first lenses for a M 8.2

[leica-steph]

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Hello,

 

I'll buy a M8.2 in few months. I have got a doubt about the senses I have to choose.

Could you help me?

 

my profile:

- I've got a R7

- I want to go to the numeric world.

- I want use my camera in my travel, my focus is people, field, cities.... not sport or reportage.

- the price is not a big problem...

 

Thanks a lot!

Steph

[stunsworth]

A 28mm or 35mm Summicron would be my choice. Which one would depend on whether you're a 35mm or 50mm user in the film world. If you prefer 35mm with film get the 28mm for the M8, if you prefer 50mm, get the 35mm for the M8.

 

Both are excellent lenses, you won't be disapointed with either.

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[leica-steph]

I use a 28mm and 90mm with my R7.....

Could I use a summilux 21mm and a summicron 75mm?

 

If I can buy two lenses, do you think I have to choose the same level for the both (summicron, summilux.....)?

thanks

[vanhulsenbeek]

Depending on your preference, you could next to the lens(es) proposed by Steve, consider a CV 15mm for those really wide views. Fitted with a Milich LTM adapter and a 39mm Leica IR/UV filter it would still be a very economic purchase and a good addition.

 

The 75 Summicron is stellar, no doubt.

[carstenw]

You can't get exactly 90mm on the M8, so depending on what you think of the 90mm on the R7, you can go to 50mm (equiv. 67mm) or 75mm (equiv. 100mm). The 75mm is closer, but if you find the 90mm a little longer, you could consider the 50mm. Some people prefer slightly wider lenses on the M cameras compared to R cameras, so it would be good if you could try it out before buying.

 

You also don't have to stay with two lenses, you know 21/35/75 is a nice trio, for example.

 

Summilux vs. Summicron is a question of budget and need. You don't need to have the same. With the 21, you have only two options: Summilux (f/1.4) and Elmarit (f/2.8).

[luigi bertolotti]

You can't get exactly 90mm on the M8, so depending on what you think of the 90mm on the R7, you can go to 50mm (equiv. 67mm) or 75mm (equiv. 100mm). The 75mm is closer, but if you find the 90mm a little longer, you could consider the 50mm. Some people prefer slightly wider lenses on the M cameras compared to R cameras, so it would be good if you could try it out before buying.

 

You also don't have to stay with two lenses, you know 21/35/75 is a nice trio, for example.

 

Summilux vs. Summicron is a question of budget and need. You don't need to have the same. With the 21, you have only two options: Summilux (f/1.4) and Elmarit (f/2.8).

 

Agree completely... after 1 year about with M8 21/35/75 has quietly became my standard set... with the CV15 to be added easily, given its low weight and dimensions

[leica-steph]

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Ok, thanks every body:

 

I'll focus on these 3 lenses:

 

- 21 summilux

- 35 summicron

- 75 summicron

 

... and I'll be a happy man!!!

 

Thanks a lot,

Steph

[stunsworth]

I use a 28mm and 90mm with my R7.....

Could I use a summilux 21mm and a summicron 75mm?

 

Yes, though remember that you'd need to use an external viewfinder with the 21mm as the widest framelines in the M8 are for 24mm.

 

I haven't used a 21mm on the M8, but the 24mm Elmarit is an outstanding lens.

[netdog]

I know that you said that price is not a big problem, but I am very happy with my Elmarit ASPH 2.8 28mm. It is slower than the Summicron, but it is a lot smaller which I find a huge advantage. Consider that when you select your lenses. I don't believe that my Elamarit sacrifices anything in terms of IQ when compared to the 'cron. It just came down to size and weight versus speed that I really didn't need (1 stop). It also wasn't a bad thing that it cost a lost less.

 

If money is not the issue, I think that the 50mm Noctilux f0.95 is an absolute must, though it is about $14,000 if I am not mistaken. Still, you can photograph at night with available light. It's an amazing lens.

 

As for me, the Nocti is down the road, but I will certainly get a 21mm in the interim and feel that I have all I need at that point. Both Leica and Zeiss make great 21mm lenses. You could also consider the new Leica lens with focal lengths of 16, 18 and 21mms as an option instead.

 

Enjoy your Leica. Have you ever used a rangefinder before? It's a very different experience, but be patient as it takes some getting used to before you start getting the images that you imagine.

[akiralx]

Ok, thanks every body:

 

I'll focus on these 3 lenses:

 

- 21 summilux

- 35 summicron

- 75 summicron

 

... and I'll be a happy man!!!

 

Thanks a lot,

Steph

 

If money really is no object you could throw in a 50mm Summilux ASPH as well... or maybe a Zeiss 50 f/1.5 Sonnar.

 

Of the others I have the 75 Summicron and it is indeed a great lens. Depending on your eyesight you might want to get a 1.25 or 1.4 magnifier for it.

[SJP]

I money was not an object (or more precisely the management at home did not restrain me) I would choose, in this order:

28 cron silver

50 lux silver

90 AA cron

21 lux

[Eoin]

like SJP, I suggest the 28 cron asph, 50 lux asph & 90 cron asph or pre asph. However I'd opt for something a little wider than the 21, perhaps a 12 or 15 mm cv would serve you better.

 

I know you said money no problem but I'd question the need for a 21 lux @ 1.4. Infact, I'd suggest you just get the camera and 1 lens 28 cron and shoot that for a couple of months to be sure rangefinder photography is for you before you drop serious cash on other lenses.

 

Just a thought!

[farnz]

Steph,

 

Another vote for 28 Summicron, 50 Summilux asph and 90 APO Summicron asph.

 

Pete.

[giordano]

I'd go for

35 f/2 or maybe f/1.4 ASPH

75 f/2.5 or maybe f/2

15 f/4.5 CV

24 f/1.4 or f/2.8 (or 21mm if you like the full-frame 28mm angle of view, which I don't).

 

35mm is a "standard" focal length on the M8; 75mm fits the traditional 85-100mm slot; 15mm is on the verge of ultra-wide; and 24mm or 21mm gives a traditional "wide angle".

[SJP]

WT* buy them all using the convenient lists provided by myself & giordano!!! The real problem with Leica (for me) is that all their stuff is so incredibly good.

[dseelig]

Money no object I would go wate, 24 lux 35 lux 50 lux asph 75 lux . If no light shooting then I would go with summicrons

[Guru]

I've found what I think is a good setup that exploits Leica's strengths without redundancy:

 

Wide: 24mm/f2.8 asph., brilliant images, good for portraits in context

Tele: 90mm/f2.0 apo asph., stunning sharpness, good for objects (cars etc.)

Low-Light: Noctilux, "atmosphere", isolation of subject, old-fashioned look

Compact: 40mm/f2.0 Summicron-C, one of the smallest lenses, sharp as a tack, nice bokeh

 

The only real reason for me to get more lenses in future would be boredom

 

Best, Guru

[Double Negative]

I'd say a 25-35mm as the main lens, with something both wider and longer on either side (e.g. 15-21mm and 50-90mm).