Help me choose a one and only camera and lens system

[Pioneer]

I wish I could advise you but I don't think I can. But I do agree with Ko Fe. Neither the brand of camera nor lens matter in the least. All that matters is that you really use that camera.

No matter what you buy; use it to take lots and lots of pictures. Choose at least one negative from each roll and have it printed. It really costs very little to have a negative printed nowdays and you will learn so much from that print and each one after that.

Photography is so much more than the camera and lens. That is only the start. In the beginning just pick a camera and lens you can afford and then plan on wearing it out by the end of your year of ownership. Plan on papering your walls with actual prints that you and others can look at and that you can learn from.

If you do this without fail for the next year then you might have an idea of what tool you need next. And that may not even be a camera or lens at all. It could be a flash, it could be a tripod, it could be a filter or a lens hood. Whatever you need to make your next year's prints even better then your first year's prints.

I doubt that you will actually do this, not many do. Instead, like so many others, you will go buy another camera or another lens. But none of that will actually make you a really good photographer. But it will make you a collector of cameras and lenses.

 

[gzisis69]

I read all your very interesting options and suggestions and they all made me think a lot about my photography plans. after all i hate equipment for what it is. it is just a tool to help you make your art. and as a tool it should not stay in your way. i dont want to throw a bunch of money for something i wont use. i can also understand that every choice is a compromise in something. price size weight image quality low light capabilities. I decided to get a camera and lens and use it for the next three months in my everyday life to see how it goes. the pentax mx with the 50 1.4 is something i carry often with me. the size could be a little smaller but its sure not extreme bad. I think that a 50 would suit me good because its the focal length i use most. the equipment must not be leica and nothing else but when its not it must be a lot cheaper with not many compromises. I read some reviews about the 35 2.8 Zeiss and saw pics and the lens seems to be really good and small. which non leica camera would you suggest for such a setup ? is there a similar( small, really good image quality ) 50mm lens ? which 50mm lenses are good choices for a non leica body ?

 

[Archiver]

I decided to get a camera and lens and use it for the next three months in my everyday life to see how it goes. the pentax mx with the 50 1.4 is something i carry often with me. the size could be a little smaller but its sure not extreme bad. I think that a 50 would suit me good because its the focal length i use most. the equipment must not be leica and nothing else but when its not it must be a lot cheaper with not many compromises. I read some reviews about the 35 2.8 Zeiss and saw pics and the lens seems to be really good and small. which non leica camera would you suggest for such a setup ? is there a similar( small, really good image quality ) 50mm lens ? which 50mm lenses are good choices for a non leica body ?

The Pentax MX and 50/1.4 is a great combination. Interestingly, a rangefinder 50 will be smaller and lighter, but the body won't be much different apart from the protrusion of the lens mount. I have the Pentax ME and 50/1.4, and the complete package feels lighter than the M7 and 50mm Summicron.


The Zeiss 35/2.8 is a superb, superb lens. It really is. It's sharp, contrasty, has great colours, and renders beautifully. I got to try one a few years back, and loved it. I prefer the Zeiss knurled focus ring with finger bump over the Leica smooth ring and tab, too. It's much more tactile for me, allowing a quick grip at any place. I have a Zeiss Ikon which I love, although the electronics have packed up out of nowhere and it needs repair. Also, the strap lugs are a soft metal which wears out over time. Haha, maybe go for a good condition M6 after all.



Just about every non-Leica body is fine with every 50mm lens, AFAIK. There was some talk of the Konica Hexar RF being incompatible with a particular Leica lens, maybe it was a 21mm Super Angulon? But I'm not sure.


There are many great 50s including:


Zeiss Planar 50mm f2 - small and sharp

Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1.5 - smaller and slightly dreamy wide open, has focus shift, and minimum focus distance of 90cm as opposed to 70cm like most. Image quality at f2.8 is just as sharp as modern lens designs.

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5 - I'm told it's the best of both worlds, sharp and with smooth rendering

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.2 - larger than the f1.5, but really amazing. Look at some images of and from the lens.

 

[splitimageview]

All the 50s are good.

You've already got something perfectly acceptable, frankly speaking...check the thread of the Pentax 50/1.4 used on a Leica body!

If you want something smaller than your 50/1.4, which is actually quite small (I have that lens, if indeed it is the SMC-M) then maybe get the 40mm Pentax pancake and you're done.

Or get a 50/1.8 Nikkor pancake for your Nikon.

The question here is if you want to dabble with rangefinders to see if that fits your shooting style or way of seeing.

A great way to do that, is with any number of fixed lens RFs which are very economical.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

My Pentax MX with a 50mm f/1.4 SMC-M and a roll of film weighs less than my Leica M4 with DR Summicron and no film. The Pentax body is slightly smaller as well, save for the pentaprism. The way to really get smaller and lighter with a rangefinder is to either get a Barnack with a collapsible lens or a fixed lens camera like a Kodak Retina IIa.
Phil Forrest

 

[splitimageview]

The old Barnacks are fun and nostalgic and entirely pocketable with a collapsible Elmar, but actually *using* them for true photographic pursuits is another matter. Using them as an ode to photographic history, that's what these cameras are for. 🙂

The tiny MX with a 50/1.4 or an FM2 with it's unsurpassed, fabulous viewfinder and focusing screen are pure joys to use, the machines never get in the way...

 

[Ste_S]

My only advice would be to try using a rangefinder for a while if you’ve just shot SLRs before. It’s a different experience for sure.

Is there someone you can borrow one from for a while or hire one for a weekend ?

 

[leicapixie]

There have been many replies and all are good advice.
In my experience the difference between RF-Leica M and SLR-Pentax MX or whatever is manner of viewing.
The SLR is very accurate in framing, often assisted by light metering.
SLR is one sees what one is getting.
The RF is extremely accurate* in focussing esp. wide angles.
RF framing is mainly based on faith and hope, but still very adequate!

If I use SLR my exposure rate is very low..not better, just less.
Using an M (M3 favorite,M2 and last M6TTL),;
I "see" way more photographic possibilities..
I think way more creatively!

* accuracy in my case limited to f2.0 50mm lenses.
Extreme depth of field with hi-speed lenses is really pushing Leica M. YVMV.

Get your feet wet! Expose film or sensor..

 

[gzisis69]

i read all your comments many times. i took a look at my pics and i thought of what i want to achieve with a new camera and lens and how it could help me evolve my photography. i decided and put on sell the pentaxes and the lenses. since something doesnt make me happy anymore with the system i get rid of it and start a new journey. i decided to go and try the Zeiss 35 2.8 since i really liked the fotos i saw from him. but which camera is the best option for this lens ? id love something a tad smaller as the leica ms but i dont know if thats possible.

 

[dourbalistar]

i read all your comments many times. i took a look at my pics and i thought of what i want to achieve with a new camera and lens and how it could help me evolve my photography. i decided and put on sell the pentaxes and the lenses. since something doesnt make me happy anymore with the system i get rid of it and start a new journey. i decided to go and try the Zeiss 35 2.8 since i really liked the fotos i saw from him. but which camera is the best option for this lens ? id love something a tad smaller as the leica ms but i dont know if thats possible.

If you want something that's a tad smaller than the Leica M, but still with the M-mount for your Zeiss 35/2.8, check out the Leica CL or the Minolta CLE. Neither has 35mm framelines, but you can approximate using the 40mm framelines:
https://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm
https://www.cameraquest.com/cle.htm

 

[ktmrider]

Have never handled one, but the Zeiss ZM might be an option if you can find a used one. I don't think it is any larger then a Leica M and I am sure it is lighter. From what I have read, the viewfinder is better and it does have aperture priority auto exposure.

I shoot with a 35f2.8 Zeiss C Biogon and it may be the sharpest 35mm lens currently made. It teams well with a 90f2.8 Tele Elmarit M for travel.

 

[splitimageview]

Yes, a lot lighter, easier loading, better viewfinder, and AE.

 

[sepiareverb]

Too much decision paralysis in your mind:
Just go for the M6 + 50/2, shoot a few dozen rolls then all will be clear.

+1. Or an M5 and a 50/2. The M5 isn’t much bigger really, and can be a bit less expensive.

The recent Zeiss Ikon RF is another good option, slightly less cost than an M6, with a very nice viewfinder.

 

[Derek Leath]

Lots of great opinions here. Here is mine.
I collect cameras, and I shoot with them I have over 100. Out of all those cameras big and small 35mm 120 or 4x5 I always go to my M3.
When you hold that camera in your hands you feel something different.
It becomes a part of you. You slow down, look around, take a few shoots.

Nothing better.

 

[tightsqueez]

M6 Classic + 35 v4 Summicron.

This.

After owning almost EVERY leica lens and camera over the years, I would still revert to what I originally had from the start; M6 classic and 35 Cron IV from 20 years ago.

 

[gzisis69]

i finally managed to check the m2 with the zeiss 35 2.8 and i found the lens pretty small and sharp. the body showed it age. im thinking i would love the lens but i dont want a so old and heavy. are there other( cheap) options for camera ? it doesnt need to be leica

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

If you want a lighter option M mount then a Voigtlander Bessa R2 It has metering, but it's now about the same price as an M2.

 

[FranZ]

Easy: an RX1Rm2; probably the best IQ in a small box you can get.

 

[leicapixie]

I kept my Pentaxes with lenses when i upgraded to Nikon-F.
I 've never understood why Pentax not considered good for serious work..
My reason for Nikon-F was easier to focus as I was at time, short sighted (myopic).
Pentax SP, KM,K1000, perfect for those far sighted !
Leica CL and CLE (Minolta) are not reliable..

As a photographer , one must be totally familiar with one's equipment.
I can load my M3/M2 and M6 in the dark..extra frames.
Use same camera bodies and matching lenses, so focus and aperture settings are similar.
The more you shoot, the quicker one gets..
Judging light, setting camera as one moves around.
Photography is NOT rocket science.
There is no faster focus camera than a Leica M.
If one does not "play" with super wide apertures, 1.4,1.2, and 0.95..
the rangefinder is good for years..
Leica Film cameras are a great investment as are the lenses esp. those by LeiTZ.
I carry I carry a camera every day, everywhere.

 

[jsrockit]

Other rangefinders to consider... Minolta CLE, Zeiss Ikon ZM, Konica Hexar RF, and the Voigtlander R2A, R3A, R3M, etc.