CL Lens Help

[charmicarmicat]

Hello all. I registered on the site as it seems that this is where I am going to get some answers 🙂

I'm not too familiar with Rangefinder/Analog photography so forgive me for what may be some "silly" question.

I was wondering if you could help me with choosing a lens.

My dad has been shooting with his Leica CL and Summicron 40mm lens for as long as I can remember. Mainly family gatherings, holidays etc. As of recently he has had a bit more time on his hands and shoots more architecture, city scapes and some nature stuff (both in color and B&W night time and day time). I've noticed that he has been trolling the net for some lenses, so I think he is looking for something that his current lens is not giving him or not allowing him to do. Could you possibly give me some advice as to what would be a good lens for shooting large buildings and those big nature shots? Is there such a lens for the CL? His bday coming up would be a great occasion to surprise him with a new lens. Money is of course tight but it is his 65th so the credit card is coming out of hiding 🙂

Any help you can send my way will be very appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time.

 

[Steinberg2010]

Maybe something wider like a CV 21mm/18mm/15mm? If you were thinking of a longer lens, there's the 90mm summicron-c.

~S

 

[rlouzan]

Voigtlander 25mm f4 P Color-Skopar (M mount) + metal 21/25 finder
http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm

 

[Doug]

Yes, a 24 or 25 would partner well with the 40 and give a significantly different/wider view. However I am a little uneasy buying an expensive surprise... best to know exactly what he would find ideal. He might accept gladly the "wrong" item so as not to appear unappreciative of the generous gift.

Wider lenses and longer lenses are both useful for various sorts of architecture shots and landscapes. It seems intuitive at first that wide lenses would be the choice for both, but not necessarily. I do think wider lenses are most useful for interiors and for tight places where you can't get what you want with the 40mm. They tend to open up the space, visually.

So, I think it's really hard to suggest anything specific... It might well be wise to "break the surprise" and consult with him. It would still be a gift, while in exchange for the lack of surprise you get just what would delight him the most!

 

[charmicarmicat]

@Doug: Good point. It is after all, his day 🙂

@rlouzan: Thanks for the link. Cameraquest has so much info it makes my head spin 🙂

@Steinberg2010: I downloaded a user's manual for the CL and the 90mm was offered as a "secondary" lens so it would make sense. The manual shows the difference in frame between the 40mm and the 90mm so this might be something to keep an eye out for.

 

[panerai]

Not nearly as experienced as others posting here, but CL only has 40, 50 and 90 mm frame lines, so smaller lenses require an external viewfinder and these can be pricey for some names which also adds to the lens cost.

I would consult with your father first before buying anything and check and see if any local camera stores have lenses in stock (with separate VFs) that you can check out or online stores that have return policies in case the lens doesn't.

Only the 40 mm and 90 mm were sold for the CL

DON

 

[vrgard]

For whatever it's worth, while Don is right about the CL frame lines, I have found the whole viewfinder on the CL to closely approximate 28mm and so have not needed to use an external finder for lenses of that focal length.

 

[newspaperguy]

I'd vote for a 25 or 28 CV - either of which can get by without a finder on the CL...

But heed Doug's advice...

I've had a few "surprise" gifts over the years from well-meaning folks - that didn't

quite fill the bill . Serious camera gear is all about personal decisions.

 

[charmicarmicat]

@panerai/don: already broke the news to him and he is going to troll the net to see what really tickles his fancy. but thanks for the advice and i am copying and pasting whatever you guys post. i tried to get him to sign up to rff but alas.

@vrgard: if he decides to the way of 24/25/28 i will check out the return policys on view finders. right now he is leaning towards the 90mm as that's the one that originally came with it. less fuss.

@newspaperguy: that advice was indeed heeded and i think it was good advice. he was stoked.