Hmmmm... now I am getting the S(-E 006), which lenses to go for?...

[Winedemonium]

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I pulled the trigger last week on one of those very specially priced Leica S-E 006 bodies. The deal I got required the purchase of one lens (of course this is necessary anyway!), but I could choose, and I opted for the 100mm Summicron-S.

 

I imagine I will end up after several months with either 3 or 4 lenses. 

 

Quite possibly the 180mm - so I would be very interested in any views on that one.

 

Then either one wide, or two wides. 

 

I understand the FOV equivalents (in 35mm terms) of these lenses - at least in theory, and I am familiar with the 1:1.5 aspect ratio. So ultimately my lens choices will be driven by my photographic output requirements.

 

That said, I would be interested in reading some S lens reviews (if you have experiences, or links to share), and also any pointers S users have on their experience of alternative system lenses used on the S with an adaptor. Are there any particularly magic ones?

 

In the meantime, my focus will be on getting to know the camera and the 100mm Summicron-S. 

 

Cheers,

Linden

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Enjoy its a fantastic system 

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[John McMaster]

If you have the 100mm then my choice would be 24/45/180 to go with it. I never really bonded with the 35mm but I cannot fault it, I use the 120mm most but that is a bit close to your 100mm. None of the S lenses are bad ;-) I also use some Mamiya 645 lenses (50 shift, 80/1.9 and 300/2.8 APO) on my S.

 

john

[Winedemonium]

Thanks John. Those steps make good logical sense. 24/35/100/180 would also make good sense.

 

Interesting thing with the official adaptors from Leica -- bringing in the legacy V, H/HSC, P67, M645, C645 lenses into the picture. Something quite long with a good image circle to cover the sensor would be good. I guess given the S sensor is only 30x45, all of these do it with plenty of room to spare. Is there a focal length chart to work them out? How is the 300/2.8 APO?

 

Best option for a fairly wide shift lens?

 

But, this is getting ahead of myself... basics first. 

[John McMaster]

Multiply focal length x0.8 to get the 35mm equivalent (a 300mm is 300mm whether for 35mm or 10"x8"). The 300mm f2.8 APO is a very good lens, you really need the microprism focussing screen to use it, but will be getting harder to find as not a high selling lens.

 

Shift options are Mamiya 50mm (cheap) or a pricier option as used by Manolo (explained in thread http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/247969-120mm-ts-apo-elmar-%E2%80%93-any-users/ )

 

john

[erlingmm]

I have the 24, the zoom (sold the 30 and the 70 to get it), the 120 CS and the 180, and even bought the 100.

 

The zoom is very versatile, and makes the S a walk-around, but it is a daylight lens.

 

The 120 is ultrasharp, and macro, but sometimes hunts for focus because of the long throw. CS is fun, but not often used.

 

The 180 is the most challenging lens, both to focus, and to hold still, it works best on a tripod.

 

The 24 is very dramatic, and a lot of fun.

 

Of course, it mainly depends on what you shoot. The 100 is a fantastic portrait lens, but also small enough to be a walk-around. 24 is landscape and architecture. I like the zoom because it greatly extends the usage of the S.

 

Your choice ;-)

 

Congratulations, it is a fantastic system. Main challenge for me when the system was new, was to get used to it being more sensitive to camera shake. Get used to shutter 1/3x focal minimum, rehearse good grip and breathing. 

Edited July 27, 2015 by erlingmm

[ravinj]

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>any pointers S users have on their experience of alternative system lenses used on the S with an adaptor. Are there any particularly magic ones?

 

I use the Mamiya 645 200mm F2.8 APO with the Leica made Mamiya 645 to S adapter on my S2. I have to say it is a stunning lens, even wide open. I also have the "native" Leica S 180mm and the Mamiya easily competes with it in total image quality.  A review and sample of the Mamiya on the S2 is here (not my website): http://www.pebbleplace.com/reviews/medium_format/mamiya_200mm_apo/page_1.html

 

I got the adapter used for 50% off in like new condition and the Mamiya lens for ~ $550. So for a total about $850, a no-brainer deal in my view given the stellar results.

Edited July 28, 2015 by ravinj

[xiaubauu2009]

One lens for all! 30-90~

[RVB]

One lens for all! 30-90~

Slow and soft at the edges,also very heavy.. I think the 24/35/100/180 is good advice ,I have the Zoom and its nice for situations where its not ideal to carry multiple lenses or to change lenses but for IQ the primes are better and they can also be bought with CS,(although the 24 and 100 can't )

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Slow and soft at the edges,also very heavy.. I think the 24/35/100/180 is good advice ,I have the Zoom and its nice for situations where its not ideal to carry multiple lenses or to change lenses but for IQ the primes are better and they can also be bought with CS,(although the 24 and 100 can't )

+1

I've been down that road befor and shooting with the S you need all the help you can get with fast lenses. It's a pitty they can't come out with a f1.4

[RVB]

+1

I've been down that road befor and shooting with the S you need all the help you can get with fast lenses. It's a pitty they can't come out with a f1.4

Indeed ,or a wide(ish) cron APO..  anywhere between 45-55mm would be nice.. 

[erlingmm]

+1

I've been down that road befor and shooting with the S you need all the help you can get with fast lenses. It's a pitty they can't come out with a f1.4

 

A 1,4 would have extremely thin DOF on the MF system, creating new focusing challenges in itself, higher ISO on the 007 would probably be a more viable solution.

[RVB]

A 1,4 would have extremely thin DOF on the MF system, creating new focusing challenges in itself, higher ISO on the 007 would probably be a more viable solution.

I believe 1.4 would be he equivalent of F1.12.. So yes,pretty tough to focus,I sold my 006 in anticipation of a new 007,its really taking too long to bring this camera to the market,I just hope its worth the wait..(and $$$    )

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

A 1,4 would have extremely thin DOF on the MF system, 

My 006 has AF. 

[albireo_double]

My most used is the 70 CS. The 180 is a great studio portrait lens, the ELPRO attachment is useful for getting closer, like for very close-up portraits that don't distort facial features.

 

In the end, the lenses you need are dictated only by what you want to shoot. If you don't know, then stay with the 100 mm lens you have...perhaps add the 35 mm to have one wide angle... and buy other lenses only when you really feel you can't achieve some important results without them. The S lenses are heavy and expensive; don't buy too many of them if you don't really need them.

[erlingmm]

My 006 has AF. 

 

MF=Medium Format, sorry. 

[xiaubauu2009]

Slow and soft at the edges,also very heavy.. I think the 24/35/100/180 is good advice ,I have the Zoom and its nice for situations where its not ideal to carry multiple lenses or to change lenses but for IQ the primes are better and they can also be bought with CS,(although the 24 and 100 can't )

 

True, I have it for a short time. IQ wise not as good, but it's very versatile and it's no heavier than the Contax 45-90. All in all, one good versatile lens.

I think 24-35-70-100-180 will be perfect.

I am lacking the 180.

[albertknappmd]

I would suggest the 30-90 for starters along with 100 for portraits, 24 for landscapes and 180...

All bases are covered!

All of the lenses are superbly build and the optical performance knows no peer.. You will not be sorry!

Albert     

[John McMaster]

I find the 30-90 similar to the M MATE, nothing wrong with it but the images do not sparkle as much as if they were taken with a prime lens.....

 

john

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[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

I find the 30-90 similar to the M MATE, nothing wrong with it but the images do not sparkle as much as if they were taken with a prime lens.....

john

+1 it will always be the case