bill Posted December 31, 2007 Share #1 Posted December 31, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) It's the end of the year, and I am feeling a little philosophical. In the last year I have over time rationalised my M-lenses and built up then pared down my screwmount collection. I now have a selection of lenses that "read" as follows: 15mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 28mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 35mm x 2, both LTM - Voigtlander and Leica 40mm x 1, M mount - Voigtlander 50mm x 3 LTM x 1, M mount x 2 - all Leica 75mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 90mm x 2, M mount x 1, LTM x 1, both Leica This gives me considerable flexibility between both M and LTM bodies, with only one f/l (the 40mm) "unavailable" to my IIIc. My fastest lens is the 40, and I don't feel the need for any more speed. What's missing? I would like to add a collapsible 90mm Elmar, and I am on the lookout for a nice clean example. This has little to do with practicality, but a lot to do with having a contemporary "set" of lenses for my M2. The collapsible was also my first 90, way back in the last century, and I have regretted selling it ever since. Next on the shopping list is a late model 135mm Elmar-M. Again, I had one in the past, and regret selling it. I may consider a 75mm Summarit, but that is a lower priority. I am happy with my Voigtlander, and would only move to the Leica lens if it showed a considerable increase in performance. The trade-off, of course, is that it is M-only, which means I would most likely double-up in that f/l So, what is the relevance of the title of this thread? For the most part, I have traded up, down, in and out until I have ended up with the lens "palette" that both suits the way I work and that I want. I am not a pro, so I don't actually need any particular lens \for a specific reason - this is all for fun. Every lens I own I can "justify" to myself for one reason or another. Equally, I am fortunate in that, generally, in time, I can afford to add what I want. I simply don't have that gap between what I want and what I can afford that in extreme cases leads to envy, dissatisfaction and bitterness. I don't care about the prices of new Noctiluxes - I've used one on more than one occasion and it just doesn't do it for me. I'm not a collector, so I don't have to sell my soul for something rare in black enamel. This may sound self-satisfied, but my objective in this thread is to provoke thought. Are you happy with what you have, or do you have that itch for something else? Will you put a hole in your credit card just to have that lens, only to sell it again a year or so later? Your thoughts...? Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 31, 2007 Posted December 31, 2007 Hi bill, Take a look here What you want, what you need, what you like, what you can afford. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
harmsr Posted December 31, 2007 Share #2 Posted December 31, 2007 Bill, Funny that you bring this post up, as I have doing a bunch of rationalizing on my kit recently also. I have a iiif which is like new cosmetically and also functionally after the DAG CLA this year. I always wanted one of these even though I have to set everything manually and know the light or carry a small meter with me. That is the charm, as I really slow down and appreciate the photo which I'm about to take. It is amazing the number of keepers per roll that I get with this little camera. What I have realized is that I went overboard on lenses for it, which was reducing the enjoyment. It came with a 50/1.5 Summarit, then came the 50 Coll. Cron, 50 Coll. 2.8 Elmar, Modern special edition 50 Cron in LTM, 35 2.8 Summaron, 90 Elmar. Well, all of the above just caused more options and had me looking for things to do with each lens vs. enjoying shooting this little charm. I am down to the iiif with 50 Coll. Cron and the modern special edition 50 Cron LTM. Happiness has arrived and the camera gets a lot of use. ------------ My M system has gone through the same gyrations including not only lenses but bodies being swapped out. To keep it short: The kit is now M8, M7, 21 Elmarit ASPH, 28 Cron ASPH, 35 Cron ASPH, 50 Lux ASPH, & 90 Elmarit. If we get a FF M9? in the future, I'll probably put the 35 Cron up sale as 35 is not really a favorite of mine but it is doing duty as a 50 on the M8. ------------- I'm lucky to be in a similar situation to you in that I can get my kit to what really works for me even if that includes a few gyrations. The good part is that recently you can't really lose money on Leica gear, as by the time you are selling it, what you paid for it is a good sale price because Leica has already increased their prices again. Ray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted December 31, 2007 Share #3 Posted December 31, 2007 Bill, this is an interesting thread indeed. I THINK I've managed to set up my R lens ensemble without doing any trading, covering the gamut of focal lengths, as well as more speciality needs. My collection (and rationale) is as follows: 21-35 zoom: covers my wide-angle needs except for 35/1.4 my one really wide "available light lens" so I can trade the aperture for a somewhat less optical quality than the 21-35 zoom, and 28/2.8 PC, absolutely essential for my architectural photography. 28-90 zoom, my single lens option for travelling 50/2, which also works with the macro adapter and Elpros if required 90/2 AA, for when the 28-90 hasn't a big enough aperture 180/2.8 Apo 280/4 Apo 2X Apo Extender, for when I need 360 or 540 on a tripod. My only thought is whether to trade the 50/2 for the 60/2.8 macro, or even the 100/2.8 macro (then "making do" with the zoom for the standard focal length) or maybe keep the 50/2 and trade the 90/2AA for the 100/2.8 macro. Or the hell with it, keep the lot and get the 100/2.8 anyway. Decisions decisions, addictions, addictions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted December 31, 2007 Share #4 Posted December 31, 2007 Been there & done that, on my Leica Ms, Rs (I could use a DMR but not at current prices), Nikons & Canons. I've been trying to pare down the list of users for two years...still working on it, but pretty close. My spouse thinks I'm nuts for more than 1 or 2 lenses per camera. My resolution this time is that by mid year I'll have eliminated anything I can't justify with frequent use. Yeah, sure.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted January 1, 2008 Author Share #5 Posted January 1, 2008 Interesting answers. I'm inclined to bookmark this thread and revisit it in a year's time. Let's see how we do...! Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted January 1, 2008 Share #6 Posted January 1, 2008 My only thought is whether to trade the 50/2 for the 60/2.8 macro, or even the 100/2.8 macro (then "making do" with the zoom for the standard focal length) or maybe keep the 50/2 and trade the 90/2AA for the 100/2.8 macro. Or the hell with it, keep the lot and get the 100/2.8 anyway. Decisions decisions, addictions, addictions. The 60/2.8 Macro is an outstanding lens, from 2 inches to infinity. You definitely need one of these, John. Honest. And, if you want a 560 Telyt, that's what I would be trading this year, if anything. Repeat after me: "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses". 19/28/50/60/90/250/560/2x Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted January 1, 2008 Share #7 Posted January 1, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) T Repeat after me: "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses", "I have too many lenses". I have two lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumac Posted January 2, 2008 Share #8 Posted January 2, 2008 1, R10 +new set lenses. 2, Nothing 3, Anything labeled "Leica" 4, Beat up R4. 21/35PC/35-70/45-90/50/60/135/180/400/560/x2/various bits. Repeat Andys Mantra!! Regards, Stuart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted January 2, 2008 Share #9 Posted January 2, 2008 Well, one thing is for sure, I too have too many lenses (and probably even too many cameras). Won't list them here, 'cause if my wife gets to read that list I may have to provide an explanation for the unexplicable . The more interesting question is, regardless of how many lenses someone has available, which ones do get used? I find myself coming back to certain lenses ever and ever again, which suggests that I could sell the remaining ones. Never done that though, with but one exception (sold my Elmarit 2.8/28 when I aquired the Summicron 28mm). Also, which lenses I keep coming back to depends on the camera I use. This may sound trivial, but with Leica gear you could use old LTM lenses on your latest M. I rarely do that, however, but stick to lenses that more or less "match" the camera's age. There are exceptions, e.g. I love to use my red scale Elmar 50 on a chrome Bessa R body, it even looks as it were made for this camera! Meanwhile, I have imposed some limits onto myself. No matter how many people try to talk me into buying the terrific Summicron 75mm lens, I will resist. It's just not my focal lenght (I even had the 75mm framelines removed from my M7 finder) and its sole pupose would be to complete the line of Summicron lenses I already own. That is not enough of a reason though, as I do like to use each item I own, at least from time to time. Things may be different as regards an MP. Been thinking of buying one for some years now, but with an M7 and an M3 at hand, there is no real need for an MP. It IS a very nice camera though... . Regards, Andreas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share #10 Posted December 23, 2008 So... (Nearly) one year on, I am doing as I said and revisiting this thread, and interestng reading it makes, too. First, let me revise my lens list: 15mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 28mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 35mm x 2, both LTM - Voigtlander and Leica + one, another LTM, a late model f3.5 Summaron 40mm x 1, M mount - Voigtlander (Not used all year - will probably be got rid of in the New Year) 50mm x 3 LTM x 1, M mount x 2 - all Leica + two(!), a Nickel Elmar f3.5 and a Canon f1.2 75mm x 1 LTM - Voigtlander 90mm x 2, M mount x 1, LTM x 1, both Leica + a Collapsible Elmar f4 + a Canon 135mm f3.5 So I have registered a net increase in the number of lenses. Least used this year were the 28 and the 75, and of course the 40. Most used were all the 50s and the 35s then the 90s and the 135. If I revisit my "wish list" from a year ago, the collapsible 90 has arrived. I bought a copy with front haze and cleaned it myself and it now performs very well. Together with the Summaron 35 and the 50 DR Summicron it completes the "trinity" for my M2. The 135 came after the 50 1.2 - I was so impressed by that lens that I looked again at the Canon offering. For a "less-used" focal length it is ideal and performance is crisp and satisfying. Contrary to what I said, I increased "speed" a bit with the Canon 50, but more for the bokeh than the light gathering capability. I need to pare down now. I have at least one too many 50s, and the 40 has been idle for just too long. I may also lose the LTM Elmar 90 - I hardly use it on my II, preferring the shorter and more compact focal lengths on the LTM body. Only one change on the body front, by the way. My IIIc went, as surplus to requirements early in the year. My II does everything I want, and I have found I have no need for the slower shutter speeds. So that's it for the year. Next year? I still have a yen for a Summilux - who knows... How about you - particularly those who contributed to this thread last year? Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted December 23, 2008 Share #11 Posted December 23, 2008 I've just (10 mins ago) bought a new 28mm Elmarit. I've found this to be a perfect focal length for a 'walk about' lens on the M8. My 'local' dealer didn't have it in stock, so I've bought it from a well known Scottish dealer who did. That's my only purchase this year - though I sold a Noctilux earlier in the year, so I guess that makes it a score draw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted December 23, 2008 Share #12 Posted December 23, 2008 Let's not list all lenses - embarrasing:( What I need? Nothing. What I want? Summilux 21 What I might sell? ZI Biogon 21/2.8 when the Summilux arrives. Noflexar 400T because it is such a big thing that blocks the cupboard and I don't really use it... APO Telyt 180/3.4R Never use it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted December 23, 2008 Share #13 Posted December 23, 2008 My main change has been with my M stuff this year. The sale of the 560 Telyt paid for a Leicavit. The DMR paid for a 90 Summarit, plus money in the bank. An M7 and a 35 Summicron came into my life this year too, so next year will be one of reflection rather than purchase. Definitely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted December 23, 2008 Share #14 Posted December 23, 2008 ... What you want, what you need, what you like, what you can afford... What i need: Nothing fortunately. What i want: 1/ a reliable full frame digital M with a 1:1 viewfinder and no mandatory accessories (filters, magnifiers, lens coding etc.) at all ; 2/ a reliable R10 the same size as a Leica R4, using existing R lenses in full and having the same IQ as that of the DMR with a wider dynamic range and, of course, no mandatory accessories either :rolleyes: ; 3/ a digital Leica CL. What i like: M and R lenses ; M2 to M7 and R4 to R7 bodies ; Epson R-D1 ; Canon 5D ; Nikon D70 ; Nikkor 45/2.8 and 180/2.8 What i can afford: all what i need Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enboe Posted December 23, 2008 Share #15 Posted December 23, 2008 An excellent thread for this time of year. Start with the wants: I am very close to purchasing the M8.2, but am only holding off because I don't want to charge it on a credit card. The new fast lenses are very attractive, but expensive. Check back with me next year and see how many I have accumulated. The slower 24 is OK, but not a priority. A few more UV/IR filters and lens codings would make more items in my kit integrated with the M8. And then the needs: Nothing. And the have's: I could list my lenses and bodies, but then would also have to list my calibers and models of items to discourage uninvited guests. So, what drives the various lists. For me, photography is a hobby for fun. I have never been payed nor exhibited publicly. I choose gear for two reasons, to capture the image I want, and to enjoy the experience of capturing that image. When I add an item, it is to enrich the experience. My most recent addition is a 1978-model M4-2. I've not had the privilege of owning one, and was very surprised with how solid and smooth the example I chose is. If you have kept up with my posts over the years, I tend to sign them the same, and now you know why. Enjoy (the craft, the gear, the experience). Eric Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted December 23, 2008 Share #16 Posted December 23, 2008 What I need: better skills and experience to use my staff. What i don't need: the M8 upgrade; was thinking about it almost all the year long, but the recent upgrade in prices helped to make me content with the original M8. What i am thinking about, though not sure whether i should afford it: 50-mm Summilux Asph and a nice 2.5/50 Hektor. The latter seems to be Leica's L'Arlesienne: everybody knows it, but i never saw a picture taken with it, and they seem to be either very expensive or in a very bad condition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted December 24, 2008 Share #17 Posted December 24, 2008 In the past 12 months: Bought: 75mm Summarit and some Nikon gear. Sold: 90mm Elmarit-M (too long for my taste on M8) 21mm Color Skopar (never cared for 28mm EFL) M6 non-TTL body (almost never used since going digital) Kept: M8, CV15mm, Summicron 35 pre-ASPH, old Summicron 50, IIIg, 50mm Elmar f/2.8, 90mm Elmar. If I win the lottery: 24mm Summilux Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted December 24, 2008 Share #18 Posted December 24, 2008 Due to a recent pre-inheritance of a friend's entire photo kit I have WAY TOO MUCH camera stuff. I could rationalize it as backups, but do I need backups for almost everything? what I want: an R10 what I need: to sell some stuff what I like: any APO glass what I can afford: a tube of toothpaste, if it's on sale. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghulkhan Posted December 24, 2008 Share #19 Posted December 24, 2008 Right now I have: a 50mm Summilux asph, a 50mm summicron made in 1972 (I am going to sell this sometime in the near future) - just bought a 35mm summilux asph, not here yet though currently have M6 want to buy: a really wide angle lense (any recommendations?) and a 90mm Do not know exactly what wide angle lense I want, however, I am thinking about the tri-elmar 16-18-21 since it is really wide and has three different focal lengths. However it is a bit slow. Maybe the 28mm Summicron asph but that might not be wide enough for me. I would have both in my dream world. the new summilux also sound tempting but are a bit too expensive though. Would be open to suggestions..maybe a 24mm elmarit asph? I also want 90mm summicron apo asph. I also want an A la Carte MP. Black paint, vulcanite, no engravings on the top plate, .72. I plan to buy the 90mm and some wide angle lense, and the mp by next year hopefully. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted December 24, 2008 Share #20 Posted December 24, 2008 I've just (10 mins ago) bought a new 28mm Elmarit. I've found this to be a perfect focal length for a 'walk about' lens on the M8. My 'local' dealer didn't have it in stock, so I've bought it from a well known Scottish dealer who did. And it arrived this morning, Well done Ffordes and the Royal Mail - I was expecting it to arrive on Monday given the time of year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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