Godfrey, I think my wallet is going to be very thin if you keep up this ... 🙂
Thank you, and "Sorry!" ...
Leica M9 + Summilux 35mm v2
ISO 200 @ f/1.7 @ 1/30
I went back and forth over whether I was going to give this lens a try. I already had the Color Skopar 35mm f/2.5, which is a remarkably good lens for $500 or so. I also already had the Leica X, on which camera's APS-C format the Summilux 23/1.7 ASPH provides the same FoV and is absolutely stunning quality from wide open to fully stopped down, AND which focuses down to 8". AND I had the Summicron-R 35mm f/2, used on the Sony A7 body, which is another outstanding 35mm lens with superb imaging character.
I'd considered buying a new Super Elmar-M 24mm, a used Summicron-M 28mm, and a couple of other choices in the ultra-wide category. All in the same ballpark price.
This old Mandler, on technical merit, doesn't hold a candle to any of the above, and is a little crippled with a 1m minimum focus distance. This, a 1978 35mm lens, is the most expensive lens I've purchased in the past decade. But after three days of sporadic shooting with it, I'd have to say that its unique and lovely imaging signature is worth the money: it produces striking and lovely photographs.
🙂
So much for having money in the bank...
enjoy,
G