My lens choice, please give me some advice. Thank you.

[chengbo_guan]

After years of saving, I finally got enough for a Leica MP, a 50mm f1 Noctilux (for extreme

low light shooting, but sometimes using it as a standard lens for daylight photos), a

21mm f2.8 Elmarit (for landscape and architecture). After playing around for a while, I

realised that both lenses are not as practical as a everyday-carrying-out lens (50 is bulky

and 21mm requires an extra finder and too wide in most street shooting circumstances..).

I very rarely use tele lens such as 90mm.

 

Therefore I am considering a relatively compact, fast, sharp and contrasty lens in between

the 21mm and 50mm. 24mm, 28mm, 35mm (both Cron Asph' and Lux Asph) etc....Also

by taking the f2.8(on 21mm) and f1 (on 50mm notc) into account, which lens would you

reckon I should finally to go with?

 

Any comments will be appreciated, I really need some serious advices. thanks a million in

advance

 

James

[billc1]

I think you should consider the black 35 summicron asph, it is the smallest and 2nd lightest lens in the current Leica lens line up. If you like 50s over 35s, don't forget the current 50 elmar. My 2 cents. Enjoy whatever you decide.

[rolfe_tessem]

You will get as many answers to this as there are people on this forum, but here is my two

cents:

 

There is a good reason why the 35mm lens is the most popular lens for the Leica M. Many,

me included, consider it to be a standard lens for the format.

 

The Noctilux should not be your primary 50mm lens. The new 50mm Summilux ASPH is

superb and only a stop slower. Use the savings to stock up on Neopan 1600.

 

The 21mm lens clearly has its place, but it takes some experience to know when and how

to use it effectively. I would not make it one of my first purchases.

 

Most people start with one lens -- I would recommend a 35mm -- and then find out from

experience what doesn't work with that lens and add from there. It is good advice, IMHO.

[frederick_muller]

I can really relate. When I was 15, my dad gave me a Canon Model 7, with a 50mm f 0.95 lens, which I use to this day. It didn't take me long to get tired of lugging that massive piece of glass around, though, and my first purchase was actually an old 50mm f3.5 Elmar Collapsible, which I happily used for years. Finally added a 35mm f2.8, a 100mm f3.5, and it was a well-rounded kit until I drifted into SLR shooting, and then back into Leica rangefinder shooting.

 

A lot of casual photographers who want to buy a "good camera" often gravitate to the biggest, fastest, "normal" lens because they want the best, and they assume it's the "top of the line" and can take pictures in real low light. I think you're finding that the lens you will have with you is the best lens! I don't think you should trade in your Noct, but I think you should just pick up a used 50mm f2 Summicron or 50mm f2.8 Elmar in good condition and just start over, learning what the 50 can and can't do for you. Then consider your next steps.

 

Tripping down memory lane, I remember when I bought my first Canon F-1 way back. My one lens was the FD 50mm f3.5 Macro, which I still have and use today. Back in 1975, Modern Photography ran a comprehensive lens test and the macro was the sharpest 50 on the planet, bar none. Can't remember if they published results of Leica rangefinder lenses in the same survey ... I think they did, but all I can really be sure of was that the macro was sharpest of all the SLR lenses. Even today, that macro is just wickedly sharp.

[michael j hoffman]

Go with the newest version of the Elmar 50/2.8. You already have speed and, other than the size/weight, you mentioned no aversion to the 50 you already own. The Elmar is very sharp and very contrasty. This lens is the most honest lens I own. There is a "realness" of images from this lens that I've not seen with any other. I have two Leicas - an M4 and an MP - both silver chrome. I keep an Elmar on each, one chrome and one black. The Elmar simply cannot be beat for image quality and value in the Leica line-up.

 

Michael J Hoffman

[lee hamiel]

Chengo:

 

I agree with Bill - Rolfe & Frederick - consider either a 35 Aspherical or a 50 Summicron - my first choice being the 35 Summicron Aspherical given that you have the Noctilux. However - if you like the 50mm focal length consider the 50 'cron as it's a great lens.

 

You bought a great body - your lenses are really great as well - however - they are specialized lenses for certain shooting conditions & for the most part not the quickest/lightest/easiest arrangement for day in day out normal shooting.

 

My son has an M7& M6 w/ a 35 Summicron Aspherical & a Noctilux as well as a 50 Summicron & most often for quick grab shots He's using the M6 & the 50 'cron.

 

Good luck with your decisions

[olliesteiner]

I'm very happy with my trio of lenses. I started with a used 50mm Summilux from 1968; then added a new Cosina Voigtlander 28mm/f3.5 color skopar; then a used 90mm Elmarit-M (latest version with built in lens hood). If I wanted to spend a little more I would substitute a used 28mm Elmarit for the CV lens. If I wanted to spend alot more, I'd get the latest 50mm ASPH Summilux. I wouldn't change the focal length combination of 28/50/90. (No accesory finders needed with my .72 M6TTL.) I also wouldn't change the choice of 50mm Summilux over the 50mm Summicron. That's because I do frequently make use of the 1.4 stop.<div></div>

[dan flanders]

You already have some heavy change invested in that Noctiilux so why throw more money in stuff just because some people assume you have a deep pocket. For much less than several of the suggested items you can pick up the Summicron C or one of its clones, and the VC Snapshot Skopar 24. The 40 'cron is one of the best lenses Leitz ever provided and though the 25 is a bit wider than I am comforable with, it is particularly good for architectural interiors. Evn if you find that they are not exactly what you are looking for, they will give you a measuring point and can be sold for what you paid for them if you desire something different. When you have finally adapted to a style of shooting then you can do heavy investing if indicated.

[clyde_rogers]

Compact, fast, sharp, between 21 and 50---a 35 asph (summicron or summilux) would be

hard to beat (really, any 35 Summicron would be hard to beat). You don't want the 24, it's

too close to your 21 and also needs a viewfinder. If you were certain, a 28 or 50 might

suit you. But you're not certain---that means you should get a 35 cron or lux (pick

whichever, they are both great).

 

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[Uhooru]

35CRon any stripe is great. If I had to have one lens only, it would that or maybe even more

the 50 cron. I've ended up with the 50 as my only lens the last couple of summers and I really

find its great all around lens. The 35 lets you work a little faster in the street.

[peter_evans4]

<p><em>which lens would you reckon I should finally to go with?</em></p><p>There's no "should".</p><p>The differences among focal lengths are more important than the quality differences among lenses of the same focal length. First question: Is the 50mm a bit too narrow, or a lot too narrow? Or its corollary: Is the 21mm a bit too wide, or a lot too wide? Thinking about this will suggest one focal length rather than another. Now buy a <s>cheap</s> <em>inexpensive</em> example of that focal length; one that feels good. (I think that in most circumstances the <em>ergonomics</em> are more important than the image quality. Luckily, most, perhaps all of recent lenses have good ergonomics, but some people have pronounced tastes.) Use your cheap lens quite a lot and if it's too wide or narrow (or not good enough), replace it, perhaps with something expensive.</p>

[melvin_h_j_tan]

My vote is definitely the current 35mm cron asph. Lightweight and excellent performer. It will go squarely in the middle of your range in terms of aperture speed and, somewhat, focal length.

 

Cheers.

[mike-images]

Hi James,

 

I have a 21 elmarit Asph, 50 'lux from 1973, 35 'cron from 1977 and a "thin" 90 T-E from around the same time. My rationale is: You only need one fast lens - either a 'lux or a nocti - unless you are into very specialised stuff; I like the wideness of the 21 and I have always liked "portrait" lenses. I like the compactness of the 90 TE.

 

The 35 'cron is a great all round lens. It was my first Leica lens. I would buy one if I was you. It sits nicely between 21 and 50 and you don't need the extra speed of the 35 'lux. Nor do you have to fork out for the newest and best Asph. lens. Yes I know they are great but the older 35 'crons are good lenses too - less contrasty but beautifully smooth. And they are small and compact as well.

 

Let us know what you decide.

 

Mike

[chengbo_guan]

Thanks you all for the great suggestions, very informative. I think I would prbbly end up with

a 35mm Cron Asph. Hope it will be a never-be-beaten choice!

[anthony_brookes5]

50mm bulky ? Are you one of Snow White's little friends ? It is incredibly small and light and little different from the 35mm which has a more sunken mount.

[lee hamiel]

Anthony:

 

He's referring to the Noctilux 50 - not a Summicron

[john_r._fulton_jr.]

You have two excellent lenses. So, here's the rundown of what's available in 'your' range. 21,

24, 28, 35, 50. I'd aim right in the middle of the exisiting lenses and get a 28mm. The 28mm

f2.0 Summicron would be a good "match" for your other lenses. I don't see mention of which

MP you got so I'm assuming you go the .72 finder which works fine with the 28. Not great but

fine. I'm using a 28mm with a .72 right now. You have a great start. Once you get that

"middle" carry-around lens then get to work and shoot a lot. Your "kit" is complete.

[michael_kastner]

I sort of agree with everything said above. My two 90s and my 21 all have their own merits but my 2/35 and 2/50 definitely get used most. That's why I finally bought a 2/40 as well...

 

Check the archives here and/or submit a new question as re statistics: I think the vast majority of all users here use their 35mm and/or 50mm lens(es) the most.

[jati_lindsay]

i just got an mp too, a black one, and traded in a black 35 summicron asph for a chrome 35 'lux asph. the cron was my favorite and most used lens, so i figured id get a 'lux right before the price increase. the 'lux is great, but it is bigger, and with it being chrome, almost twice as heavy. while my 'lux is still my favorite lens, i definitely miss my 'cron, and will definitely get one again at some point in the future.

[chris_chow]

a relatively compact, fast, sharp and contrasty lens in between the 21mm and 50mm?

 

3 choices: 28 Summicron ASPH f/2, 35 Summicron ASPH f/2 or 35 Summilux ASPH f/1.4.

 

They are all excellent and class leading,

 

My suggestion would be the 35mm Summilux ASPH.

[paul_neuthaler]

After all the years and all the "Ms," and all the Leitz lenses, etc., etc., I'm down to one lens: 50mm tabbed Summicron on my M4-P. That's all she wrote...