Seriously considering a Leica M

[andydg]

I've been shooting dslr's for the past few years, and have always thought of getting a rf. I keep kicking myself for not getting an M6 while in the Navy when it would have cost me $900 new. So now, I'm thinking of selling/trading my D2x for an M6 & lens, while keeping my other dslr's. Eventually I plan on getting the M8, but to get used to the format an M6 or 7 I think is a good start.
My question is what lens would you recommend? I am leaning towards a 35mm 1.4 of a 50 1.4, shooting strictly avail. light.
Your comments/help is of course appreciated and I look forward to joining the ranks.

 

[gewitterkind]

which DSLRs would you keep?

 

[telenous]

If you plan to move eventually to the M8 the 35 f1.4 focal length makes more sense (it will double up as your 50 with the M8). Not that there is any chance that you will stop in one lens once you join the dark side...Others *cough* have tried only to fail miserably :bang:

NB In practice I have also found my 35 lens better suited than the 50 for indoor and/or low light shooting. It is for daylight street photography that the 50 (arguably) edges ahead.

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum Andy! 🙂 Two questions: What's your favorite between those two on an SLR, and what sort of FOV do you like best - close up or just a little further away. I came to RF cameras from an SLR where my fave lens was the 50mm. Three years with an RF and my fave lens is a 35mm. A 50 now looks like a mild telephoto to me. It really depends on what kind of photographs you like to take...

 

[andydg]

I have a D200 and also an E-1. Found for most of my situations, the D2x is just overkill.

 

[andydg]

Welcome to the forum Andy! 🙂 Two questions: What's your favorite between those two on an SLR, and what sort of FOV do you like best - close up or just a little further away. I came to RF cameras from an SLR where my fave lens was the 50mm. Three years with an RF and my fave lens is a 35mm. A 50 now looks like a mild telephoto to me. It really depends on what kind of photographs you like to take...

Thanks for the welcome. If had to choose between the two lenses, I would say wider is more to my liking.
As for type of shooting I like, my kids, people, and abstract.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

depends entirely on your favorite focal length in SLRs. No reason for that to change once you switch to RFs.

In that case, the two asphs, 50/1.4 and 35/1.4 are simply the best in the Leica stable, if not in the world of photography. I would duplicate the focal length you feel most comfortable with in the SLR world. As for the M8 multiplier factor? I'd wait a few years, full-frame M9 can't be that far off 😉

 

[peter_n]

In that case I would go for the 35/1.4 ASPH. Awesome lens! 🙂

 

[boilerdoc2]

Every one forgets the Tri-Elmar as an all around 3 focal length lens. Not very fast - at all- but it is 3 lenses in one. And sharp as a tack. Think of what it'll do on the M8!
Steve

 

[triplefinger]

yeah but the tri-elmar... not good for any lowlight action, unless you carry a tripod.

 

[emraphoto]

switch to m...

switch to m...

don't get this wrong as moving to an m system (and rangefinders in general) was the best move i made! going from a d2x to a leica m6 or m7 is a REAL leap. prepare yourself for a serious "learning curve" for the first few weeks (or so). they are significantly different beasts (which i am sure you are well aware). there are limitations to the m's like flash sync etc. HOWEVER!!!! when you get those things dialed.... wow! they really produce images that are second to none. the switch to m also produced a major shift in my "style" of photography. with focal lengths like the 35's and such you are really forced to "get right on in there" so to speak. meet people, talk to them, engage the situations.
i shot a concert a week or so back and met a few photographers while there. most of 'em were quite interested in my "antique" and the fact i was using film. some serious digtital rigs were at hand euipped with some serious focal lengths. i noticed about half way through the show i was up at the stage and most of the others were out back at the peripherals. one fellow was actually leaning at the bar, monopod at hand and drinking a pint (admittedly that made me a tad jealous). NOW before we all rip into a "this versus that" debate... the point is "different styles of shooting".
there is a bit of learning involved... a change in style... but i am sure yo will be very pleased with the results if you decide to take the plunge!

 

[Fred]

I still have a bunch of SLRs including digital and an old MF Bronica. Since I went for an RF they have all virtually been unused. Oddly I have a 50 1.4 but tend to use my 35 Cron ASPH F2 most, compact, light and does not intrude too much in the VF. I'd really like the current 75 but having just bought a new motorcycle thats fell off the radar now.