Advice on lenses

[ebf]

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Hey all,

 

One of my self defined constraints when I bought my first Leica was to try to use one lens only - and my 50mm Summilux ASPH served me really well. Now, I'm looking for the next lens to add to my collection.

 

I currently have a 50mm Summilux ASPH (my main lens), an Elmar 135/4 that I've been starting to enjoy and a 40mm Summicron.

 

I've always been curious about the Noctilux and recently about the 50 APO. I always avoided buying the Noct based on the repeated advice that the Summilux vs the Noct are "not that all different". The size, price and weight, of course, helps keep me on track

 

Recently I've been reading a lot about the Summilux 75 - almost bought it twice.

 

Which lens would you recommend me buying? I like the allure of a quasi-magical portrait lens (Summilux 75). But the idea of the "perfect lens" (APO 50) is tempting, and so is the de facto dream lens (Noct).

 

Besides those - any other recommendation based on my ramblings? (50mm shooter enjoying sometimes 135 without the VF).

 

I'm have the M10, FYI. Thank you!

[ebf]

Second question: I've been reading some people mentioning some advantages on buying overseas (mainly the U.K.). Any tips?

 

 

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[mmradman]

Second question: I've been reading some people mentioning some advantages on buying overseas (mainly the U.K.). Any tips?

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We would like to keep goodies to ourselves but in a spirit of forthcoming Brexit happy for you to buy German made goods from us.

 

There are numerous dealers, brick and mortar shops, spread all over the UK with good websites selling across the counter and online. Almost all are selling both new and second hand. I believe a number of them are comfortable selling home and away. Prices are usually quoted with 20% VAT included so in case of export you get discount by the same amount

 

I suggest you speak over the phone first, be mindful of time difference, or enquire over the phone. Would you like some names?

[Exodies]

21mm will take you way out of your current playground but it needs a viewfinder (either evf or optical) because you won't believe what it captures.

[luigi bertolotti]

Wideangle... and if you are not confident in using an external VF, take a 28 (simmicron if budget isn't a problem)

75 is too next to 50... and M10 has lot of space for cropping, even if I appreciate a lot my Summarit 75 (and me too feel the fascination of the Summilux 75.... I'm almost sure that someday will surrend and buy one...)

Edited April 2, 2017 by luigi bertolotti

[ebf]

I suggest you speak over the phone first, be mindful of time difference, or enquire over the phone. Would you like some names?

Yes, please

[ebf]

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21mm will take you way out of your current playground but it needs a viewfinder (either evf or optical) because you won't believe what it captures.

I'll check it out. Thank you

 

 

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[ebf]

Wideangle... and if you are not confident in using an external VF, take a 28 (simmicron if budget isn't a problem)

75 is too next to 50... and M10 has lot of space for cropping, even if I appreciate a lot my Summarit 75 (and me too feel the fascination of the Summilux 75.... I'm almost sure that someday will surrend and buy one...)

I'll check the 28. And yes, I know I don't need the 75 (or the Noct or the APO) but I know I'll end up surrendering. Thank you Luigi!

 

 

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[mmradman]

Yes, please

Starting from north of Scotland and finishing in London, there are few more but these are the one I deal with.

 

FFORDES

 

Harrison Camera, Sheffield

 

Stephens Leica, Manchester or Leica Store Manchester

 

London stores:-

 

The Classic Camera

 

Red Dot Camera

 

Richard Caplan

 

Aperture, only secondhand.

 

There are few more in the north; Wilkinson, big local chain but no first hand experience, also couple of Yorkshire shops like Blyth & Bass and Dale Photographic in Leeds.

[ebf]

Starting from north of Scotland and finishing in London, there are few more but these are the one I deal with.

 

FFORDES

 

Harrison Camera, Sheffield

 

Stephens Leica, Manchester or Leica Store Manchester

 

London stores:-

 

The Classic Camera

 

Red Dot Camera

 

Richard Caplan

 

Aperture, only secondhand.

 

There are few more in the north; Wilkinson, big local chain but no first hand experience, also couple of Yorkshire shops like Blyth & Bass and Dale Photographic in Leeds.

 

Thank you!! I'll starting calling tomorrow.

[Surelythisnameisfree]

This is a useful site for U.K. Dealers (of all brands)

Camerapricebuster.com

[Herr Barnack]

Given that you have the 50 'lux, 40 'cron and 135 Elmar, I would recommend going wide.  I have owned the 28 'cron ASPH (#11604, the last version prior to the recent upgrade) in the past and currently own the 28 Elmarit ASPH (#11677).  Both are truly outstanding lenses, each in its own way.  The 28 Elmarit is small, light, very sharp with great and is a fantastic deal in light of its performance.  The 28 Summicron (current version, #11672) would be a great choice too.  The extra stop of speed (f/2 vs. f/2.8) comes at a price, though ($1800 USD to be exact).

 

The 21mm f/3.4 Super Elmar ASPH (#11145) is another outstanding lens if you need a wider view than the 28 will give you.  Some people are a bit skittish of this lens due to its maximum aperture of f/3.4; for outdoor shooting between sunrise and sunset - and a lot of indoor shooting situations -  f/3.4 is fast enough (in my experience, at least) when shooting with a digital M body.   The 21/3.4 may be a bit on the slow side for film M shooters in some situations with ISO 400 film, but a monopod and/or a +1 EV push to ISO 800 will go a long way to addressing the speed shortfall.  I have the EVF2 for my M-P 240 and hardly ever use it with my 21 Super Elmar.  I take a shot, look at my screen to see what my field of view will be and make my shots using the in camera viewfinder.  No doubt some will consider this practice madness, but it works for me. 

 

A great wide angle setup would be the 21 Super Elmar and the 28 Elmarit; this pair of lenses can be had for $5090 USD (new).  Compare that to the price of either the 35 Summilux ASPH (new) or the 28 Summilux ASPH (new) and these two medium speed M lenses start to look awfully tempting, given the image quality that they deliver.  You can't go wrong with either the 21 Super Elmar or the 28 Elmarit IMHO.

 

Hope this helps...

Edited April 4, 2017 by Carlos Danger

[Dirk Mandeville]

You can't go wrong with either the 21 Super Elmar or the 28 Elmarit IMHO.

I agree. I own the 28 Elmarit and it's a fantastic lens. The 21 SEM will probably be my next lens purchase.

[ebf]

Thank you so much for the responses. I'll drop by the local Leica Store to try all the lenses you suggested.

 

 

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[lct]

If you "see" in 50mm as i do you may be more interested in short tele lenses than wides. If so, there is a choice to make between 75 and 90 but you did not mention the latter so i will concentrate on 75mm. If you read here and there that 75 is "too close" it may be right or wrong depending upon your tastes. To me 75 is not too close at all even if i don't like the 50/75 pair of framelines of Leica Ms since the M4-P. Great focal length for portrait especially the Summilux 75/1.4 if you like soft portraits at full aperture. But if you prefer sharper results a rumor says that Leica would launch a 75/1.25 lens. Could be as expensive as the 50/2 apo but i have no idea. Below, Summicron 75/2 and Summarit 75/2.5 (i have no experience with the current 75/2.4) are both great lenses. I have those three lenses and use the Summarit the most for general photography and the Summilux for portraits. The Summicron is my lens of choice for travels or indoor when i don't want to carry the bulky Summilux. FWIW.

[uhoh7]

You have a great 50, a 40 that is too close, and a very good 135, which is not a lens many use often.

 

Most obvious is 28mm, so 28 cron. Older version down to 2k or less, and is fantastic. New one is better, but it's subtle. If you want a cheap 28, the Rokkor-M 28/2.8 is pretty good. Elmarit ASPH is nice and tiny.

 

Next obvious would be 90. Summarit would be fantastic on M10 and it's not big or heavy. 

 

Next obvious is 35. There are a ton. All most all are pretty good, though each with a personality. FLE on top, CV 35/2.5 on bottom. Tons of good in between.

 

For the price of APO you can have literally 5 very interesting lenses. 

[AB007]

If you like wide angle lenses, 28 Elmarit Asph and 21 SEM are great choices.