Lauffray
Invisible Cities
Hello all...
I have only one system I use all the time and so far I've been very happy with it (M7 + 35 cron asph)
Until one day while on vacation 6000km away from home, I had a nasty accident and was left basically with no working camera. So, after coming home and repairing it, I've decided to try and put together a less expensive backup system, an old-ish full mechanical rangefinder and a compact 35/2 lens.
After quite a bit of research online, I'm now basically facing two equally unattractive options, either an affordable, new-ish, slower 35mm (Zeiss 35/2.8 or Leica 35/2.5) or an older, expensive, faster one (typically Leica crons) with prices averaging 1500$ at least
Argh..... !!! I feel like I'm turning in circles with no decision in sight
I have only one system I use all the time and so far I've been very happy with it (M7 + 35 cron asph)
Until one day while on vacation 6000km away from home, I had a nasty accident and was left basically with no working camera. So, after coming home and repairing it, I've decided to try and put together a less expensive backup system, an old-ish full mechanical rangefinder and a compact 35/2 lens.
After quite a bit of research online, I'm now basically facing two equally unattractive options, either an affordable, new-ish, slower 35mm (Zeiss 35/2.8 or Leica 35/2.5) or an older, expensive, faster one (typically Leica crons) with prices averaging 1500$ at least
Argh..... !!! I feel like I'm turning in circles with no decision in sight
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What is so unattractive about having to settle on a great lens as your back up?
Wow, you must rethink what unattractive really is... don't be too spoiled to enjoy quality equipment.
Gregoryniss
Well-known
you could get a leica cl + 40mm summicron or minolta CLE + m-rokkor for under $1000. close enough to a 35/2 for a backup.
nobbylon
Veteran
Why not get an M2 and a 35 Ultron? You really can't go wrong with them. If you need a meter get an M6.
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
I just feel there's too much compromise, the affordable option is too slow (I often shoot in low light, even f/2 is rarely enough) and the faster option is just way too expensive
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
I'd suggest a Bessa R2M and the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.4.
If that's not good enough for you as a backup kit then the dilemma you're having is nothing to do with the available equipment.
If that's not good enough for you as a backup kit then the dilemma you're having is nothing to do with the available equipment.
daveywaugh
Blah
A Zeiss Ikon (or R2A) with VC 35 f1.4 would be a good BU IMO. Nice and light too.
daveywaugh
Blah
Sorry... mechanical ;-) Make that an R2M!
daveywaugh
Blah
Beaten by Leigh - great minds think alike heh ;-)
LeicaFan
Well-known
Go with an M2/M4 and get a 35mm or 40mm Nokton. I'm sure that will be good enough for a backup system.
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Leica M2 with a Nokton 35mm 1.2
loplop
Member
I use a Leica IIIc with various 50/2 collapsable lenses, plus a 35/3.5 summaron.
Thing is, there weren't many fast & wide options back in the day... So use a 50 for low light, and the 35 in good light. What's not to like?
Thing is, there weren't many fast & wide options back in the day... So use a 50 for low light, and the 35 in good light. What's not to like?
cosmonaut
Well-known
The Nokton 40mm SC, razor sharp and the single coat was made for B&W, a M2/3 as a back up body.with Also think the VC 35 1.7 could be an option. Tuna is a magician with it.
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loplop
Member
The 35/1.7 is one of the few voigtlanders I really like... pity they aren't sold anymore.
hausen
Well-known
Why don't you have your back up with a 50mm lens and can use back up when 50mm is more suitable and not just wait for next calamity? Retina IIIc with 50/2 is a cheap, tiny but superb back up. If I killed my M6 I would be happy with Retina until it returned.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Ultron if you can find one.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
Lots of good ideas here, thanks folks.
I do have a 50mm that I rarely use, ever since I got the 35mm It's been on 99% of the time
I do have a 50mm that I rarely use, ever since I got the 35mm It's been on 99% of the time
RFluhver
Well-known
I don't see why this is such a big deal. I totally support suggestions of M2 + Nokton 35/1.4. I'll also suggest either M4-2 or M4-P with that same lens. Problem solved. And all very affordable.
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
I have great trouble trying to think up a definition of "unattractive" that matches what seems to be yours when it comes to 35mm lenses.
Just get any of the Voigtländers already, 35/f1.7, 35/f1.4, 40/f1.4, or the outstanding 35/f1.2 if you can scrounge up the extra money, or a 35/f2.5 if it really has to be cheap.
If you don't mind used lenses, there is a Canon 35/f1.8 for 315 EUR Buy-it-now on eBay.
Just get any of the Voigtländers already, 35/f1.7, 35/f1.4, 40/f1.4, or the outstanding 35/f1.2 if you can scrounge up the extra money, or a 35/f2.5 if it really has to be cheap.
If you don't mind used lenses, there is a Canon 35/f1.8 for 315 EUR Buy-it-now on eBay.