New to Leica RF- question for the experts

[Roubaix]

I'm new to rangefinders and this forum, but absolutely couldn't resist once I caught a glimpse of the M8. So, I'm hooked and it's on order. Coming from an SLR background, I need some advice w.r.t. lens selection. I have the resources for two lenses (+ the body) at the outset. One of those needs to be a Macro since I need to shoot natural closeups on occassion. What should the other be?

1. Summicron 35mm f/2? Seems right combo of price and size.
2. Tri-elmar tempting, but just seems too big for a limited set. I love the compactness of the M.

Thoughts on price quality ration of other lens choices? From what I see (and read) the lenses are all excellent.

I really appreciate your help.

Peter

 

[Ash]

Well you'll have a long time to research, from what I hear the list of pre-orders is HUGE, so yours will take a while to arrive!

Good luck when you do get it though 🙂

 

[Ossifan]

If I were to order an M8 I think I'd buy the new Elmarit 28mm f/2.8 - nice and compact, good price, and works like a 35mm on the M8 (but I like shooting 35mm and I can't afford/justify the M8 - plus I like film).

Good luck to you.
Alex

 

[petermcwerner]

One of those needs to be a Macro since I need to shoot natural closeups on occassion. What should the other be?

Peter,

If you need macro capabilities, as far as I know there are only 2 options:

- The current 4/90 Macro Elmar
- A used "Dual Range" Summicron 2/50 ("Nah-Summicron" in German)

I am not sure if the DR Summicron will work on the M8. Perhaps others here know.

Cheers
Another Peter

 

[uhligfd]

Peter,

if your previous set-up was a single lens reflex camera, I would suggest keeping it for macro. It is so much more practical to use rather than a rangefinder. Macros can be done with an M, BUT ... be prepared to spend muy $s on the macro 85mm outfit, and muy hours of being behind the learning curve. Through the lens that you get from an (D)SLR is so much more natural in macro mode than with an RF ...

 

[egpj]

Peter,

if your previous set-up was a single lens reflex camera, I would suggest keeping it for macro. It is so much more practical to use rather than a rangefinder. Macros can be done with an M, BUT ... be prepared to spend muy $s on the macro 85mm outfit, and muy hours of being behind the learning curve. Through the lens that you get from an (D)SLR is so much more natural in macro mode than with an RF ...

I second that.

 

[Roubaix]

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone for the suggestions (and dose of reality w.r.t. wait time). I am nothing if not patient.

Peter

 

[Andy Aitken]

If I were you I wouldn't even bother using an M8 for macro. Any DSLR will do it better.

Personally, if I could afford it, I'd get a 21mm or 24mm f2.8 ASPH and a 35mm f1.4 but it really depends on individual preferences. In the past popular 2 lens combo's for Leica have been 28/50 and 35/90 so with the crop factor that's 21/35 or 28/75 (roughly).

Of course I can't afford it so I'll be using a CV21mm f4 and a v3 35mm Summicron - the M8 body alone will gobble all my savings 🙁

 

[Grober]

ABSOLUTELY leave Macro photography to your DSLR. The strength of the Leica M is its mimimalist nature, ideal for quietly shooting pictures of people and real life as those events pass before your lens. (I have an old but reliable Pentax that I haul out only for macro and long tele work.)

The 35mm Summicron is a perfect first lens for any new Leica user coming from SLR-land. Use your M8 with your first lens for a year before you even think about getting a second (or third) lens. RF shooting is a much different style of seeing than what you experienced to date with your SLR.

Welcome to the family!

-g

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum Roubaix! 🙂 What everyone says above. A rangefinder camera excels at a particular kind of photography, and macro and telephoto is not included in that. A Leica is wonderful with 35 & 50mm lenses, but you already run into parallax issues with a 24 or 25mm lens and long focus lenses above 90mm can be challenging too.

 

[gdewitt]

As usual, my opinion varies considerably from the mainstream.

I detest today's AF SLRs. Therefore I'm going to use my M8 for stuff that many people might not think it is suited for. That includes my kind of macro work, which is wildflowers. I've rarely needed more magnification that the 1:3 supported by the 90/4 Macro Elmarit-M with adapter, so I don't have a problem with that. Is it as precise as an SLR for that work? No, but close enough.

That said, my frequent two-lens setup for my M8, when I get it, will be my 28/2.8 and either my 75/2 or my 90/4. I'd prefer a 21 or 24 but there's this problem with being able to see framelines with glasses.

 

[petermcwerner]

ABSOLUTELY leave Macro photography to your DSLR

There might be valid reasons for using a RF for occasional macro photographies. If you do not want to always carry along two camera systems, especially when travelling, you might try out the Dual Range Summicron, which you can find at a reasonable price. Without the "eyes" it is a good allround lens. Carriying the eyes in a purse will not add much weight or volume.

Years ago, before I could afford the then only available SLR, the Alpa Reflex, I made quite a few macros of the orchids in my fathers' glass house on Kodachrome with a Leica IIIb, an Elmar 3.5/50 and the NOOKY accessory, which was similar to the "eyes" of the DR Summicron. While it cannot compete with a SLR for macros, it is usable for occasional documentary photos.

Peter W.

 

[Roubaix]

What a great forum. Thanks for helping crystallize my thoughts. I like the idea of a years worth of experience with 1 lens. 28 or 35 hmmm. On the other hand, it might take a year to even get my camera!

P

 

[Andy Aitken]

Indeed. The 1 lens idea is a good one. In which case:

"When you absolutely, positively, have to shoot every motherf***er in the room you want the Leica 35mm Summilux ASPH"

(an AK47 would be a lot cheaper but what the heck)

 

[petermcwerner]

Peter,
I just received the following warning on another board. So - exit the DR Summicron possibility. Only the 4/90 Macro Elmar remains for macros.

some of the collapsible lenses will NOT work with the M8. Look at page 86 of the M8 instruction manual to find a list. The Summicron 50mm f/2 with close focusing and the Elmar 90mm f/4 with collapsible tube (productionperiod 1954-1968) are listed as CANNOT be used.