no replacement for a 50mm?

[vizioneer]

Following on the footsteps of the 50 cron thread, I am a 35mm shooter for now who was going to get a 75 lux this past Dec. but the deal fell through. I'm rebuilding my M system, and historically I've gotten along well with the 35mm and 50mm, and had a 75mm but didn't use it a whole lot. Looking at my previous people photos, I really like the 50mm's composition. When I watch a movie however, I like the compositions which seem to say 35/75 combination. I guess I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

I guess I'd end up shooting mainly with the 50mm and switch to 35mm when I want wider. I have learned to use the 35mm quite well though. I do miss close-ups of persons though. Maybe I'm a 35/75 shooter after all. I guess that's why it's good to shoot with what ya got until you find you need a certain focal length. Maybe that's where I'm at. I'm chomping on the bit for a 75 lux I guess! 😛 I think a 50mm would interfere with my cinematic compositional craving although I know how comfortable the focal length is.

 

[back alley]

get a cv 75 and see if the vision holds true.
it can always be sold when it's time for the leica 75.

 

[vizioneer]

Darn good advice! I will check into that. 😀

 

[FrankS]

Sounds like you're conflicted.

 

[vizioneer]

I am...intuition vs. idealism I guess.

 

[FrankS]

Spend a mere $30 or so for a Jupiter 8 lens if you are unsure about using a 50. A sorted-out J-3 can usually be had for less than $100. Both would be great value.

 

[vizioneer]

Thanks for the advice, I hear the Jupiter is a sweet lens.

 

[FrankS]

They are clones of the Zeiss Sonnar lenses. Not too shabby!

 

[Graham Line]

My M system for several years consisted of an M2 and a 50. There's a lot to be said for having the camera always available and not fussing about which focal length to use. But if you really, really miss those tight shots . . .

 

[Lemures-Ex]

I shoot with 35, 50, and 90's. My new Leica happens to ave just those framelines but that's not why I shoot those lenses. I shoot mostly 50, shoot the 35 for that more "intimate" feel with the environment and for candid groups (it gives you that feeling of being in the group). I shoot the 90 for portraits.

That's what works for me 🙂

 

[vizioneer]

Thinking about the 50/90 addition as well LOL. If they weren't so expensive!

 

[BudGreen]

I've been tempted by the 75 lux many times, but always wind up abandoning the idea at the last minute. One thing that stops me is that the 75 framelines on my M7 .72 bug me a little. I may end up with one yet though. 😉

 

[harmsr]

I would strongly suggest that those of you interested in the Leica 75 Lux check out the new 75 Cron first. This is a FANTASTIC lense.

Best,

Ray

 

[Ronald M]

$300 for a CV 75 is the way to check it out. No matter what, you won`t be out much money and you may find it is adequate for your needs.

I have tried a lot of 75 1.4`s and none impress me all that much at 2.0 or 1.4. Stopped down to 2.8 , they`re fantastic. So unless you need 1.4, get the Summicron or CV.

There is a lot to be said for small light lenses.

 

[Paul B]

I use an M2 and shoot mostly people. Main lens is a 50mm collapsible Summicron. I just obtained a 90mm Elmarit for tighter shots. Both are older lenses but render people very nicely and, by current Leica standards, they were very reasonably priced.
Both feel very nice on the M2.

 

[marbrink]

I've been shooting some with 35mm lenses but I often feel they are too wide. With a 50mm you can almost do everything. Portraits with a 50mm gives very much presence. You may get shorter DOF with a 75mm but not as much presence. Everything is about taste I guess but I think I have discovered that the 50mm is the lens for me. Besides, if you really like the 50mm why switch? It's possibly "the best" focal length out there..

 

[vizioneer]

Well now I'm confused LOL. I'm going to carry around my M with the frame selector taped to 50/75, see how it looks.

 

[rover]

joe and Frank gave you good advice. The CV 75 is an excellent lens that may hold you over for a while, or make a Leica 75 unnecessary, and for $40 you can't go wrong with, no, you have to get a J8.

 

[35mmdelux]

what is your point? If you really want a 75mm lens, then get a VC. They're great at a fraction of the cost. If you decide that it gets big time useage, then pony up for the Leica.

 

[vizioneer]

I'll start out trying the Voigtlander 75mm- been experimenting a bit with the frameline selector- I like being able to be further away from my subject with the 75mm vs. the 50mm for a portrait. The 35mm to me is one that I've gotten used to getting in close with when needed. The width and speed are invaluable a lot of times. So for me, the 75mm will be the next lens and see how it goes. 😀 Thanks all for responding.