Looking for affordable lenses

[zoom2zoom]

my second post on this forum.

I just acquired my M6 classic and 50 Noctilux which I enjoy quite a bit, but this is my only lens so far and I would like to try out other focal length lenses.

The issue is I am looking for afforable lenses that is compact, easy to carry around.

Thank you for your recommendations.

I am looking at 35mm, 75mm, 90mm lenses.

 

[back alley]

the cv 35/2.5 and the 75/2.5 are small, light and incredibly sharp.

look no further.

joe

 

[peter_n]

What Joe said. And for the 90mm, a Leitz "thin" Tele-Elmarit f2.8, also small, light and incredibly sharp but affordable (for a Leica) at around $500.

 

[tajart]

i'm always amazed by the compact size of the "fat" tele-elmarit 90. and then too, there is the 90 elmar-c. both are great performers, but then too, the standard 90 elmarit is great though not nearly as compact.
if you want a really compact 35 how about a summaron 3.5, or look for an elmar 35/3.5 thread mount and an m-adapter. that would be really compact.
and, i keep plugging the vc 28/3.5 for something a bit wider, and an amazing performer.

 

[MCTuomey]

I third what Joe said. My 35/1.7 and 75/2.5 are simply wonderful. I bought the 75 mostly on the strength of Joe, Peter, and a couple other RFFers. They are so right. For the money, I don't think you can do better for new or nearly new lenses.

Speaking of the "thin" tele-elmarit 90/2.8, anyone want to sell me theirs?

 

[Chaser]

the voigtlander line has small cheap lenses. the 35/2.5 classic is $229 and the 75/2.5 Color-Heliar is $295. i guess it all depends on what constitutes affordable, but both the voightlander lenses have a great reputation and are affordable when compaired to leica optics.

 

[Chaser]

wow i am a broken record...i should have refreshed this page before typing my response...

 

[Jun Yan]

I vote for cv 35/2.5 PII, very compact, light weight.

I just orderd one from cameraquest.com

BTW, I am a new Leica M(M4-P) user aswell 😀

 

[zoom2zoom]

I just picked up the Leica 90 f2.8 tele-elmarit 'thin' version.

anyone knows where I can find a used cv 35/2.5 and the 75/2.5 ? or willing to sell them to me... although new is very well priced.

 

[peter_n]

I just picked up the Leica 90 f2.8 tele-elmarit 'thin' version.

What are the first four digits in the serial nr?

 

[zoom2zoom]

What are the first four digits in the serial nr?

2728xxx

Why, may I ask...

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Serial numbers are relatively reliable sources to date the lens.

You may also consider the Konica lenses. They`re a bit more expensive, but in par with Leica quality. I speak from experience because I have one uncommon Hexanon 35/2.

Kobalux also offers LTM glass, easily converted to the M mount with an adapter ring.

Now... I'm mistified: you bought a Noctilux? Can I inquire as to why?

Thanks!

 

[Jun Yan]

anyone knows where I can find a used cv 35/2.5 and the 75/2.5 ? or willing to sell them to me... although new is very well priced.

Check the cameraquest.com

 

[Terence T]

I got a 1 month old CV 35 P II in like new condition going for $300 shipped (in US). Drop me an email if interested.

 

[peter_n]

2728xxx

Why, may I ask...

When you get it, shine a penlight-type flashlight through the front lens element and look through the back element for an almost fungus-like etching in the rear element. It will be immediately apparent to you. Less than 5% of the earlier TE's were afflicted with this problem which came to be known as "TE disease".

There's a link to a recent PN thread on how to identify the problem below. Don't be alarmed by this, there is over a 95% probability that your new lens is fine - if it doesn't show the problem now it never will - but you should check all the same.

Enjoy your new TE, I love mine! The lens truly deserves its great reputation. 🙂

What does TE disease look like?

 

[richard_l]

Tele-Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 (thin version)
Summaron 35mm f/2.8 or f/3.5 (preferably the M2 version)

I don't know how these Leitz lenses compare with CV, but I do know that they are excellent, and each can be had for under $500. Unless you like lenses with goggles, avoid the M3 version of the Summaron.

 

[zoom2zoom]

Now... I'm mistified: you bought a Noctilux? Can I inquire as to why?

Thanks!

Well, I have been so fascinated with 'super' fast primes, and love 50mm focal length.

I currently use Canon and Nikon DSLR bodies and have the Canon 50mm f1.0L and Nikon 58mm f1.2 Noct.

The reason for the Leica Noctilux is I wanted the three fastest primes available, to use this lens, I needed to get the M6 RF.

 

[back alley]

you don't really need a 75 if you have a 90. they are pretty close, step up or step back.

joe

 

[Graybeard]

If you invest in a Leica Bayonet/Screw adaptor, you'll be able to use some quite low cost lenses.

You mightr consider the Russian Jupiter-12, 35mm f2.8 which is commonly available for under $40. The Jupiter-12 has been favorably compared with the 35mm Summaron.

Similarly, the 90mm f4 LTM Elmar or the 100mm Canon screw mount lenses are often to be found for under $100. Avoid the Russian Jupiter-9 85mm f2; this lens is for gamblers only.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Joe is right. A T-E voids your need for a 75mm. Hence, if you're in a budget, the ideal combo would be 35-50-90. Considering you went ahead and had dessert before your meal (by getting the Nocti right away), get a 35/2.5 pancake and you'll have the dream team ready.

Good luck and congratulations!