Your relationship with focal lengths

[JoshuaR]

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My relationship with different focal lengths has changed a lot in recent years. I used to go out with two or even three lenses—common combinations would be 28/50, or 24/35/75—keeping the extra lens(es) in coat pockets or a bag. Then I would switch to a different lens depending on the scene, or the particular photo I wanted to make. 

Now I'm much more likely to just put a single 28, 35, or 50 lens on my camera and just use it to make whatever pictures I can make. I ask myself which one lens I want to use and then take it out for the day, or the weekend, and I live with it. Most often it's a 35mm lens.

I'm not sure what's led to the change. But it's really affected my approach to gear. For a long time, I loved using the Q2, in part because I could crop from 28 to 50—it was like having three lenses in one. But now I've come to enjoy just having a single lens on my M for the day, and the Q2's cropping feature isn't as interesting as it used to be. Similarly, I used to want really small lenses because they were pocketable—I could put a 28 on the camera and keep a 50 in my pocket. Now I'm okay with bigger lenses, because I so rarely bring an extra lens. For this reason, I think I'm probably going to sell my Q2 and replace it with a 35 FLE.

I'm curious about others' experiences. Has anyone else changed this way (or changed back)?

 

 

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[spydrxx]

For many years I've had multiple choices in lenses, yet I often come back to the 35 as my most used rangefinder lens, unless I know in advance that a different focal length will be more suitable. That's also how I began with Leica rangefinders back in 1967. Like many I've lusted over certain lenses, and often ended up quickly selling them, as they didn't provide the "magic" for me. Nevertheless I still keep a stable of focal lengths...just in case.

[newtoleica]

The 35 is the one for me. Use it mostly. 

I laso have a 50 and a 24. I use them when I want to mix things up a bit for a change.

[Stein K S]

45 minutes ago, JoshuaRothman said:

My relationship with different focal lengths has changed a lot in recent years. I used to go out with two or even three lenses—common combinations would be 28/50, or 24/35/75—keeping the extra lens(es) in coat pockets or a bag. Then I would switch to a different lens depending on the scene, or the particular photo I wanted to make. 

Now I'm much more likely to just put a single 28, 35, or 50 lens on my camera and just use it to make whatever pictures I can make. I ask myself which one lens I want to use and then take it out for the day, or the weekend, and I live with it. Most often it's a 35mm lens.

I'm not sure what's led to the change. But it's really affected my approach to gear. For a long time, I loved using the Q2, in part because I could crop from 28 to 50—it was like having three lenses in one. But now I've come to enjoy just having a single lens on my M for the day, and the Q2's cropping feature isn't as interesting as it used to be. Similarly, I used to want really small lenses because they were pocketable—I could put a 28 on the camera and keep a 50 in my pocket. Now I'm okay with bigger lenses, because I so rarely bring an extra lens. For this reason, I think I'm probably going to sell my Q2 and replace it with a 35 FLE.

I'm curious about others' experiences. Has anyone else changed this way (or changed back)?

 

 

Just totally bond to your comments! Has over the years really enjoyed challenging myself bringing only one lens… both on brief walks in the neighbourhoods and on longer trips.

The «push» to utilize the potentials in only one single FL whatever circumstance is really rewarding!

[IkarusJohn]

Going to my nephew’s wedding this afternoon, and pondering.  I’m not doing the photography, but I like to take a few pictures for the happy couple if any are good enough.

I picked up my SL, 24-90 zoom, 180/2.8 & converter as I rushed out the door - all very heavy, and I really don’t want to be lugging all that about.  But I know from past experience that at functions like this, I want a long lens.

I’d much prefer to just have my Monochrom and 50 Summulix ASPH, but not the best choice for a wedding … I do prefer just having one M and one prime.

[jimmielx]

I almost always pick up the camera with just one lens and that’s me for the day. Typically I am photographing family and friends.

The choice is 35 or 50, I do have an 85mm too. 

35mm is the usual go to for just about anything.

50mm if I’m feeling that I might be a bit further away from the subjects.

85mm would only be for portraits or if I was going to attempt some landscapes as a second lens.

I almost always do better when I just take one lens with me and just think about that focal length.

I have had an M2 and M9-P for about ten years, I don’t think I have ever taken both cameras out with me. I have very recently added an M246 Monochrom, so that’s added another decision. But I still think it’s one camera with one lens. If I travel it might well be two cameras and two lenses on the trip, but still on each outing just one of each!

[darylgo]

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One focal length works well for most of my shooting, there are times ( a few here and there) when the lens I have is not ideal.  Zooms are the lenses I like to shoot least, the focal decision takes the time that would be otherwise spent working on composition and other more creative aspects.  

[Guest]

3 hours ago, JoshuaRothman said:

I'm curious about others' experiences. Has anyone else changed this way (or changed back)?

I am like you and usually leave the house with a single lens (24, 35, 50 or 90mm) on my M in a Billingham 72. I think there are several reasons for that:

• In most cases, I stay local and just walk around the village and the shore. I am not a street photographer. Thus, when I detect a possible scene that would require a different focal length, then chances are good that I still can take this picture some other day when I have this focal length on my camera. When I am on vacation, I am still happy to take 2-3 lenses (24/50, 35/90 or 24/35/90) with me because I am unlikely to visit the same place again in near future.
• In most cases, I don't leave the house to take pictures only. I go out with my family for a walk, lunch or dinner. Too much equipment just becomes a burden in this case. And frequent lens changes require too much patience from family members. This was different when I was on my own and happy to carry around a 6x7 SLR with a bunch of lenses in a large Lowepro backpack.

 

 

[rcusick]

I agree with you.  I tend to pick one focal length (usually 35mm) and either a) go with one lens or b) think about what might compliment that lens (shorter or longer) leading to a two or three lens setup.  

[rtai]

8 hours ago, Al Brown said:

Summiluxes are the hottest. My 35 FLE has no idea of my love affair with 50 ASPH. I told none of them about my second side chick though - 40 Cron, the older cougar hottie.

Have I stumbled into a how to date Leica lenses thread?

[grahamc]

8 hours ago, jimmielx said:

 

35mm is the usual go to for just about anything.

50mm if I’m feeling that I might be a bit further away from the subjects, or for portraits 

90mm would only be for head shot portraits

Your use is almost identical to mine (edits made in blue to reflect my use) 

Sometimes the 35 and 50 gets replaced with the pocket-rocket 40:2 ... in fact every morning it does because I take the little Minolta CLE on my morning walk.   That 40mm sure gets around @Al Brown 

Edited March 31, 2023 by grahamc

[KFo]

One lens normally.  28 or 35.  Seldom 50.  Occasionally 21.  90 when I'm feeling standoffish.

On recent trip to Tenerife I took 2: the 35 Summilux ASPH and the Hektor 13.5cm f/4.5   Yes completely different. On purpose.

Never a zoom, not even back in the dark days pre-digital.  I'm sure they're nice.

[lct]

I'm not good at composing with cropping in mind so digital changed nothing to my favorite combos:
1 lens: 50
2 lenses: 35/75
3 lenses: 35/50/90
4 lenses: 21/35/50/90 or 35/50/90/135
zooms: WATE and MATE
Boring i admit but i feel good like that🙄

[BradS]

1. 50mm
2. 28mm + 50mm
3. 28mm + 50mm + 105mm
4. 28mm + 50mm + 105mm + 200mm

In most situations I'm perfectly happy with just one camera body and a 50mm lens but will often take along a 24mm or 28mm as well. Oddly when I do, the shorter focal length tends to get used more than the 50mm. Of the 30+ miniature format lenses that I own, more than half are 50mm or 55mm.

[RexGig0]

I can be reasonably happy with 28mm, 35mm, or 50mm, for simply walking about, capturing the occasional image. 24mm is starting to “grow on me,” since acquiring the excellent Elmar-M 24mm ASPH. When using any of these four focal lengths, I will rarely change lenses, if I happen to be carrying other lenses.

I seem to be less inspired by 28mm, than by 35mm or 50mm. I will tend to shoot far more images, per unit of time, with a 35mm, because I seem more inspired than when using a 28mm, and because I can have it already pre-focused, whereas a 50mm will require using the rangefinder.

[JoshuaR]

So many interesting responses in this thread!

The "old me" would have found many of them surprising. When I first started as a hobby photographer, I assumed that I wanted focal length "coverage." Because I'm not a zoom guy, this meant carrying a bunch of lenses. And I was always switching among them: "Oh, that's a cool shot, I'd better put on the 24mm!" "Wow, the light is great right now, I should make a portrait using my 75mm!"

I feel like I've changed my attitude in a few ways:

• I've learned that a focal length is like a guideline to finding interesting pictures. It can be valuable to follow the line wherever it leads, rather than imagining a shot and then swapping lenses to achieve it. I guess my visual imagination is limited!
• I've become more patient. The longer I've been photographing, the more I've grown confident that I'll make other shots later. No need to try to get it all done right now.
• I've got lazier. I just can't be bothered to take out anything more than a camera on a strap.
• I've refined my kit, I'm more or less "in love" with my equipment, and I'm often delighted by what my camera delivers—so I'm not too stressed about what lens I should use.

Edited March 31, 2023 by JoshuaRothman

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

My photos are generally better when I keep things simple.  Sometimes it seems, too many options just distracts me from the best image I'm trying to make.  Some people like to pull out a different lens in the field, while others try to compensate with their feet.  Some old saying, that when you are out in the field with just one lens, you always have the "right" lens on the camera, you just make that lens work, while if you have multiple lenses the "best" lens is always in the bag -- or something like that.  Of course never that simple, and no one right answer here.  We're all different, and that's a good thing.  But I'm often out with just a 35mm focal length, sometimes multiple 35's.  Variety is good.

Edited March 31, 2023 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex

[Stef63]

…nice to read I’m not alone and interesting posts.

I have many lenses I can choose from (M, LTM, R, SL).  Many focal lengths. Even different camera’s (M11, M10M, SL2).  I like collecting technical stuff that creates “different opportunities” to create “different images”.  All might be different. But one opportunity at a time.  That is what drives me to make photo’s and enjoy photography.

So 95% of the time when I have multiple lenses or camera’s in my bag it is to transport them from point a to b.  When I go out for shooting however it’s one lens and one camera.  No bag.  So indeed I like to keep it simple when shooting.  Only one option to make the image at that time, at that moment and with that mindset.

Edited March 31, 2023 by Stef63

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[stephan54]

When shooting locally or staying somewhere for a few days I usually pick one lens and make due: 28 - 50 - 75 - 135.

When travelling and not willing to miss too many shots I put on either the 50, 75 or 135, but always bring the 28 with me.

[Harout62]

I usually have 8lenses in my bag   18-21-24-28-35-50-75-90 but I pick a 2-3 with me leave the rest in the car or hotel. 
on casual walk around my neighborhood or evening out I take only the 35 FLE or the 28 Summilux 

Edited March 31, 2023 by Harout62