Leica CL question

[jkjod]

Hello - I am thinking of getting into the rangefinder (and Leica more specifically) system. I currently shoot with a Fuji X-Pro1. Here is my plan...
I have an opportunity to purchase a Konica Hexanon 50 1.2 and have no problems using this lens on my XP1, but I would like to move over to the Leica digital system in the next couple of years. I was thinking in the mean time to purchase a Leica CL and have it as a film camera and compliment my (future) digital M camera.

I have no idea if this lens will block the viewfinder of the CL, I know that focusing at 1.2 may be an issue but my bigger concern is if this lens will even fit the CL. I know the whole point of getting the CL is to be small, but I am trying to get into the system rather inexpensively and this seems like a fun way to shoot film and get the rangefinder experience while buying lenses that will work with whatever camera I purchase in the next few years. Any body out there tried this combo, or something similar? The 50 Summilux Asph looks to be a similar size so maybe this could be a comparison????

Any and all help is appreciated, thank you in advance.

JKJ

 

[rhl-oregon]

See this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54053. That Hex 50 looks pretty wide. CL was designed for small f2 lenses; someone else may be able to say whether 1.2 would present a problem given the short rf base.

 

[jkjod]

Thank you for the response, I have actually looked at that post many times in the past few days. The OP on that link actually put a Canon 50 1.2 on a CL and mentioned that it worked, and they have a Hexanon 50 1.2 as well - if they could only chime in!!

The 50 Summilux Asph looks to be about the same size (although not as wide of diameter). Has anybody tried this the 50 Lux Asph with the CL?

JKJ

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

In your shoes I'd go for the 40mm Summicron-C, which is the right lens and works brilliantly on the CL. A whole cake is better than two odd half cakes...

Regards, David

 

[bastian a.]

For a 50/1.2(!!!) I wouldn't buy a CL. Get an M body! An M2 is a very good camera and not so much more expensive than a CL.

 

[mark_pw]

I've just got a CL full kit. The 40 Summicron won't disappoint you. For the 90/4 kit lens, it blocks part of the viewfinder. Overall, the CL is a nice handy solid camera. I can stay with it for very long before going to the M cameras.

 

[GaryLH]

I have a canon 50f1.2 but I have never put it on a CL because I do not think that the rf would accurate enough for the thin dof at f1.2 compared to a camera w/ a longer rf base.. The CL has got the shortest rf base of all the Leica mount rf cameras that I am aware of. At f2, it should not be a problem, but why put this lens on a CL if U are going to use it at f2.

Gary

 

[Landberg]

Buy it but don´t use it at 1.2 on the cl. Still a great lens at f/2.8.

 

[mark_pw]

Some CL samples

Some CL samples

I have finished a couple of rolls by the CL and the kit lenses. You may want to have a look at them. I posted them here.