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What is the best LTM lens possible?


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ps. I noted your comment about the M3 viewfinder, if you happen to be able to comment on this, it would be great.

 

Robert,

 

I understand that the 0.91 M3 finder was a different design from the M2 (and original MP), both of which ran concurrently (at least in part) with the M3. Re: there was more involved than a simple mag change.

 

Suspect it was driven in part by production costs, as many things are, but also due the the unpopular 'goggled' lense required for the 35.

 

Could they do it. Certainly. Leica can always count on the 'white glove' crowd who will buy one of everything they churn out. But that is a small (and declining) number as they are dieing out. After that doubt there would be little demand.

 

If there is any salvation, they made close to 240,000 of them. So with patience one can find a pristine example now and then. Add the mandatory CLA (and even a prism recementing is possible from a few folk I understand), you'll have the best Leica ever made.

 

BTW my Uncle, said that there were 13 different M3 variations all told. Including such things as eyelets, ASA and shutter dials, etc. I respected his knowledge as he collected any and all LTM and M mount bodies, including 2 original MPs and a IIID, along with 'normal' lenses. That till his passing in '88. As far as I know he lacked only an original O.

 

Before you ask, I was only willed his 'user' f/1.2 Noctilux. You needed a loupe to see that was used however.

 

Best,

 

Jerry

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OK the new lenses might be better overall in terms of image quality, but you really can't beat this combo for its overall design & compactness, with a lens capable of excellent results by any standards. Personally I think I'd now reserve the 'new' lenses for an M.

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Robert,

 

The VC 25mm Snapshot lens works really well - I hadn't used the lllf for a while until I heard about the VC lens and haven't stopped using it since! The lens isn't rangefinder coupled - it has 3 focus click stops and stopped down a little the DoF is sufficient to ensure sharp results. Much faster for street photograhphy than any AF or digital camera.

 

Of course it took me a long while to discover the quality of the Elmar having had a Summar that came with the camera when I bought it.

 

The Summar is a great lens but more for 'special' applications rather than everyday use. It has a soft quality and with colour film it can give lovely muted tones.

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James

 

You may have guessed that I found a 35mm screw lens (no, not the one we saw in London !!) going for a reasonable proce, locally, on e-bay. The seller has several nice pieces that he's selling for a friend.

 

eBay UK Shop - defossard's yousoldit: Motorcycle parts, Craftsman woodturned household, Audio equipment

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Yes they are

 

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IIIc, VC 75mm Kodak 400CN

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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