Nebie M2, lens reccomendations?

Tom A,

Great feedback.
It's pretty cool that you have all the lenses in my initial consideration. I appreciate your observations.

I appreciate the opinions of all who responded. The 1.7 Ultron seems to have a small but loyal following.

What I would like to shoot (with a camera!)

Probably 50/50 color, black and white. Some of the things I see in this climate translate the feeling through black and white, better than color. We had a heavy, wet snow the other week that piled 2" on every bush and branch. 10" total, but early morning was magical. Mother nature rules. She also wants to kill you, but that's another story.

Lots of nature, buildings, ironwork, industry, stone, and interesting people.

I know it's lame, but at age 45 I'm more interested in capturing a few moments. This all is just a means to an end.
"nuff said.

Mark
 
Get a CV 35/1.4 or 2.5 depending on your low light shooting needs.
Also get a Jupiter-8 50/2 FSU lens. I got mine for $35 and it works 100% perfectly.
 
Sam,

I could save loads of money if I could reasonably evaluate offers on used lenses. I have no basis for evaluation. You forget, I'm an idiot. No one I know speaks russian, other than the cute redhead at the video store. And I think she's seeing someone.

Mark
 
One advantage of waiting: The f2/35 zeiss just dropped a bit. Under 700.00 US. Per B&H photo.

Let's see what it does. It might not fit my lowlife/lowlight needs, but at this price, I will go there. I wish someone could give me mastery in one lesson or less, but that's less than possible. Still need a 1.2 for underworld.

Don't ask, dont tell. Ever.
 
Rangefinders are easier to use with longer shutter speeds. The finder does not black-out like on an SLR, so you have "active feedback" to hold the camera steady.

You have a lot of choice in new lenses. For the used lenses, you are correct that it takes some learning. Used camera stored are few and far in between these days. Camera shows are even more rare. It's nice to handle them before you buy, and have return privilige.
 
benchrat said:
Sam,

I could save loads of money if I could reasonably evaluate offers on used lenses. I have no basis for evaluation. You forget, I'm an idiot. No one I know speaks russian, other than the cute redhead at the video store. And I think she's seeing someone.

Mark
Click to expand...

Would you have to speak German to buy a Leica lens? Get an eBay account and check out the completed listings. They will give you a good idea of what particular lenses go for. Either way a J-8 should never cost you more than 60 bucks.
 
Mark, at $700 for the 35mm f2.0 ZM - go for it. So the hood might add a bit, but I doubt it will go much lower than that with the US$ in the doldrums. You would he hard pressed to find even a scruffy 35 Summicron for that kind of money. It also makes sense for later, if you really want to shoot in the dark, you can always add the 35f1.2.
For the 50, one of my "unsung" heroes is the VC 50f2.5 - nice little lens and very good. The Nokton 50f1.5 is another good performer and quite reasonably priced. Used Summicron's can be had for about $450-500, but here it is condition that is paramount. Older ones most likely will have haze and scratches in that price-range. One of my all time favourite Summicrons is the Dual Range 50. Built like a brick you-know what and very sharp. A mechanical marvel too with the close up "goggles" - it is getting pricey and again, condition is critical here.
If you want to match rendition from a 35f2 ZM Biogon, your best bet is either the Planar 50f2 ZM or the C-Sonnar 50f1.5. The whole line of Zeiss ZM lenses is quite remarkable, 11 lenses (including the just announced 35f2.8) and they all have the same tonal rendition and "feel" - all that changes is the angle of view!
However, dont buy another lens after you get your 35. Keep shooting for an extended period, 2-3 month and shoot lots of film. This will train your reactions and view and also get you used to the Rf style, it has advantages (slow shutterspeed holdability, no "black-out" from the mirror and no mirror "slap" and a small, non-threatening camera. The M's have one advantage, they are small and easy to carry around and if you simply set yourself the task of never going anywhere without it - it soon becomes second nature.
Nothing is for free in this world though, a SLR is better for longer lenses beyond 100 mm and for close focussing (below 60-70 cm), but usually noisy and rather big as a constant companion.
 
Mr. Abrahamsson,

I got the Zeiss 35/f2. Should be here Friday. Forgot to order the hood, but I'll get on that.

Thanks to all for the constructive advice. Gives me some thoughts for the future.

Mark
 
I've been wanting the f2 35mm Biogon for a while but the prices are still up there so I have to wait, but if they are available for $700 I'm all over it. I checked the site and they still list it at $876, am I missing something?
 
leica M2 fan said:
I've been wanting the f2 35mm Biogon for a while but the prices are still up there so I have to wait, but if they are available for $700 I'm all over it. I checked the site and they still list it at $876, am I missing something?
Click to expand...

M2 Fan,

It was an open box demo rated 9+ condition, So not brand spanking new, but close enough for me. Sorry for not including that detail. I was a little excited at the time.

Regards,

Mark
 
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