Budget lens for Leica CL

[VF101]

As I have now a CL I'm looking for a budget lens that can replace my Industar 61 as the every day lens. The industar is a fine lens, but it's handling is not as comfortable as I'd have hoped.

Here in Germany I seem to have the following options for my budget:

Summicron-C 40mm
used, 450€
fast and sharp, perfect fit for the CL

Summaron 3.5 35mm
used 250-300 €
slow, cheap, but a cool and classical lens

Nokton 1.4 40mm or 35mm
new, 500€
fast and sharp, with three years warranty, trouble with focus shift?
usefull addition to my E-PL1

Color Skopar 2.5 35mm
new, 400€
small, sharp, but not that fast, with three years warranty

What do you think? Which lens shoud I buy?

 

[gb hill]

Save your money & get a 40/2 Rokkor. You wont regret it.

 

[kzphoto]

The CLE version of the 40mm Rokkor should be at the top of your list. Similar optics to the Summicron-C, multi-coatings (if you're into color) and a great reputation to boot. I've been lusting after one of these but I'm more of a 50 shooter.

I know where there is one in-stock if you're interested.

 

[FPjohn]

What kzphoto said although I do have the Summicron c. In that case, a heavystar filter adapter/hood is a solution for the filter problem.

yours
FPJ

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

Summicron-C. Most definitely. It is cheaper than the 35 and 50 siblings and works great on the CL.

 

[Lflex]

Those 40mm's made for the CL and Minolta variants are absolutely lovely. Great focal length and amazing quality. I probably wouldn't go beyond the 450€ you mention for a nice clean one. More than that, the sweet VC 40/1.4 starts looking mighty attactive. I would choose the single coated version- but thats just my opinon.

 

[panerai]

I agree with the others

Minolta Rokkor 40mm F2.

Just as good as the C and will cost less

DON

 

[VF101]

Thank you for all your answers so far.

Isn't the M-Rokkor identical to the Summicron-C? I thought so - and prices are nearly identical for both on Ebay and from the second hand dealers.

The Noktons would give me a good low light combo with the E-PL1, I think. So I'd get (virtually) a second lens for the money?

 

[mfogiel]

The CLE is actually a beter body for a 28mm lens, have a look at the 28/3.5 CV - it is an LTM lens, but it is tiny, which is perfect for this FL and body.

 

[FrankS]

I have a CV 40f1.4 Nocton. It is my one fast RF lens.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

My votes for the Summicron-C as cameras should have the lens on them that they were made for. Of course, as the all electronic and newer version fail completely more of the 28 and 40's will become available... And they ought to be cheaper.

Regards, David

 

[VF101]

Thank you again for all your suggestions.

I happened to find a Summicron-C yesterday on a german forum and bought it right away. The price was good and I hope that the lens will also be in a good shape when it arrives here.

 

[40oz]

Thank you for all your answers so far.

Isn't the M-Rokkor identical to the Summicron-C? I thought so - and prices are nearly identical for both on Ebay and from the second hand dealers.

...

The Rokkor uses a standard filter size and thread vs. the bizarre Leica size/thread. So you can easily find/swap hoods, filters, and caps. Otherwise yeah, they're practically identical. Just not having to buy filters that will only ever fit that one lens makes the Rokkor the better buy.

 

[jsrockit]

The CLE version of the 40mm Rokkor should be at the top of your list. Similar optics to the Summicron-C, multi-coatings (if you're into color) and a great reputation to boot.

Am I the only one who like single coated lenses for color? My vote is for the 40mm Summicron. Great and cheap (relatively)... but I also love the Nokton 1.4 in SC. That said, the 40mm Summicron is the better every day lens IMO.

 

[jsrockit]

Save your money & get a 40/2 Rokkor. You wont regret it.

If he can afford any of the lenses in his list, he won't need to save.

 

[PatrickT]

I'll be the lone person here to say get the 40/1.4. GREAT lens and pretty damn small. Plus you get a (useable) f/1.4! Can't beat that....

 

[mob81]

I voted for the voigtlander 40mm f1.4 giving its speed and also size. I haven't used one before but I saw a lot of photo from it and it's sharp and tiny.

 

[tigerphil]

For a really inexpensive lens, I've been very pleased with the Juptier 8 (50mm f/2). MUCH better than you may be inclined to think.

 

[newspaperguy]

Well, he settled it... but I would have recommended the CV35/2.5.

Makes a really compact package; and besides, he had a useable 50.

 

[VF101]

Thanks again for all your ideas and suggestions. At the moment, the poll says 26:19 for VC lenses, which is quite interesting.
Nonetheless, I've gotten my Summicron now and I'm very pleased with it. The price was good (330€) and its condition is fine. It is really small and a perfect fit. Together with the black Leicatime strap I got on a forum for just a few Euros, my CL looks great now. I'm happy with my purchase.