What 50mm for my M3?

[Borge H]

I agree with many - do not buy fungus lens. It is like taking photos with a lens with vapour on. Not a good idea.

I suggest you to add some more money and buys a second hand 50 mm Elmar. I have one, they give the traditional Leica glow at full opening.

I found this for 349 pound (about 533 dollar). I guess you can find some nearer you. http://viewitem.eim.ebay.se/Leica-L...om-RS-Photo-Newent--u2893--/300878366286/item
and this for 249 pound (about 380 dollar): http://www.ffordes.com/product/13050314370181

I have three 50 mm lenses, Elmar, Summicorn and Summilux ASH. The difference is lesser than most think. Summilux is nice at 1.4, it blurs the background nicely. Summicron is sharpest, it is razor sharp at 2.0 but the Elmar gives you a dream glow at 2.8.

Buy a good Elmar and save up for a new Summicron or Summilux!

 

[ferider]

Basically all Leica lenses from that period have haze to some degree. So if you can inspect the DR Summicron with a flash light, and the haze is very subtle, that's the lens I would go for.

The best bang for the buck in term of IQ is the new Nokton if you want a fast lens, or the M-Hex or ZM Planar 50/2 if f2 is fast enough (there is one of each in the classifieds right now, for around US 600). All three out of your budget though. Maybe get a Canon 50/1.8 or 50/1.4 (both excellent) and save up for the Nokton ?

Roland.

 

[matt_mcg2]

It depends also, on what you are looking for, in terms of the rendering and the general visual quality of the photos.

If you like a bit of 'character' you might be better off with an older LTM lens, for example, such as a Summar or Summitar. On the other hand, in terms of reliable 'modern' looking lenses, I've seen 50mm M-Hexanons occasionally crop up cheap [along with the other options discussed already above].

I use a coated, and fairly clean Summar as my main 50, and I paid something like the UK equivalent of $100 US for it.

 

[thegman]

Generally, I'd go for the DR. Collapsible lenses can become a pain, if you're putting it in and out of your bag. The Canon is interesting, but just too big for me. I had a Nokon 1.1, cool, but just massive.

 

[tennis-joe]

I have used Nikkor LTM lenses with great results, 50f2.0 and 50f1.4. The ones I have various are all clear without fungus. 50f2's go from about $250- $400 and the 1.4's can go for up to $800 but I think I paid @ $350 + shipping from Japan. The are great but remember you need an adapter also.
Joe

 

[B.Toews]

Thanks for the further input! I was able to inspect the DR Summicron, but I only had the flashlight on my ipod with me at the time. The haze was minimal, but I think for now I will look for a Canon 1.4, and start saving for a later model Summicron. The store also had a Nikkor 50/1.4 LTM for $250, but I was able to inspect it and it wasn't in very good shape, with fairly major haze and cleaning marks.

This is my first major venture into film in 6-7 years, and the M3 is my first serious rangefinder. Chances are I'll shoot with whatever lens I get until early next year, and then decide if I should upgrade then. I have mostly used SLRs and DSLRs in the past, and my main camera right now is a Canon 5D, so this is a bit of a change for me!

 

[Jan Pedersen]

I think this is a wise decision, by then you will have a much better idea about what your next lens purchase should be.