If you could choose only one lens.....

[Biggles]

50/2.8 Elmar-M

Please, sir; why? I'm truly curious.

 

[wlewisiii]

50/2.8 Elmar-M

I can see that choice. I'd be torn between a Canon 50 - 2.8 or 1.9 or 1.8 or 1.4? It would probably depend on the body I was going to use it on, but a good old tessar is always a dependable choice.

William

 

[billwheeler]

When I read your question, focal length (rather than a particular brand or specific lens) came first to mind. My first choice would be a 35mm focal length lens. Why? This slightly wide focal length enables me to shoot both landscape pictures and portraits.

 

[brightsky]

If I could only keep one lens it would have to be my 35 Cron Pre-ASPH because of its light weight and the versatility of its focal length.

 

[cary]

I would chose the 90mm Rokkor, I shoot portraits both indoors-with Broncolor strobes and outdoors.

Cary Chin

 

[dgray]

Yet another vote for the 50 Lux Asph, though the 35 Lux Asph would be right on its heels. As it is now, I compromise and use the CV 40/1.4.

 

[pvdhaar]

50/2 M-Hexanon. Nuff said..

 

[Frank Granovski]

My favourite is a 50mm because it's the most versatile for me; and I think the Zeiss M mount (for Z1) would be the best bang for the buck, as far as new M 50mm's go. 😎

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Nah...best 'bang for the buck' would have to be the screwmount CV Nokton. I want one of those so badly. Before the P left me, though, my 'cannot be without it' lens was the Canon screwmount 50/1.8. Sharp and tiny.

 

[Frank Granovski]

Are we talkin' new or used? Maybe the Heliar 50mm/F3.5 collapsible M mount for $399 USD would be a much better bang, that is if you can find one. 😎

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Summitar maybe? 😛

Seriously, I'm one of those in the camp that believes you can never have enough 50s. A lot of the photo's look depends on who made the lens, how old it is, and whether it's coated, not to mention the photographer's own style. Having a few means that you'll be ready for any oportunity. 😉

 

[fgianni]

Another vote for the 35mm Cron 4th

 

[markinlondon]

... it would be a 50 'cron.

Mark

 

[Doctor Zero]

Until a few months ago, I'd have said my CV Nokton 50/1.4
Since buying a 4th gen' 'Cron 35, though... I'm hooked. So another vote for the 35 'Cron.

Doctor Zero

 

[Photar]

Easy one. 35 'lux ASPH. Chrome 😉

 

[fgianni]

Until a few months ago, I'd have said my CV Nokton 50/1.4
Since buying a 4th gen' 'Cron 35, though... I'm hooked. So another vote for the 35 'Cron.

Doctor Zero

I know of a CV Nokton 50/1.5 and of a CV Nokton 40/1.4 but not of a CV Nokton 50/1.4

 

[Mark Wood]

Can I put in a vote for the pre-aspherical 35 mm / 1.4 Summilux (M)? It's razor sharp, compact and provides just the right level of annoying idiosyncrasy by needing a *?!*! series 7 filter. (I believe it's also a favourite of Roger Hicks and he mentions it often in his articles.)

 

[lido]

Nah...best 'bang for the buck' would have to be the screwmount CV Nokton. I want one of those so badly. Before the P left me, though, my 'cannot be without it' lens was the Canon screwmount 50/1.8. Sharp and tiny.

I just got a used one and fell in love with it right away. For some reason it feels just right on my Bessa R. The build quality is awesome, but I'll have to wait to get the first roll of film developed to see how it performs.

For now, CV 35/2.5 is relegated to my camera bag.

 

[rover]

Easy one. 35 'lux ASPH. Chrome 😉

Now that would be sweet, but,

My Rigid 50 Summicron wins a tight race against the Canon 50/1.5. Both are great matches for an M3.

 

[varjag]

Among the glass I have, Helios-103 1.8/53 sees most use, so that would be it.