HELP. Lenses for M3

[Artorius]

I got the M3 and a 50mm F/2 DR S-Cron. Back in the 60-70's there were only a few choices. What can I use now? I like landscapes/panoramas and informal portraits. So I guess I am asking what wide and what mild tele(90mm) can I get for the most bang for the buck?

 

[JohnM]

The older chrome 90/2.8 Elmarits can be had for very little money - I think I paid $155 for mine and it is in great shape. They seem to go pretty consistently in that price range on Ebay and photo.net. Considering that you can buy one of them and have it CLA'd for less than a $275 investment makes it very appealing.

The DS summicron is still my favorite lens - enjoy it.

 

[richard_l]

Wide Leica lenses tend to be pricey. The 35mm f/2.8 Summaron with 'eyes' is a splendid lens designed especially for the M3. I have one, and it is so good that I have no desire for any other 35mm lens. If you prefer 28mm, the 28mm f/1.9 Ultron is an excellent buy, but you will need a screw to bayonet adapter and an auxiliary 28mm viewfinder.

Richard

 

[dll927]

Many an "M" user has sworn by the 35mm focal length as just about their "normal" lens.

I have an M4-2 and 35, 50 and 90mm lenses. The first two are f/2 and the 90 is an f/2.8. I have no need or desire for additional lenses, since I have other cameras that can handle that.

 

[FrankS]

Since you asked about a mild telephoto and best bang for the buck, if you can't find a 90 f2.8 Elmarit for $150, you can easily find a 90 f4 Elmar for less than that.

 

[Artorius]

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[dadsm3]

Another vote for both the 90mm F4 Elmar ($100-$150) and either of the 35mm bugeyed Summarons; the F3.5's go for about $150-$200 and the F2.8's about double that. The bugeyed 35mm 'crons still go for $800 plus depending on condition.
Mike

 

[ferider]

Since you didn't ask for Leitz lenses specifically, you might want to consider

1 - chrome Nikkor 85/2
2 - CV Color Skopar 35 or 28 with external finder
3 - CV Ultron 35/1.7

All outstanding lenses. IMO, 1 and 3 give you the biggest bang for the buck.

Roland.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

If you want to go wide, the CV lenses are all very good, from 21mm to 35mm, I haven't found a dog among them. Plus they usually give you at least 2 versions, fast and slightly slower but more compact.

On the long end, slightly more expensive is the hexanon-m 90/2.8, which is one of the best built, sharpest, and pleasing signature lenses I've seen. Easily the equal of more expensive leica offerings.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Wide angles with the M3? Looking through the viewfinder of mine makes me think I have a 35mm lens already on the camera. Longish glass? The Elmar 90/f4 collapsible would be my choice. Just load it with Tri-X and you're good to go! 🙂

Otherwise, if you still want a wide-angle... all the people above said what I may have told you if I had posted the first reply. Happy shopping!

 

[jtm]

..., you might want to consider

1 - chrome Nikkor 85/2
...

Roland.

Every time I see Roland's avatar, I think I'd rather have a nice black Nikkor 85/2. The chrome one does work well on an M3, though.

 

[ferider]

It's very pretty in black. The first test shots I did came out just like with the chrome one. The thing that surprised me most was the weight difference. The black Nikkor in size and weight is more similar to the J-9. But then, for the price of the black Nikkor (I paid US 460 for lens and original hood and felt lucky) you can get a 90/2 Summicron, as well. You can get a good chrome one for US 300 or less. My chrome one is in Florida at the moment, but will be on the block when back.

Roland.

 

[payasam]

If, as Roland and others suggest, you don't limit yourself to Leitz and M mount, there's a vast selection. The M3's finder will take care of 90 mm. I spent seventeen years using an M3 with a Summaron without spectacles but with the SBLOO. Took me less than seventeen hours to get used to switching from one eye-piece to another. With a 35 mm, after some while, one can focus by feel and depth of field takes care of the rest.

 

[Artorius]

I am so confused

I am so confused

So I don't need to buy Leica, but I have to but mounts? All I really want is a 35 & 90; I can use on my M3. Please, I don't need further confusion. I would like to stay in the F/2.8-4 range with NO add-ons. I have been away from Leica so long I don't know which way is up.

 

[payasam]

Spirit level, Artorius. All here have tried only to help.

 

[Artorius]

Spirit level, Artorius. All here have tried only to help.

And I appericate the help, honestly. But, I seem to be more confused than before.
I guess I will go out and shoot with my Digital Nikons until the camera and lens gets here. Maybe it will clear my head and I can rethink my ideas for what I want/need.:bang:
Thanks again to all that have offered help.