Lens and Accessory Advice for New M3 Owner

[gehrm]

Hi, I decided that digital photography was making me too lazy and I needed to get back to the basics of shooting. To do that, I purchased a M3 which is coming with the 50mm f2 lens.

I shoot mainly street pictures, portraits, architecture and scenic views. What three or four lenses would people recommend?

Note: I am planning on taking the next 1-2 years to get used to the basic camera operations and working on my deficiencies as a photographer. Ergo, I am not planning on buying new lenses for a while, but given the amount of money I need to save, thought it would be a good idea to develop an idea of the end goal.

Also if anyone has suggestions for other non-lens accessories I may want to look into, please let me know.

Here's what I've been thinking so far:

Upgrade to M4 style loading system by DAG
Street - 35mm f2
Learning - 50mm f2
Portrait - 90mm f2
Architecture - ?
Scenic - ?

However, I am open to other suggestions for all of them. Thanks for your help!

Matt

 

[Steve Hoffman]

Well, you will get a wonderful camera, that's for sure. It has no frame lines for the 35mm lens so you will need an aux. finder or those annoying "goggled" lenses.

If I were you I'd just shoot with the 50 for a while. Get good at it. If you want to be closer, step forward. If HCB could do it for 99% of his shots, you can do it. 😎

The 50 frame lines are nice and big, the best 50 lines in any Leica. Enjoy the moment!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Matt,

You're taking the ideal approach, and will be your own best teacher. Shooting with the 50 for a while, you'll see what you need next for what you're shooting. My advice, and that of anyone else, will be all but worthless next to that.

(Which is just as well because I'd have advised you to get an M2 + 35mm. See? You're doing it your way already...)

Cheers,

R.

 

[RichardB]

The M3 is just not a camera but a System with some unique lenses designed for its use.
Since there is no 35mm frame, 35mm lenses wirh 'eyes' or 'goggles' as they are sometimes referred to were offered. One can then view and focus through the viewfinder normally. These are usually referred to as RF lenses. They were available in f3.5, f2.0 and f1.4 if my memory serves me correctly. Anyway the sharpest is the f2.0 Summicron RF which is what I have.
A 90 Summicron to match of any vintage is the perfect accompaniment.
A 135mm f2.8 RF lens was available that expands the frame to full size in the M3. These are big lenses and often overlooked but can provide a low light image for that focul length that no other M lens can. Consider one of these and you have the perfect set up as I have.-Dick

 

[Stu W]

I don't think you need the M4 loading system-the camera is easy enough to load with a little practice. The 35 f2 is great but the 2.8 will save you a bunch and works just fine. For the 90 I would go 2.8 or f4 as the f2 weighs a ton. I use the Voigtlander 21mm as the Leica stuff that wide is way out of my league. But, I think Roger's advice is the best-just shoot with the 50 for a while. Stu

 

[Tom A]

The M3 is a great 50/90 camera, less so a 35mm camera. The "goggled" 35's are a pain in the xxx to use. They dim the viewfinder and they are bulky to stick in the pocket (and straps are forever tangled up in them). IF you are going for a 35, get the VC 35 aux. finder and later, when you get the M2 (and you will!) the lens can be used on that one.
In the 90 mm range, you have a great choice, from big and heavy (90f2 Summicrons, both Asph and pre-asph lenses to small and rather dainty 90f2.8 and even f4's). The Summicrons are good, the early ones, the Big Bertha's are heavy and a handful. Great center sharpness at f2 - less so in the corners. The post 90's lenses are better and somewhat more compact - the 90f2 Apo-Asph is big and heavy and good (not as good as the price indicates though!).
Early Elmarit 90f2.8 are small and lightweight - good performers. the Tele-Elmarits, very small and compact, but prone to internal haze and a bit soft wide open. The Elmarit-M is my favourite, sharp and with nice managable contrast.
As for wides, there are multiple versions of them, all good but some are better than others. Summicron f2's are generally the perfect fit and thus expensive! The Asph lenses are tack sharp and VERY contrasty, the Version IV is over priced - go for a 70's (version III) instead.
If you are shooting architectural stuff, you will need a wide. Classic version is the Super Angulon 21f3.4 - newer lenses are probably better, but the SA has a look of its own. A bit scarce, which is reflected in the pricing. Other choices would be 21f4 VC P-mount, slower, but extremely good for its price - very little distorsion (less than the 21f2.8 Asph Elmarit). The apex of design is the 21f4.5 C Biogon ZM - distorsion free and as sharp as it gets! With architectural stuff you will probably use a tripod anyway, so speed is less of a problem.
Of course. if you want speed and wide angle - Leica just released a 21f1.4! Summilux Asph. Stunning lens and stunning price $6000+. Even so I desire one - though I might allow sanity to reign and abstain!
They also releasd a sleeper, a 24f3.8 Asph - I havent had a chance to shoot with it, but looking at stuff like MTF curves, it should be extraordinary - "flat liner" on distorsion and resolution!
The combination of the 21/35/50/90 should take care of just about anything you want to shoot with a M camera (or two - one M3 for the 50/90 and the M2 for the 35).
However, I second the suggestion that you stick to the M3/50 for now and burn some film to get used to it. RF's are different animals - there are foibles that you never have to contend with in SLR's - like Depth of Field by experience - not view, limited close up abilities - limited lens selection (not neccesarily a bad thing - too many choices can slow down the "creative" process).
Dont bother having it converted to M4 loading, stock up on extra take-up spools and "pre-load" instead. Loading a M2/M3 is easy and quick once you have shot some 50-100 rolls. the M4 "tulip" is fine, but I get more misloads with that one than with the M2/M3 style loading.

 

[delft]

Hi Matt,

To add to the confusion: You might also consider 28mm. For the M3 you will need an aux. finder, but if you get an M6 (you might), you can use it on that with the native finder. I think 50/28 makes a nicer couple than 50/35.

Happy shooting,

Dirk

 

[tedwin]

Dont bother having it converted to M4 loading, stock up on extra take-up spools and "pre-load" instead.

Tom. I would like to get a spare take up spool, do you know where they can be bought?

To the op. I second what some others have said, stick with the 50mm for a while, plus loading is no trouble.

You will need a light meter though, handheld or a VC one that sits in the accessory shoe.

Ted.

 

[Tom A]

Ted, check on E-bay as they do pop up there and/or check with any of the major Leica dealers in your neighbourhood. They are getting a bit difficult to find though- but perseverance usually pays off here.

 

[mfogiel]

I'd say leave the architecture and scenic views aside for a while. I'd also say, don't buy other lenses for some time. I presume you might like B&W - you will have enough work with learning which exposure technique, film, developer, etc can get the most out of your camera. I presume you will scan - get the best scanner you can afford and learn how to use it well. If all goes OK, this alone will keep you busy for a couple of years, and in the meantime you might make up your mind about what to do next. As to the architecture and scenic shots, it would be nice to use a Bessa R4xx with the C Biogon 21/4.5, but you might even look up the Xpan... Finally, It could be useful to subscribe to Roger Hick's site - there is a lot of precious info there...

 

[gehrm]

Great! Thanks a lot for all of the advice and recommendations!