My First M - Choosing a Lens

[Contarama]

Thanks Dan that is the one.

 

[WJJ3]

Just got my first M body: A M3. I'm trying to work out which lens to pair with it.

I've spoken to some sellers and options are:

- 50mm f2.5 Summarit - boxed with hood (£600)
- 50mm f2 Summicron Rigid (£460)
- 50mm f2 Summicron Type 5 (£860)

I really like that the Summarit is a newer lens, has 6 bit encoding, a focusing tab and is small. But will I regret not getting the classic Summicron?

Other considerations:

- I suspect I'll get a digital M at some point.
- I shoot both color and b&w (mostly street but also portraits).
- I ruled out a Zeiss as I want a Leica for my first lens.
- My favourite lens I own is a 55mm f1.8 SMC Takumar because of the warm colour rendering and good contrast.

Thanks for your help!

The SMC 55mm f1.8 is a great lens. I shot one for about a year and really enjoyed the results:

In terms of a first lens for your M3, as Pioneer suggests, I think a 5cm f2.8 (1st) Elmar is worth serious consideration.

35mm with an accessory finder is always an option as well 🙂