lens for a Leica 1f

[Pierre H-D]

I have a Leica 1f that sat in a box for 30 years. About 8 years ago I had it cleaned, calibrated and adjusted. One problem--the lens that came with the camera is an Elmar f3.5 made in 1939 (the camera was made in 1955). I don't know if the lens was just cleaned too often with some guy's old wool shirt but the results from it just aren't that sharp. Any suggestions for what's the best 50 mm lens in terms of optical quality I could get for $350 or so--or less? That Nokton f1.5? One other question. The camera is in mint condition--no scratches, dings, nothing--except for a very small piece of Vulcanite that is missing. Could someone fix that without completely redoing it? If so, who? Thanks a lot!

 

[colyn]

A Leica Summitar can be had for $200 or less. Be sure to get a post war coated version though.
A post war Elmar is also a fine lens but may cost a little more the the above.

 

[aad]

If it has to be Leica, I think another Elmar would make sense. The large apertures on faster lenses would be difficult to focus with no rangefinder, and the real charm of a I is the small size-an Elmar really would be the thing.

I also use a 25/4 CV "Snapshot", no RF coupling, and it comes with its own viewfinder. Lots of fun.

 

[payasam]

I would suggest a 35 with an accessory finder, but maybe you don't want another wide. A separate range-finder (the Blik, for example) should not be difficult to find.

 

[ddutchison]

I've always wanted one of these with a CV 25mm Scopar (the one that isn't rf coupled but has the indents in the focusing ring for various distances).