Budget lens for Leica CL

Budget lens for Leica CL

  • Summicron-C 2.0/40mm

    Votes: 54 49.1%

  • Summaron 3.5/35mm

    Votes: 2 1.8%

  • CV Nokton 1.4/35mm

    Votes: 12 10.9%

  • CV Nokton 1.4/40mm

    Votes: 36 32.7%

  • CV Color Skopar 2.5/35mm

    Votes: 11 10.0%
  • Total voters
    110
  • Poll closed .
V

VF101

Established
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Joined
May 21, 2011
Messages
145
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?
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
VF101 said:
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.

...
Click to expand...

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.
 
kzphoto said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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....
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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