Lens Recommendation for new to me M3

[TomB_tx]

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The M3 has no viewfinder frames for anything wider than 50mm, as when it was introduced 50, 90, and 135 lenses were expected to be the most popular. But SLRs became popular at that time and did better with longer lenses, so Leitz launched the M2 with 35, 50, & 90 framelines as the "Wide Angle Leica." They made special versions of the 35 Summicron and Summaron with "goggles" that reduced the magnification of the VF so the 50 framelines would cover a 35mm lens.

I've used an M3 and even an older IIIf with 35mm lenses without goggles, just with experience to visualize what a 35 would do. Or you can fit a 35 mm VF to the accessory shoe of the camera.

I have a Summarit 50 1.5 as well as f2 Summicrons (and a version 1 of the Summilux 1.4) and the age of the Summarit design shows in its performance. It is basically a 1930s Xenon but with coated optics. After trying mine a bit I haven't used it again. However, if you look at the old Leica Manual books from the 1950s you can see that it was used for low light situations.

[SometimesLostInSpace]

4 minutes ago, TomB_tx said:

The M3 has no viewfinder frames for anything wider than 50mm, as when it was introduced 50, 90, and 135 lenses were expected to be the most popular. But SLRs became popular at that time and did better with longer lenses, so Leitz launched the M2 with 35, 50, & 90 framelines as the "Wide Angle Leica." They made special versions of the 35 Summicron and Summaron with "goggles" that reduced the magnification of the VF so the 50 framelines would cover a 35mm lens.

I've used an M3 and even an older IIIf with 35mm lenses without goggles, just with experience to visualize what a 35 would do. Or you can fit a 35 mm VF to the accessory shoe of the camera.

I have a Summarit 50 1.5 as well as f2 Summicrons (and a version 1 of the Summilux 1.4) and the age of the Summarit design shows in its performance. It is basically a 1930s Xenon but with coated optics. After trying mine a bit I haven't used it again. However, if you look at the old Leica Manual books from the 1950s you can see that it was used for low light situations.

TomB_tx - That was my understanding about the 35mm as well - thanks for your insight on that as well as the Summarit. It is vintage in look and result. 

Damn - these things are like Lay's Potato Chips!

[LeAlain]

I am looking for an M3 but I want to use it with my 2/75 mm. I have the idea that that might be a problem for close distance but I cannot find any documents on that. Anyone have any knowledge about that?

 

[jaapv]

 

[KFo]

On 11/25/2025 at 2:46 PM, SometimesLostInSpace said:

...snip...

Not to change the subject, (but still kind of applies) Is anyone using a 35mm on a M3 camera? I thought I read somewhere that it was not recommended..........

The new to me M3 is arriving tomorrow! Exciting times.

Thanks again. The response you have all given exceeds my expectations.

 

I do.  I use the 35 Summicron v1 with googles.  It calls up the 50mm frame lines.  You could also use a plain (non goggle 35) with a aux finder.

[SometimesLostInSpace]

Just a follow up here - I found a VERY NICE copy of the Zeiss C-Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM lens locally at my local camera store. Support your local camera stores! It was being offered at a very attractive Black Friday price that I just could not refuse. Even came with the original Zeiss boxes, papers, and lens hood. I spied the lens the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and researched through the holiday between football, parades, stuffing, and pie. Overall, I found the online reviews were favorable for a lens with a vintage look and build with the benefit of modern coatings! The lens design and aperture geometry reflect its predecessor from the 1930s, the Sonnar 1,5/50.  

Here is a photo of the lens mounted on my new to me M3. I loaded it up with some Delta 100 and broke out the Sekonic meter and pulled off a few shots. I would have finished the roll off, but the 25 degree outside temperature sent me back inside. Cold ain't as fun as it used to be at my age. 

I am also thinking about going back to home negative developing and scanning. Developing I have down - scanning is another world for me.

Thanks again everyone for your input. Rest assured, I'd still keeping an eye out for that Leica one lens!

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Edited November 30 by SometimesLostInSpace

[kivis]

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The Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 II Silver MC Vintage Line has served me well for the past three years.