First RF for 20+ years

[JohnL]

I'm now sniffing around trying to make up my mind to buy a rangefinder, having not had a real one for about 25 years. I've looked at CVs, which are nice, and ZIs which are nicer, but not here yet (especially the black ones), so I'm toying with the idea of getting a used M6, probably .72x, probably non-TTL, mainly because it's a little smaller. I also looked at M4-Ps, and they are nice, but I think a late M6 classic is what I really want.
Now, if I get it I'd probably want it CLA'd. Does anyone have any recommendations as to who can do this well in the USA?
Second question: I won't be able to justify Leica or CZ glass to start, so I'm looking at CV lenses. Since this would be an outdoor camera (for me), I'm considering two or three of the following for starters:
- 28/3.5 Color Skopar
- 35/2.5 Pancake II
- 50/2.5 Color Skopar
- 90/3.5 APO Lanthar
I'm aware that some of these are LTM and will need the appropriate adapters.
Does anyone have experience of these lenses with M bodies? Do they mate well? Any issues?
Many thanks, John

 

[jja]

You can easily buy an M6 non-TTL that won't need a CLA for under $1200, if that is within the budget you are thinking about. Just make sure you get a serial number above 2 million and you will be assured a camera that is ten years old or less (and if you are really picky, read cameraquest.com, Gandy suggests that the best serial numbers for these are in the 2-2.2 million range).

As for lens, I have heard good things about all the ones mentioned. I own the 35/2.5 Color Skopar and it's a fun lens. Here's a night photo I just took, hope the resolution is okay:

 

[cp_ste.croix]

Isn't the Nikonos a RF? making this your second? I cold be wrong, as I've only lusted after, rather than owned any of the Nikonos cameras.

 

[JohnL]

jja
Many thanks! Nice shot (don't know what it is, though!)
chris
Nikonos is a viewfinder camera, but has no rangefinder, and controls are all oddly located, except that it *can* be done underwater. Also no built in meter on this (old) model. With the 35mm lens (only one I have) I just guess the distance and click away. If light is tricky I sometimes use a separate meter. Otherwise just guess that too.

 

[jja]

It's a detail from the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A., designed by Frank Gehry.

Like you, I'm waiting on my Leica glass, so I got the Color Skopar as an intermediate lens. I chose it over the PII because I've read about focus issues with that lens, which is an M-mount (could not confirm, so I went the safe route). I also chose it over the 35/1.7 because I was looking for something as compact and as affordable as possible, and this fit the bill.

 

[aizan]

i'd go for an m6 and 35mm pancake.

 

[rover]

John, that sounds like a plan. I seems well thought out to me. My only suggestion would be to consider one faster lens in your kit. Perhaps the 35 Ultron or 50 Nokton, and stick with the other lenses you mentioned. Personally I don't use a telephoto that often so I would build my kit with 28, 35 and 50mm lenses.

 

[Jason Sprenger]

Of the lenses that you mention, I have a 35/2.5 Color Skopar Classic, 50/2.5 Color Skopar and the 90/3.5 APO Lanthar. I've only used the 50/2.5 on a couple of rolls though.

The 35 Skopar is particularly sharp and if I could only take one lens, it would be that one. And the 90/3.5 is real good compared to the old 90/4 Elmar that I used to use.

That they all take the same filter size and that both the 35/2.5 and 50/2.5 share the same hood could be considered a plus. The 90 comes with the proper hood.

In my photography, I don't usually go below f5.6 though and when I do 3.5 or 2.8 is plenty. Both the 35/2.5 and the 50/2.5 are pretty compact.

I have both a Bessa R and an M-mount R2a. With the adapters, the lenses work well on the R2a. The adapters tighten as you use them and I forget that they are there.

 

[peter_n]

I also have the 35/2.5 Color Skopar - mine is a P1. A wonderful lens that is no longer made but the Classic is optically identical and focuses down to 0.7M too! 🙂 The 28 Color-Skopar is also considered excellent by others, I have personally not used it. However I have found that a 28 and 50 make a wonderful pair that covers 80% or so of what I am currently shooting.

 

[JohnL]

i'd go for an m6 and 35mm pancake.

Aizan,
Right on. Pancake is on my list.

 

[JohnL]

John, that sounds like a plan. I seems well thought out to me. My only suggestion would be to consider one faster lens in your kit. Perhaps the 35 Ultron or 50 Nokton, and stick with the other lenses you mentioned. Personally I don't use a telephoto that often so I would build my kit with 28, 35 and 50mm lenses.

Rover,
Thanks. I may add something faster later. For the present, I have two fast primes with my SLR gear: 24/1.4 and 50/1.4. I tend to agree about the priorities. I think the 90 is last on my list. I also have long lenses for my SLRs.

 

[JohnL]

(snip)
The 35 Skopar is particularly sharp and if I could only take one lens, it would be that one. And the 90/3.5 is real good compared to the old 90/4 Elmar that I used to use.
(snip)

Jason,
Fully agree. If I start with one, it'll be the 35. If I start with 2, probably the 50 and 28. Thanks for input.

 

[JohnL]

(snip)However I have found that a 28 and 50 make a wonderful pair that covers 80% or so of what I am currently shooting.

Peter,
Thanks for feedback. I suspect that'll be about my experience too, at least for the shooting I'll be doing with a RF.

 

[ZeissFan]

John, what is your budget? That probably would help others when making suggestions. By the way, I'm planning on selling my own M6 (classic, black) with Summicron in the next six weeks. It includes the owner's manual, lens hood, lens cap but not the box. It has been used lightly and is in very nice condition. Drop me a note offline if you're interested. I can send you some photos.

 

[JohnL]

John, what is your budget? That probably would help others when making suggestions. By the way, I'm planning on selling my own M6 (classic, black) with Summicron in the next six weeks. It includes the owner's manual, lens hood, lens cap but not the box. It has been used lightly and is in very nice condition. Drop me a note offline if you're interested. I can send you some photos.

It's not so much a budget as avoidance of a guilty conscience! I'm currently negotiating for a used body, but if it falls through I'll send you a PM.

BTW, I'd like to thank all of you who have helped me focus on this issue. My lens plans are now:
1) to start 28/3.5 and 50/2.5
2) later, if I feel the need, 90/3.5 and maybe 35/1.2 or 35/1.7.

John

 

[jja]

ZeissFan, if you are willing to sell the lens separately in the next six weeks, I may be interested. Is it the 35 or the 50?

 

[JohnL]

Well, I did it. (Maybe I overdid it).
Used M7, CV 28/3.5, 50/2.5, 90/3.5.
Have to be good for a while now.

 

[GeneW]

Well, I did it. (Maybe I overdid it).
Used M7, CV 28/3.5, 50/2.5, 90/3.5.
Have to be good for a while now.

What a great kit! This should provide you with 20+ yrs enjoyment!

Gene

 

[Nick R.]

Wow, can't do much better than that. Interesting that you chose 28, 50, 90. I have 35, 50, 90 and am leaning toward replacing the 35 with a 28. I'd be interested in what you think of that combo after using it a while.

 

[JohnL]

Thanks to everybody for helping me think this through. I'll be collecting it all when I get to the US in December. Have to be patient until then. If I feel the need, I may eventually get a fast 35.