jferebee Posted July 12, 2012 Share #1 Posted July 12, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I'll start by acknowledging that here and on the net there are endless articles about Leica lenses. I've read a fair amount of them. I'm here, however, to ask for some direct help from you seasoned and experienced Lieca users of film. I have been shooting with a Canon AE-1 Program with it's standard 50MM lens. Now, after much looking and saving, I purchased a recently tuned up M6 and need a lens. There isn't much left in the budget so all the new stuff is out and the lens I buy will have to do everything for now. I shoot mostly travel, landscape, and some street when the mood hits me. I've read that some of the older M mounts are very good but is there, for example, a particular lens that really makes the M6 "sing"? Or one that would be considered a buy for someone on a budget? I would appreciate hearing from those that have had them of have them now. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 12, 2012 Posted July 12, 2012 Hi jferebee, Take a look here Lens for M6. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tobey bilek Posted July 12, 2012 Share #2 Posted July 12, 2012 50 2.8, late version is better. My old one has not been on the camera since I got the new. Understand the camera is a box that hold film. They make no difference. Travel and landscape and street do not require a fast lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 12, 2012 Share #3 Posted July 12, 2012 What is your budget? You probably want a 35mm or 50mm. A 50mm f3.5 Elmar is probably your best 'bang for the buck' if money is the overriding issue, just be sure to get a good clean example (optically, don't worry about the cosmetics). There is a 2.8 version also, which usually sell for a little more, and the newer version (as Tobey suggested) is great but they seem to fetch around £500 now (becoming more desirable). You could also consider some non Leica options such as a Russian Jupiter lens (usually attached to a Zorki), and the Voigtlanders (I use them myself, great lenses although some have reported quality issues). Any 39mm or LTM mount lens will fit with an adaptor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Checkland Posted July 12, 2012 Share #4 Posted July 12, 2012 I have a black AE1 program, good for just about everything, if you're used to the 50mm then cant go wrong with the Elmar 2.8 as has been said, I'm guessing you're used to 1.8 or 1.4 tho unless you have the 1.2? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jferebee Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share #5 Posted July 12, 2012 Yes, it's the 1.8 but I don't often use that aperture. My budget is $600 US and if I can't get a lens that I will be happy with then I'd rather wait and keep saving. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 12, 2012 Share #6 Posted July 12, 2012 I woul drecommend an older 50mm f2 Summicron, which should be within your budget, or thereabouts. I have one from 1973 and it's a fabulous lens all round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlet Posted July 12, 2012 Share #7 Posted July 12, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Is it a 1.8 or 1.4 you've been using? I have a 1.4 with my A-1 and it's a really great lens but 1.4 in Leica will cost an arm and half a leg. If on a budget you'll probably have to look for a Summicron which is a fine lens. I'd not recommend any slower than an f2 on film if this is the main and only lens to be used. The dual range Summicron is very good and has the close up functionality too which is cool. Here in Europe they can be had for about €500 with a bit of shopping around. And then there is the Summitar in screwmount of course. Really cool lens and wonderful rendition (though not the extraordinary one of US authority infamy). /s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
haroldp Posted July 12, 2012 Share #8 Posted July 12, 2012 35mm ser IV (pre asph) f2 summicron is a stunning lens, should be available reasonably, and is perfectly suited to street, landscape etc. as you described. M6 is a great machine. welcome to Leicaland ... Harold Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 12, 2012 Share #9 Posted July 12, 2012 Welcome to the forum jferebee! I think you would be happier in the long run, with an early 50mm Summicron. There are plenty out there. I have one from 1966 which I chose to keep even after buying a current model. Do get a mechanically sound and optically perfect one, if possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT710 Posted July 12, 2012 Share #10 Posted July 12, 2012 I have been in a similar situation recently and would follow the recommendation made earlier of an older Summicron if it is 50mm or, if you go for 35mm, the Voigtländer Skopar 2.5/35 Pancake. This is a tiny lens which delivers great results and it is very affordable and it could be the right start from a budget perspective. For me personally, I realised the lens is key so I spent on the Summicron what I spent on the body - I had not really planned for that. I reckoned, I would not lose too much money in case I'd sell the lens again (which I won't after I have seen what it delivers), so this helped me over the pain and I took some time looking around. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted July 12, 2012 Share #11 Posted July 12, 2012 Ditto on the 50 f2 -- if you can find a DR, find the money. I used this lens for 20 years and my son is now using it for the last 10. It is magical. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jferebee Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share #12 Posted July 12, 2012 It does seem like the consensus is a 50 f/2. The last post uses DR. Forgive me but I don't know what that stands for. I'm sure when I find out my hand will hit my forehead. Thanks to all of you for responding. I appreciate it very much. I'm so anxious to use this I can hardly stand it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT710 Posted July 12, 2012 Share #13 Posted July 12, 2012 Dual Range, also called near focussing range - have a look at Ken Rockwell's site and his comments on the 50mm and his explanation. Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelly Posted July 12, 2012 Share #14 Posted July 12, 2012 On my M6 my lens of choice is the 28mm Summicron asph great for street photography landscapes and portraits I think this lens is one of Leica's best and great on film Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jferebee Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share #15 Posted July 12, 2012 Rockwell's site very helpful regarding DR. Been looking at ebay and there are a few there. Are there some sites, other than here and Steve Huff, that offer used lenses besides the various retail shops? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted July 12, 2012 Share #16 Posted July 12, 2012 There's always eBay if you're feeling brave. Buy a lens from a dealer if you can and start to build a relationship with him or her. A 35 Summaron f2.8 is also a brilliant first lens that will last you a lifetime. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jferebee Posted July 12, 2012 Author Share #17 Posted July 12, 2012 Ha, I'm not brave enough to buy a lens on eBay. I've been looking there to get an idea of price but that's it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted July 12, 2012 Share #18 Posted July 12, 2012 I did purchase a 50mm on ebay, the 1.4 before the ASPH version, at about $1,500, and it was just fine. However, the DR was made in the 60's, so I suggest taking care with a lens this old. Vet the seller carefully. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
myshkine Posted July 12, 2012 Share #19 Posted July 12, 2012 If I may, purchasing on Ebay can bring good deals, if you are careful and follow some rules. I purchased ALL my Leica gear (and for that matter, all the rest of my gear, Olympus) on the bay and got good prices and flawless products. An M6TTL, a Summicron 50 latest version, and some other stuff. Since Ken Rockwell's site has been mentioned, I recall that he has devoted an entire section on how to buy on Ebay, and at least in my case, it has helped a lot. Worth reading IMO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giovanni Posted July 13, 2012 Share #20 Posted July 13, 2012 About e-bay, I think it's great, but you have to be patient. Define what you want, look at the various offers, look at the seller's feedback, ask questions. Don't be in hurry, if you don't get the item keep in mind you'll find a better one... About M6 lens, my idea is that if you commonly use a 50mm f/1.8, you shouldn't buy a lens darker than a summicron (f/2). Think of the frame and composition you prefer and decide if your lens must be a 50 or a 35. In any case M6 viewfinder is perfect for 35mm (in my opinion rangefinder cameras perfectly suits to 35 mm). A second hand old model lens could be a perfect choice, also from an economical point of view. As others have suggested, read ken rockwell's lens comparison tables, you'll understand the sometimes small differences between the various editions of the same focal length. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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