Need help on choosing a second lens to pair with a 50 lux?

[Marley]

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Hello everyone! 

I need help in choosing my next lens. I've been using a 50 summilux asph silver chrome as my only lens for more than a year now. I mainly use my camera for travel and documentary. Family and group photos. A few street photography but not much. The reason for choosing another lens is mainly the weight and a wider focal length. I love the look of my 50 lux so I don't know if it's better to compliment it or to contrast it. Bottom line is I want a lighter and wider lens. I am leaning towards the 35mm Lux FLE v1 and the V2 or the steel rim reissue. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please note I have a Q2M so 28mm FL is not my priority. Also I am using a M11 silver chrome. 

Thank you! 

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[jaeger]

A 24 lux

[lct]

Not sure i would call the 24/1.4 asph a light lens but 35/1.4 FLE and 35/1.4 reissue are different lenses indeed. If the OP want a similar rendition to their 50/1.4 asph, the 35/1.4 FLE would be a good candidate, at least the v1 of it i have experience with, but the steel rim reissue has little to do with it. It is a lens i would acquire to match a 50/2 v1 or v2 for instance, not the OP's 50/1.4 asph, rather the opposite i would say. Now the OP have not yet decided if they prefer a lens to contrast or to complete their 50 and i can hardly choose in their shoes sorry.

[3D-Kraft.com]

Thypoch Simera 35/1.4 ASPH in silver.

[RexGig0]

Peter Karbe based the design of the APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH on that of the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, as a personal project, a labor of love. So, if one wants a telephoto with a similar rendering, this 75 ‘Cron could be a candidate. The 75mm focal length seems to be an acquired taste, that is not for everyone. There is an active thread here, regarding 75mm images. I wish that I could say that I loved my APO Summicron-M 75mm ASPH, but, I am still tending to shoot Leica M system at 50mm, 35mm, and 24mm. I really should start a personal project, with the Summilux 50 and the Summicron 75, to really work on using the 75mm focal length.

 

Edited October 27, 2024 by RexGig0

[mikeamosau]

If you already have the 28mm with the Q, then I try to go wider or more tele to contrast the 50mm. I find if I get things all a little to close in FL, then I just keep going back to the favorite 50mm.

So I would consider a 21mm like the Super Elmar (an amazing sharp lens that’s awesome for travel and landscape. Tiny and light too, so I end up keeping it in the bag and use it a lot) or a 75 or 90mm depending on you preference. Both the Summicron’s in those are awesome lenses. The APO of those two lenses would be a great pairing for your already fantastic 50mm. 
 

My all time favorite lens is the 35mm Summilux f/1.4 FLE (first version) for what it’s worth! But I find I tend to just carry a 35 or a 50 on trips so I can take other lenses or cameras in the bag. 

[Marley]

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Thanks for the responses! But I think Im leaning towards the 35 FL for now. 28mm is my widest at the moment. I don't know how to use a telephoto lens so 75mm and 90mm is out of the picture, also the frame lines is quite small to nail focus for me. So will be concentrating to 35mm only. Will consider the Thypoch simera although not familiar or know where to buy it. 

[chris7273]

My 35mm summilux FLE II is my go to lens. 
it’s the silver version and it matches nicely with the M11 silver. 
it’s expensive but I don’t regret it. 

[lct]

I have no experience with Thypoch lenses but as the happy owner of several 35mm lenses, including Summilux 35/1.4 v2 and Summilux 35/1.4 FLE v1, i would warmly recommend a more affordable lens, the Nokton 35/1.5 asph. It is a bit less sharp than the FLE at full aperture but it is gentler for portraits and an excellent lens otherwise, lighter and more compact than the FLE, with 0.5m MFD. Just a snap on M11 @ f/1.5 below. FWIW.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Diverse/n-QFBj4/Leica-M11-CV-3515-asph/i-WQdbvJR/0/NVMZXkdJGSsZnWfrvxG97xtSngnGr72HVmt4T5PQK/X4/M1107528_sipss-X4.jpg

[Marley]

I like the design and lens hood of the FLE v1 than the FLE II.  I'm not sure about the handling and ergonomics. But I need to compare the two side by side. I don't know if the 

close focus is that important for the way I shoot. Thanks

[250swb]

Conventional wisdom in professional circles is you should jump a focal length and use the next-but-one in line. This is based on the idea you can most often walk backwards the short distance with a 50mm to achieve the same coverage as standing rooted to the spot and switching to a 35mm. It works in reverse if using a 35mm, but of course you should walk forwards.

So if you don't want a 28mm because of your Q (although equally why would you need a 35mm if you have your Q?) then you should go for something wider like a 24mm, although then you are stuck with using an accessory viewfinder or a Visoflex. Which brings me back to a 28mm, something like a Summicron, because the view through the OVF is maintained and the form factor for working in street scenes is consistent. The time to buy a 35mm is when you are bored with your 50mm because the 35mm will become your new standard lens. In this reshuffle a 24mm becomes the next-but-one that is wider, and by omitting the 50mm a 75mm short tele 'portrait lens' is the next logical one to add. 

[jgeenen]

" Bottom line is I want a lighter and wider lens. "

The 35mm field of view (and matching frame lines) is for me a sweet spot on the Leica M system. You can't get wrong in choosing a 35mm lens. Now you want something lighter. As you currently own the "heavy chrome" version of the Summilux 50mm, it is easy to beat - as long as you select a black anodized version for a 35mm lens.

• The 35mm Summilux FLE is certainly a very good choice (I love mine) - but for me it is more an alternative to the 50mm Summilux than an addition. I rarely take both of them with me at the same time.
• The 35mm Summilux Re-Release is a special lens as it is not up to the technical standards in term of optical perfection as modern lenses. This forum calls it "character" and praises it's strengths, but in my personal opinion it is - especially on a digital body - a special lens - wide open a compromise for very few occasions, stopped down good but with much less character. It is tiny - but due to it's special rendering I would not consider it as an everyday lens.
• The 35mm Summicron asph. is an alternative you should consider as well. It lacks the prestige 1.4 aperture, but it is very good at all apertures and very compact. Certainly an everyday lens without flaws.

All of those lens formulas (or better "characteristics", since the technical formula of third party lenses is different), you find outside of the Leica world for much less money. A good idea to start with and to see if it matches your expectations without to much of a financial burden. Here are some:

• Thypoch 1.4/35mm. Certainly a good lens - but by no means compact or light. A little bit different use and feel than the traditional Leica way.
• Voigtländer Nokton 1.4/35mm Classic V II. Although not exactly the same as the Summilux Re-Release, pretty much comparable for far less money. A good idea to test out.
• Voigtländer Ultron 2/35mm Aspherical. A compact and tiny "cousin" to the Summicron. I like the rendering, but I personally don't like the exterior design (but that is a matter of taste).

There are many others to choose from, so this is not an exhaustive list but just my personal opinion on some lenses I personally tried or had in my mind as well.

[chris7273]

4 hours ago, Marley said:

close focus is that important for the way I shoot.

Just consider it as “a nice to have” feature.

[a.noctilux]

I don't read all the answers here, I think all are valid advices.

After some good/big/heavy lenses still have/use those, now I'm happy with the opposite ...

not the prettiest, high grade, best result or cheap (as some chinese made), not made anymore, second hand only,

Summarit-M 2.5/35mm.

 

[RexGig0]

On 10/27/2024 at 8:12 AM, Marley said:

Thanks for the responses! But I think Im leaning towards the 35 FL for now. 28mm is my widest at the moment. I don't know how to use a telephoto lens so 75mm and 90mm is out of the picture, also the frame lines is quite small to nail focus for me. So will be concentrating to 35mm only. Will consider the Thypoch simera although not familiar or know where to buy it. 

I have test-shot a friend’s Voitglander Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 II MC. It is a most wonderful compact lens! The rendering is supposed to be much like the pre-aspherical Leica Summilux lenses. I test shot a quite clean, pristine Sixties-vintage Summilux Version II, after testing my friend’s Nokton, and, really, I would rather have the Nokton. (Instead, I bought a Re-Edition Steel Rim Summilux-M 35mm.)

[Marley]

On 10/28/2024 at 4:37 PM, jgeenen said:

" Bottom line is I want a lighter and wider lens. "

The 35mm field of view (and matching frame lines) is for me a sweet spot on the Leica M system. You can't get wrong in choosing a 35mm lens. Now you want something lighter. As you currently own the "heavy chrome" version of the Summilux 50mm, it is easy to beat - as long as you select a black anodized version for a 35mm lens.

• The 35mm Summilux FLE is certainly a very good choice (I love mine) - but for me it is more an alternative to the 50mm Summilux than an addition. I rarely take both of them with me at the same time.
• The 35mm Summilux Re-Release is a special lens as it is not up to the technical standards in term of optical perfection as modern lenses. This forum calls it "character" and praises it's strengths, but in my personal opinion it is - especially on a digital body - a special lens - wide open a compromise for very few occasions, stopped down good but with much less character. It is tiny - but due to it's special rendering I would not consider it as an everyday lens.
• The 35mm Summicron asph. is an alternative you should consider as well. It lacks the prestige 1.4 aperture, but it is very good at all apertures and very compact. Certainly an everyday lens without flaws.

All of those lens formulas (or better "characteristics", since the technical formula of third party lenses is different), you find outside of the Leica world for much less money. A good idea to start with and to see if it matches your expectations without to much of a financial burden. Here are some:

• Thypoch 1.4/35mm. Certainly a good lens - but by no means compact or light. A little bit different use and feel than the traditional Leica way.
• Voigtländer Nokton 1.4/35mm Classic V II. Although not exactly the same as the Summilux Re-Release, pretty much comparable for far less money. A good idea to test out.
• Voigtländer Ultron 2/35mm Aspherical. A compact and tiny "cousin" to the Summicron. I like the rendering, but I personally don't like the exterior design (but that is a matter of taste).

There are many others to choose from, so this is not an exhaustive list but just my personal opinion on some lenses I personally tried or had in my mind as well.

nice recommendations, I am open to non Leica brands but it should look appealing to me, I like form factor as well. Hence my preference for the FLE I vs the II. It looks more balanced to me. Toying with the idea of considering a 28mm as well like the elmarit to give a jump in FL as one of you suggested here. 

Is it easier to zone focus on the 35mm or 28mm? I ask because I find it hard to do on the 50 lux, I know I need to practice more but the depth of field is so small and the distance scale too. 

[Pierre68]

The 50mm Summilux is such a great lens that I mostly use it as a single lens outfit with the M10-R/M.

If I would  pair it with another lens,  it would be the 35 cron ASPH or the 28 Elmarit (last version) or the 21 SEM which I all have and use regularly. I had the 24 f/3.8 that I sold, it was a great lens too and a good complement to the 50 lux. I sold it to (partially) finance the 24 lux which can be a good complement to the 50 lux for night shots, but it is huge and not a valid option for everyday carry, at least for me. But I love its rendering. I preferred it over the 28 lux which could also be a good option. Another option would be the 25 f/2.8 Zeiss Planar which I have and use to complement the summicron 50 on the film MP. Lately my plan is to get a 35 APO Summicron as it would complement the 50 lux in both focal lengths and rendering. 

[IkarusJohn]

I also have the silverchrome 50 Summilux ASPH. It pairs nicely with the 28 Summaron-m, also silverchrome on my silverchrome Monochrom!  Aesthetics. Not important, but a simple pleasure. 

In 35mm, I’m a huge fan of the 35 APO Summicron, but it’s expensive and can be hard to find. 
 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[OSEGAL]

Image wise- 35 lux FLE and the humble summaron-M 35 2.5\2.4

[a.noctilux]

14 hours ago, OSEGAL said:

humble summaron-M 35 2.5\2.4

Do you mean Summarit-M then ?

I  have also Summaron 2.8/35mm not bad lens but clean unit can be very hard to find now.