eyedeebee Posted October 20, 2007 Share #1 Posted October 20, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi - I've just acquired a M6 TTL, and should be receiving an Elmar 50/2.8 on Monday. The lens is (I think) a 1950s model. Now, I am aware that this is among the cheaper lenses available - what can I expect from it (or what lens should I be saving up to buy?!?). (I guess I usually shoot "street" scenes.) I Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 20, 2007 Posted October 20, 2007 Hi eyedeebee, Take a look here New to the M system. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
christer Posted October 20, 2007 Share #2 Posted October 20, 2007 an Elmar 50/2.8 - what can I expect from it? (I guess I usually shoot "street" scenes.) I Short term: everything you need, except (possibly) speed. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted October 20, 2007 Share #3 Posted October 20, 2007 Hi - I've just acquired a M6 TTL, and should be receiving an Elmar 50/2.8 on Monday. The lens is (I think) a 1950s model. Now, I am aware that this is among the cheaper lenses available - what can I expect from it (or what lens should I be saving up to buy?!?). (I guess I usually shoot "street" scenes.) I First of all, welcome to the Leica M world !!! You entered the right way, with a "modern classic". Your lens, if with good glass, is a nice one, and you can be sure you'll be satisfied with it: a good way to get accustomed on RF operating, even if the Elmar, owing to its collapsible mount (that makes the M6 a very compact ensemble to carry), must be focused acting on a lever and not directly on the barrel, as maybe you are accustomed to do... can appear a little strange, initially, but is very easy. If you will be satsfied with the rendering of your Elmar you are in a good situation, for you can find at decent prices a number of lenses that perform as well as it: I can quote the Elmarit 28 (2,8), the Elmarit 90 (2,8) or even the Summicron 90 (2), the Summicron 35 (2) or the Summaron 35 (2,8, cheap), the Tele Elmar 135 f4 ... those are all lenses that are not difficult to find on the used market, and items of the '60s-'70s, if in good conditions, are very nice to use and not too expensive. If you are looking for really FAST lenses (say, 1,4) you have to afford higher prices for 35 or 50 or 75... but I'd suggest you to wait... take a pair of the "rather cheap" ones I quoted above; and finally do not forget the interesting alternative of the Voigtlanders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted October 20, 2007 Share #4 Posted October 20, 2007 The old Elmar 2.8 isn't the best wide open, but performs respectably from about f/5.6. Enjoy! I'd suggest saving up for a fast 35mm or 28mm lens (use the frameline preview lever while you're on the streets to help decide which you prefer). One advantage of 35mm is that there's a much bigger choice of fast (f/2 or wider) lenses both new and used. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted October 20, 2007 Share #5 Posted October 20, 2007 If you like the 50mm focal length and don't have a great need for speed Leica are bringing out a new series of lenses soon that includes a 50mm. The lens line is called Summarit and all are f2.5 lenses. More info at this link: Leica Camera AG - Photography - Summarit-M Lenses Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leitz_not_leica Posted October 20, 2007 Share #6 Posted October 20, 2007 If you like the 50mm focal length and don't have a great need for speed Leica are bringing out a new series of lenses soon that includes a 50mm. The lens line is called Summarit and all are f2.5 lenses. More info at this link: Leica Camera AG - Photography - Summarit-M Lenses He's already has a 50 on the way! I'd look for a 35 Summaron, about $350-$400. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
usefeet Posted October 21, 2007 Share #7 Posted October 21, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Welcome Ian, you have a good start. I expect the lens (& camera) will bring joy to your life, whatever the f stop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyedeebee Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted October 21, 2007 Thanks - I'll let you know how I get on! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted October 21, 2007 Share #9 Posted October 21, 2007 Ian, resist the temptation to overload on new lenses - I find their price helps in this regard <grin>. Get used to the camera and the Elmar and the different way a rangefinder presents the world. If after a few months you're still hankering for an SLR don't worry, not everyone enjoys using a rangefinder, but if like many here you _do_ like the rangefinder approach it'll feel so good and natural compared to an SLR. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 21, 2007 Share #10 Posted October 21, 2007 The 50mm 2.8 Elmar is a fine lens, you should be very happy with it - as long as the optics are in good condition. My advice is also to stick with just this lens for the time being, until you are fully accustomed to using it and the camera. You will also then have a much better idea of the situations where you wish you had another lens and the focal length you need next, if any. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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