Set myself a $2000 budget for First Rangefinder + Lens Combo...

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Rangeman133

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Decided to finally take the plunge. A friend of mine has an R-D1s and an M6 with the 50mm summicron. I Instantly fell in love with them. I myself have been using an Olympus XA for 3 years.

I ultimately decided to go with an M6 and a 35mm f/3.5 summaron.

My first choice lens was the 50mm f/2 summicron (with the focusing tab, w/o the built in hood), but I can't find one that fits within my budget, along with the M6.


Do you think the M6 and 35mm f/3.5 summaron is a good 'starter kit'? Or would you recommend something else?

(I like shooting with 50mm and 35mm mainly)
 
if thats gonna be fast enough than go for it. You could get an additional 2.5 stops of light gathering if you went with voigtlander though (35/1.4 or 40/1.4) although you're probably trading in some "character" (summaron) for more light and a more "clinical" look.
 
ChrisP said:
if thats gonna be fast enough than go for it. You could get an additional 2.5 stops of light gathering if you went with voigtlander though (35/1.4 or 40/1.4) although you're probably trading in some "character" (summaron) for more light and a more "clinical" look.
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yeah, initially i had in mind the 35mm/1.4 voigtlander. coming from the dslr world, i know how useful the extra stops can be!!

maybe its just because my olympus xa is so small, that i can't seem to keep it steady under longer shutter speeds. but i've heard with bigger rangefinder cameras, its a lot easier. not sure how much of a difference it would make though.

having said all that, i saw the way the summaron rendered on 35mm film, and i was blown away that such an old lens has so much character in it. personally, i noticed the difference in quality right away, when compared to the voigtlander lenses. but like you said, i just hope the 3.5 doesn't bite me in the ass, when it comes around to low light or indoor photos.
 
What about a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens? I'm not sure how much they are, but I personally prefer the look of Zeiss lenses over anything else (they have a warm, 3D look to them).

It's also faster than the f/3.5 lens.
 
As nice as the CV and Zeiss lenses are, the QC issues put me off and I would not buy one of these as my first and only lens if I would have to rely on them (been there done that ...). Since you already have handled the M6 (and seem to like it), I would search for a nice M6 with an older 35mm Summicron-M vs3 (with the round metal hood) or if you can`t find one then the older 35/2.8 Summaron in M-mount.

I don`t know where you are going to shop but I have seen amost every time better deals when buying camera and lens as a set and from a reputable dealer on eBay. Single items are almost always more expensive than bought as a set and the M6/35mm Summicron-M combination is not so rare.
 
I'd go with the VC 35 1.4 too. You are going to buy other lenses at some point. The VC 35 1.4 is a great lens if you plan to keep it forever, or if it is just what holds you over until you can afford the 35 cron or lux that this site will make you want 😉

Either way. You should get something that's at least f/2 otherwise you're going to risk a case of speed lust setting in 🙂
 
It's perfect. Just shoot it. If you want a more modern lens with higher performance at the wider apertures, get the Zeiss C-Biogon 35/2.8. There is no better lens for any system, but the Summaron has character to burn and it's pretty darned good. If you want a faster lens get a 40/1.4 or 35/1.4 C-V (I prefer the 40). But you probably don't need a faster lens. You probably need to learn to push film (Delta 400, TMAX400, Tri-X, or HP5+) to 1600*.

Otherwise just shoot and shoot and shoot. And shoot some more.

Film: I suggest TMAX 400 in XTOL 1+1, but that's just a personal preference.

* (A lot of people think that they need fast lenses to shoot in nightclubs and bars. But honestly, most of those shots are crap anyway).
 
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thanksk for the input. you are all definitely making a lot of sense, i'm a afraid to regret getting a slow lens. i know the quality is very good, but i'm gonna be indoors too, and i do enjoy night photography.

is it just me, or have m mount lenses gone up in price? at this point, my only other option is the 40mm f/2 summicron or rokkor. i've seen these go for as low as $400.

i just can't seem to find ANY luck finding a summicron under $800. Or for that matter, any other 35mm or 50mm under $800. I use to be a big fan of zeiss, i really liked their 3d style rendering of images. but i feel they are hard to find now (same as leica lenses).
 
Rangeman133 said:
is it just me, or have m mount lenses gone up in price? at this point, my only other option is the 40mm f/2 summicron or rokkor. i've seen these go for as low as $400.
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Yes, M mount lenses have gone up in price. Fortunately, the two lenses that you mention are amazing values. They are both GREAT lenses.
 
40mm f/2 Summicron or 40/2 Minolta CLE Rokkor (similar) - get the best of both the 35 and 50 in one highly regarded and not too expensive lens ($400 to $600). If anything the Rokkor is better thanks to its multi-coating and normal filter size.

Just a couple of years ago you could get clean user-grade M6s and 35 v.3 Crons for $2000 and have change left over. Now I think both are in the $1100 to 1200 each range.

You'd probably do better getting a really nice M6 (with a recent CLA from a reliable seller) for $1300-$1400 and getting a really nice 40mm to go with.

If you like old glass, why not get a 50/3.5 Elmar ($250 top $350) instead of the recently trendy and now over-priced 35/3.5 Summaron? Besides, the 35/2.8 Summaron is the real 1950s gem - the build quality is the best of all lenses and it renders beautifully... but alas they used to be $600... now they are almost double!

The small VC 35/2.5 M-mount is very well built and renders the same as the v.3 Cron to my eye. It is also well built and has good ergonomics and compact size... very nice lens for $409. I think it is VC's best built lens IMHO (but I haven't tried them all).

I used to want faster glass too but I realized that in low light it's better to reach for the digital. The Leica is now a good to middling light camera, not the ultimate low-light rig.
 
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I'm looking to sell a Leica m2 with 35mm 1.2 which might suit your needs 🙂

If I'd have to stick to one lens only, it would be the fastest I can afford. A canon 50mm 1.4 ltm would make sense too if you enjoy that focal length.
 
A lot of good sugestions offered up.

. . . . . how about the Voigtlander Ultron ASPH 28mm f1.9 and Voigtlander Nokton Aspherical 50mm f/1.5. Getting away from a 35 but would make a great two lens combo. Both are LTM lens that require an LTM to M adaptor. Lots of speed and I love taking photographs with each of these lens.

I also own a Voigtlander 40/1.4 which is a great low cost lens.

The Summaron 3.5cm f3.5 is a great compact day time lens and you I hope you are enjoying it, a beautiful little lens.

Good luck with your continuing search!
 
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I'd get the Bessa R2m anniversary kit with the 50 f2 collapsible from our bartender here. It's a great combo (I bought one) and I'm saying this as a M6ttl owner. There'll be enough change left over to get the CV35 1.4 or the Zeiss 35 2.8.
 
Check RFF , L-camera Forum, classified...last week I saw 50/2 cron around $1000
also online shop like KEH,Leicashop

If you r lucky you will find M6 (0.72) and Sumicron 50/2 = $2000
 
There are plenty of inexpensive 50mm LTM lenses you could use if you decide to put most of your money towards an excellent 35mm but find yourself wanting something a touch longer every now and then.
 
I wouldn't push it to get an f3.5 lens. I'm sure its a nice lens, but for the same price I could get something faster from voigtlander or Zeiss.
 
I would look for any M in good shape; M3, M2, M4-P are my favorites. My first was a M3 and it's a fabulous finder. If you like 50mm focal length, it's the one to go with, by FAR. Just plan a little for a CLA and take the advice above and find a 50/2 'cron... Or, if you like Zeiss as you say, just buy the 50/2 planar for about $800.

I'd keep it simple to start, one lens, one camera. Settle on your favorite films/dev recipes. Then look for your next lens--by then, you'll know where you want to settle. Leica 35mm lenses have gone through the roof in the last few years, so if I were you I'd start with a 50, where better values lie.

FWIW, I think the 35/3.5 Summaron is a FABULOUS lens. It renders beautifully in B&W and even looks fairly "modern" with recent color emulsions. Very versatile. But it is slow, and I don't think fits a 1-lens kit. Here's a few photos, though 🙂


51290035_DxO by ndjedinak, on Flickr


49320002_DxO by ndjedinak, on Flickr

Love those Summarons!
 
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