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M6 + which lens?


pipeclayed

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Hi all

 

I'm thinking of purchasing an M6 - have seen some fairly good prices and am waiting to find one that's irresistible.

 

The problem is that I am stretching my budget a little with the camera. I'll probably end up selling a DSLR lens or two to get it.

 

But then my dream lens is the 35mm asph. Obviously that's more than the camera...

 

So I was wondering if anyone could recommend a suitable alternative until I can afford the Leica lens?

 

Thanks!

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Why are you dreaming about the aspherical version ? 12 x 16 inch prints in mind perhaps ?

 

The results I got when I had an M6 (and how I regret selling it, with a replacement unaffordable now) with just a f2.8 Summaron were excellent.

 

There are some examples of a 35mm Summaron photos at http://www.pbase.com/cameras/leitz/35_28_summaron

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Azzo is right about being patient... but if you find YOUR M6 NOW, and haven't the money for the Summicron asph... what to do ? I suppose you haven't another lens: so, being practical, i see 2 possibilities :

1) Buy a cheap non-35 : typically, a 50... why not an old Elmar 50 SM with adapter ? Lot of them available, pleasant classic lens, and you probably won't throw it away when will buy the SummiAsph...

2) Buy a cheap 35 (Summaron 35 2,8, the best Leitz 35 for value, or a CV...) planning to resell it when Summicron Asph will arrive... you'll lose few money, maybe close to zero.

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How about a CV 35 Pancake II? I have one and it is superb, comparing favrouably to my Zeiss 35 Biogon a stop or so down. Wide open it is sharp, but vignetting is more pronounced. It is tiny, light and $319 new. There are fewer QC complaints with this lens than the 21/25s and I for one am using it as my main walkabout lens despite owning the biogon. Don't swallow what you hear from some about the awful bokeh - I tests it absolutely side by side my biogon and it was only very and I mean very, slightly less smooth than the Biogon (which has a rep for being very smooth).

 

If you need F2, consider a used Biogon f2 or 2.8 (smaller) for about $600.

 

Saving up for an asph is all very well and good, but not taking pics in the meantime is kinda missing the point IMHO.

 

Make no mistake, the little CV is capable of some seriously good results. I would not be shooting the project of a lifetime with one were this not the case.

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Get your M6 and a s/h 35 f2.5 Skopar (I like the 'classic' version in thread mount - just get an LTM/M adaptor to use it on your M). It's a great little lens and you will probably want to keep it even when you can afford the Summicron - or if you sell you won't lose any money on it. I think this image demonstrates how well it copes in difficult lighting and flare resistance.

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Guest maddoc2003jp

Buy cheap, buy twice .... ;)

 

I would not buy anything else if the 35/2.0 ASPH is your dream lens. Better wait and save some money until you can afford one. The lens is responsible for the photo not the light-tight film-box (camera) holding it.

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if you can deal with a 50mm . buy a 50mm summicron classic leica look and it won't break your bank . plus it's a versatile starter lens .

 

i would recommend to not getting a summaron unless you are looking for that classic old leica look . also the 3.5 i own is prone to flare with out a hood .

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Congratulations on the M6 choice, it's an excellent camera! While everyone is raving on about the M9, it's worth remembering that film Leicas are capable of the finest results (It's just the photogs that have to live up to the gear.)

 

I agree the 35 ASPH is terrific -- so is the 24 ASPH with a separate finder. And the 90 and the 135. And...and...

 

But I'd agree with the previous poster and go for the classic 50 Summicron. Its a fine performer, brilliant low light, very versatile (for landscapes, people, and just being out and about), it's ultra sharp -- and affordable. Definitely a good first lend for the M6.

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Buy cheap, buy twice .... ;)

 

I would not buy anything else if the 35/2.0 ASPH is your dream lens. Better wait and save some money until you can afford one. The lens is responsible for the photo not the light-tight film-box (camera) holding it.

 

Sure.... but all the time you are saving you are missing photos that can't be replaced.

 

If you buy an interim lens used you will lose nothing when you sell it if you buy wisely. Even if you buy a new CV 35 you will at most lose about $100 if you keep it mint, less than the variance in prices for a used 35 asph....

 

I also beg to differ on the light tight box bit, because having the right camera (for you) helps point the lens on the front of the light tight box in the right direction at the right time with the right exposure. That bit is quite important (getting the shot at all). I bought into Leica for the M bodies, not the lenses (and own CV, ZM and Leica lenses).

 

The guy is saving up! What's with giving him a bill got about $5K with the 35 cron and 24 elmarit asphs that he just has to have?... a photo shot with a CV lens while you are saving up is always better than one shot on a Leica lens you don't yet own ;)

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There is something to be said for buying a cheaper body and a more expensive lens - you could buy an older battered M2 or a Voigtlander for example, but there won't be that much difference in price between an M2 and M6 and whilst the Voigtlander will work you will lose money when you trade it and it just doesn't feel the same as a Leica.

 

I disagree that the body doesn't matter. Yes Leica make fantastic glass but they also make fantastic mechanical cameras that last a lifetime. Get a nice M6 and you won't ever need another camera.

 

So onto the lens. Go without a lens until you can afford a Summicron? What nonsense! Buy a s/h Voigtlander for about £150 and enjoy it. If you do decide to upgrade later you will sell it for £150. It really is a no brainer. The other option is an older 5cm 3.5 Elmar - a truly amazing little lens as long as you find a nice clean and coated one, the M fit or later Red Scale screw lenses are best.

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I want to ask some more questions about the lens? Im really new to Leica and looking forward to get an M6.

1. What does ASPH stand for?

2. Why 35mm lens is more popular than others, why many people recommended that? I just feel that 50mm lens is more popular for other kinds of camera or SLR camera.

3. Where can i explore more about what the differences among many M lens?

4. If i have a chance to choose one first. Which one should i get first between body and lens?

Thanks in advance.

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Hi mingmac,

 

1. What does ASPH stand for?

Aspheric - Aspheric lens - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

2. Why 35mm lens is more popular than others, why many people recommended that? I just feel that 50mm lens is more popular for other kinds of camera or SLR camera.

Leica M: Advanced Photo School Author: Gunter Osterloh in here all the answers to your questions :) ISBN: 9781579906375

 

3. Where can i explore more about what the differences among many M lens?

Leica M-Lenses Their soul and secrets

Leica M Lens Users Guide

Older M lenses

 

4. If i have a chance to choose one first. Which one should i get first between body and lens?

How to choose M

 

Hope this is some help,

regards

Ruben

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Buy cheap, buy twice .... ;)

 

I would not buy anything else if the 35/2.0 ASPH is your dream lens. Better wait and save some money until you can afford one. The lens is responsible for the photo not the light-tight film-box (camera) holding it.

Well put great advise. But James that was a nice shot with your Cosina Voigtlander lens
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