M8 but no leica lenses. Odd?

[tbarker13]

I feel sort of silly even writing this. But I'm sitting here debating my lens lineup. And I find myself contemplating an M8 kit that wouldn't include a leica lens (other than a rarely used 35/3.5 summaron).

I wonder how many M8 users only use (primarily or exclusively) lenses made by other manufacturers.
Obviously, a person should use whatever lenses they want to use. And it seems pretty clear that there are plenty of great options out there. But do you or would you feel weird never putting a Leica lens on your Leica body?

Like I said, the logical part of my brain knows this is a silly question. But I find it popping around my mind right now. And I'm quite sure my wife won't have much interest in discussing it with me when I get home. So I toss it out here.

[Roger Hicks]

Wouldn't worry me, as long as I was happy with what I had.

But it's hard for me to imagine as in 2009 I'll have been using Leicas for 40 years.

Cheers,

R.

[ZebGoesZeiss]

Two answers:

1) The rational one: Nah, Zeiss and Voigtlander have lines of lenses that are within reach/are as good as/are better than Leica lenses

2) The irrational one: Everybody should own at least one Leica lens (if they can afford to). It might be for the nerd appeal, or (as in my case) to prove to themself that those Zeiss/Voigtlander are more than equal to the Leica offerings.

As much as I love my Leica 35mm Summicron ASPH, I have no urge to get any other Leica lens. Actually, I've just sold off the rest of them (50mm Summicron/latest, 90mm APO-Summicron-ASPH and 21mm Elmarit). I did get the 50mm Planar, and already it is my favourite lens. Go figure.

I'm afraid this wasn't of much help. Oh, and don't underestimate the 35mm Summaron. I quite like the older Leica lenses.

[laptoprob]

Well, as long as Leica doesn't make Sonnars...

[chikne]

The M8 is the only digital RF you can buy with a guaranty.....

[Gabriel M.A.]

Like I said, the logical part of my brain knows this is a silly question.
And the logical part of your brain is right :D

What matters is the lens, not the brand on the lens.

If you're into brands, then there's your answer. If you're into "sharpness", well, there's Zeiss or the new crop of Lee-inspired soul-less lenses. If you're into vintage look, there's the old crop of LTM lenses.

The possibilities are many.

Or, if you only buy that Ferrari only for the yellow shield, get yellow-shield-studded gloves and seat covers :)

[ferider]

That's how DDD must have felt when he used his M3 with Nikkors :)

Or not :)

Cheers,

Roland.

[Stephanie Brim]

I have a real Sonnar on a Kiev. Trust me...it isn't an issue. ;)

[peterm1]

I dont think it to be so strange. Leitz glass is pretty pricey and I think that if I were to buy an M8 I would not have the readies to be rushing out to buy a lens too. (Although to be honest my problem is the opposite.....I already have the lenses but can't prioritise an M8 at this stage of my life. One day maybe.) But the M8 is almost unique amongst digital cameras so I do not see anything inherently odd in owning one even if you do not have any Leica lenses- after all that is something you can buy some time down the track.But believe me that damn itch will always be there and one day you are going to have to scratch it!

[tbarker13]

I actually can't keep track any more of the number of lenses I've gone through. I've owned a couple dozen different Leica lenses at one point or another during the past couple years. (this followed a period of relative tranquility that lasted more than a decade, where I used three lenses)
Basically, life was much simpler before I bought an M8 and found this forum. I did not know of all the lens options out there.

I recently picked up a 28 elmarit apsh. Love the size of the thing. Then yesterday, I listed my 28 hexanon on the classifieds. But I sit here thinking: I don't really like this new Leica lens more than the older hexanon. So why am I making the change? It is simple lens lust.

I've generally stayed away from the newer asph lenses, just because I don't tend to prefer the way they render images. But if I sell this 28 elmarit (instead of the hexanon), none of my regular use lenses will be made by Leica.
(as someone who has used leica gear for nearly two decades, that just seems a little odd)

But as several rational people have pointed out, that's not a bad thing.

[infocusf8@earthlink.]

I own Leica lenses, Voigtlander lenses and a Canon FL converted to M. Overall (and I know this will start a howling) the Leica lenses are sharper across the frame and have a more 3 dimensional look to the images, however the Voigtlander 12mm and 15mm satisfy my lust for ultra wides at a price I can afford, and the 12 is a rectilinear with superb performance. The Canon FL lens is a F1.2 and satisfies my Noctilux craving at a price I can afford. Each lens gives me a different look and if there is one lens I keep going back to it is the Leica 28mm F2.8 asph. Elmarit. A gem of a lens that if given the choice of only one to keep that would be it.

[Avotius]

The real reason anyone should buy a Leica lens is because they like the way the lens handles or renders images. If you like the way Zeiss lenses render then get Zeiss lenses, if you like the Canon's, get the canon's. No magic bullets here.

[retow]

As others said, it is not about the brand, but about the focal length you need or prefer, a lens' performance, how it draws, size, weight, alternatives and their prices. My present wish list would include:

12mm CV
15mm CV
18mm ZM
21mm ZM (21/4.5)
24mm L (Elmarit asph)
25mm ZM
28mm don't know
35mm L (lux asph)
50mm L (lux asph)
75mm CV (rarely used)
90mm don't know, still undecided

As far as I'm concerned, there is no reason to buy Leica lenses which are "just or may be not even quite" as good as a ZM or CV (eg the new Summarits). Eventually the latter two brands offer much better value for the money.

[oscroft]

But do you or would you feel weird never putting a Leica lens on your Leica body?
Not at all, no - an M body is a great platform for whole load of different lenses - and if you want a top quality digital RF for, say, CV lenses, you don't really have a lot of choice. Very expensive body and cheap lenses? It really doesn't matter if you get the results you want and get pleasure from doing it.

[johnalex141r]

I wonder how many M8 users only use (primarily or exclusively) lenses made by other manufacturers.


I figure that I purchased a Kodak sensor, Leica body packaging, so my lenses so far are exclusively Voigtlander.

I see no reason, other than snobbery, to say that the M8 "requires" Leica glass.

You make pictures with what you have. Will I ever get Leica glass? Maybe, depends on what is out there when I have a specific "need".

JohnS.

[sirius]

Leica does make some nice lenses.

[Crane]

Snob purchasing of any item or service plays straight into the hands of profiteers, and clearly signals one's insecurities. These days, so many of us break our backs to play that game, that it's often assumed entire societies are out there, seeking to "big-up" individual social status.

I find that people are very quick to accuse Leica users of mere status seeking. I've tried enough CV, Kobalux, and Konica samples to know that I prefer the way the Leica glass draws for me. Don't I wish that the 40mm 1.4 CV I had matched the look produced with my 35mm f2 Aspherical? You bet. But it doesn't, and so I've had to step-up and pay the premium for what is, to me, the better and more useful product.

I don't own any Leica bodiies. My five, hard-to-fund Leica lenses get bolted, in turn, to 3 Epson RD-1 units. Zero status, but lovely files and great handling.

Crane

[Cindy Flood]

I have had my M8 since Nov. '06. I do have Leica lenses, but I also have 4 really good CV lenses that I use on my M8 all the time. If they were the only lenses that I had for my M8, I could get along fine. CV and Zeiss make some very fine lenses and they work great on the M8

[etrigan63]

I've had my M8 since last August and I own no Leica glass. 3 CV's and a ZM. Looking to add another ZM (21 mm/2.8) when the time is right (I just bought a Mac Pro). Nothing weird about it. I love the way all my lenses render. I am looking to replace my 25 mm CV with a 21 mm ZM because the 25 mm isn't wide enough for me.

[johnastovall]

Not odd at all. I had my M8 for two months and justed used the CV lens, I had gotten for my RD-1. But I've since made up for it starting with a Nocti.

[rolleistef]

How do you manage with wide angles? If you need a fast enough 28 equ. do you have a 18/2.8 at reach?

[Patman]

I've used Leica glass for over 40 years and when I got my M8 I decides to try the Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Biogon, big mistake, any of my 40 year old lenses is sharper than it. I will never buy anything but Leica glass again. Too those that have never tried Leica glass and rave about their CV's & ZM's, you don't know what your missing!

[johnastovall]

How do you manage with wide angles? If you need a fast enough 28 equ. do you have a 18/2.8 at reach?
I rarely shot that range even with zooms. I just jump on the M8 from 28mm to the CV 12/5.6 and 15. Have ASPH 24 on order.

[etrigan63]

I've used Leica glass for over 40 years and when I got my M8 I decides to try the Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Biogon, big mistake, any of my 40 year old lenses is sharper than it. I will never buy anything but Leica glass again. Too those that have never tried Leica glass and rave about their CV's & ZM's, you don't know what your missing!

Will you sell me your Zeiss 21mm 2.8 cheap?

[Patman]

As soon as I replace it, it's yours.

[jlancasterd]

Too those that have never tried Leica glass and rave about their CV's & ZM's, you don't know what your missing!

I had Leica glass for my M6 and M3 (the mid-90s 21mm Elmarit, 35mm Summicron and 1970s 50mm Summicron) but sold all my M equipment several years ago to concentrate on the R system. When I bought an M8 I decided to use CV lenses until I had worked out which focal lengths I liked best and would then buy the appropriate Leica lens.

Guess what? The CV lens set I've assembled produces such good results that I really can't see any difference from what I'm getting with the Leica lenses (the 21-35 and 28-90 zooms) I use with my R8 and DMR. I therefore intend to stick with CV lenses for the foreseeable future. I certainly wouldn't have been able to afford so many lenses if I hadn't bought CV. They are very good value, and even more so bought secondhand from a reputable dealer such as Ffordes

[Digital Dude]

I posted this elsewhere although after reading this thread, I felt that some of it may apply from a new guy's perspective.

..."After reading hundreds of posts and asking hundreds of questions together with "Reids Reviews", "Erwin Puts" and those boring ass Leica pdf files (I read them all), I was left with two viable directions based on advise from a true lens guru. He said, I could aim for a “lens set” or a “lens collection”. He allowed me to learn from his mistakes and now I’m 2/3rd complete. In order of precedents, I went with 28/50/21...". Yes, I did in fact choose to go with Leica simply because I was able to find more information on their performance than with other brands.

If I had to do over again, I may well have opted for a different brand although I personally like the direction I’m heading, aside of course from being broke!"
Regards,:D

[DWeston]

When I shot LF, I used a mix of lenses, Nikkor, Rodenstock, Fuji...never once really cared what or who made the lens, just knew that was what I needed for image field and could afford. With the M8, it is mostly the same, I have CV, Zeiss, Leica lenses, there are so many other factors leading to final image quality, the viewing media - monitor or print, how the image is post processed, whether it was shot handheld or on a tripod, what brand a particular lens is, is most likely the least important factor. ...and I have actually tested lenses I was going to buy side by side and did the same post and printing, and in most cases if there are ANY differences they are extremely small and not always going to the most expensive lens as being the best....

[usayit]

Lens choices are a personal choice based on a boat load of factors including, image quality, cost, how it handles, size, etc... including prestige of branding.

So no... I don't think it is odd. Buy whatever makes you enjoy the camera.. regardless of the branding. It is no more odd than a Canon or Nikon shooter with a set of Sigma lenses. Every brand has their "hits" and "misses".

I have a mix of Leica and C/V with a Zeiss lens being considered for my next purchase.

[tbarker13]

Well I certainly seem to be headed toward a very diversified kit. I'll probably end up with one or two Leica lenses. The rest will be Nikon, CV and hexanon.
Over time, I'm sure this will continue to rotate.

I do appreciate all the input and assisting me with recognizing what i already know to be true.

[NB23]

Wow, a Leica glass bashing thread! Cute but unrealistic.

Everybody knows that Leitz lenses are the best in the world.

[usayit]

So saying that its ok to have a mix of lenses including Leica == "bashing" Leica?

Wow... never knew that... :confused:

[dee]

i worried about both buying an M 8 'cos autistically rather than artistically , it was the only digital camera which I could connect to , AND that my lenses were a superb Fed collapsisble which betters my 50s Elmar and Summitar , and that I prefer that vintage look .

My Leica Digilux 3 is now fitted with what must be the smallest ex-50mm , 100mm telephoto ever - an ex-Zenit 3 39mm I 50 , and I love it !

I was advised by those here just to do what's right for me , not to get hung up on the what should be etc .

I have now indulged in a Voightlander 35mm f 2.5 Classic , which I understand to be discontinued / improved - who cares ? I love it !

dee

[Digital Dude]

When I hear some of you more seasoned photographers talk about lens qualities, it reminds me of those who indulge in wine tasting. Frankly, I doubt that my camera skills will ever match that of the lenses I use. My photos will either be in focus or not. Hopefully, I have learned something along the way with respect to composition and timing.
Regards,

[hdrmd]

Certainly it is true that if you are happy with the results it makes no difference which brand lenses yo use. However, why choose the M8 as the platform and not use any Leica lenses/ ( except for price considerations). It is the M8 that has the problems that require the various workarounds. I use leica lenses from the sixties that work well, and I have two CV lenses that are adequate. Still ,it is the leica glass that keeps the mystique alive, not the aggravating M8. DR

[eef]

The beauty of the M8 is the choices it gives you. 90+% of the time I have a 35mm Summicron IV on mine, but the Voigtlander 15mm is usually in my bag if I need it.

Before I got the M8 I went to Mexico with the RD-1, and in a possibly misplaced desire to minimize loss in case of Robbery I had a $5 Russian 50mm mounted. It took great pictures, but for some reason I never have put it on the Leica. Probably would restrict myself to B&W, as the filter ring on the Industar is busted, but it is neat to have the option.

For me, the three-dimensional quality of images from the Leica lenses is a thing of beauty.

[tbarker13]

However, why choose the M8 as the platform and not use any Leica lenses/ ( except for price considerations). DR


That's an easy one to answer. The M8 is the only digital rangefinder that's in production.

[etrigan63]

As soon as I replace it, it's yours.

Too late, someone made me a very good offer and I now have a Zeiss 21 mm. Hope you find your replacement and a buyer, Patman.

Requisite camera porn:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2360278736_491c0cb1a8.jpg

Requisite test shot:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2359234277_7968ba0b14_b.jpg

[Patman]

I hope yours is better than mine, by the way who said I was going to sell it, I said you could have it!

[etrigan63]

I hope yours is better than mine, by the way who said I was going to sell it, I said you could have it!

DOH!

Figures...

[usccharles]

in terms of wide lenses, i find leica glass have less distortion than its other brand counterparts.

one of my favorite lenses is the CV 40mm/1.4, due to its small size. its also dang sharp. but when it comes to bokeh, my leica 35/1.4 creams it, literally. but the 35 is bigger than the CV, so when i'm taking my camera out to somewhere social, its the CV, but when i plan a day do go shoot photos, its the 35 lux.

i love my cv 15mm heliar. leica has no equivalent in focal length.

leica lenses have better build quality than most. you can feel it when you hold the lens. its just solid and smooth. its definately built to last and i would say alot of the premium we pay go into the build quality.

;)

you use what fits you. leica or not

[Nick De Marco]

I have 3 Leica lenses, two of which I think are very good (the Summicron 25mm and 50mm f2s, pre-asph, last version bought on ebay). And one not so good (the 90mm Elmar f2).

Up until now I would have said that the 35mm Summicron was my favourite lens in my collection.

However, I recently bought the Voigtlander Nockton 35mm f1.2 because I love low light photography. It is much heavier than the Leica, but I have to admit it has now become my favourite lens. I won't get rid of the Summicron but although I tell myself I will use it for travelling as it is light, I can't see myself going anywhere without the Nockton.

Here is a photo I took with it on either f1.4 or f1.2 yesterday at a textile museum in Derbyshire. Some great stuff there but low light.

http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/image/94644785.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/image/94644785)

I also really like the CV 12mm and 15mm both of which work well wth the M8 and the Zeiss 18mm f4 and 25mm f2.8. And I bought an old Canon 50mm f1.4 the other day for the exta stop on the M8 and it is in good condition and performs well. But the Nocton's my favourite.