Leica Lens for 1200 USD

[pwrdesign]

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hi!

 

I have an M8 Chrome today, with handgrip, two batteries and SC 11000.

Next week I'll pick up my upgrade, an M-P (Wohoo).

 

I'm thinking about keeping the M8 as backup, or I'll sell it to buy a good lens.

 

Today I have:

 

Voightlander Ultron 28/f2

Leica Summicron 40/2.0

Canon TV Lens 50/0.95

 

I mostly shoot street, architecture, see my photos here One a day | One picture a day

 

What Leica lens (or CZ?) would you recommend for around 1200USD?

 

I could also sell the Summicron 40/2.0 to get some more cash.

 

35 summilux?

50 summilux?

 

Best Regards Patrik

Edited January 7, 2015 by pwrdesign

[skinnfell]

I have looked at your pictures. They are very nice. The way I interpret your shooting style, it consists of general reportage, some details, and scenes with some (but not alot) of context. For that kind of work I would personally choose a 35 or 28. It also appears that you are quite fond of the "bokeh"-look.

 

If you can afford it, a 35 summilux would probably cover all your bases. A large majority of the shots on your gallery could have been taken with a 35.

 

That said, it *is* a quite expensive lens and even used a lot more than your 1200 dollars.

How about a used 35 cron or even summarit? You could hang on to your canon for those bokeh/detail shots and use the 35 for everything else. As far as architecture is concerned, the less extreme lenses typically have less distortion than luxes, particulary the summicron.

 

Although I personally have far more lenses than I strictly need, I am a big sucker for the "one lens does it all" philosophy, especially in the rangefinder world.

 

The M8 is great, but unless you work professionally (Meaning, your income depends on a working camera) I see no need to hold on to it as a backup.

 

Ps. Congratulations on the M-P, its a beaut!

 

Good luck!

Edited January 7, 2015 by skinnfell

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[james.liam]

...or maybe the new ZM 1,4/35 for about USD 2300? A bit more finder blockage but technically a higher resolving lens that any other 35mm RF optic in production today (or perhaps ever).

[jip]

I simply love the 50mm Summilux-M ASPH. on my M 240.

 

Wrote a short article about it that might interest you!

 

Review: Summilux-M 50mm ASPH. on Leica M (Typ 240) - Jip van Kuijk

[250swb]

A 50mm Summilux ASPH for $1200! Where, I'll take two!

 

If I were you Patrik I'd aim for a 35mm Summicron and sell the 40mm Summicron. You would then have a conventional three lens set, 28, 35, 50 each with accurate frame lines.

 

Steve

[wattsy]

If you chop in the M8, 40 Summicron and Canon 50 plus spend your 1200 USD, the 50 Summilux should be doable. Combined with the 28 Ultron you'll have an extremely versatile and high quality kit.

 

Ordinarily, I'd agree with Bent, and point you towards the 35 Summilux as the allround do-it-all lens of exceptional quality but I'm not sure your budget will stretch, even if you also sell the 28 Ultron?

[pwrdesign]

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Ive just shipped the Canon 50/0.95 to don so Im not up to selling that one yet the M8 and 40mm summicron could go though and maybe a 35mm is a good choice then..

[james.liam]

Ive just shipped the Canon 50/0.95 to don so Im not up to selling that one yet the M8 and 40mm summicron could go though and maybe a 35mm is a good choice then..

 

Question for you re: Canon and your attachment to it.

Though I've never used it, I have seen the work of others who have. I can't say I understand the great devotion besides the extraordinary speed. Color images don't appear very saturated nor particularly sharp. Contrast is quite low (which I guess can come in handy for an M Monochrom but adds to the PP) and the bokeh though interesting and far from dull, is an acquired taste--at least for me. Jip's take on the Summilux ASPH is a good one; the loss of speed is well made up by a marvelous bokeh, lovely color and sharpness WO that is second only to the 50 APO. From data I've seen, the Lux beats out the Otus and Sigma 50s at the widest apertures for central sharpness.

Edited January 7, 2015 by james.liam

[uhoh7]

Looking at your work with 1200 I would do the following:

sell 40 cron.

Buy ZM 35/2 for 650USD used. Buy ZM18 for 900 Used. Then you are even

You still have a 50, right?

[epand56]

I didn't sell my M8 when I upgraded to the M240 and I'm very happy for that. M8 is an extraordinary camera and an outstanding performer with B&W. I'd keep it if I were you.