Leica LTM Wide Lens recomendations

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
B

blacknoise

Established
Local time
6:20 AM
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
107
Hi there,

I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a wide (preferably 28mm, fairly fast) for my IIIf. I'm not particularly fussed about getting a Leica branded optic, just a good one that will be properly compatible with my camera (RF coupling etc). I'm looking for a fairly cheap lens up to £100 or maybe £150 ($150-220) any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Rob
 
Voigtlander 28/1.9 would seem to be the answer, as well as Voigtlander 28/3.5, but you may need to pay a bit more than you plan
 
The CV line is excellent for the relative low cost. Maybe you can get a CV 25mm/4 snapshot. It is a great lens, but it is not "fast".
 
The Canon 28/2.8 costs more than the [better] Canon 28/3.5, which ranges in cost between $150-$250.
 
If i can get a Canon for about that price in the UK that would be perfect! :)

I'm also looking at the Jupiter-12 cos ive got one for my Kiev and its a nice lens, guess the 35mm might be a little more versatile.
 
The Jupiter-12 can be a very nice lens, but quality control can be hit or miss. It's also prone to interesting flare if the black paint around the huge rear element gets chipped or scratched. Still worth a try. I love both of the CV Skopars (35mm f/2.5, 28mm f/3.5) on my IIIf, especially the 28mm. The 28mm may be a little out of your price range, but it is superb. Either CV lens has the advanage of being much younger than either a Canon or a Jupiter.
 
the CV lenses seem like a good choice, I'm going to have a think about how much I need/want a wide lens, its a toss up between the 28mm ƒ3.5 and the J-12 at the moment.

EDIT: I've seen both black and silver J-12s, I think the silver one looks better cosmetically, but is there any difference in quality?
 
Last edited:
raid said:
The Canon 28/2.8 costs more than the [better] Canon 28/3.5, which ranges in cost between $150-$250.
Click to expand...

I was shopping for this for a while and prices have jumped well above what you quote, raid. Of course I blame you for recommending it! Raid is the Alan Greenspan of RF lenses... ;)
 
blacknoise said:
EDIT: I've seen both black and silver J-12s, I think the silver one looks better cosmetically, but is there any difference in quality?
Click to expand...

Some will say that quality control was better on the earlier, silver lenses. Another generalization is that the best years, quality-wise, are from 55 through 65. It really depends on the individual sample. My favorite FSU lens, and I've had my share, is a black Jupiter-8 from 1985 ... supposedly a terrible period.
 
blacknoise said:
EDIT: I've seen both black and silver J-12s, I think the silver one looks better cosmetically, but is there any difference in quality?
Click to expand...

I have a black J-12 from 1987 that works great for me on my IIIf. I also purchased a CV finder. See my avatar at left.

Jim N.
 
raid said:
Cheapest shipping is 39 Pounds to the USA.
This is too much.
Click to expand...

The original poster is in the United Kingdom - so that wouldn't be a factor. However, London prices are generally higher than elsewhere in the UK because of overheads etc. But you usually get a guarantee.
 
You could look into the Orion-15, although it's really slow - f6! I tracked one down on the bay because the more common Jupiter-12 will not fit my Bessa L.
 
Even with shipping to the US, that's a great price for the 21mm Avenon lens. It's quite fast for a 21mm lens. Unfortunately, my primary LTM camera is a Canon 7s, whose baffles are incompatible with that lens. I'd really like to have a 21mm lens, and would have bought it if I could have used it!
 
They seem to have several lenses for sale at this price. I just ordered one at $216 shipped to the USA. It seems to be half price compared to what such a lens usually sells for. The lens hood is missing and there is no finder. I have a Russar 20mm finder that will work with this lens if carefully framed.

I have several LTM bodies, so one of them should work with the lens.
Canon 7, P, and with an M adapter on a Leica M3, M6 ... etc.

The Canon 19mm 3.5 fits on my Canon P.

Thanks a lot, John.
---------------------------

John said:

"Even with shipping to the US, that's a great price for the 21mm Avenon lens. It's quite fast for a 21mm lens. Unfortunately, my primary LTM camera is a Canon 7s, whose baffles are incompatible with that lens. I'd really like to have a 21mm lens, and would have bought it if I could have used it!"
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom