Lens choice for M9 - help needed

[stunnedmullett]

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On Tuesday next week I say goodbye to my huge bag load of Nikon (D700, D300, 20mm f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 etc.) and pick up an M9-P. The question is, which single lens to buy; I can probably only afford one!

 

Realistically it will probably be a new Summarit or Zeiss but I'm also thinking about a secondhand Summicron but I'm every confused over ages and ASP non-ASP. I've no expereince with rangefinders yet so any thoughts and comments would be really appreciated with regard to which focal length, and comparisons between Leica and Zeiss. Many thanks.......

[Bill W]

A question with a lot of other questions. What are you mainly shooting? I would probably go for a 35 Summicron at first. A Summarit is also a good choice. You are getting rid of a lot of Nikon gear and lens. I hope your transition goes well.

[Manolo Laguillo]

What is your normal focal length?

 

I very recently did find a very nice, nearly mint, 2/40mm Rokkor, for 500 euros, of course 2nd hand.

 

After working for years with the 35mm as the pivoting point for my lens array (therefore being the 24 and the 50 the additions), I am now using this 40mm as the center, with the 28 and the 21 as the extensions toward the wide angle side of the spectrum.

 

I am realizing, once again, that for me the normal focal length equals the diagonal of the 24x36. The 35 is a bit too wide, and the 50 a bit too narrow. With the 4x5 bellows camera it was the 150mm, and with the 6x9 the 90mm.

 

Again, what is your normal focal length?

[stunnedmullett]

Thanks Bill, I used to shoot mainly landscapes (l-forum1 below) but now i much prefer travel and street type photography (l-forum2 below). The lightness and yet quality of Leica really appeals.

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[otto.f]

Seems like you need the Summicron 28...

If that's unrealistic, consider the Elmar 50 collapsible, that IS a quite compact combo considering where you are coming from

[earleygallery]

For starters, go for a 35 or 50, Summarit or Summicron. If buying a s/h 35 Summicron, go for the most recent ASPH version.

[gsgary]

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What about Voigtlander lenses i have the 40F1.4 Nokton and 28F2 Ultron but i use them on an M4 not sure how well they work on an M9 there is also the 50F1 Nokton

[Ronazle]

While some may wince at my answer, I think your best buy would be a rigid Summicron from the late 50's or 60's. Of course condition is important. If damaged coating is the only problem, it can be recoated professionally for less than $300. regards, ron

[jkbace]

I did the same thing last summer, trading a lot of Nikon bits for a Leica M9. I bought 35mm and 50mm summicron lenses. If I had to pick one, I would get the 50mm summicron. I have really enjoyed taking photographs with it, and it delivers the results you are looking for.

 

--John

[jip]

What about Voigtlander lenses i have the 40F1.4 Nokton and 28F2 Ultron but i use them on an M4 not sure how well they work on an M9 there is also the 50F1 Nokton

 

The 28mm Voightlander is okay, but the others I didn't really like... not on digital atleast haven't tried them on film though.

 

I now only have Leica lenses: 28mm Elmarit-M ASPH. 35mm Summicron-M ASPH 50mm Summicron-M and a old 90mm summicron It's big, and cumbersome but has great results!

[Ronazle]

The only CV lens I would recommend without qualification is the F:3.5 50mm Heliar. It is really, really good and a buy at $600. The other CV lenses I have (except the 15mm) are seldom used - this is not to say that they are not good, but rather my second choice. regards, ron

[MarkP]

Welcome to Leica and the Forum.

 

I too moved from Nikon to Leica, but I unloaded a 1985 F3/T with AI-S primes - have never regretted the decision.

 

Can you let us know about your lens budget, most commonly used focal length, and what speed lenses you need, remembering that high-ISO performance is not one of the M9's strong points. One lens is a good way to start whilst you see how you see the world through a rangefinder.

 

If those photographs are representative then a 35 or 28, probably the 35 is still the be most versatile starter, but I agree with the post above that your photos look more like a 28 would suit you.

 

If you want a 28 then the 28 Elmarit ASPH is outstanding, cheaper, and a bit more compact than the alternative to the extraordinary 28 Summicron ASPH.

 

You haven't mentioned whether you need a faster lens such as a 1.4. If so then it is still hard to go past the 35 Summilux ASPH, FLE or pre-FLE depending on your budget. If you don't need the speed, f2.5 is OK for you (which seems to be the case with your Nikon zooms), and want to start with a less outrageously priced lens then the 35 Summarit is indeed an excellent lens, compact and affordable by Leica standards. Don't believe comments by some you may read that its the 'budget' range just because the Summarits are cheaper. It produces beautiful photographs and build quality is excellent and I have more than my fair share of Leica primes including the more exotic fast lenses. I have both the 35 Summilux ASPH/FLE and the 35 Summarit. I chose the Summarit over the Summicron and price was not a factor in the decision which I don't at all regret. The Summarit is not inferior, just different.

 

Regards,

Mark

[Guest MarcRF]

if you want 1 lens consider these:

 

28mm: 28mm Elmarit asph (small, light, HUGE performance, no distortion/flare, sharp edge to edge wide open)

 

35mm: 35 Summarit (small, light, great performance, 1% barrel distortion but easy to correct in PP in lightroom, no flare and very sharp)

 

50mm: 50 Summarit or Summicron. both great lenses

 

dont get carried away by f/2 or f/2.5 coming from dslr where the slowest 50 is 1.8. you can handhold much slower shutter speeds with a rangefinder. this is the best low light ability you have. you can easily shoot a dimly lit room e.g. with a christmas tree in it with a f/2.8 lens and 800 ISO at 1/8th with a little practice

 

from the pics you posted I would say either a 28 or a 35. you cant go wrong with the elmarit or summarit.

 

great shots besides!

 

Cheers

[FlashGordonPhotography]

As you're going from zooms to primes you first need to work out if you're a 35mm or 50mm shooter. (yes you can have both but you'll feel one more than the other). Then build a system around that choice.

21,35,75 or 24,50,90 are common ranges.

 

If you like to shoot wide open then the Sumiluxes are going to give you a look you've not had with the zooms. Plus they're not as clinical. If you shoot mostly stopped down a bit but wide open occasionally then the Summicrons will work. The Summarits are a bit less modern in rendering, very sharp when stopped down a stop and cheaper. Zeiss lenses are often very sharp across the frame and good landscape lenses. Voigtlander lenses tend to have a more "classic" flavour and are a bargain if you like the look, which is very different to your DSLR.

 

All of the above are broad generalisations. When you have a range decided then you could look at specific lenses. If in doubt get the Summarits and then develop a kit over time.

 

Then there's 60 years of lenses to play with from several manufacturers.......

 

Gordon

[Tonki-M]

wider focal length is easier to ease into. the 28 or 35 is a greath focal length to start out with. wide enough to capture the scene, but not to wide to make it feel empty. 50 is my fav focal length, but some people, as i've been told, are not as comfortable with it (being narrower and all). before you sell ur DSLR, why not use the zoom and set it to 35, and shoot for a day; then set to 50 and shoot for a day, then see which you like better.

[IWC Doppel]

If I was in your position and to shoot landscapes, I would start with a second hand 28mm Summicron. This lens is a stunner in terms of detail, resolution and contrast.

 

It will outperform nearly all 35's for resolution across the frame and is in my view a must have lens for landscapes. It can sometimes be a little wide for people shots, so you will need to shoot closer, but it's a stunner and a lens that I still love owning faster 35/50.

 

You can then add a 50, 35 etc as you get hooked

[viramati]

Not made anymore but a fantastic lens for its money is the Voigtlander nokton 50 1.5

Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.5 Lens Review | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS

I had this lens for a few years along with the summilux 50 asph and for a lens that cost new less than a quarter of the price of the summilux it came pretty close

[Stealth3kpl]

Have you considered the Nikon 1200-1700mm f5.6-8? It's good for street photography as there are usually plenty of passing shoulders on which to rest it.

You might need an adaptor.

Pete

 

[stunnedmullett]

Thanks to everyone - great replies.

 

Looking back through my Lightroom files I definitely see the world more at 28/35mm to that's the first decision. I can't afford a Summilux so that options out. The Zeiss seems to be good for Landscape, and as I'm moving a little more away from that, and my heart pulls me to at least one Leica lens, then I"m with a Summicron or a Summarit.

 

I'll see what deal I can make work with the shop and let you know. After a few weeks I may also feel brave enough to share a photograph! Thanks again to everyone........

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[earleygallery]

Your first lens really should be a Leica, so that you get the total Leica experience!

 

I'm a big fan of the Voigtlanders but if I were swapping systems and could only have one lens to start, I'd want a Leica lens.

 

From what I've seen/read, there is little between the Summarit or Summicron 35's, so go for one of those and be happy.