First lens for M6

[goranilic]

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Hi,

I recently acquired M6 TTL 0.85. Also, I do have A7 and using Nokton 40mm f1.4 with it (only M lens). So technically, I am looking for 2nd lens for my M6... Reason I got camera with 0.85 is because larger viewfinder lines and I am not shooting much of 28mm. Mostly, using camera for family portraits, some street and urban photography.

 

 

Would like to try 3rd party 50mm (Planar, Sonnar, CV), Leica's 75mm or Leica 50's under $1,000. Almost pull a trigger at Planar, but wanted to hear from more experienced members of this Forum suggestions, hints what are solid performers with Leica's signature. I was using Summicron-R with A7 for some time and was very happy, but currently Cron-M is out of my reach. Also, I am thinking to get 75mm for portraits. Would like to have Cron-M in 75mm, concerned about the weight (cost as well). Among other lens recommendation that would like to hear from you, what is good Summicron-M  pre APO version under $1,000?... and how does it compare with modern Zeiss or Voigtlander lenses?

 

Thank you very much to all.

 

Best,

Goran

 

[Narsuitus]

I do not have a Nokton 40mm f/1.4 lens for my M6 but I do have a 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss (right). If I had the Nokton 40mm f/1.4, I would get either the 90mm f/2 Summicron (middle) or the 21mm f/1.4 Summilux (left) depending on which I needed  more ... a telephoto portrait lens or a wide street/urban lens.

 

Three-Lens Rangefinder Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr

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[a.noctilux]

Welcome Goran,

 

If you are happy with the Summicron-R, you would be also with Summicron-M.

Good news in M mount there are many versions: I to IV mainly with each new version more "modern" rendering / more contrast.

 

Version III of 50mm Summicron can be had for less than USD 1,000.

With luck even version IV (in many sub-versions) can be found under 1,000.

 

If not, a gem can be M-Hexanon 2/50mm (much cheaper) which for me has nothing less than Summicron-M 50 IV.

Edited September 20, 2018 by a.noctilux

[TomB_tx]

With film I use 50s most, and 35 & 90 some. (In fact, they were my only M lenses for 40 years!) I now have a bunch of 50s, including Summicron versions 1 through 5, Planar, Norton 1.4, etc. I’d suggest the Planar as overall equivalent to the Summicron, but less flare and good contrast. Yet with film a faster 50 has uses, and the Nokton 1.4 is very nice. I especially like the earlier ltm version, which is still a bargain and works fine on an M with adapter.

Another sleeper is the Voigtlander 75 f2.5, also in ltm that gives great images, and more difference from your 40. The longer lens can force you to tightly frame subjects and learn what to emphasize. My first M lens with my M4 in 1968 was a 90 TeleElmarit, and I found it to be good for composition training.

Edited September 20, 2018 by TomB_tx

[goranilic]

Thank you all for your input very helpful. In the mean time, until I I make decision about  M Lens, can anyone using R lenses on M film cameras? I was using Novoflex adapters for A7 and was very happy. Since I still do have Summi-R 50/2, I was just wondering can you recommend adapting this lens on my M6/

 

Thanx

[a.noctilux]

I did used R lenses on M5/M6, long time ago.

Only wide angle R mount lenses are usable on film M: scale focus and loose framing with VF or finder on hot shoe.

 

With M6, you can not focus or frame with adapted R lens.

 

Sony A7 has LV that is not present on M6.

[Ko.Fe.]

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So, you want 50mm lens on film M camera? The choice is next to unlimited here. And provided opinions would tell nothing.

I had Planar and let it go quick. The only Leica 50 lens I miss on film is Cron Collapsible. Yet, it is nothing but IMO.

For color on film M I like Cron V4, BW is Cron Collapsible.

ZM 50 1.5 is in its own league, and so is VM 50 1.5. I liked VM 50 1.5 on BW in film M.

The best answer I could give  you, Google - lens Flickr. 

[ktmrider2]

I have two 50's and don't usually like duplicating focal lengths (have two 35's as well).  I have a very fast lens in each focal length and then a slower, more normal size lens for traveling.  In 50, I have the latest Summicron and the 50f1.1 Nokton and can recommend it.  New it is near $780 and used can be had for $600 or so.  Now it is too large for some to use as an everyday lens and I don't use mine a lot for that reason and there is some viewfinder cutoff.  But again it provides near Noctilux performance for less then 1/10th the price of Leica's super fast 50 which suffers from the same problems of being large, heavy and cuts off the viewfinder.   And the prices might be coming down (saw reduced price at Cameraquests site) due to the new 50f1.2 which was just introduced and which you might want to check out.  However, it is priced just above $1000 I believe.

 

I have also had the 50f1.5 Nokton and new they are under $1000.  It is often compared to the pre ASPH Summilux.  I can recommend it whole heartedly.  Cameraquest has the 50f1.5 new for $750.  And PhotoVillage in NYC often has used 50f1.5's for $600.  

Edited October 1, 2018 by ktmrider2

[ktmrider2]

Rereading your post I notice you are thinking about a 75mm instead of a 50 and that is certainly your choice.  I have never owned a 75 as I have had the 50 and a 90 almost as long as I have owned Leica's (since 1975).  And my favorite film M's have been the M2, M4 and M5 depending on the phase of the moon and which direction the wind is blowing but none of them have a 75mm frame line in the viewfinder.

 

From what I have read, both 75's from Voightlander are good.  The 75f2.5 is small and sharp but must be used with a LTM to M adopter.  The 75f1.8 is nice as well and is somewhat soft wide open but sharpens up nicely by f4.  Soft is a relative term and used wide open it would be great for portraits.  Both are available from Cameraquest for $599 and $699 respectively.  

 

I don't think Zeiss makes a 75.  And I believe the "cheap" Summarit is available for approximately $2000.  I think the 75f1.8 would be my choice in that focal length.  And a 40/75 combo would give you a two lens kit of great versatility.  I travel with a 35/90 combo and would be happy with a 40/75 if chance substituted those focal lengths for my 35/90 combo.

Edited October 1, 2018 by ktmrider2