What lens for a M5?

[Durr3]

I just decided to give a M5 a chance. What is a good choice for a 50mm lens that will fit well with the M5? Not the top end and not the low end. Maybe middle of the road. Thanks

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Top and low of what? Money or Character?
Jupiter-3 is low priced lens with a lot of character.

 

[benmacphoto]

Any 50mm Summicron would be great. Some versions are very affordable.

 

[splitimageview]

There might be a few threads around here about 50s.

 

[lewis44]

50 CV Nokton would be a great Combo. Good balance with the M5. Shot this combo for a good while.

 

[Rob-F]

Any 50mm Summicron would be great. Some versions are very affordable.

Yes, the rigid Summicron or the version III 11817. Also the 50 Summilux is a good choice for the M5, especially if you need the extra speed. Its slightly larger size is in scale with the size of the M5.

 

[aizan]

the 50/1.1 nokton would be nice on the larger body, or just the 1.5.

 

[analoged]

I was thinking exactly what Aidan was thinking...😛

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I'm old fashioned and so, as the M5 was sold from 1971 to1975 or 76 I'll suggest a Summicron from that period. And I'd make the same suggestion for the 35, 90 and 135mm lenses.

OTOH, the Jupiter-8 is a pleasant f/2 lens and the Industars are good also but f/2.8 at maximum but you can sometimes pick them up for pennies...

It really depends on how much you want to spend and a bit of luck with the previous owner. Alas, lenses are easily dropped and there are idiots about who are good at taking them to pieces and not so good at the re-assembly part.

So assume you'll have to test the lens carefully with a roll of film and, perhaps, get it checked and sorted out by an expert. Or go to a dealer who is prepared to guarantee everything.

Anyway, have fun.

Regards, David

 

[f16sunshine]

the 50/1.1 nokton would be nice on the larger body, or just the 1.5.

The ltm version f1.5/50mm nokton was always super for me on the m5.
I use the Color Skopar 2.5/50mm on it now as a daily.
For lo-light and high character I use the Canon f1.2/50mm.
The Canon lens is a super 1-2 lens.
Vintage lower contrast character at f1.4-f2,.... becoming quite modern and higher contrast as you stop down.
Still, to choose only fast 1 lens I would choose the nokton.
I prefer the ltm version as it's focus ring/ barrel is more comfortable in use than the m-mount.

 

[Richard G]

Version 4 Summicron works well. For balance I love the ZM C Sonnar on mine.

 

[Durr3]

THANKS for all the advice. Now to start hunting. My budget is $500 +/- so it will most likely take a bit.

 

[raid]

For a $500 budget, I would get:
Canon 50/1.4 or CV 50/1.5 ltm or (if lucky) a Summicron 50.
... or, a Nikon 50/1.4 ltm or 50/2 ltm

I just saw this ad at RFF: $280 for camera plus Nikon 50/2 ltm. Get the lens and sell the camera ... you get cash for film.
Nicca 3-S Rangefinder: This Barnack clone is one of the best. Extremely well made and obviously well cared for, this camera is in unbelievable shape for an early 50's vintage. There are no scratches or dents. Everything functions as designed. The shutter curtain and leatherette look like new. Included is a Nikkor 50mm f2.0 lens. Optically this lens is very good with only a few light cleaning scratches as complaint. Mechanically it has a stiff aperature ring but that may smooth out with use. This is a close focus lens and the transition from regular coupled focus to close non-coupled focus is also a bit stiff. I didn't use the close focus on this camera but it worked great on my Sony a6000. Nicca 3-S body and Nikkor 50/f2.0 $280

 

[Ko.Fe.]

500 is low end in Leica pricing. Only first version of Cron is possible, old made in Japan like Helen recommends, Cosina Viogtlander LTM 2.5 and LTM 1.5.
IMO, If color is preferable - CV, if BW - Collapsible Cron, but it migh feel aquard on M5.

 

[Vickko]

ha ha, the M5 is perfect for a Noctilux. Too bad you can't get one for your budget. Anything else looks just too small for the body.

A 90 Summicron also nicely balances out an M5.

And the 135 Elmarit with goggles is superb.

 

[noisycheese]

If it were me, I'd look for a minty used 50 Summicron. New Summicrons go for $2068 USD at B&H. I took a look on ebay and saw a nice used 50 Summicron for $1100 last week.

Saving $1000 by buying used is hard to say no to in my book.

 

[Durr3]

Found a nice Canon 50mm f1.4....thanks for the help.

 

[mcfingon]

My Canon 50/1.4 works very well with the M5 I borrowed for a couple of days. Here at f1.4 and 15th of a second on Delta 100 in ID-11.

 

[asiafish]

I'd go for Thea new Jupiter 3+ at around $600, it is a fantastic lens with loads of character, modern coatings and that stepless aperture that works well with the spot meter.

 

[paapoopa]

m5 with summaron googles

m5 with summaron googles

I have seen some pictures of the m5 mounted with the summaron googles,
will that work? since the body is slightly bigger than other M.