Well, that didn't happen the way I expected it to. So, which lens?

[grouchos_tash]

I had the Nokton, it was a great lens but too big for me. I got an 50mm Elmar-m instead which I love!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If you could afford 50 2.5 from Leica you could afford plenty of older, used Leica 50 mm and newer Cosina made.
I'm not going to recommend any. They are all different lenses. Some might like big Nokton, some are happy with not expensive Skopar, and some are fine with Elmar-M 50 or Canadian Cron.
I recommend to start with cheaper one and if it works it will be no reason to get more expensive one.
Nokton is good lens to try.

 

[ferider]

You chose well, ecowarrior. Nothing you can not do with that lens. Enjoy the combo !

 

[kermaier]

You chose well, ecowarrior. Nothing you can not do with that lens. Enjoy the combo !

Except slip it into a coat pocket.
For the time you want to do that, get a CV 50/2.5 Skopar.
::Ari

 

[f16sunshine]

I can probably go round and round looking at various lenses and end up with the finest of them all, only for it to be let down by my own talent.

In the end I have ordered the Nokton 50 1.5 in black. I looked at online examples from it, and the reviews are also good, so I suspect it will be perfect for me. I'm sure a Leica lens in the right hands would show it up no trouble at all. I don't have those hands though.

That leaves me with some savings and a new lens with a great reputation. So, look out for some photos at some point!

Thanks all.

(oh and thank you for that link to the brochure - excellent!)

Perfect choice!
It's a lens that can work well in all lighting situations.
Sure it's bigger than the smallest but,... if you chose the Color Skopar or Elmar .... Where would you carry those extra two stops when needed ?
Congrats and Enjoy!

 

[ColColt]

I love the 50 and have two, the 50 f2 DR Summicron and the Zeiss 50 f2 Planar *T lens. I can't tell a dimes worth of difference with either but for whatever the reason favor the DR.