Ranger Rick Posted February 13, 2009 Share #1 Posted February 13, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just bought my first Leica body (used), and looking for first lens. Want a sharp lens for landscape primarily. Looking at a 50mm f2 or 35mm f2. Also looking at a new CV Hector 50mm 1.5. Want to stay in the $400-600 range if I can, at this point. I'm not a collector, but a user As I look at used Summicrons, prices all over the lot. Is there a source to understand the variations of these lenses over the years. Your thoughts appreciated! Thanks, Rick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 13, 2009 Posted February 13, 2009 Hi Ranger Rick, Take a look here Suggestions for first lens in 35-50mm for M6. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
thetooth Posted February 13, 2009 Share #2 Posted February 13, 2009 i use a 50mm summicron with the focusing tab it's a german version there is also a canadian version no difference . this is the same optical formula as the current summicron . i purchased mine last year for $425.00 usd . i am not sure what current prices are but these are usually less expensive then the current model with the pull out lens hood . on that note i am very happy with the lens couldn't ask for anything more in a 50mm . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted February 13, 2009 Share #3 Posted February 13, 2009 Although people maintain you need ultrawide for landscapes, that ain't necessarily so. I love my 24 ASPH and 35 'cron ASPH -- but longer focal lengths, 90 and 135, also come in handy. And the 50 is surprisingly versatile. I had my 50 Summicron Rigid serviced and it is a brilliant performer. I don't think you would be disappointed with an early generation 50 'cron. Just make sure it is in top condition when you buy it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted February 13, 2009 Share #4 Posted February 13, 2009 Here you go, Rick... 35 Summicron... http://www.antiquecameras.net/35summicronmlenses.html and 50 Summicron... Antique and Classic Cameras John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunghang Posted February 13, 2009 Share #5 Posted February 13, 2009 If 35mm Summicrons are too much, how about a 35mm Summaron? You should be able to pick up a 35mm F2.8 (make sure it's an M2 version, not M3) for about 4-600 USD. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetooth Posted February 13, 2009 Share #6 Posted February 13, 2009 i will vouch for the summaron also , but i have the 3.5 version with the goggles for the m3 . the lens it's self is a little bulky you would be better off with the no goggled lens . it makes a nice classic look though . if possible google some of these lenses there is alot of information on the web about each of them . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted February 13, 2009 Share #7 Posted February 13, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'd get a 35 instead of a 50 for a one lens combo. Then again, I found out I was happier with a 28 and a 50 over a 35, so take it with a grain of salt. If you want to spend between 400-600, I'd stay away from the Leicas, unless you go used. The CV 35/2.5 is supposed to be a nice lens, as is the 35/1.4 and 35/1.2. The 1.4 is tiny and sharp, but I think can flare sometimes and can have some busy bokeh if that bothers you. Then again, one of the expensive Leica 35's has pretty busy bokeh too, but I forget which one. The CV 35/1.2 is supposedly a fantastic lens, sharp, fast, and smooth, but big. Its size is it's biggest downfall. The Zeiss lenses are well regarded. I got the 35/2 about 1.5 years ago after going through the same process you are. They have since released a smaller 35/2.8. The whole Zeiss lineup seems characterized by slightly slower speeds than their Leica counterparts, slightly larger, and much cheaper. As far as performance goes, they all have pretty good resolution, tend to be fairly even across the frame, and have very good flare resistance. I have had no complaints with mine other than the fact that I decided that its not THE focal length for me. As far as the Leica lenses go, you'd have to go back a generation or two on 35s to hit your price point. I'd personally rather buy something a bit newer, but that's just me. Though for a bit more, you might be able to get a Leica 35/2.5. Very compact. If you go 50mm, you should be able to pick up any number of summicrons for around your price. I had the latest version and it was a nice lens. Now I think I'd go for a the Zeiss Planar 50/2. There are a number of older 50's you can get, and some of them are a lot of fun, but when you can get the Planar for $500ish used, why not go for that? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Rick Posted February 13, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted February 13, 2009 Thanks all- great suggestions. Appreciate the helpful and friendly tone on this site! Rick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattLain Posted February 13, 2009 Share #9 Posted February 13, 2009 also take a look at Zeiss ZM 35mm and 50mm biogons they normally sell brand new at the same price as a mint summicron. Anything slower than f2 or f2.8 may be regrettable if you're not shooting in adequate light all the time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
m94me Posted February 13, 2009 Share #10 Posted February 13, 2009 I have a 50mm cron almost permanently attached to my m6, but the answer really depends on your preferences and not mine. On a limited budget, I would go with the 50mm tho given price: performance ratio is the best in this focal range. When you have the budget for a 35mm, you can always sell one and get the other if you find your shooting style warrants it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulbert Posted February 14, 2009 Share #11 Posted February 14, 2009 One lens -- 35 or 50? Is an ageless question. I always liked 35, but I picked up the M7 Starter set with the 50 and now kinda like it. All depends on your taste. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgoetzin Posted February 14, 2009 Share #12 Posted February 14, 2009 Don't listen to the others. Get the cron 35 asph. That's all you will need. Serge Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikFive Posted February 14, 2009 Share #13 Posted February 14, 2009 Don't listen to the others. Get the cron 35 asph. That's all you will need. Serge Do you know of any for sale in the 400-600$ range that he says is his budget? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted February 14, 2009 Share #14 Posted February 14, 2009 Within the 4-600 range, the CV lenses are a good bet. Depending on how fast or what sort of rendering you'd want, you have a few choices: i think the cv 35/1.4 is a great all-round lens for film if you like to shoot people in the street or available light, etc.. But not for landscapes or achitecture, as the lens does show some barrel distortion. Less useful in low light is the cv 35/2,5; but it is very sharp. Check the m-mount group on flickr for images and the camerquest site on the details about these lenses. In your budget, I don't see you picking up a Leica lens unless you go for an older model. There are many interesting 50s available in your range. As mentioned, the m2-version summaron 35/2,8 is possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Lord Posted February 14, 2009 Share #15 Posted February 14, 2009 Don't listen to the others. Get the cron 35 asph. That's all you will need. Serge Ding! That lens just seems to do everything... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
think Posted February 15, 2009 Share #16 Posted February 15, 2009 Yes...except it fails miserably at selling for the $400-$600 that the OP has to spend. For what it's worth I'm looking into the CV 35/1.2 or 1.4 as I like to work with 2 bodies using a fast 35 on one and a fast 75 on the other. I currently use a v2 Summicron 35 that I've been okay with so far, but I'd like the extra stop on the 35 and the Lux ASPH is way out of my budget. Try the CV 1.4 and if it's not your cup of tea you can likely move it with little to no loss and maybe stretch the budget for the 1.2 (or luck into one in the classifieds). It's much larger, but many of the shots that I've seen from it would seem to make the additional bulk worthwhile. Best of luck with whichever path you choose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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