M2 kit.

[Athos6]

If you had just spent too much money on an near mint M2 in the middle of the night while alone and sleep deprived what VC kit would you look at getting? The frame lines are 35/50/90. The 90 is easy, there is only one chice and it would probably be bought last, but there are a few choices when it comes to the 35 and 50. I've owned the 35mm/1.9 and the 50mm/1.5 before, how do the other 50's and 35's stand up? I don't think I need the 35mm/1.2 but the 1.4 looks interesting. How about this, I'll open it up, any three lens (35/50/90) cost concious kit.

 

[FrankS]

If lens speed isn't paramount, the 50f2.5 and 352.5 are excellent.

 

[Athos6]

I for one, always kinda liked fast film like fuji Natura 1600, so 2.5's are ok! Would they have a bit hight IQ but (obviously) lower speed then the 1.4's and 1.5?

 

[FrankS]

Never had the faster versions so can't say. The 2.5's are contrasty, sharp, and resistant to flare, in my experience.

 

[Athos6]

Thanks for the input!

 

[BillP]

I have both the 35 and 50 2.5. Sharp and contrasty indeed, and lovely handling.

35:

50:

Regards,

Bill

 

[Athos6]

Its looking like the 35mm 2.5 Color Skopar classic + adapter is first on the list. It seems to get good press. I wonder how that Elmar that just came up in the ads performs, compared to the Heliar.

 

[Tom A]

My recommendation would be the 50f2.5 as it is easily available and quite cheap for the performance and I would add the new 35/1,4 VC. depending on wether you shoot color, go for the MC version or black/white go for the SC.
The 50f2.5 is one of the "unknown" lenses and actually very good, particularly in close mode! The 35/1,4 is a $559 version of the now expensive pre-asph Summilux with less flare and at about 1/2 price!
The second alternative would to go for a 40/1,4 and get used to 1/2 step back it is a 35 and a step forward it is a 50. Very good performance, even wide open and it becomes a handy 1 lens/1 camera set up.

 

[funkaoshi]

I've got the 35mm f/2.5 Pancake II, which works quite well. It's got a very small form factor, and is quite light. The 35mm f/1.4 looks to be quite nice, though it costs about twice as much -- give or take.

 

[oscroft]

I've got the 50/2.5 and 35/2.5 and I really like both. Of the two, I'm most impressed by the 50 - it's a very well made lens.

 

[BillP]

BTW, my choices for my M2 are:

35mm Summaron
50mm DR Summicron
90mm Collapsible Elmar

This makes a nice "contemporary" set.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Athos6]

Yep yep, the 35/50mm color skopars + a VC II meter is looking pretty reasonable, at least less than I got the camera for... 🙂 Thanks all for taking the time to reply. THat looks like a good set Bill, but a bit out of my range I think 🙂

 

[Nokton48]

For my M2:

the 35mm 2.5 Skopar (although sometimes the Ultron or Jupiter-12)
the 50mm 1.5 Nokton (although sometimes the Canon f1.2 in really low-light)
the 85mm 1.9 Jupiter-9 (although someimes the 75mm 2.5 CV)

 

[Athos6]

Next question, is there a good, and cheap, half case that will fit and protect the M2 I see a bunch but I was wondering if there are any for under 100 bucks. Gees I'm coming off like a cheap skate, which I am 🙂. I got the M2 as a college graduation present for myself, I deserve it, but I hate spending that much money...

 

[Athos6]

Ok here it goes.

Ok here it goes.

I'm going to open myself up for abuse, here is the auction, it has good pictures. I'm curious, how did I do? I'm thinking I might have paid a bit much, but it looks to be in great shape.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280206646837&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=018

 

[FrankS]

I think you did fine for a MINT Leica. One pays extra for such good condition. As for a case, LeicaTime sells economy cases for Leica M, or there is the original Leica ever ready case (just remove the top section.)