flipflop
Well-known
Hi,
I dont have a leica but I think I would like to get an older one something like a M3 with either a 35mm or 50mm lens. I would want only one lens relatively fast 1.8 or faster. I dont want to spend more than 1200.00.
Let me know what you would get.
Thanks I look forward to your comments...
I dont have a leica but I think I would like to get an older one something like a M3 with either a 35mm or 50mm lens. I would want only one lens relatively fast 1.8 or faster. I dont want to spend more than 1200.00.
Let me know what you would get.
Thanks I look forward to your comments...
R
ray_g
Guest
The M3 has no framelines for the 35mm.
If it were me, M3 + 50mm summicron. But since you want a faster lens, it would have to be an LTM lens, like the Nokton, Canon 50/1.5, 1.4 or 1.2, or Nikkor 50/1.4. Any of these combos should fit your budget.
If it were me, M3 + 50mm summicron. But since you want a faster lens, it would have to be an LTM lens, like the Nokton, Canon 50/1.5, 1.4 or 1.2, or Nikkor 50/1.4. Any of these combos should fit your budget.
R
ray_g
Guest
If you are considering the 35 at all, as i think you are, you'd be better off with an M2 or newer body.
FrankS
Registered User
M3 with 50mm Summicron/Summitar/Summarit. 
Honus
carpe diem
If you want a Leica lens faster than f2, given your budget, a 50/1.5 Summarit would probably be the only possibility. It would work nicely with either a M2 or M3.
Alternatively, a 35/1.7 Ultron with a M2 or 50/1.5 Nokton with M2/M3 should be possible for $1200.
- robert
Alternatively, a 35/1.7 Ultron with a M2 or 50/1.5 Nokton with M2/M3 should be possible for $1200.
- robert
richard_l
Well-known
Something to think about. A recent 50mm f/2 Summicron is "faster" than a 50mm f/1.5 Summarit in the sense that the Summicron retains most of its characteristic high definition and contrast even at f/2, while the Summarit needs to be stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 to have sharpness comparable to the Summicron.
However, the Summarit has other virtues wide open (such as suitability for portraits) which may be more important than mere sharpness.
The "one lens" requirement would make me think hard about about a Summicron (even though it is only a measly f/2 ), maybe a rigid or a DR. That and an M3 would make a splendid combo.
However, the Summarit has other virtues wide open (such as suitability for portraits) which may be more important than mere sharpness.
The "one lens" requirement would make me think hard about about a Summicron (even though it is only a measly f/2
), maybe a rigid or a DR. That and an M3 would make a splendid combo.zpuskas
Well-known
First choice, M6 and 35 Summicron. Second choice, M3 and 35 Summicron.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
That is really tough to narrow down to "a favorite", but if I must in these definition-oriented quests:
M6 + tabbed 50 Summicron or 50 pre-asph Summilux
M2 + Summitar
M6 + tabbed 50 Summicron or 50 pre-asph Summilux
M2 + Summitar
VictorM.
Well-known
M2 with Canon 35/1.8.
peter_n
Veteran
I'm lucky enough to already have my favorite which is an M7 with (for lightness) a current 50mm Elmar-M or (for speed) a 50mm pre-ASPH Summilux.
An M3 doesn't have 35mm framelines so if you really like the 35mm focal length consider the special from Photo Village in NYC (who have become a sponsor - did I miss the announcement?) which is a new CV 35/1.7 for $249. See this link for the offer. That lens is a screw-mount so you could use it on a IIIC or F or something to get you started and only spend about $600 for the whole kit!
An M3 doesn't have 35mm framelines so if you really like the 35mm focal length consider the special from Photo Village in NYC (who have become a sponsor - did I miss the announcement?) which is a new CV 35/1.7 for $249. See this link for the offer. That lens is a screw-mount so you could use it on a IIIC or F or something to get you started and only spend about $600 for the whole kit!
R
ray_g
Guest
Don't discount the barnack leicas. This was my first body, and lately, has become one of my favorite carry-along cameras again: IIIF + Summar + CV 50mm finder.
peter_n
Veteran
Welcome to the forum Gipsy!
richard_l
Well-known
Another option: an M3 with a 40mm Summicron-C or M-Rokkor. You should be able to find a lens in excellent condition for $300 or less, which would leave $900 for a really nice M3. You would then have a nice Leica kit with the most versatile focal length, IMO.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
I'm with Ray on this one.. the IIIc/IIIf/IIIg with a collapsible 50 is way cool to look at and quite a conversation piece.
It is my current hot body.. the old stalwart is the M3 with the 35mm Summaron (or Summicron) with goggles.
Dave
It is my current hot body.. the old stalwart is the M3 with the 35mm Summaron (or Summicron) with goggles.
Dave
back alley
IMAGES
really nice looking rig ray!
joe
joe
flipflop
Well-known
then again the canon p looks quite nice as well...backalley you should sell me one. :>
back alley
IMAGES
not likely at this time...
R
ray_g
Guest
Thanks. I'm cutting off the leather neckstrap from my M3 case, and will be making myself a few more wriststraps. As soon as I find my wife's little sewing kit
humanized_form
Established
i think i found mine.
i think i found mine.
leica m7 with .58 viewfinder and a 35mm summilux asph. beautiful combo.
i think i found mine.
leica m7 with .58 viewfinder and a 35mm summilux asph. beautiful combo.
Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
richard_l said:
And, to further distill it, a 40mm Summicron-C on a CL body. No, it's not in the same league as an M(x) for heft and durability, and it has other flaws as well, but it's a really, really small package. The 40 sees a bit more than I'd like it to, but its pictures don't have that blatant 35mm curvature I'm used to seeing.
Of all the rangefinder cameras I've pawed over the past 20 years, this body & lens combo is the one that makes me want to grab it and walk around with it all day. Light weight. Pocket-stuffable. Integral light meter. Pretty good viewfinder. Logical control placement. And the 40mm Summicron is crazy-sharp without being harsh.
You can get this set-up for well under a grand US. Money left over for a used rigid 50mm Summicron.