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Which Leica lens, new or old, gives you the best BANG for your buck?


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Which Leica lens do you think constitutes the best value for money, used or new, on the market right now?
 

I know someone will claim a $5K Noctilux is their notion of a "steal" but for myself it's a tossup:

 

  • 35mm/f2 ASPH (previous version used) 
  • 90 mm/f4 (used) 
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New: 28 Elmarit ASPH is astounding in every respect.

Old: 35/2.8 Summaron. Yes they are getting up a bit in price, but still crazy good value compared with the V1 Summicron, or any subsequent Summicron for that matter.

 

Of course 50mm and longer is a totally different matter ;)

 

Cheers

 

J :)

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135mm 1961 Elmar $200-..cant beat it for the price..

WATE (3 lenses in 1) and 50mm Elmar-M is my main carry around set..covers everything but fast..and not too expensive..

Got a Noct f1.0 super cheep back in the day..that was a no brainer Leica purchase that has paid off in spades..

Any garden variety Leica 35mm will do the trick..for not too much bread..

Edited by tsleica
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50mm Elmar 2.8 V1 - £300 for a Leica lens with fantastic performance. You can’t go wrong with one.

 

Also the 90mm Elmar-C - £200 for a beautiful little lens.

 

Might just be that I can’t afford the more expensive stuff though ;)

Edited by Beena22
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For amateur photographer best value for money would be lens you use the most or the one that gives you biggest pleasure. In my case it is APO Summicron M 50mm, it also help to buy it new at lowest price ever in UK, post Christmas sale in 2016 at Clifton Camera, it cost me £1300 less than median price at the time.

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50mm.  Hands down.  If you know how to compose a shot its a wide lens, its a long lens, it'll teach you how to arrange the graphic elements of a situation and make a good image. A picture that tells the viewer what you want them to see.  When you get a handle on composition, then go for various focal lengths.   I guess im an old fashioned purist, but the wisdom learned from composing in a 50 is invaluable.  I have a 15m, a 35mm a few 50's, and a 90 and a 135.  The 50 lives on my camera.  The others are mounted every now and then as a novelty. 

Edited by JohnnySeven
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Which Leica lens, new or old, gives you the best BANG for YOUR buck?

 

Some like very contrasty lenses, others are happy with lower contrast...and getting a longer dynamic range.

 

Sharpness is nirvana, for most, the endless hunt.

 

Cost is important to many. And so is the feel and build.

 

Focus depth and low-light is needed by others.

 

 

Choose the lens you are comfortable with.

 

...

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Well, the lens I use the most, at least in non-urban settings is a 1960's Summicron II and they are not expensive; finding a really clean one may be difficult.  The absolute best buy in a new lens is a Voitlander Heliar 50mm F:3.5 (collapsible or non-collapsible);  arguably it is a better lens than the 2.8 Elmar and much cheaper new (abt $600  USD). Just opinions, In an urban setting, I usually use a late model 35mm Summicron ASPH. Ron

Edited by Ronazle
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The 3.4/21 Super Angulon.

An amazing lens that sold at the same price as the contemporary Noctilux when new yet can now be readily had for just over $1000.

 

Interesting indeed, i did not remember the SA 21/3.4 was that expensive new. Would you have any link by chance? Just curious. Last time i checked its price was close to that of the Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph if memory serves but i may be wrong.

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