I'm going to buy an M8 - I need a first lens...

[DaveB]

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The M8 is the first rangefinder I've owned in many years. In anticipation of its delivery I bought two lenses.

 

I bought a 35mm Summicron ASPH on eBay that looks like someone used it to hammer nails. Glass appears OK, but it appears somebody carried it attached to a key chain. A few bright marks on the aperature ring? Yeah, like I have "a few" gray hairs. After receiving it I kicked myself for not sending it back.

 

But now, with a half dozen lenses, and another on the way, it's this ugly 35mm/2.0 that I use every day. It feels nice, I've learned how to use it, and the images are to die for. I'll never get rid of the lens. Besides, it's a nice way to meet people. Folks come up to me on the street and ask, "Gee, what did you do to your lens?"

 

The other lens I bought initially was the 15mm CV. Best $400 I've every spent on gear. I've had a ton of fun with it, it's extremely small and easy to use.

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[carstenw]

Could you post a picture of your lens, and out of curiousity, what does such a lens cost? (I am just curious; I also own a second-hand copy, although mine is mint).

[losta]

I also shoot Canon 5D but much less so since I got my M8 in November. My favorites for the 5D are 35 1.4, 85 1.2 and 100 2.8 macro. For the M8 I find myself going for the 28 summicron the most. In general I like wides and don't really like a 50 on a ff body. I am waiting for my 50 summilux from Leica with my 30% discount (I have been waiting months) and I think I will like that very much too I have done several shootings with a borrowed 50 lux and enjoy that it's more like a 66.

 

M8 Lens Equivalents

24mm = 31.92

28mm = 37.24

35mm = 46.55

50mm = 66.50

 

I have quite a few Leica lenses 21 elmarit, 24 elmarit, 28 cron, 35 cron, 50 nocti and 75 lux. I find the 75 hard to use due to framing issues though I actually haven't had much chance to use it and it is currently at Leica Allendale getting coded. Right now if I could only have two or if I'm trying to choose what goes in the camera bag it would be the 28 cron and 50 lux (even though I don't have it yet).

[Guest guy_mancuso]

Lisa my 75mm is also in NJ waiting to get coded, actually there waiting on new mounts. Driving me nuts waiting

[photolandscape]

I'd consider the following as a good balance of focal lengths. I am not a big fan of the faster lenses--they're great, but I rarely shoot below f/4.

 

--15mm CV Heliar and the 21mm viewfinder for it

--28mm Elmarit Asph--if you're patient and/or can find one

--90mm Elmarit--with the crop factor it works out to about 120mm

 

You could buy the first and the last for as little as $1100 used, then the 28 for another $1500 or so. And unless you like maroon/purple far better than black synthetic fabrics, the IR filters are pretty much mandatory.

 

I really like the Leica hand grip, and there are lots of others. Watch out if you use it with a 12 or 15mm lens--you'll learn over time how to avoid photographing your own fingers.

 

About the Think Tank bags--I have the Street Shooter and a second smaller one that attaches to its belt. It is great in some ways, flawed in others. The zippers are very stiff and awkward when you're photographing and moving around. The interior is a rough nylon that is scratchy and feels cheap. The waistbelt and the shoulder strap however, are excellent. So it's a "mixed bag". I am considering the Art & Artisan (from http://www.photovillage.com) GCAM-7200--would hold one M8 with lens, two additional lenses, and a few odds and ends--cards, etc.

 

If you're going to be gone for extended periods and plan to take lots of photos, would also strongly recommend one of the following--80GB Wolverine Flash Pac Drive (can be found for as little as $80 after rebate), the Epson P5000, or something similar. That way you can keep downloading your cards as you move about. Just don't drop or lose it.

 

Last but not least--arguably the most important thing--and not cheap--a 2nd battery.

 

Good luck.

[andrewteee]

Well, you don't just run out and buy a Leica these days! The M8s are easy enough to find, but the Leica lenses are MIA and even many of the Voigtlander lenses have gone missing. Leica requires patience!