madaneerg Posted January 22, 2011 Share #1 Posted January 22, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm thinking of giving the M8 a try, but have very little info on the lenses. I'm not even sure which lenses will work with the M8. Is there a good article I can read to learn a little more about the system? I've come across alot of reading on the subject, but they seem more suited to folks who already know a good amount about the system. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 22, 2011 Posted January 22, 2011 Hi madaneerg, Take a look here Leica m8 basics. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted January 22, 2011 Share #2 Posted January 22, 2011 madaneerg, Welcome to the Forum! With a few exceptions, any Leica bayonet lens will work with all Leica M bodies, including the M8. Older lenses, in good condition, are still in use and favoured by some owners. They tend to have a different character to modern lenses, while some very closely match the performance of current lenses. The latter are more clinically sharp and very much more expensive. A good place to start some research is by clicking 'Wiki' at the top of this page. There are some links to available reviews. Searching this forum for specific lenses will also reveal lots of useful exchanges between new users like yourself and more experienced owners. It is a good forum for seeking and finding advice. It is worth starting your research here while waiting for replies to your opening question. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny_Johnson Posted January 22, 2011 Share #3 Posted January 22, 2011 Also try the Leica FAQ here. Cya, Johnny Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madaneerg Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted January 22, 2011 Thanks WDA! I'm new to the game, looking for 1 or two "starter" lenses. Can you recommend one or two. I'd mostly be taking pictures of my children, and I do like to shoot with only available light. Thanks in advance for your input. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchalfon Posted January 22, 2011 Share #5 Posted January 22, 2011 it depends on your budget... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 22, 2011 Share #6 Posted January 22, 2011 Thanks WDA! I'm new to the game, looking for 1 or two "starter" lenses. Can you recommend one or two. I'd mostly be taking pictures of my children, and I do like to shoot with only available light. Thanks in advance for your input. madaneerg, I would recommend you consider a used 35mm or 50mm Summarit lens, either would be ideal for shooting children. Alternatively, seek a near-new 35mm or 50mm Summicron which would be perfect for available light pictures of your children. If you go for a 50mm, then consider a 28mm Elmarit to be its companion in due course. Seek as young a version as you can find and afford. In the longer term, consider a short telephoto lens, such as a 75mm Summarit, to complement the other lenses. Keep in mind the crop factor and any future temptation to upgrade to M9 which does not have the crop factor. Many find that different lens sets suit the two cameras, reflecting your major subject interests. If you visit a good store, you should be able to try different focal length lenses and get a feel of which ones suit your way of working, even if they are only demo versions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidereye Posted January 23, 2011 Share #7 Posted January 23, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) it depends on your budget... Agreed, that's the major factor in all of this and your preffered focal length. If on a small budget the CV 35mm f/2.5 Skopar II cannot be beaten for the money, I've still got one and use it all the time. Next step up would be either of the Zeiss 35mm ZM's which are both great or a used Summarit, then you are in Summicron territory which is for me the ideal situation I'd say. Many say a 28mm is the best focal length on the M8 though (remember you will be looking at a 37mm lens here with the crop factor) and the Zeiss is probably the best bet I guess unless you can afford a Elmarit ASPH or a nice Summicron. If looking at a 50mm on a budget the CV 50mm f/1.5 Nokton is a hard bargain act to beat, love mine and use it daily. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
don_panko Posted January 23, 2011 Share #8 Posted January 23, 2011 Visit local camera shows and arrive early to get the best deals on used Leica lenses. I picked up a 35mm Summicron made in the 70s that is my most used lens and later I found a 90mm that I use for portraiture. An eBay purchase of a Zeiss 21mm completed my set. Our local camera shows bring out lots of Leica equipment that may be part of estate sales. Arriving early is key as sellers become buyers when the deals are good. The bottom line is don't rush to get your Leica lens collection. Enjoy the search, the negotiations and the first pictures for each lens that you buy. That's my suggestion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted January 25, 2011 Share #9 Posted January 25, 2011 I started by buying a CL with its Summicron 40-C and Elmar 90 for 450 Euro. Both lenses are very good performers. The same money will maybe not even buy one used 50cron that is 20 years older. The older lenses will also suffer more from haze and other issues if they are not serviced in the recent years. The 40 will have the same angle of view on a M8 as a 50 on FF, and is fast enough to use indoors. This way I got a film M(CL) and a 90 mm lens for free. Just my 2 cents... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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