lens options drive me crazy

[Eoin]

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...snip

Right now I am at 15,21 I sold the 24,28,35 not getting enough use,50 ,75 and 90.

 

Thinning out the herd Guy? I'm watching you to see what happens with the 75's and the Noctilux. I'm surprised you have nothing left between 21 and 50, what was your favorite of the 3 you let go?.

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[Giulio Zanni]

I don't want to spoil the party, but IMHO Leica M is about 1 or max. 2 lenses in a small bag for fast and inconspicuous shooting...all the rest is slr.

 

My very personal choice is a 28 summicron for 70% of the times (just because it is a 35mm equivalent on film, and my eyes "see" things with a 35mm view) and Noctilux 20% of the times (for when it gets really dark). If Leica would give me a 28 summilux, that would be it.

 

Giulio

[tom0511]

I don't want to spoil the party, but IMHO Leica M is about 1 or max. 2 lenses in a small bag for fast and inconspicuous shooting...all the rest is slr.

 

Giulio

 

Well, in the bag and in the shelve are 2 different things

[LJL]

I have found that a great way to test your needs and will is to take each lens and shoot only that lens for a day or so. Makes you "see" things differently and find the sweet spot for that focal length. After doing that a time or two, it becomes very obvious which lenses are your "go to" lenses, and which are there for special needs.

 

Folks that earn livings shooting all the time tend to have different and varying needs, and probably will carry more glass to get things covered. I am supporting two systems, like other pros here. Trust me, covering the gaps from 12-400mm, plus some specialty things like macro on a Canon line takes several large bags. Covering 12-90 with the M is one rather small shoulder bag.

 

Right now, my M8 bag has 15,25,35, and 50. I will be adding 75 at some point, and maybe 90, if I find that I really need that. I wish the TE was an f2.8, both the older and the new WATE versions, but not the case, so for my needs, faster glass is important, except for the CV15, which is such a gem as is.

 

Many shooters will move around in their collection and needs over time. It is just so nice to have so many great options on the M side of things, and a renewed growing market to swap things in and out. Life is good.

 

LJ

[jaapv]

You and I must be in different parties , I have been using my Leica M camera's for a whole lot more than that over the last 40 years... Landscape, Travel, Infrared, macro:eek: , Wildlife:eek: ,Safari: etc...This year I will take the M8 underwater..

 

.

I don't want to spoil the party, but IMHO Leica M is about 1 or max. 2 lenses in a small bag for fast and inconspicuous shooting...all the rest is slr.

 

My very personal choice is a 28 summicron for 70% of the times (just because it is a 35mm equivalent on film, and my eyes "see" things with a 35mm view) and Noctilux 20% of the times (for when it gets really dark). If Leica would give me a 28 summilux, that would be it.

 

Giulio

[Eoin]

I grab my 21mm Elmarit out from time to time ... just to proof to myself it's not my focal length ... keeping it is probably cheaper than selling it now with the risk of buying it again in a couple of months because an impulse at that moment tells me it's 21mm time

On the other hand .. it's an expensive lens to have unused ...... should i sell:confused:

 

I've only had it for a few weeks while my M8 was back in Solms, I've been waiting for a chance to use it. It gives a perspective that I'm not used to but I'm sure with time I'll learn to use it correctly. It is so much better than anything wide I've used on dSLR's before.

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[martinb]

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You have way too many lenses for my taste. I prefer to bring as little as possible. You always end up shooting more with little equipment compared to when you have too much equipment.

Personally I would get rid of the 24mm because I don't like the widest framelines in a M camera and the lens also blocks the frame too much. But I hear that you like it, so you will probably keep it.

Do you need two 50mm lenses? One should be enough. Selling the 135mm is probably also a good decision.

A good three lens combo would be 21-35-75 and a good five lens combo would be 21-28-35-50-90. That's just a personal opinion.

[macusque]

Agreed with Giulio on the "minimal" kit, even if two lenses are maybe a bit too minimal...

 

I got many lenses just to decide what to keep in a 4-lenses kit.

 

I used 12 CV, 15CV, 21 asph, 24 asph, 28/2, 28/2.8, 35/2, 50/1, 50/1.4 asph, 75 Apo, 90 Apo and 135 Apo... frankly it was very difficult to choose based only on image quality as all are amazing with some unique features.

My choice was mainly driven by preferred focal lenghts, convenience and effective usage.

 

In the end I kept 15 CV, 28/2, 50/1.4 asph, 90/2 Apo and I really appreciate not to have to think twice about which focal lenght to bring with me.

Maybe I'll add a 90/4 macro so that I can do closeups in nature leaving the DMR at home.

 

I'd love a 28/1.4 though and I'm waiting to see the Zeiss 18/4.

[j. borger]

I've only had it for a few weeks while my M8 was back in Solms, I've been waiting for a chance to use it. It gives a perspective that I'm not used to but I'm sure with time I'll learn to use it correctly. It is so much better than anything wide I've used on dSLR's before.

You are very right .. it is a gorgeous lens ... not only in the sharpnes department ....but what i like most about the lens is the more realistic, lower contrast of it compared to a lot of other ASPH lenses. It is a wonderful lens for B&W.

I use it mainly for streetphotography ... but have to get uncomfortable close to make the lens work for me..........

It is hard to part from the lens though because the files it delivers are truly outstanding!

[jaapv]

You have way too many lenses for my taste. I prefer to bring as little as possible. You always end up shooting more with little equipment compared to when you have too much equipment.

Personally I would get rid of the 24mm because I don't like the widest framelines in a M camera and the lens also blocks the frame too much. But I hear that you like it, so you will probably keep it.

Do you need two 50mm lenses? One should be enough. Selling the 135mm is probably also a good decision.

A good three lens combo would be 21-35-75 and a good five lens combo would be 21-28-35-50-90. That's just a personal opinion.

 

In a way you are right - but look at it this way: it allows to pick the ideal kit for any opportunity:

go into town:take the 21, 35 and 90

go skiing: just the tri-elmar

portrait: just take the Summilux 75

evening walkabout: two fast lenses.

go sailing: 24 and 135

etc. etc.....

The rest: they can wait their turn at home.....

[martinb]

Jaap,

I don't agree. Most of the time it will be hard to choose and you usually find favourite focal lengths. And having 10 primes in such a small range isn't necessary.

You'll never use all of them and most M photographers only use one or two lenses, or at least that was the case with film. That seem to have changed with the arrival of the M8 and everbody seem to want all Leica lenses they can get.

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Thinning out the herd Guy? I'm watching you to see what happens with the 75's and the Noctilux. I'm surprised you have nothing left between 21 and 50, what was your favorite of the 3 you let go?.

 

 

I wrote that wrong i sold the 24mm only still have the 15,21,28,35,50,75,90. The only thing i want thinned is my weigh tafter walking 14 holes over hills I realized how REALLY out of shape i'm in. It was pathetic. Nice shots though. LOL

[Eoin]

I wrote that wrong i sold the 24mm only still have the 15,21,28,35,50,75,90. The only thing i want thinned is my weigh tafter walking 14 holes over hills I realized how REALLY out of shape i'm in. It was pathetic. Nice shots though. LOL

 

 

I thought it strange and was beginning to think you were having a very large clear out of both R & M glass LOL. The implied hole in the M range surprised me. I don't need to tell you this but "Leicaitus" is the best recipe for thinning out the wallet:D

[tom0511]

Jaap,

I don't agree. Most of the time it will be hard to choose and you usually find favourite focal lengths. And having 10 primes in such a small range isn't necessary.

You'll never use all of them and most M photographers only use one or two lenses, or at least that was the case with film. That seem to have changed with the arrival of the M8 and everbody seem to want all Leica lenses they can get.

 

I agree with you in one way and that was the point of my post, in another way many of thoselenses have a certain "charme" and its hard togive them up.

For example the Noctilux or the 75/1.4 with their somewhat softer, more dreamy look.

As I sadid before I might give up 21,35,135 and maybe one 50 (maybe even the Noctilux).

That would leave me with 15,24,28,50,75,90 and Tri-Elmar.

Right now I am not yet ready though.

[macusque]

Tom,

 

15,24,28,50,75,90 and Tri-Elmar make for a nice setup, but I'd prefer the 21 between the 15 and 28.

Also, sell the Noctilux and keep the 75 Summilux.

 

15, 21, Tri-Elmar and 90 for a relatively light outdoor setup with extended covering.

 

21, 28/2, 50/1.4 and 75/1.4 for low light with 28 + 75 as the "minimal" kit.

 

50 and 75 for portraits.

 

Tri-Elmar plus the 15 CV in a pocket and you can leave the bag at home...

 

Just my humble opinion

[mwilliamsphotography]

Don't sell anything, you'll regret it later : -)

 

My approach is to carry 2 or 3 lenses, but determine which ones based on the type of shooting or light I may encounter. Weddings: 24/2.8, 35/1.4, 75/1.4 ... Street Shooting: 28/2, 50/1.4 ... Vacations: 24/2.8, 50/1.4, 90/2AA ... and so on.

 

Then it all changes with a film M, and includes a 135/3.4.

 

The only M lenses I now avoid are ones I need an external viewfinder for. That may change if I opt for the 16-18-21 Tri-Elmar for my M8 lens discount. I will then get the 3 way "bullet" finder which is okay because it takes a standard Leica diopter which the regular flash shoe finders do not.

 

Guy, what DMR lenses are you selling? e-mail me ... fotografz@comcast.net

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Marc there on e-bay at a screamer prices . 28, 50 cron and the 80 1.4 all ROM

eBay Seller: guymancuso: Film Cameras, Lenses Filters items on eBay.com

 

For LUF members I will refund the shipping back to you.

[sean_reid]

I have found that a great way to test your needs and will is to take each lens and shoot only that lens for a day or so. Makes you "see" things differently and find the sweet spot for that focal length. After doing that a time or two, it becomes very obvious which lenses are your "go to" lenses, and which are there for special needs.

LJ

 

 

That's a very good suggestion.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

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[carstenw]

Tom, make your choice, and pack the rest in a box, and tape it up and put it at the back of your closet. Then use only the lenses you kept for the next month. You will know if you made a mistake. I am also of the 15, 28, 50, 75 school, and the only 90 I will buy will be the Macro. I will also keep a 35 although it break the sequence a bit, just because it is my favorite focal length.

[Gary B]

We cut our teeth on lenses for film Ms and now that we are using the M8 all of our stuff is now one focal length up the scale. 15mm is 20mm and so on. Thought I might get rid of some lenses but I shoot both film and digital so I'll just have to keep them all and even might have add one or two to make up the difference.

 

Gary B.