Help choosing a Leica lens.

[lubitel]

This is a leica-beginner rambling-question. I got my first leica (M2) with elmar 50mm 2.8, and I am going through my 3rd roll.

Some things I dont like about my elmar

1. It has some haze on the front element around the edge. Which probably effects the quality when wide open.

2. When its not in infinity lock position and I am changing the f-stop, I have to hold the focus with the other hand. which is not very convenient, when it has to happen fast.

3. its' 2.8 and I like to shoot wide open with J-8 or J-3 in low light situations, sure I could get an adapter to use those lenses, but if I am using a leica which I always wanted - I also want to use it with a leica lens.

So the question is what are my (low budget) options for a f2 leica lens?
How much will a decent used summicron cost? And how do I tell which one is which version - i heard here somewhere terms like version 1, dual range, etc. Are there others than summicron?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

There really aren't any bad summicrons. The question is which version do you want?

Rigid, DR, 3rd, 4th tabbed, 5th hooded are all great lenses. The range is quite wide depending on version and conditon, could be from $300 to $850 (for the later versions in mint condition).

I've seen some very excellent work with the collapsible summicron and summitar as well, so your choices are wide open.

 

[lubitel]

There really aren't any bad summicrons. The question is which version do you want?

Rigid, DR, 3rd, 4th tabbed, 5th hooded are all great lenses. The range is quite wide depending on version and conditon, could be from $300 to $850 (for the later versions in mint condition).

Thats the question. Which do I want? I dont know. What is dual range? What is tabbed? $300 is about what I would like to spend. The local store has 2. and one is 500 euros the other 600 euros. Thats a lot more than I wanted to spend.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

http://www.cameraquest.com/mlenses.htm

all the info you will need on the different versions. In the price range of $300, I'd look for a rigid or a DR without eyes, probably with lower exterior cosmetics. For samples of the rigid, check out Rich Silver's RFF gallery, where he has some fine work done with the lens.

For samples of the late 5th hooded, check out this site:

http://kazuyank.plala.jp/archives/category/31303_sm502exp.php?page=1

The late 4th tabbed (meaning there is a tab to focus)/5th hooded (built in hood) models will begin at about $500 to $850 condition dependent.

Also, you can to to www.flickr.com and use the search function to search for each of these lenses for samples. Like I said before, the good news is you won't be disappointed with any of these, as they are all excellent lenses.

good luck

 

[venchka]

I will vouch for the 50mm Dual Range Summicron. It is fantastic! You don't actually need the close focusing "eyes", but they are very nice to have. The focus is as close as 0.5m.

Watch the Classifieds here at RFF. You just missed an early, rigid 50mm Summicron for under $300.

Join the Leica Users Group on the internet. They have For Sale listings every Friday.

Don't overlook the 40mm Summicron-C or 40mm Minolta Rokkor lenses. They are generally priced below the 50mm Summicrons and are very good.

Good luck!

 

[telenous]

I loved the rigid Summicron and I suggest it wholeheartedly as well. But if you are a speed junky, like I am, another good option is an early Summilux 50. Some users say it's an old optical formula, not quite up to the Summicron or the modern Nokton 50 for that matter, but I used it extensively and I was very happy with it. Prices are around £400.00 (around 600 Euros).

 

[wlewisiii]

I'll stick in a vote for the Collapsible model. I have one that I got for a total of $130 and use it constantly. I sold my 40/2 Summicron because I never used it after I had the collapsible CLA'd.

Wonderful lens.

William

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

FWIW, HCB used the venerable collapsible summicron for some period, if that matters 🙂

 

[nikon_junkie]

40mm would be a good start, and CHEAP!

I picked up a wonderful example of the first generation 50mm Lux for $750 and have no qualms.

Noctilust keeps me awake at night. I could sell you my 50 Lux, then I would have an excuse to go F/1 shopping 🙂

What does Voightlander have in a 50 M mount?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

VC has the Nokton 50/f1.5, which is considered in the same league with the 'cron.

If you still have the 'cron bug, get a collapsible. Besides, it looks good on your M2.

 

[Dougg]

Why not shop for a 35mm Summicron rather than another Leica lens of the same 50mm focal length? Bit of variety... 🙂 Many of us consider the 35mm a "standard" lens for RF use, and the 50mm a bit on the long side. Just a thought, and it would go very well with your M2...

 

[Fritz K.]

Hello,

you may also consider a Summarit. They can sometimes be bought for appr EUR 200 - 250. But you have to be careful to get a good one without scratches or haze. I gambled a bit with an Eslay auction and won . . . 😀

take care, Fritz

 

[IGMeanwell]

Look what I found on ebay ... only 10 hours left!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Leica-50mm-chrome-Summicron-f2-collapsible-lens_W0QQitemZ300022524186QQihZ020QQcategoryZ30063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[lubitel]

Thank you all for your help and Ideas - I have to process all that information first, also thanks for the cameraquest guide link 😉

40mm sounds good, but how do I use it with M2 it doesnt have the framelines? or do you approximate using 35mm frame?

As far as 35mm lens, I already have a nice CV 35/2.5 lens with which I am very happy and m-adapter is on the way.

I am thinking that the DR or the collapsible might be the way to go for me, but first I will shoot with elmar a little more and look around classifieds and eboy.

thanks again.