malcolm.mcintyre Posted June 11, 2007 Share #1 Posted June 11, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm getting my M8 in the next few days and can't decide which lens to go for. I know there is no real all rounder, but I can only afford one real Leica lens to start, and don't want to carry around a "system" anyway. I have located a new 28mm and there are plenty of 35mm. What would your one lens choice be? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 11, 2007 Posted June 11, 2007 Hi malcolm.mcintyre, Take a look here Which is the best starter lens for M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted June 11, 2007 Share #2 Posted June 11, 2007 One lens? 28mm, but it's a personal thing. 35mm would also be a good option if you prefer something a little longer. For most people 24mm is probably a bit too wide for a single lens, but again it's a personal thing.. Are you coming at this from a film background? If so did you have a favourite lens? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted June 11, 2007 Share #3 Posted June 11, 2007 If you located a new 28mm than jump on it and try it for awhile. The 28mm focal length is a great one on the M8 and finding lenses is tough as hell so get the lens and if you don't like it than very easy to sell and try another. Only you can decide if you like a lens or not. one thing i can assure you almost any new leica lens you buy there is no such thing as a bad one in general terms. i would not wait 5 more minutes on that 28mm , if anyone here finds out were that is than say goodbye that is how fast it will go, be it a 28 cron or the new 28 elmarit. If it is the Elamrit than you have 1 minute . LOL I am not joking there is a big backlog on lenses Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted June 11, 2007 Share #4 Posted June 11, 2007 Hi Malcom, it's a question that's cropped up many times in the past here. Off the cuff either of the 28 Asph Summicron or Elmarit will give close the the considered 35mm sweet spot on the cropped M8. The choice between both comes down to speed f:/2 v f:/2.8, size and fingerprint(drawing ability, contrast) of the lens. The elmarit is reported to have slightly more contrast than the Summicron at the same aperture. 35 Summilux or summicron asph's again it's more speed difference between both as many say they are very close in fingerprint. But from my experience the 35 can be a little too tight in the framing as a one lens setup. But without more info as to what you like to shoot it's like asking how long is a peice of string. if you've used rangefinders before or SLR's you perhaps had a favorite focal length, examine the true focal length of that lens taking into consideration any crop factor and try to replicate that on the M8 with it's 1.33 crop. That's about the best piece of advice I can give you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted June 11, 2007 Share #5 Posted June 11, 2007 Mine would probably be the 35 Summicron Asph. If you like a slightly more classical look, get the 35 Summicron IV. If you like things a little wider (35mm is equivalent to 50mm on the M8), then go for a 28 (equivalent to 35). Both are great. One is faster, the other is smaller and cheaper and has more contrast. If you prefer a small tele, get the 50 Summicron. You could also opt for Voigtländer and get two or three for the price of one Leica. They are also great. Perhaps get a 25/4, 40/1.4, 75/2.5 threesome. Compact, cheap, great quality. You will find lots of Leica-mount lens reviews here. It is a pay site, but very worth it: http://www.reidreviews.com/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm.mcintyre Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share #6 Posted June 11, 2007 I'm coming from a far-too-many-cameras background. Currently; Nikon SLR/DSLR with a good selection of primes and the nice new 17-55mm zoom. Mamiya 7 II 6x7 rangefinder with 60mm and 105 mm lenses. Leica DLux2 point and shoot. I want the M8 as a compactish carry every day camera to replace the DLux as I need a view finder. mainly for "holiday snaps". The Nikons will still be there for any real wide angle, macro or telephoto duties, and the Mamiya for grown-up landscapes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted June 11, 2007 Share #7 Posted June 11, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) For that kind of duty, the (now defunct) Tri-Elmar 28-35-50mm f/4 might be a perfect fit. You'll have to spend some research time finding one though, since it has just been discontinued, and they are being snapped up. There are two editions, both with the same optics, but the second version is meant to be a bit more robust, mechanically. The second version looks like the WATE, the first version is missing the depth-of-field scales which dominate the back of the lens. On the other hand, one camera with one lens can really get the creative juices flowing. The limitation sometimes turns out to be an inspiration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm.mcintyre Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted June 11, 2007 Thanks for the speedy replies guys. Taking your advice, I didn't hang about and I've phoned the dealer and put a deposit on the M8 with Elmarit 2.8, 28mm. Collect it in the morning. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted June 11, 2007 Share #9 Posted June 11, 2007 Mine would probably be the 35 Summicron Asph. http://www.reidreviews.com/ I would agree completely. On the M8, this is a superb focal length--not too wide, not too tight, and the lens is very sharp, has great color rendition, very low distortion and excellent contrast. You can also find some bargains on it if you look around. I picked one up for $1,500 in mint condition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted June 11, 2007 Share #10 Posted June 11, 2007 Thanks for the speedy replies guys. Taking your advice, I didn't hang about and I've phoned the dealer and put a deposit on the M8 with Elmarit 2.8, 28mm. Collect it in the morning. Malcom given how hard it is to find the Elmarit 28mm I think a good cal. But try it and see if it fits you okay. i love the 28 focal length on the M8 but of course you may not . But you can easily sell it if you don't like it . My bet is you will like it a lot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eudemian Posted June 11, 2007 Share #11 Posted June 11, 2007 I got the 28 Summicron as my first lens and it is wonderful But my real concern is how you are going to limit yourself to one lens. I tried and failed lamentably. You may be stronger willed, more disciplined have some secret. Post back in a few months and let me know if you have remained strong. Best of luck, this M8 has been a revelation tome, and I feel sure you will get sucked into its orbit and its black money hole abyss. Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinb Posted June 11, 2007 Share #12 Posted June 11, 2007 It's really depending on which focal length you prefer? I was a big fan of the 35mm focal length for a while. Then I started to like 28 and 50mm instead, but after a while I've started to realise that a 35mm can replace both lenses in most situations. To get a 35mm equivalent on the M8 you need a 28mm. I like speed, so either the 28mm cron or 28mm ultron were the only options for me. I got the 28mm ultron and I'm more than happy with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lotw Posted June 11, 2007 Share #13 Posted June 11, 2007 voigtlander 25mm skopar or macro-elmar 90mm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveB Posted June 11, 2007 Share #14 Posted June 11, 2007 If I could only have one lens with my M8 it would be the 35mm/2.0 ASPH and the CV15. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gesper Posted June 11, 2007 Share #15 Posted June 11, 2007 I bought the 35/2.0 only because it was available (back in Nov 2006) and there was no way to get a 28/2.8 (I wanted minimum size). I since bought a CV 25/4.0 to fill the gap. I am very happy with both. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted June 11, 2007 Share #16 Posted June 11, 2007 I'm getting my M8 in the next few days and can't decide which lens to go for. I know there is no real all rounder, but I can only afford one real Leica lens to start, and don't want to carry around a "system" anyway. I have located a new 28mm and there are plenty of 35mm. What would your one lens choice be? Go for the shortest and fastest you can afford. Due to the crop factor and, relatively speaking, high noice level on high ISO. If 2.hand, see to that you have it coded. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Hatcher Posted June 11, 2007 Share #17 Posted June 11, 2007 Unless you really WANT to only carry one lens (not that there's anything wrong with that), rather than buying one Leica lens I'd recommend the bag full of CV lenses you could get for the same money... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveEP Posted June 11, 2007 Share #18 Posted June 11, 2007 Unless you really WANT to only carry one lens (not that there's anything wrong with that), rather than buying one Leica lens I'd recommend the bag full of CV lenses you could get for the same money... This is not such a bad suggestion. My personal preference is 28mm over 35mm, but for the price of even s/h Leica, you can get a couple of CV lenses. I have the 15 & 35/2.5, and they work amazingly well, regardless of their cost. If they cost 4 times as much, they would still be good lenses, and more people would probably buy them! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted June 11, 2007 Share #19 Posted June 11, 2007 While we're talking about these 28s, may I again remind folks that the CV 28/3.5 (which is disappearing) is a wonderful little high contrast lens. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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