mccurleyphoto
Established
I just bought a Leica IIIc upgraded to IIIf (and anxiously waiting on the mail)...now I need to buy a lens. While I have used Ms for a long time, this will be my first LTM Leica. I'm thinking of starting with a VC 35 Color Skopar. I know mounting a 35mm lens means that I'll need a finder for accurate framing, but I really like the 35mm field of view. So, what's your opinion. Is this a good lens to start with? Would I be better off with a 50mm...if so why?
All feedback appreciated.
All feedback appreciated.
tripod
Well-known
If you really like the 35mm field of view then you would not be better off with a 50mm lens! The CV 35f2.5 is a great value. They can be bought for $175 in great condition used. After the 35, keep your eye open for a Jupiter 8 and a collapsing Jupiter 10, 22, or 50, all FSU 50mm lenses with good performance and that can be bought for about $30 each. Really good value.
Last edited:
BillBingham2
Registered User
IMHO, that the money you save buying the CV 35/2.5 new and put it towards a new CV metal finder (35mm). I'm not sure what would look better a black lens and black finder on a chrome body or chrome all around. The metal CV finders are as good as Leica and a lot less expensive.
Skip the 50, if you like 35, start there.
B2 (;->
Skip the 50, if you like 35, start there.
B2 (;->
OldNick
Well-known
I use a metal CV 35 finder on my IIIf, along with a very good Jupiter 12 35/2.8 lens. You can see the combo in my avatar. I, personally like the external finder on the IIIf. Yes, the finder did cost more than the lens, but its a great combo.
Jim N.
Jim N.
BillBingham2
Registered User
I owned the FSU 35mm finder. It was ok, but just. I the metal CV finders rock. I had the 35 and now have the 28 on my GR-D.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
mccurleyphoto
Established
Hadn't thought about the Jupiter lens...
BillBingham2
Registered User
The 35/2.8 has a much better track record than the 85/2. I had good luck with both 35/2.8s as far as being only slightly off perfect on focus. The 85s I had were all off a bit one way or another. Getting the CV finder and the FSU lens might be a great way to go.
Beware how ever that the fstop adjustment is in a unique place (inside the front of the lens). I'm a big usability geek and I found it a pain as I like to adjust stuff as I bring the camera to my eye and it did not work well. I never had a problem mounting my 35/2.8s on my IIIa, I did on my Fed2 (till it got it fixed). If cost is a big issue, go CV finder and FSU lens. If you can swing the extra $125 to $150, get the new VC 35 Color Skopar from Stephen.
B2 (;->
Beware how ever that the fstop adjustment is in a unique place (inside the front of the lens). I'm a big usability geek and I found it a pain as I like to adjust stuff as I bring the camera to my eye and it did not work well. I never had a problem mounting my 35/2.8s on my IIIa, I did on my Fed2 (till it got it fixed). If cost is a big issue, go CV finder and FSU lens. If you can swing the extra $125 to $150, get the new VC 35 Color Skopar from Stephen.
B2 (;->
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
My Jupiter 12 gives satisfactory results, and its construction is such that no hood is needed. Like B2, I haven't quite got used to the aperture setting.
wolves3012
Veteran
You may struggle to find a Jupiter 10, 22 or 50 since you mean a FED 10 or Industar 22 or 50 collapsibles...The Industar 22 is a nice lens.tripod said:
wolves3012
Veteran
I've used a Jupiter 12 35mm f/2.8 on my IIIC and liked the results. I also use the FSU turret finder, which I like better than brightline types.
oscroft
Veteran
I'll second that. The CV 35/2.5 is a great lens (it's my regular 35), but I also like the J-12 and turret finder - I've used them effectively on my old FED 1.
mccurleyphoto
Established
Thanks for all the input...now it's decision time!
tripod
Well-known
wolves3012 said:
True enough. My bad!
ErnestoJL
Well-known
I would recommend an Industar 22 (collapsible) for a normal, and a Jupiter 12 for a ´35.
Benefits?
Extreme low cost, just pennies, and very good quality.
Bonus? No need for a hood in the J12 as Payasam said, and besides, they make a very compact package.
Cheers
Ernesto
Benefits?
Extreme low cost, just pennies, and very good quality.
Bonus? No need for a hood in the J12 as Payasam said, and besides, they make a very compact package.
Cheers
Ernesto
George S.
How many is enough?
Let me get this straight. You've used Leica Ms for a long time and now you need to ask us if you'd be better off with a 35 or a 50mm?!
Just because you change one light tight box for another doesn't mean all of a sudden your shooting style, subjects, etc changed does it? Go with what you've been shooting with all along, ( or the closest to it) just get it in LTM mount.
Just because you change one light tight box for another doesn't mean all of a sudden your shooting style, subjects, etc changed does it? Go with what you've been shooting with all along, ( or the closest to it) just get it in LTM mount.
T
tedwhite
Guest
If you liked and used a 35 with your M3, get the CV35/2.5. It's a great lens. However, if you also want a 50, the best bang for the buck has got to be the Jupiter 8. I used mine on a IIIF until I got the Canon 50/1.8.
What I didn't like about my J8: Unless my memory is faulty (not a good track record here) the J8 I had didn't have click stops on the aperture ring so if you wanted to go up or down a stop you had to take the camera away from your eye in order to look at the aperture ring.
What I didn't like about the Canon 50/1.8 was the infinity lock. I have never understood the reasoning behind such a device, so I immediately disabled it. The Canon is a superb lens and very well built. A veritable little jewel. Can be had at times for $150 or less.
I'd strongly recommend the CV and the Canon lenses. They'll be all you'll ever need in terms of sharpness, contrast, and quality. Of course I'm prejudiced as I own them.
What I didn't like about my J8: Unless my memory is faulty (not a good track record here) the J8 I had didn't have click stops on the aperture ring so if you wanted to go up or down a stop you had to take the camera away from your eye in order to look at the aperture ring.
What I didn't like about the Canon 50/1.8 was the infinity lock. I have never understood the reasoning behind such a device, so I immediately disabled it. The Canon is a superb lens and very well built. A veritable little jewel. Can be had at times for $150 or less.
I'd strongly recommend the CV and the Canon lenses. They'll be all you'll ever need in terms of sharpness, contrast, and quality. Of course I'm prejudiced as I own them.
Last edited by a moderator:
Luddite Frank
Well-known
I'll add a hearty "hear-hear" for the Canon LTM lenses...
My first 35mm in LTM was a Canon f 1.8 /35mm ( mid-1960's ?)... it's fast & clear... and was one-half to one-third the cost of a clean Summaron...
But if you wish to stay Leitz, the 35mm f:3.5 Elmar is a fine lens too; they don't get anymore compact than this lens !
Good luck !
Luddite Frank
( PS: the biggest difference in switching from an M to an LTM would be the necessity of using accessory view-finders for non-50mm lenses; that and having a separate window for the RF...)
My first 35mm in LTM was a Canon f 1.8 /35mm ( mid-1960's ?)... it's fast & clear... and was one-half to one-third the cost of a clean Summaron...
But if you wish to stay Leitz, the 35mm f:3.5 Elmar is a fine lens too; they don't get anymore compact than this lens !
Good luck !
Luddite Frank
( PS: the biggest difference in switching from an M to an LTM would be the necessity of using accessory view-finders for non-50mm lenses; that and having a separate window for the RF...)
BillBingham2
Registered User
The old 35/3.5 leica lenses are fine lenses, but with the price of a new CV 35/2.5 being just over $200 USD, it's hard to beat. No worries about smoothness of focus or sticky apertures or flare for that matter.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
... the iiic is pretty happy with the FED lens. I am too
