In the Market. 50mm

[SteveM_NJ]

Hello Team,
I'm very new to this forum, (I've been reading and trying to learn from your expertise for a while, but I never posted).
I didnt think Ii had anything to add yet (everyone seems to have "lightyears" more experience than I)- but now i feel i can use your assistance.

I am in the market for a 50mm lens - for I have a "new" M3 on the way (my first) and I have NO lens. (like being at a stop light turning green with no tires)
I will be "stopping" in now and then to read and visit sites that you feel are worth checking for bargains.
Thank you all in advance.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Welcome Steve 🙂

You can't go wrong with any of the 50 summicrons, from rigid 1st => DR => penultimate (tabbed) => to current version (built-in hood).

Some other good choices ... Canon ltm 50/1.4, 50/1.5 (sonnar) , 50/1.2, Voigtlander 50/1.5 nokton.

As you can see, there are myriad choices. In general, the later lenses with modern coatings tend to have higher contrast. My personal favorites are the tabbed penultimate and the current Crons. The Canon 50/1.5 gives you a wonderful classic sonnar smoothness. good luck

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Forgot to mention that LTM lenses (leica thread mount) need an LTM-M adapter to work on your M3. These run for about $50.

 

[x-ray]

I'm deceiding whether to sell my 50mm Summicron. It's the previous version with the focusing tab and seperate shade. It's the same formula as the current one. I just purchased a 50 asph summilux and want to use it for a few days to deceide whether I will keep both or sell the F2. It's E++++ to M- and has a very slight tight spot in the focus at 3ft. It's no big deal and it's always been that way. I spoke to a fellow at camera west and he told me this was common in this model. I might be selling my M6 also but have to make a decision.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2450

 

[laptoprob]

Welcome and congratulations on that wise M3 choice!
With how little light do you want to be able to use it, or how little depth of field will you be wanting? There is a whole lot of difference between - let's say a Canon 1,2 or a collapsible 3,5 or a modern 50mm. And not only in max. aperture, also in character.

You can also make the M3 + bodycap into a pinhole camera!

cheers, Rob.

 

[SteveM_NJ]

I appreciate the quick replies,

I have SLR experience and do like ambient light work, the 50 doesn't have to be very fast for this is my intro to RF, and with practice i'll be better able to know my preferences are, so an all around starter choice seems to suit me.

50 f2 or even old 3.5 elmar if anyone knows of a fair priced one.

open to all possibilities. - don't want to limit my range of experiences before i even try.

 

[lubitel]

Welcome to the forum.

Piscataway? that rings a bell. Is that somewhere near Hillsborough or Somerville? I lived there a while ago.

Congrats on your Leica M3!

 

[zanydave]

I have a mint (as new) 50/2 Summicron (latest with hood) c/w box etc.
Was going to put it on e-bay this week. Was looking for 450 GBP. Would you say that was a realistic price?

 

[Photar]

Why not a contemporary Rigid Summicron or DR-Summicron? The latter tends to be slightly cheaper (I have no idea why) and offers a wider range of application. Both are ideal partners for the M3.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

zanydave... how much is that in USD?

JoNL, there's one thing with the current lenses: they're designed for a closest-focusing distance different from that in the M3 (50 centimeters). The glass for the M3 only could focus at 0.7 meters, so there's a 0.2 meters in focusing limbo.

The lens for your M3 is a collapsible Summicron 50/2, Steve. They go hand in hand! 🙂

 

[telenous]

Congratulations on your M3 Steve.

As everyone says with mantra-like conviction, the choice of a 50mm lens is down to personal taste really. Although a newcomer in rangefinders myself, I have had the opportunity to test a number of lenses (fellow rangefinderforumers have followed me in a series of misadventures with a Summicron and assisted me greatly). I have tried a Rigid Summicron, two Summicron DR, a Summilux and a Zeiss Planar ZM (the last two I own - results from the Zeiss Planar pending). They are all stellar lenses and you can't go wrong with any of them. And yet I would cast my vote for the early Summicrons, which as I said I do not have.

They are painfully sharp but not as contrasty. The results remind me of art-house European films from the 60's.They also happen to complement the M3's and M2's more naturally (in terms of appearance I mean). The rigid Summicron really looks superb. And they can be cheaper. The downside is that it may be difficult to find ones in good condition (I know - I have tried three - the first was hazed, the second had a nasty problem with a recent recoating, the third wouldn't focus at close range because the specs that accompanied it were separated).

Having said that, I am sure you will enjoy your new-old camera whichever lens you decide to have.

 

[Photar]

JoNL, there's one thing with the current lenses: they're designed for a closest-focusing distance different from that in the M3 (50 centimeters). The glass for the M3 only could focus at 0.7 meters, so there's a 0.2 meters in focusing limbo.

I am not sure if I understand. As far as I remember the M3 focuses down to 1m and the later bodies to 0.7m. This is one reason why I recommended the DR Summicron (= contemporary to the M3; not current) because the M3 can be focused to 0.5m with this lens. A substantial improvement over 1m.

Am I wrong?

 

[zanydave]

SolaresLarrave
I believe 450 GBP is approx 880 USD

 

[Graybeard]

If cost isn't limiting, then a late model Summicron would be the choice.

The most for the money is probably the Hexanon 50mm/f2. The optics are equal to a Summicron and the build quality may be better . It is already in an M-mount so no adaptor is needed. The major complaint with this lens is that the engraving around the lens bezel doesn't say "Leitz"

 

[Nick R.]

Steve,
If you can wait, the Second Sunday Camera Show is coming up March 11th in Wayne. There are always a few guys selling Leica lenses. In the meantime, try KEH on the web, or go to Bergen County Camera in Westwood. They have a selection of used and new Leica lenses on hand including some nice Canon and Nikon Leica screwmounts.

 

[SteveM_NJ]

Thanks everyone for the input.

M3 has been delivered - (ill try to get a digital shot of it, i do have a question about a notch in the shutter speed dial at "2" and what its designed purpose ?
some sort of add-on attachment that locks "keyway" on top maybe? -(since i never had an M before i dont know yet).
It feels like a good working model, all actions seem smooth, shutter fires and sounds/looks right on all speeds, outside wear and tear imperfections dont bother me - not looking to be a "collector", but a user. ( i wonder if anyone ever started a database for tracking past lives and owners by the serial number.?)

as for a lens search -
i now see why one of the RFFmembers has "so many cameras, so little time" - i think that ill be saying "so many lenses, so little money" for a while till i decide on my first purchase (or hit the lottery and buy a handfull to try them all - ha, i dont even buy the tickets so i know thats not going to happen)

x-Ray
i would appreciate being considered for 50mm Summicron some day if the urge strikes you to sell. (if it isnt too much like a "new mint" -aka small fortune).

Nick R
i'll visit the SecondSundayCamera Show 3/11 -- thanks for the suggestion.
i may also try to visit the camera stores in NYC this weekend for more info search.
just hope i can resist all the toys. (who are we kidding 🙂


Thanks again for you support and assistance. ( more Qs to follow, i'm sure)

 

[KajF]

I'm selling a 5cm Summicron Snr.: 15798XX. The lens is in a really nice shape with only slight sign of use, focusing is butter sweet, front & rear glass is without a mark there has alays been a filter on the lens (the Leitz UVa crome filter is included) the appertureblades is nice & dry, looking through the lens it looks very clean BUT looking through the lens with a strong lightscource or in a certain angle there is a very slight haze (don't know a better word to describe it) I will offer 7 days inspection period

Price US$ 300 including shipping by registred mail (I'm located in Denmark)

 

[SteveM_NJ]

Sounds Good - Thanks everyone.

Sounds Good - Thanks everyone.

Thanks go out to all readers/responders.

I will discuss with KajF details.

I'll keep in touch with the forum, (daily read) - as I am finding this a wealth of great info.

Thanks again ladies and gents.

 

[jaapv]

I'm selling a 5cm Summicron Snr.: 15798XX. The lens is in a really nice shape with only slight sign of use, focusing is butter sweet, front & rear glass is without a mark there has alays been a filter on the lens (the Leitz UVa crome filter is included) the appertureblades is nice & dry, looking through the lens it looks very clean BUT looking through the lens with a strong lightscource or in a certain angle there is a very slight haze (don't know a better word to describe it) I will offer 7 days inspection period

Price US$ 300 including shipping by registred mail (I'm located in Denmark)

That haze occurs frequently with older Leica lenses. It does not seem to impair quality.

 

[SteveM_NJ]

Missing?

Missing?

If anyone happens to notice KajF login - let them know I am trying to get in contact.
(already sent PM, Email etc.) - interested in the 50 cron for sale.- but need to get address to mail bankers check to proper name/address- that is if it is still available. (just my luck, its gone or changed mind about selling) .

keeping fingers crossed ( that may explain my poor typing?) 🙂