Lens for M3

[John]

I have a Jupiter 3 coming from the Ukraine for my new, (to me), M3. I'll be able to take pictures while I decide my next move. I am watching the auctions and everything - but the nicest pieces sell for what could be described as "collectors" price. That is leading me to start considering new.

What are your opinions on the following 3 choices? Would you recommend another option?

Voigtlander 50 Nokton 1.5 - $339 plus $55 adapter
Zeiss 50 Planer 2.0 - $600
Leica 50 Elmar 2.8 - $600

I normally use Fuji Superia 400 ASA colour print film to record family activities. There is a lot of beautiful rural scenery where we live. 😕

 

[dcsang]

The Nokton has a very good rep.
I haven't read reviews or seen pics from the new Planar.
The Elmar is apparently pretty good and lots of folks around here like it (if it's that newer one that's collapsible).

You could also hunt the used market for a good collapsible Summicron from the same era as your M3. I got the collapsible cron first and the M3 after and boy.... do they fit together like hand in glove... gorgeous and functional 🙂

You should have lots of opportunity for beautiful shots up there in Manitoulin John 🙂

Cheers
Dave

 

[John]

Thanks DC. I am looking at the collapsible Elmars. I have seen the collapsible Summicrons and they look great too. The dcolucci site has a recommended price of $300, which would indeed be a savings if it had caps etc. A mint one might cost more? I don't know because I haven't been looking long enough.

I was happily bidding along tonight at $170, $180, $190, asking my daughter if it was okay. Then $300 came up with 20 seconds to go and I was not ready to dive bomb in, lol.

 

[FrankS]

John, I would be patient and keep $300US as my upper limit for an almost mint collapsible Summicron. You know you could do very well with a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. One sold here at RFF for $100 today.

 

[John]

Thanks Frank. My day will come. I was out on the snowmachine all afternoon. We get our share of "Lake Effect" snow, approximately 6 inches last night.

 

[peter_n]

John from your list I only have the current Elmar f2.8 which I love. A truly wonderful lens and you should be able to get a really good used one for a good bit less than $600. From what I have read about it, the Zeiss Planar at $600 is a fantastic deal. Do a search by lens here in the gallery and see what turns up, that may help.

 

[ray_g]

The 50/2 Hexanon-M goes for 300-400USD, and is a good alternative to a modern summicron.

 

[richard_l]

I too have the latest Elmar-M and agree with Peter's remarks about it and the Planar.

 

[Graybeard]

Of the lenses you've listed, the Nokton would be the most useful. The extra speed of the lens will prove to be handy.

The Hexanon f2/50mm would also be a good choice. It is as good a performer optically as the Summicron and the build quality is the equal of the Leitz lens.

 

[Ben Z]

I bought a recently-overhauled-by-DAG M3 with quick-loading spool and modern PC flash port, for $750, and a near-mint type-1 rigid chrome Summicron with original hood for $525. It took me a long time to find one with near-perfect coating, from someone who'd always kept a UV filter on it. I have other Leicas and lenses which I like better, the M3+rigid 50 were bought mostly for their historic appeal, of course I do use them occasionally, but the rangefinder prism in the M3 is showing signs of de-cementing and fixing it would be $250. For me the M3 is not a daily travel user.

 

[furcafe]

You can pick up a good condition "rigid" 50/2 Summicron (same basic optics as the Dual Range) for around $250-350. Other good bargain options include the LTM 50/1.8 Canons (black & chrome versions) & 50/2 Nikkor-H.

 

[former member]

All lenses mentioned for consideration are fine choices.

The Jupiter-3 that you have on the way "may" have to be adjusted to work with the M3.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13670

The M3 is a great camera. For lenses, don;t worry about a few cleaning marks or blemishes. They keep the price down and do not have any "real" effect on the images rendered. Internal Haze is an issue, a few cleaning marks are not. Look through some of the older threads on "cleaning Marks" for examples from some older lenses.

 

[John]

Brian - thank you for the instructional link. I had heard the quality control was questionable, (maybe from your posts), with the J3 and various other FSU lenses. If my first roll shows focusing errors I will be looking for some tools. I do have my fingers crossed for now. I will keep the group apprised of these and other developments. 😱