My M is on the way... Need a lens.

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Tim Gray

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After listening to your guys wonderful advice, I've got an M6 on the way (as long as I didn't get ripped off on Ebay). I looked around M2's, M3's, and M4's, but after looking at the prices, I figured it was worth the extra $300 or so to pick up an M6 in nice condition.

Anyway, I need a lens now. As stated in an earlier thread, I'd like to end up with a 35mm and a 50mm at some point, but I figure a 50mm is a better (and cheaper) lens to start off with.

What do you think is a better buy: a new Zeiss Planar 50mm or a used Summicron 50mm? The Zeiss is $600; what should I expect to pay for a newish used Summicron?

I'd go for an M-Hexanon since it seems like they are universally praised, but I don't where to get one. I'm also tempted by the Zeiss Sonnar 1.5, but I was hoping to keep it around $500 and it is a bit of an unknown (though I'm sure more than adequate).

You guys love to go on about lenses, so here's a chance to 🙂

Thanks again.
 
I think the good news is that you only have good choices when it comes to 35 and 50mm lenses.

Price wise, the CV 50/1.5 is large (compared to the others) in size, performance and a bargain price. This can be said of the 35/1.7 Ultron too.

The Hex lenses will be a little more and also perform very well, but I agree, they are harder to find. The 50 should not be much more expensive than the Nokton, but the 35 is probably $600 ish.

The Zeiss glass is excellent from what I have heard and seen. Both the 50/2 and 35/2 ZM lenses are about the same size as the 35 Ultron. You should be able to find comparible Leica used glass for about the same price, or a little more if you look for the most recent versions, as the new ZMs.

And there is nothing wrong with used. If you can save a couple bucks and still get the quality that you want more power to you.

Congrats on the M6, you will enjoy it I am sure.
 
I had a CV 50/1.5, nice pics but my sausage fingers were always accidentally moving the aperture ring when I went to focus. It was annoying enought to sell the lens. Not to mention I have a jupiter-3 which is sharp at 1.5
 
I have no problem with used. It's just that all of the camera retailers that sell this stuff seem to have pretty high prices for the used lenses (which I'm sure reflects the EXTREMELY high prices for new). That leaves me with Ebay and RFF, but I don't see many lenses here for sale that interest me. I do value compactness and and have no problem with small controls with my tiny hands.

I'm really tempted to go for the ZM, but then I think, "Maybe I should just get the Sonnar..." As a result, I'm thinking used is a good bet. Those Hexanon lenses do sound nice and if I could get one for $300-400, I think I'd be very happy.

I guess this post really gets down to this: Somebody needs to put up a really nice lens for sale so I can buy it.
 
J8

J8

I was also going to suggest a J8, then saw that it looked like he needed a fast lens.

So how is the J3 wide open?

Over the weekend I shot about 100 indoor shots at a mini-family gathering, most were at 1.9 / 1600, so trying to use a RF more and more, I need faster than 2.8.

triplefinger said:
I also wouldn't discount a nice jupiter-8...check out fedka.com they are fantastic and CHEAP.
Click to expand...
 
Tim,

You have many options, including CV 40/1.4, which gets a lot of praise here. Check the cameraquest site (one of the rff sponsors); this lens runs for around $350.

Have you considered an Elmar-M? If you can live w/ f2.8, this lens also gets raves on this site. There are two at photo.net for sale, in chrome and black, for $490 from a respected seller:
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Ht6Y&tag=

Check igorcamera.com (I've never bought from him). Igor has several 4th and 5th version 50/2 Summicrons ranging from $595-$725.
 
Tim Gray said:
...Those Hexanon lenses do sound nice and if I could get one for $300-400, I think I'd be very happy.

I guess this post really gets down to this: Somebody needs to put up a really nice lens for sale so I can buy it.
Click to expand...

The $400 50mm M-Hexanon happened on ebay yesterday. Or, you could have had the Hexar RF body, 50mm lens, flash & original box for <$900 over the weekend.

Lay in wait right here at RFF. Subscribe to the Classifieds listings with immediate email notification and POUNCE! on the next good 50mm Summicron or ZM or CV that comes along. They happen fairly regularly.

Good luck! Enjoy!
 
Last edited:
Thanks again guys. Gives me a bit to think about. I'm very grateful to you guys since you never seem to tire answering the same old questions. Most other internet forums get really pissy about these kinds of questions.
 
hard to pick a bad one from those already mentioned.
frank s has a 40/2 summicron for sale now.
the 40/1.4 cv lens is great as is the 50/1.5.
the planar is a wonderful lens, crisp and sharp with a hint of softness in the oof background.
 
Tim Gray said:
Doh! I just purchased the camera over the weekend and was doing any heavy duty lens shopping yet.
Click to expand...

Isn't that always the way? The good news is that these things tend to be like busses. If you miss one another one comes along soon enough.
 
Summicron 50, Ill sell ya mine for a good price

Summicron 50, Ill sell ya mine for a good price

I have a 2 month old 50 Summicron, like BRAND new. Couldnt tell it from new. I bought the M7 starter set 2 months ago and this lens came with it, but I have since ordered a 50 summilux ASPH. So, the summicron needs to go. At BH they go for $1495, Ill sell mine, with leather case and a Leica UV filter for $900. Its a GREAT lens. I just wanted the 1.4.

I do not do ebay, nor do I do paypal (long story, but they stole $2800 from me 3 years ago and still have it, see paypalsucks.com) anyway, Im in Phx, AZ if anyone wants to do a local pickup, or I can take check or MO. Ill ship UPS ground for $10, insured. Next Day Air, $30, insured.

This lens is just like brand new.
 
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