What lens have gone under the radar, sleepers

[lxmike]

Some at the moment l am having some fun giving time to a small collection of ltm lenses, namely, Leitz Summar, Leitz 5cm Elmar, Leitz 3.5cm Summaron, CV Nokton 50mm 1.5, anon 50mm 1.5 Sonnar and an Industar 22. So out of the many ltm lenses out there what are the sleepers, the lenses that often remain unsung and under the radar.🙂

 

[Dralowid]

90mm Elmar, probably the cheapest Leica lens around but can be very good.

 

[benmacphoto]

The Canon 35mm f2.0 LTM.
My opinion is it's the best 35mm for LTM.
Can be found for less then a 35mm Summaron f3.5 and performs better.

 

[lxmike]

90mm Elmar, probably the cheapest Leica lens around but can be very good.

I must admit to my shame that l do not have a 90mm Elmar/9cm Elmar in my inventory

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Orion-15...

 

[lxmike]

The Canon 35mm f2.0 LTM.
My opinion is it's the best 35mm for LTM.
Can be found for less then a 35mm Summaron f3.5 and performs better.

thanks for the recommendation, currently have a Summaron in my line up but always on the lookout for more glass🙂

 

[raid]

I think that maybe all Canon ltm lenses are worthwhile thinking about and then using one at a time.

 

[Bingley]

I still think that the Canon 50/1.8 is a terrific lens, in any of the versions. It’s probably undervalued bc so many were made and it’s pretty cheap. But it’s an outstanding performer.

I’m also a fan of the Summitar. It’s a much less expensive alternative to the collapsible Summicron and can often be found in better shape than the chron.

 

[Bingley]

thanks for the recommendation, currently have a Summaron in my line up but always on the lookout for more glass🙂

I have both of these lenses. They’re both excellent. The Canon has a more modern look and is great with color as well as bw.

 

[raid]

Yes, the Canon 50/1.8 is a highly undervalued lens. Just because it is cheap does not mean it is as good as an old Summicron.

 

[xayraa33]

The Topcor 3.5 cm f2.8 in LTM would be my choice of a sleeper lens.

Better sharpness and corner rendering than the Canon 35mm f2.8 and the Nikkor 3.5cm f2.5 lens

The rear element is huge, about the size of what is found on a 35mm f2 lens in RF lenses.

The only problem with this Topcor lens is that it is rather rare and not cheap in price these days.

 

[lxmike]

I think that maybe all Canon ltm lenses are worthwhile thinking about and then using one at a time.

I do like the build quality of the canon glass, solid sturdy lenses

 

[lxmike]

I still think that the Canon 50/1.8 is a terrific lens, in any of the versions. It’s probably undervalued bc so many were made and it’s pretty cheap. But it’s an outstanding performer.

I’m also a fan of the Summitar. It’s a much less expensive alternative to the collapsible Summicron and can often be found in better shape than the chron.

I have a lot of fifties, my favorite angle of view and/or focal length, never owned a 'Cron, briefly owned a Summitar and foolishly sold it😱

 

[lxmike]

The Topcor 3.5 cm f2.8 in LTM would be my choice of a sleeper lens.

Better sharpness and corner rendering than the Canon 35mm f2.8 and the Nikkor 3.5cm f2.5 lens

The rear element is huge, about the size of what is found on a 35mm f2 lens in RF lenses.

The only problem with this Topcor lens is that it is rather rare and not cheap in price these days.

another one to look out for many thanks

 

[bayernfan]

Most of the LTM lenses are classic lens designs and as such have unique image traits. One individual may find the "look" highly appealing, where the next individual might find it highly unappealing. Keep this in mind.

With that point made:

The Canon 50/1.8 is probably THE sleeper. The results I've seen from it are impressive.

The Summitar can still be had for nice money and it's one heck of a "character" lens.

The Summaron 35/3.5 was the 35mm sleeper, but it seems people have caught on as prices are rising.

 

[robbeiflex]

I think in the internet age there is nothing left that hasn't been written about and hyped extensively by someone somewhere. That said, now that Voigtländer 15mm VM v3 exists, the original LTM Super Wide Heliar is under appreciated in the digital world but still fanstastic on film!

 

[splitimageview]

The lowly Elmar 50/3.5.

Won’t surprise those who have used it, but it’s not sexy fast or the hot optical configuration with exotic glass...so might be considered a sleeper candidate

 

[rodt16s]

Big Summitar fan here, has never let me down
The Canon 100/3.5, cheap, not a bad performer but can suffer from hazy glass

 

[madNbad]

Chiyoko Super Rokkor 45mm 2.8
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34622

 

[Timmyjoe]

I like the Canon 35mm f1.8 LTM and the Canon 28mm f2.8 LTM. I know they don't get much love around here, but even wide open the two I have are tack sharp in the center of the frame. They both need to be stopped down a couple stops to be dead sharp across the frame, but I can live with that.

Best,
-Tim