Best fast lens for M8 under 1K - Any suggestions?

[feyeping]

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i would say either 35mm 1,2 or 35mm 1,4

 

if size isn't important for u, take the 35mm 1,2

if you want it small and a little cheaper, take the 35mm 1,4

 

it would annoy me to have to cut out a peace of the bayonett to see the 35mm frame with the 40mm.

 

bosnia once more - a set on Flickr

 

I concur, I regret selling my CV 35mm f.1.2.

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[thegrantgreen]

really? why do you?

 

i don't have one... i only own the 35/1,4 sc

but i'm interested why you regret it..

[jbgeach]

So I was having the same conundrum.

CV 35 1.4 (focus shift) vs CV 1.2 (big / heavy) vs. Biogen

 

so what did I go for?

 

Leica 35 summicron ASPH f/2

Why? well, I have decided that I am going to buy what I really want. If I can't afford it I wait. There were too many compromises with the CV and Zeiss, so I ponied up for the Summicron and am VERY happy. I waited for weeks scouting ebay, until I found one in mint condition for $1600, in box, beautiful. It will be worth this for years and years.

Anyway, just thought you might like to hear my thought processs

[wstotler]

Does anyone have links to photos shot with the Voigt 35mm 1.2 ?

 

I can recommend the 35mm f/1.2. I've found it to be invaluable. The build quality is excellent. It is a large lens on the M8. This is not a real deterrent for me, if I'm going to have questionable light, the f/1.2 goes. Of note, I use the Leica 1.25x magnifier with this lens as a critical focusing aid for f/1.2. (I've seen people complain about the magnifier dimming the image in the viewfinder--I've not had that issue.)

 

Of note, I have a Summicron 35mm ASPH f/2 that I'll use when I know light will be better and smaller kit is the prime concern. If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought just the Nokton.

 

Here's the link to my Nokton Flickr gallery.

 

505 sample photos:

CV35 Nokton f/1.2 - a set on Flickr

 

Good luck!

Will

[GBR66]

I have one fast lens that I think massively underestimated - CV 50 1.5. Quality is outstanding, both in handling and images. Discontinued but I think still available. I have also got the CV 35 1.2 which I am yet to be convinced about wide open - I haven't used it enough in real situations but quite a lot of trial shots are soft...but you certainly get the speed. I got mine from Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest - sent to the UK - first sample was damaged in transit - he replaced it instantly and without question...I was very impressed and relieved, need to call him about one of those new CV variable finders....!

[luigi bertolotti]

If you feel comfortable with 50mm on M8.2, I join who reccomemded the Summarit 1,5 : very enjoiable lens even wide open, not rare in good conditions, at good prices (one, non perfect, is presently offered by Leicashop at 240 Euros)

[gravastar]

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....................I have also got the CV 35 1.2 which I am yet to be convinced about wide open - I haven't used it enough in real situations but quite a lot of trial shots are soft...but you certainly get the speed. I got mine from Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest - sent to the UK - first sample was damaged in transit - he replaced it instantly and without question....................

 

I have two CV 35mm 1.2 lenses, one black the other chrome. I bought the black in the UK early on before the chrome was available from Stephen Gandy. Like you the chrome lens was damaged in transit - it arrived with the iris blades flopping around. Stephen replaced it without question.

 

I had intended to sell the black lens but unfortunately the chrome isn't quite as sharp at full aperture. It's not bad but if you compare shots it's noticeable. The black lens is superb and will show moire on the M8/M9 at full aperture. So my experience is there's variation between samples.

 

I also have a CV 50mm 1.5 Nokton, that lens is excellent. The version I have is screw mount and it needs an adapter, preferably with coding slots. I've made do with a non coded adapter.

 

Bob.