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please advise: three lenses not to buy for the M9


geesbert

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there are numerous threads about the best three lens outfit and we all know the solution for that problem: it all depends....

 

just for the fun of it: which three current lenses you would never want to be seen with?

 

that's my list:

 

1.: apo-telyt 3.4/135mm

 

if you're too shy to get closer, get a Nikon. Unusable on a M and contrary to the concept. too slow, too long, too heavy, too everything.

 

2.: 50mm Summicron

 

what a boring lens. slower than the lux,bit nearly the same size, more expensive than the summarit, but much bigger, no character

 

now it gets tough...

 

3. 21mm summilux

 

Huge, blocks even external viewfinder, heavy, loads of fringing wide open.

at 1.4 focus even at 21mm DOF becomes critical, having to switch between the rangefinder and the external VF is not really helpful

 

or

 

3. noctilux 0.95/50mm

 

humongous, way too large for the tiny M, too much viewfinder block, front heavy, acid trip bokeh, have yet to see a picture where f0.95 really made a difference, pathetically expensive

 

 

 

besides those all other leica lenses are great, I will only be a great and happy photographer once I acquired all of them

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Great idea!

 

I agree with you de-testing the 50-cron, 21-lux and the Noctilux - as I use none of them (with the M8) ;) and don't intend to do with any M9 or M-following.

 

Though You are completely wrong about the Apo-Telyt! Yes it is a little bit long, but not heavy, and if anything else it is just the most sharp and most contrasty lens you can use on a M. To focus it correctly brings you closest to Zen-traditions you can get with photographing.

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Great bar thread :D

 

Though you are completely wrong about (#2) - the Summicron. You are generalising, unfortunately. I have a Summicron DR and it is a gem. I wouldn't be seen without it.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Great bar thread :D

 

Though you are completely wrong about (#2) - the Summicron. You are generalising, unfortunately. I have a Summicron DR and it is a gem. I wouldn't be seen without it.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

I definitely agree with Bill on this one. At the moment the 50 Summicron is my favourite M lens for the way that it renders the subject - it seems much less clinical than more recent designs developed with the aid of computers. The perspective offered by the standard focal length might make it more challenging to get a good composition, but then is that not one of the delights of photography in solving such issues to produce a pleasing image?

 

Regards

 

Mike

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I don't see the 50mm Summicron as a "don't buy" even though I moved from that lens to the Summilux, which is superior. But the summicron is still very good and also is one of the more affordable Leica lenses.

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3. noctilux 0.95/50mm

 

Excellent thread, but the consenting Bokeh Perverts who shoot wide-open in bright sunshine will damn you for your glorious heresy. Glad the flak is coming your way and not mine though.

 

............... Chris

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I suppose it's another "it depends" question. I actually find most lenses have something in their favour (and I'd never want to be parted from my 135 Apo-Telyt - it's SO useful...) In my experience the lenses not to buy are the ones that are too close to ones you already own OR which will downgrade your experience of working with the camera. In my case, for the M9 I'd NOT want to buy:

 

24 (because I have 21 summarit pre-asph + 28 cron asph)

35 lux (because I love my tiny 35 cron IV pre-asph

any 50 (because I have the 50 lux and IMHO they don't come any better...

75 (because I have 50 and 90 - I've just sold my summicron asph - lovely lens but I didn't need it on the M9)

pre-asph 90 cron (because I have the asph and can't imagine going back from it)

 

A fun thread though....

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Don't be too quick to condemn the 135 Apo. With my M8 I could not get reliable focusing even using a 1.4 viewfinder magnifier and was about to sell it. I then sold the M8 to purchase the M9. This lens is fantastic on the later body. No problems at all focusing and the detail available is quite amazing.

Unfortunately I do not have all the other lenses to be able to comment further on your idea but think that with the larger Summiluxes ( Nocti and 75) the handling suffers from the long throw of the focusing mechanism. The actual photographic results are probably very popular with a large section of the Leica community but the awkwardess does rather spoil the handling experience we all enjoy.

You will have sparked up a lively debate which I shall enjoy reading as contributors views here are often very polarised

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1.: apo-telyt 3.4/135mm

 

if you're too shy to get closer, get a Nikon. Unusable on a M and contrary to the concept.

 

Unusable...??? If you are unable to focus a 135 on an M camera it is more of a comment on the user than the camera imo ;)2.jpg

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