring.
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I'll second the recommendation on the VC Nokton 50/1.5 LTM. A fantastic lens that still can be found new and often used.
 
I prefer the Sonnar design of the 50/1.5 Canon over the 50/1.4, and it's pretty small.

The Nikkor is also a Sonnar but is generally more expensive and it's larger.
 
My pursuit of the "BEST" 50 ended when I realized that each of my LTM Canons and both of my Leicas had a lens that worked well. Now it's like asking what's the "best" color. They all have a place. Now if only I can get them in the correct place.
 
But not heavy. Probably lighter than the Canon 50/1.4. If presspass has a SBOOI or other 50mm brightline VF, he would be good to go.

Of the "classic" (reasonably priced) options, I would vote for the Canon 50/1.5 or a good copy of the Jupiter for the best balance of overall performance & size/weight. If the price is no object, then it would be the original Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton in LTM.

FrankS said:
Not so small?
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I had the Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.5 in LTM some years ago. It was a superb lens, but was way too large for my tastes, so I sold it. The Canon 50/1.5 is smaller and better balanced for Barnack-style cameras. If you like Sonnar design lenses, it's very good, and stopped down is quite sharp. It's a wonderful portrait lens, too.
 
Agree on the Canon 50/1.5 (& size issue w/the CV Nokton). The only drawback to the Canon is that it has their weird 40mm filter thread, making it harder to find filters & hoods.

Bingley said:
The Canon 50/1.5 is smaller and better balanced for Barnack-style cameras. If you like Sonnar design lenses, it's very good, and stopped down is quite sharp. It's a wonderful portrait lens, too.
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furcafe said:
Agree on the Canon 50/1.5 (& size issue w/the CV Nokton). The only drawback to the Canon is that it has their weird 40mm filter thread, making it harder to find filters & hoods.
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I just use a 40-40.5 step-up ring to mount filters and hoods on my Canon lenses.
 
FrankS said:
Not so small?
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I agree.

If size is the most important than it may not work out. The size has not bothered me when using it with my MP & M6 or digital M's, (I know, not LTM bodies) that is easy to focus, great low light lens that for me produces wonderful images.
 
The CV Heliar 50mm/f3.5 is not very fast, but it's one one the best lenses money can buy: even contrast, high definition, no flare at all.
 
All of the Sonnar types are about the same physical size, the J-3 being aluminum is the lightest, the others weigh about the same, the Nikkor 1.4, Canon 1.5. All three have a different color rendering, with the J-3 being the warmest. The Nikkor allows the closest focusing, and the Canon has the coolest colors (blue bias). The Canon 1.4, being a different design, is larger physically, but seems to work on a Barnack ok to me.

L-R, Canon 1.4, 1.5, J-3, Nikkor 1.4

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Thanks to all. I do have a 1.5 Sonnar - current model - for my M cameras and like it, so I'll probably go with a Sonnar design, either the 1.5 Canon or the new Jupiter. As to 40 mm filters, I did find a UV on the net that is made for a newer digital camera and it fits my Rokkor 85 2.8 just fine. Now for a hood . . .
 
For my Canon rf lenses (most of which have 40mm filter threads) I found 40-43 step rings, and just use a 43mm hood (and filters).
 
Ok, I've decided on a Sonnar formula. The Nikon is too hard to find, so the viable options are Canon 1.5 or a new Jupiter 3+. I realize the Canon will be less expensive, but I'm also figuring in a CLA for that lens. Your choice?
 
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