Totaly new to Leica-- ex D700 user --about to buy M9-- best 3 lenses combo

I would grab a 35 1.4 Summilux and film body to start. In fact thats what I did before considering getting a M9. There is nothing wrong with jumping in with both feet. But if you get a film lecia and a 35 1.4 you will get a real sense of what range finder photography is like. So far I don't regret getting a film lecia first at all. The handling of these camera's is just joy. And after fro 25 years I wanted a M3 and now it's mine. it will never be obsolete :) And the images it's delivered on film scanned at wal mart are impressive . Wait untill I run some real b+w through it this week.
Saying that I still have and use and carry my D3/F3t/F4s and Nikkor glass from 8mm-800mm..
For me it's not a either or question.
Both systems have there time and place. I can tell that the size of the camera and lens of the M system take's up the same space in a camera bag as one Nikkor AIS prime.

And when my local camera store actually has a M9 for me to try I will know what end of the points in what direction.

Good luck with your choices.
 
ferider said:
Alright, if you want to jump right in ..... I recommend 35/1.4 + 75/1.4 or 35/2 + 75/1.4 though. The 75/1.4 is phenomenal, and speed is more useful for the longer lenses IMO.

Have a look at the flickr M-mount forum (see my signature) and at the fingerprint of the different lenses.

To be honest, very few people here use an M9 (yet), and I haven't seen any M9 75 photos. You'll be on quite new territory.

Roland.
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I agree one hundred percent with Roland. The 35/75 combo is so flexible and, if you are mainly a 35 man, this combo will do everything for you except extreme wide angles like 21 and greater. I think the summicron 35/2 or some other preferred 35/2 is more useful than the summilux 35/1,4 as your main lens due to the compact size of a 35/2. While the lux asph is not huge by 35 standards, I found myself preferring the summicron 35/2 over my summilux 35/1,4 asph for reasons of compactness. Also with f2 and fast film and a small stealthy lens, I find I can get good low light detail on the street. If this were a dream holy trinity of lenses, you could add a 21/1,4 to it and be quite pleased with your RF kit unto the ages of ages ;)
 
I am really sorry if my comment is offending someone but... Isn't it a bit strange than almost every day someone wants to dump her/his expensive pro digital camera to buy top of the line Leicas or a film camera? Usually someone reach the D700 level only after some years of shotting, and understand perfectly that different toold are for different jobs, does such a person really need advice on how to focus a rangefinder or to be explained what she/he will lose by shotting only film? To me it is either a sign that trolls enter groups despite the need for registration or that too many people have money to spend but are in fact rather shallow when they take a decision...

GLF
 
Thank you so much for all these very useful comments and suggestions..

you are all very good people..

I have sold all my nikon gear and money in pocket..

First I will try a rangefinder system by renting.. but ı have a very big passion to have "leica" and to use "leica.".
 
One of the most effective methods of 'renting' a Leica RF is to buy secondhand.
If you buy kit that's in good condition, it's normally possible to sell again very quickly.
A number of dealers sell FSOB with 20% commission - a lot less risk for all involved than e-bay. Often prices will rise and you have a free rental :)
 
Benjamin Marks said:
Hey, let's assume that the OP is an adult, has the disposable income, can make his own decisions and wants recommendations about what is best.
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lovefinder said:
I know the rangefinder system.. and limitings about tele and macro.. but also ı feel the diferent soul.
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So, he's an adult and he's been bitten by the bug like most here.

You've been recommended the 35/75 combo and I happen to use that myself. From personal experience with these lenses, I use the 35/2 ASPH and the 75/2 ASPH. I kept the 35/1.4 ASPH for use in low light only. I understand there are focusing problems with the 35/1.4 ASPH lens on the M8, don't know about the M9. You'll find the two f2 lenses will provide a nice compact rig in comparison to your D700 and the image quality will be outstanding. If later you want to go even wider I suggest the 24/2.8 ASPH.
 
I'm in the same boat as the OP, but I intend to also keep my D700 and lenses. Not that I shoot alot of tele or closeups, but I'd like to still have the possibility.

If I'll buy an M9, and I'll probably do, I've been thinking of only getting ONE lens. I like minimalism and most of the time I use a Voigtländer 40/2 Ultron on the D700, so a 35 feels like a safe bet. But, which one?
The Voigtländer 35/1.2 Nokton is tempting, but then I'll lose to much of the benefit with the M9, namely small size and low weight.
 
Welcome to the forum Makten! I'd recommend the Leica 35/2 ASPH to you too. It's very compact, terrific IQ, and has the unexpected bonus of coming with a great hood, a rarity with Leica, believe me! Also there is internet talk that Leica may come out with a new 35/1.4 ASPH to correct the focusing issues some have had on the M8 with this lens.
 
I 'd go with
35 pre asph Lux....Tiny Sweet Retro Cooool
75 summicron Apo.....Deadly SHARP /Modern yet a beautiful feel to the background

Though an Older Noctilux would be SUPREME!!
 
Roger Hicks said:
Yes. Or you could buy a car. Autofocus SLRs were as much a part of the original question as motor-cars.

Cheers,

R.
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Of course you're right, but what I tried to illustrate is that to me it's kind of funny; someone who has never used a rangefinder is ready to buy an M9 with 3 top of the line lenses totaling more than 20.000 USD.

If you don't know if you like rangefinder camera's, test-drive one (not a car :D) and see for yourself.

Ah well, if I would have that kind of money I would probably do the same :)

My 0.02 cents (from a poor photog student :<)
 
By the way to the OP

You're certain you want digital over film? There are some good camera's for a lot less money that use film.
 
robbert said:
Of course you're right, but what I tried to illustrate is that to me it's kind of funny; someone who has never used a rangefinder is ready to buy an M9 with 3 top of the line lenses totaling more than 20.000 USD.

If you don't know if you like rangefinder camera's, test-drive one (not a car :D) and see for yourself.

Ah well, if I would have that kind of money I would probably do the same :)

My 0.02 cents (from a poor photog student :<)
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Well, yes, I agree. But you have to take people at face value in this sort of thing, if you reply at all.

Cheers,

R.
 
peter_n said:
Welcome to the forum Makten!
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Thanks!

I'd recommend the Leica 35/2 ASPH to you too. It's very compact, terrific IQ, and has the unexpected bonus of coming with a great hood, a rarity with Leica, believe me! Also there is internet talk that Leica may come out with a new 35/1.4 ASPH to correct the focusing issues some have had on the M8 with this lens.
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Yes, I've been thinkin' about the Summicron, but the price is a bit high for "only" f/2. I think I want something faster if I'm only gonna have one lens, but if I get two...

I also have an old Summmicron-C 40/2 and an Elmar-C 90/4. Unfortunately the Summicron has an awful "play" between the bayonet and the barrel, which probably will ruin IQ by tilting the lens even just so slightly. I've tried to disasseble it, but I didn't get further than to make the bayonet com off.
That lens would be a nice complement to the 35/1.2 Nokton...

Questions, questions. The main problem right now is the non-availability of the M9 itself. But at least it gives me some time to think.

------------------------------

Edit: About expensive cameras... I'm not rich at all. But I do spend almost all my money on camera gear, because that's my hobby. I don't see a problem with the M9 being worth close to nothing in a couple of years. The same thing goes for cars, clothes, whatever.
 
If you want the speed pick up a used CV 35/1.4 Nokton and see if you like it. It's had mixed reviews but it's your eye that counts...
 
peter_n said:
If you want the speed pick up a used CV 35/1.4 Nokton and see if you like it. It's had mixed reviews but it's your eye that counts...
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Yes, the eyes... That's obviously a problem when choosing lenses for RF cameras. Even the threads saying "show your [insert whatever lens] pictures!" seldom contain more than a few pictures. :rolleyes:

The 35/1.4 Nokton is probably one of the most rational choices. It seems sharp enough, is small and cheap. But, if I buy an M9 I'd really want something special. Perhaps the 1.4 Nokton is alright, but I'll have to seek for more picture samples first. My main concern with it (as it appears) is barrel distortion and quite harsh bokeh.
 
Makten said:
I'm in the same boat as the OP, but I intend to also keep my D700 and lenses. Not that I shoot alot of tele or closeups, but I'd like to still have the possibility.

If I'll buy an M9, and I'll probably do, I've been thinking of only getting ONE lens. I like minimalism and most of the time I use a Voigtländer 40/2 Ultron on the D700, so a 35 feels like a safe bet. But, which one?
The Voigtländer 35/1.2 Nokton is tempting, but then I'll lose to much of the benefit with the M9, namely small size and low weight.
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There's a UC-Hexanon in the classifieds right now (no ties to seller, only to Hexanons:cool:), and it is as good as the 35mm f2.0 Summicron pre-ASPH. But, less cash involved. There's lens comparisons on the two lenses on RFF to back my claim, I'm positive you'll agree!
 
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