Q2 to M migration?

[Nick--]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I originally had Canon EOS cameras up to the 5DII full Frame, then switched to Fuji for the lenses and more on camera adjustments, plus X100V

For my 50th a couple of years ago, I got a Q2 to replace my Fuji X100V and get back to full frame. Now the Q2 has got me interested in the M series. No intention of trading in the Q2, I’m very happy with it.

I don’t want to go all in on the latest M models, as using manual focus will be fairly new to me, though I do use manual focusing from time to time on the Q2.

I was thinking of an M Type 246 (I’m happy with monochrom) as a reasonable entry point into the M system and then a 50mm f2 lens.

If I love it, then potential move to one of the more modern M cameras. 

I’m trying to find a balance of having an older camera to dip my toes, but not going back too far that it becomes frustrating to use due to the speed of the camera. Looking to spend between £2k and £3k on the body. 
 

Next step is the lens. Again, I don’t want to get something really cheap that makes the image quality look poor and is no fun to use, but I don’t need top end for now whilst I’m experimenting.

Should I expect to spend £1k on a second hand summicron 50mm f2, that I would most likely keep even if I loved the M series and jumped up to M10/11, or are there £500 second hand lenses that can still show what the M246 can do?

These are my thoughts so far but interested in any advice on a starter setup for around £3k-£4k

 

[dpitt]

This seems a reasonable budget to start with a digital M system. The M240 (regular not monochrom) seems to be the bargain M today. Make sure you buy it from a trusted source, so that you are sure it is calibrated and functioning properly.

Leica has made lots of lenses that can do justice to the M240, I can not think of one made since the late 60s that would not be suitable. Of course this is only true if the lens is recently CLA'd so that it performs as designed.

For a budget around £500 there is the Leica Summicron 50mm F2.0 collapsible. It is hard to find one with a scratch free front element because the coating is soft as chalk. But in good condition it is a nice character vintage lens. A bit soft wide open, very good for portraits that way and it gets really sharp around F4. It is also the smallest and lightest Summicron 50.
If you don't mind F2.8, the collapsible Elmar 50 F2.8 is an other option around the same price. It is sharper and is very good for landscaping and architecture...

The best Summicron 50 vintage lens IMO, is the Summicron 50 F2.0 M. v4 or v5 are the same optical formula, so maybe you can find a nice v4 only a bit over £1k. That would be a 50mm lens to keep for a long time. It was until a few years ago considered to be the best 50mm for FF in the world. And it has been in production from 1979 until today. It is a very good first because it is kind of a bridge between the vintage lenses and the modern ASPH and APO lens designs.

Of course you could also consider a nice 50mm Zeiss or Voigtlander lens. But in my opinion every Leica M owner should at least own one Leica Summicron lens, so why not start with one right away. It would be a good benchmark for any future lens you will buy.

Just my 2 cents....

[Nick--]

Thanks @dpitt for all your thoughts.

Glad to hear I’m on the right track for starting out. I’m always happier spending on lenses over bodies, so I’ll look out for the Leica 50 F2 Type 4/5

I’ll look at the M240 to see if there are decent savings over the M246.

[dpitt]

9 hours ago, Nick-- said:

Thanks @dpitt for all your thoughts.

Glad to hear I’m on the right track for starting out. I’m always happier spending on lenses over bodies, so I’ll look out for the Leica 50 F2 Type 4/5

I’ll look at the M240 to see if there are decent savings over the M246.

I preferred my v4 over the v5 because I like tabbed lenses. The v5 has a build in sunhood and is never sold with a tab. It is generally more expensive too, although the results are the same, so I kept my v4 and sold the v5 to help fund my 90mm F4.0 Macro Elmar-M. This would be another magnificent M lens to own. As a collector I own almost any 90mm Leica made since the 60s, and this one is in a class of its own. I use it on my MFT Gx8 and my SL with an adapter too for macro shots or as a very compact tele lens.

[Nick--]

Just to round this off, I will be getting a used M10-R. Traded in a lot of old Canon gear that got me more than I expected and a good deal on the M10-r. Looking forward to getting it soon.