Let battle commence........

[01af]

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I would start with a 50 mm lens and then later ... err, or maybe sooner rather than later, complement it with a 28 mm. Fortunately, your new-old camera has all the required framelines ...

 

As to which 50 mm ... doesn't really matter. Any 50 mm M lens is good, with the possible exception of the current Summicron-M 50 mm which is slightly more prone to flare than most of the others. If budget isn't unlimited then I'd recommend either Summarit-M 50 mm or Summilux-M 50 mm Asph.

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[Ko.Fe.]

Well guys thanks for all your help, I have taken it on board and sort of ignored it at the same time, not because the advice wasnt good but because I thought I'm looking at this the wrong way.

It was going to be either a M 3, 2 or 4. So because none are going to be spring chicks I reckon condition and history probably out weigh all the pro's and cons of each model, although I was  favouring the M 2 in the end.

Despite that I've just hit the button for a M4 - P.

Thanks again, now its which lenses do I get? Anyone got a can opener I have an old tin of worms to share :-)

 

You didn't get it right from beginning, but it is OK. Because, any Leica M film camera is good camera if it works. Check M4-P viewfinder part in front of the window where frame lines are. Many M4-P have reside from gasket bellow. I don't know why, but M4-P have this issue most. 

 

Asking what lens to get after getting of M camera is kind of not straight. Straight forward is to decide which focal length you are going to use most. And then get the camera. But you still did it wise , while M4-P is not optimum camera for most common focal lengths, it has universal and not so limited set of frame lines as  M3,M2,M4, M5 have. 

 

So, if you are asking here which lens to get, I assume you have no preferences and due to this it is not so good idea what to advice in particular. I suggest to try all three common for M cameras focal lengths. This way you will find which lens works the best for you on M4-P. 50, 35 or 28. You don't need to spend two thousands dollars for each to find out which focal length does it best for you. Canon LTM lenses are not so expensive and LTM to M adapters from Amazon are OK.

 

So, one and only comment which lens to get. The wider you'll go the more choices single lens is going to give you. 50mm is mostly single person portrait lens, 35 is for environmental portraits and street work, 28 does it all what 35 and 50 do, plus it allows to be much closer and still have plenty in the frame. In other words, 50, 35 and 28 are capable of the same. The difference is how close you want to be. 50 is for observing it from 4,5 meters. 35 is for getting closer. While with 28 you have to be face to face to make it looks right.  

[Nevik]

The lens request was a bit tongue in cheek, I will kick it off at the wide end, 28 - 35mm depends what's about, no rush.

[a.noctilux]

If your choice is 28mm, don't forget the Elmarit-M 2.8/28 Asph. (11606)...

For me this 28mm complement very nicely Summarit-M lines, small, light and not too expensive but great IQ .

 

Even usable on M4-P with two lenses kit :

M4-P, Summarit-M 2.5/50 - Elmarit-M 2.8/28 Asph. very "pockettable and great IQ" (maybe a small lightmeter if required )

Edited November 27, 2017 by a.noctilux

[IkarusJohn]

I would also suggest the 28mm focal length.  For me, the ideal Leica lenses are 28 (usefully wide, but not extreme) and 50 - together, they're a great combination.

[michaelwj]

Why get an M4-P if you're not going to get a 28!

 

Got to be a 28mm from that. I use the 2.8 ASPH, but they're all great! (don't forget the Voigtlander 28mm lenses, they're awesome and a fraction of the price)

[Nevik]

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As awesome as voightlander might be and zeiss, I kinda think that Leica lenses belong on Leica cameras, not to say I wouldn't have something else but at this stage I would like to shoot with Leica. I've shot lots with Zeiss (rolleiflex/Hasselblad) over the years, but never Leica.

Yes I would get a 28 at some point, but not in a hurry for any one length at the moment, only problem with a 28mm is it's a bit iPhone in its view. A 50 or 35 would be first choice at the moment.

Why M4 - P? mainly because it was there, it also gives me most options and dare I say it, a bit of a sleeper at the moment, when you sift through the crap about the 4's you are left with a very capable camera attached to bad press. Oh and it might just be me, but I quite like the look of it too.

[pgk]

Nothing wrong with M4-Ps. I've had a couple - bother heavily used but still working. And yes, good looking cameras too .

[pgk]

Or: http://www.ffordes.com/product/17112911512581

[pico]

As awesome as voightlander might be and zeiss, I kinda think that Leica lenses belong on Leica cameras,

 

That seems to be a religious statement.

[pico]

Nothing wrong with M4-Ps. I've had a couple - bother heavily used but still working. And yes, good looking cameras too .

 

I have an M4-P tossed into storage. The advance mechanism is not smooth and I hate all the frame lines.

 

It is important that I no longer use the Leica's rangefinder for anything but cursory focusing. Framing is by a flash-shoe mounted finder (always Voigtlander).  It's about old age vision. If you can keep both eyes open it is very effective.

 

EVF? Ain't in my future.

Edited November 30, 2017 by pico

[michaelwj]

(always Voigtlander)

 

 

The Horror!!!

[pico]

The Horror!!!

 

I laughed. I needed that. Perhaps my case is different; I have tried dozens of viewfinders, and out of desperation have a hand-made one which is a machinist's work of art, but still lacking. The only Leitz viewfinders I have came with the Veriwide 100 cameras and they both flare. Bummer. (I'm going to get brave someday and try to take one apart to clean it.)

 

So far Voigtlander viewfinders have been very good. The most recent was their small round one for 35mm. It corresponds well with the M9. Happy, happy.

[250swb]

You aren't alone Pico, I have Leica 21mm, 28mm and 35mm finders much much prefer the ordinary plastic Voigtlander equivalents. My Leica finders aren't all that old, but each seems to have it's own colour cast, and the 21 and 28 aren't even as bright as a Voigtlander.