When [lens] life was less complicated...

[dreamsandart]

When [lens] life was less complicated...

When I first was getting into 35mm photography and that means Leica since it was my first camera, the newest lens was 'the best' and back then there were not that many versions anyway. But these days with all the generations, choices and feelings of 'vintage look', 'sharpest', expense, built quality and/or whatever, it sometimes just all seem too much. ( maybe I like too many lenses for whatever reason )

How many of you just use what ever you have, or are you like most Leica Folks looking for that perfect lens? Have you found it, sold it, re-bought it? Is there a lens you will never sell - or that is till the next best one comes along?

Just wondering how folks feel about their Leica lenses in general.

 

[kbg32]

I have what I have, and will not get rid of them - 28 Elmarit, 21mm Super Angulon, and 50mm Summitar. They were original first purchases and have only added to my gear by buying Voigtlanders of focal lengths that I don't often use or are not made by Leitz - 12mm, 15mm, and 35mm.

 

[OldNick]

I started in 1952 with a Leica IIIa and a 5cm f/3.5 Elmar. I still have them both. I've tried more exotic lenses, such as the 7.3cm f/1.9 Hektor, and the 5cm f/1.5 Summarit, but did not enjoy them and sold them. I've added a Leica IIIf RD, a 5cm f/2 Summitar, and a 3.5cm f/2.8 Jupiter 12, and I find that I am happy with this equipment. An M camera would be nice, but I can't justify the investment.

Jim N.

 

[peter_n]

I'm a newish (3 years) Leica user and I've gone back and forth on the lenses. I have a mixture; 3 of my 50mm lenses (I have 4 ) are older, everything else is newer, including 3 ASPH lenses. If I like the look of the lens in my pictures then I keep it otherwise I sell it. It's taken three years but I've more-or-less settled down and like the mix of lenses I currently have.

 

[ray_g]

I am done with buying lenses and bodies. In fact, I probably need to sell some off. Problem is, I have now moved to straps, bags and cases.:bang:

 

[back alley]

I am done with buying lenses and bodies. In fact, I probably need to sell some off. Problem is, I have now moved to straps, bags and cases.:bang:

biting my tongue till it bleeds...😉

 

[ray_g]

Heh... I didn't mention anything about trades.

 

[back alley]

Heh... I didn't mention anything about trades.

yeah yeah yeah 😉

so, what are thinking about selling?

joe

 

[ray_g]

Aahhhh. Don't know yet. Maybe a CLE?


I know what your heart desires.

 

[back alley]

Aahhhh. Don't know yet. Maybe a CLE?


I know what your heart desires.

damn you ray!

you could have offered THAT for a trade before!!

decide fast before i use all my cash for that new digital...

 

[Stephanie Brim]

CLE? Nah. I think I'll hold out for a Bessa R2M. 🙂

My Leica lust has gone down since I got my Russian glass, surprisingly. The only lens I really want now is a 90mm Elmar. I wouldn't mind having the 50mm collapsible Elmar either, but the J-3 serves me well (as you'll see once this darn roll of film dries). I seriously think that the step back from here and APUG helped me get rid of a lot of my GAS and focus on really loving the stuff I have.

 

[ray_g]

damn you ray!

LOL... just yanking your chain, boss. Sorry, I guess that was mean. 😉

 

[wlewisiii]

Glad to hear that the J3 is working out, Stephanie. As for me, the only lens I feel a need for is an Industar 61L/D. I've had it and sold it several times, but always end up missing it. :bang: Of course, being broke with several bills to pay off helps damped any GAS that might flare up... 😀

William

 

[back alley]

LOL... just yanking your chain, boss. Sorry, I guess that was mean. 😉

i'm headin' to the caribe part of town tamorra and gettin' me a doll what looks like you and some pins, some long nasty pins...

but i'll be looking for the soon to come for sale list also 🙂

joe

could you send me the excel sheet with your inventory on it please...

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I'm pretty much done. In fact, one bright morning I woke up and the first thought that came to my mind was "I'm happy. I just don't need a silver 35mm Summilux any more."

But then, sometimes I wish I had a faster lens... And then I realize I've shot at 1/15th of a second before and nothing happened. I guess my quest (which started at about the same time as Peter's) is now over.

Would that make me a real un-Leica-owner guy? 😕

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Glad to hear that the J3 is working out, Stephanie. As for me, the only lens I feel a need for is a Industar 61L/D. I've had it and sold it several times, but always end up missing it. :bang: Of course, being broke with several bills to pay off helps damped any GAS that might flare up... 😀

William

Yeah...it's the whole needing a car thing here that kind of puts a damper on my GAS. I knew that the R2M's were coming soon and I'm looking for a job that could allow me to afford one of those beauties...having an M-system camera would be my logical next step and I won't buy a camera that isn't mechanical.

Maybe next year. Wonder if I could get Stephen Gandy to save one of the sets for me until May or so... 😀

But anyway, I think the J3 is coming with me to the state fair on Friday. I love the lens and I can't wait to see how things go during its first real outing.

 

[wlewisiii]

But anyway, I think the J3 is coming with me to the state fair on Friday. I love the lens and I can't wait to see how things go during its first real outing.

State Fair? Take at least one roll of color with you. I know you're on a Tri-X thing & souping it yourself is a much cheaper option but a fair midway is just made for Reala if you have any. Superia will do too, but Reala is just so tasty in those situations. Shot a roll & 3/4 today of Reala at the Wisconsin State Fair w/ the CL & 'Cron. Much fun.

Since you have a good scanner, just get a neg only at walgreens. ~$2 IIRC (I always get the CD too for ~$5).

William

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Heh. The Canon Snappy is also going to go with me loaded with Reala so that I can have a camera with a 35mm lens. 😉 I may also bring one or two more rolls for use in the rangefinder. I have a feeling I'll be shooting a lot...I've never been to the state fair. 🙂