"Best" screw mount lens for black and white photos

[Richard G]

I still wondering why RFF users are answering on such threads...me included.

Giulio

Giulio, I think it is because trolling is so uncommon here.

 

[WJJ3]

Thanks for the replies 🙂

I sold my elmar a months ago, and got the collapsible cron. Might consider getting the elmar again

One option is the 2.8/50 Elmar. I traded in my 3.5/50 Elmar for one and have been happy with it. It is much easier to use, and still collapses into a compact package (not as compact as the 3.5, but much more compact than the Summicron). Apart from the small increase in speed, the main benefits are the much more functional aperture ring, and much more serviceable 39mm filter threads.

 

[Rob-F]

The Elmar 50/ f:3,5 is darned good.

I agree with this. I will add the 35/2.5 C/V and the 28/3.5 as well. Though I also have the Collapsible Summicron, and like it equally well. The Elmar does have its own special signature, though.

 

[jusxusfanatic]

True, but is there a ltm version?

 

[jusxusfanatic]

Ok there is

 

[charjohncarter]

Maybe someone has posted this, but this our RFF boss' list (although not completely complete):

https://www.cameraquest.com/ltmlens.htm

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I don't think there is a best lens. It is just one of several factors like lighting, exposure, developer, developing time and so on that will alter the final print; and we've not even discussed how the print will be made...

Regards, David

 

[B-9]

True, but is there a ltm version?

Please consider your next question in the context of forever,

You will not always be ignorant, well yes you will,

but you will find knowledge here,

shhh.. learn you must.

 

[ForestCap]

I think, seriously, any mainstream lens is good enough for BW shooting.

Since there is no Best photography, there is no Best lens, either.

Just use what you have and shoot and enjoy!

 

[zuiko85]

If you want to experiment go cheap. I just bought a 52mm f2.8 FSU lens for $12 and that included shipping. That's what, two lattes?

 

[gb hill]

Let's see! Best B&W screwmount lens + best B&W film + Best developer to use + agitation to use during development for contrast = I don't know but having fun figuring it out.😉

I like my Elmar 50/3.5 J8 my J3 & my CV 35/2.5. I have other FSU glass I like too for difference reasons. The Elmar has a nice glow in light situations. Mine is a 46 coated version.

 

[sepiareverb]

If you get an adapter for M42 lenses your choices open up a great deal more.

 

[presspass]

Gb makes a good point. Unless you're going to follow the process through yourself, or you have a competent lab, the "best" lens won't do much good. Doing B&W film is one of the joys of photography, because you can do all the work yourself, except, of course, making the film. So to update my earlier post - uncoated lens, D-23 developer, and print in the darkroom. Pick your own tools, do the work yourself, and enjoy.

 

[traveler_101]

No one has discussed lenses specifically for your camera. I gather you'll use this on a Leica III? My best lens for b&w is an Ultron 35/1.7, but it is too large to be handled comfortably on my IIIf. The Elmar 50/3.5 belongs with Barnack cameras making a most portable package which I carry daily in my small case; I guess you had one? I found it quite good (has limits in terms of handling strong light - loses contrast). I also like the Jupiter 12 35/2.8: small and sharp; I got a later version made around 1980 - be careful of vignetting in backlit scenes.