Advice on LTM 50mm lens

[tom5]

I have several LTM Leicas, some Voigtlander ultrawides, and a Summitar

and Elmar 50mm (both coated). I don't have a 50mm lens for my M6.

 

I'm hoping to get a modern design 50mm in LTM and which I could use on

my M6. The limited edition Summicron 50 in LTM would be great but I

missed getting one when they appeared and now they are really hard to

find and pricey. A Voigtlander 50mm f/3.5 sounds great but these

aren't available separately from the Bessa T. The Voigtlander 50

f/2.5 might work nicely but I heard on this forum that it might not be

such a great lens.

 

Any suggestions? I love my Summitar for its "look" but a modern

design like the Summicron 50mm would be great to have. It is just

that I can't find one, probably don't want to pay $$$$$ for it, and it

might just be too heavy in chrome.

[bobtodrick]

I have a Canon 50mm F1.8, that though not modern design is a great lens (see: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/canoleic.html>.

[dave_sherman1]

I second the vote for the Canon. Made sure that it is a late model. the Canon 1.4 is also supposed to be a great lens. I have used the 1.8 for many years. I just replaced my 40 year old lens with one I found in almost mint condition on eBay for about $140.

[jay_.]

The 11817 in M mount sells for about $450 in Exc to Exc+ cosmetics with perfect glass. Short of the current 50/2 there's nothing that can touch it. I'd buy one just for the M6 and not give it a second thought.

[wgpinc]

I haven't used one but if I were going to use a screw mount 50 the modern one that appeals to me is the Voigtlander Nokton. Very good reviews and 1.5 for $325.

 

http://www.adoramaphoto.com/catalog.tpl?op=details&sid=102977720310918015&sku=VT5015B

 

good luck

[tom5]

I hadn't thought about buying two lenses. But, Jay's suggestion

of a reasonably priced M lens and purchase of the Nokton for the

LTM cameras might just be the best solution. Thanks everyone

[joshroot]

I must have missed the thread saying that the 50/2.5 was a bad lens. I tried one out for a day this weekend and loved it. If the photos pan out (I'll try to soup the film tonight) I will be getting one as soon as my pocketbook allows. It is <b>easily</b> the best handeling Voigt lens I have used. And I've used the 25/4 35/1.7 50/1.5 & 75/2.5.

[ray_moth]

I believe the Nokton is rather big for an LTM camera and obscures so much of the viewfinder that you're forced to use a separate shoe-mounted finder with it.

[tom5]

Yes, from Gandy's pictures, the Nokton does seem to cover a

corner of the LTM viewfinder. My only reservation about the

Voigtlander 50 f/2.5 came from a statement (rumor) on this

forum that Puts (spelling) sent his sample back because of

decentering problems. But, he loved the 50 f/3.5 Voigtlander and

has been rather kind to some of the Voigtlander lenses.

 

I've had really good luck with the several Voigtlanders I have and

would really like to hear from those who have given the new

28mm and 50mm (f/2.5) a good optical workout. Thanks to the

forum for all the useful comments. I have a lot of information

and helpful opinion now.

[Aoresteen]

I have a Canon 50mm f/1.8 that's for sale. See:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=003dhQ

[gerald_widen]

Anthony, The Canon 50/1.8 is a nice lens, I have one but I think you are asking too much at $225. Really nice ones cosmetically with perfect glass sell on that famous auction site for around $150-175. Lenses with defects whether they affect photos or not go for much less.

[flyboy499]

I have been using a Voightlander Nocton 1.5 on my IIIf for about three months. While it does take up about a third of the camera viewfinder with the hood on I find the lens results are still worth it. You can get them for well below the $325 price by shopping around (BH etc.)and at that price you can't beat them. I have the silver one and the quality really is top notch.