Recommended 50mm lenses ~$500 range

[Torgian]

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Hey everyone.

 

So I'm looking at possibly replacing my 50mm Zeiss 1.5 with a 50mm Leica lens. I should be able to get around 500 back if I traded it in for a lens at one of the camera shops here in Osaka.

 

I'm looking at possibly getting a Leica lens that is fast. I do like having a fast 50mm for those portrait shoots, since I can still stop it down for street photography and get nice, sharp pictures.

 

I don't mind buying an older, used lens. While I would love to have a 50mm Summilux 1.4 ASPH, or a Noctilux .95 (gods... that magic...) I simply cannot afford it just yet.

 

Also, can you inform me what I should be looking for in a used lens? I know what to look out for as far as fungus, but not sure how else I should inspect the lens.

 

While we're at it, recommend any 35mm 2.0s as well

 

Thanks for your help.

[joeswe]

Hey everyone.

 

So I'm looking at possibly replacing my 50mm Zeiss 1.5 with a 50mm Leica lens. I should be able to get around 500 back if I traded it in for a lens at one of the camera shops here in Osaka.

 

I'm looking at possibly getting a Leica lens that is fast. I do like having a fast 50mm for those portrait shoots, since I can still stop it down for street photography and get nice, sharp pictures.

 

I don't mind buying an older, used lens. While I would love to have a 50mm Summilux 1.4 ASPH, or a Noctilux .95 (gods... that magic...) I simply cannot afford it just yet.

 

Also, can you inform me what I should be looking for in a used lens? I know what to look out for as far as fungus, but not sure how else I should inspect the lens.

 

While we're at it, recommend any 35mm 2.0s as well

 

Thanks for your help.

 

I am not sure how "fast" for you is fast enough; If your budget is 500$ and you want a faster than f2 Leica branded lens, the Summarit f1.5 is about the only option. It's a very old design and I leave its evaluation to others, as I have no personal experience with it.

 

The next cheapest fast Leica 50 would be the 1st version and 2nd version of the pre-ASPH Summilux, of which the 2nd version is more desirable (SN 1,84x,xxx upwards), but you will have difficulties to find one of those for less than 1000 $ unless it is completely beaten up.

 

If a 50mm f2 is fast enough, 500$ would get you an older Summicron (rigid or version III from 1969) in user condition.

 

But as you are in Japan, I would seriously consider looking for a Canon rangefinder 50mm f1.4; these are relatively common in Japan, the glass is usually in better shape than that of contemporary Leica lenses and they are priced very modestly. I bought mine for just 22.000 Yen a couple of weeks ago in Osaka. I haven't used it enough for a final evaluation but I am quite impressed so far. The Canon 35mm f2 is also a very nice lens which sells around 30.000~35.000 Yen in Japan.

 

Haze (fog), fungus, balsam separation and scratches are the main thing to watch out for. You will need a small LED flashlight to shine through the lens and then look from the other side into the lens at different angles. Some of the older lenses with haze/fog may not clean up easily or clean up at all when serviced, so it's better to look for a clean copy. Most camera shops in Japan will fully disclose any problems with used lenses by making note of them on the price tag, but of course its always better to check for yourself. Some might also put stickers on the rear cap with info regarding problems.

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[Ecaton]

If fast and the Leica brand are must haves, I`d rather be patient and save more money until the funds allow to buy a Summilux 50 pre asph.

[bideford]

....as you are in Japan, I would seriously consider looking for a Canon rangefinder 50mm f1.4; these are relatively common in Japan, the glass is usually in better shape than that of contemporary Leica lenses and they are priced very modestly. I bought mine for just 22.000 Yen a couple of weeks ago in Osaka. I haven't used it enough for a final evaluation but I am quite impressed so far. The Canon 35mm f2 is also a very nice lens which sells around 30.000~35.000 Yen in Japan.

 

+1 with the Canon 50mm 1.4 - although you could also consider the screw mount CV 50mm 1.5

 

James

[james.liam]

+1 with the Canon 50mm 1.4 - although you could also consider the screw mount CV 50mm 1.5

 

James

 

The added cost of an LTM>M adapter makes the new M-mount version a more practicable choice, though still somewhat north of $500.

[wda]

Torgian, given both your desire and constraints, I wonder whether you stand to achieve any noticeable gain by selling your Zeiss lens for a possibly older Leica lens, other than owning a Leica product. Why not clarify your needs, to yourself, and then save for a worthwhile solution?

[bocaburger]

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The least-expensive faster-than-f/2 Leica 50 worth owning would be a pre-ASPH Summilux, and one in decent but not mint condition will set you back at least 3 times that $500 limit. I got my Summilux (v.2) for $650 but that was 5-6 years ago before Leica went berserk with their new lens prices and drove the used prices up commensurately. Frankly I would hang onto the Zeiss, because as much as I like my Lux I don't consider it worth what they go for these days.

[smb]

The Zeiss lens that you are using is exceptionally good lens. Any Summicron is going to be 1k maybe more. Personally, I would stay with the Zeiss. I have one and a Summicron V3. I can't tell the difference. (Other people might.)

[philipus]

Why sell the Zeiss?

[james.liam]

Why sell the Zeiss?

 

Well, if it were my only 50, I would. Too much of a quirky specialty lens.

[TRIago]

I have Canon 50mm f1.4 LTM and Leica 50mm f2 Rigid Summicron.

Both are really good but if I had to have only one it'd be the Rigid, easily.

As for 35mm f2, I have the Summicron Asph and it seriously is a joy to use.

[Lenshacker]

You will not be able to find a lens that is as good as the C-Sonnar in the $500 range. The best Leica lens that is close is the Summicron 50/2. You can get a 5cm F1.5 Summarit in this range, will give you a vintage look. Not as sharp, and low-contrast compared with the C-Sonnar. You might consider offering the C-Sonnar in a trade for a used Summicron if you simply do not like the C-Sonnar.

[Jaybob]

I use a 1964 Rigid, a pristine example will run you $500 to $750, if not more.

The Summicron-C 40mm is in the same ballpark.

 

In certain situations, f1.5 or 1.4 can be super helpful. Up to me, If budget is the issue, I'd think about keeping the Zeiss, and getting a $600 Voightlander 35 1.4, and just shoot shoot shoot, and not worry about how the lens is labeled.

[Cooder]

If one of the reasons for selling the Sonar is focus shift (it was it for me), be careful. Older Summilux 50 (and other old fast 50s) may behave in the same manner...

[bocaburger]

My 1982-vintage Summilux has no focus shift on film, M8, M9 or M240.

[dugby]

I have both-

a) black Zeiss ZM Planar 50mm 2.0

silver Leica ASPH Summilux-M 50mm

 

I can say that whilst the Lux can capture some exquisite images, the Planar is a far lighter and easier of the two to focus and shoot on my M240. I suspect that the silver(brass) Lux being so much heavier is affecting the way I use/hold my M240......I need to practice more with Lux.

 

In my opinion the Planar is an outstanding value lens in the ~$500 range.

[jaques]

fast Leica lens for $500?/? Fogettaboutit...

 

I second the call to look for a Canon LTM lens if you are in Japan. The 50 1.8's sell for practically nothing and are very nice- sturdy lenses. The 1.4's can be had for just a few hundred dollars- and the 1.2's are also possible to get for > 500.

[uhoh7]

I agree with many here.

 

300 for a canon 50/1.4 or 500 for a canon 50/1.2 but be ready for calibration issues.

 

here is the 50/1.4 on M9 at f/4

L1001696 by unoh7, on Flickr

 

Wide Open:

L1001683 by unoh7, on Flickr

 

Around 2.8:

L1001716 by unoh7, on Flickr

[uhoh7]

One more wide open indoors:

L1001685 by unoh7, on Flickr

 

In this same range is the CV 50/1.5, which is probably the best bet really for a fast 500.00 M (LTM) lens which will probably be calibrated and in good shape. That is a really great lens BTW. With far less focus shift issues, from what I hear. But I don't have one

 

Now another option would be the CV 50/1.1 for around 725USD, which is a great lens, but heavy.

 

The Older pre-asph 50 lux is a very very good lens, but cheapest would be around 1300.

Edited January 7, 2015 by uhoh7

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