One body, one lens...which ones?

[dave lackey]

Okay, I admit it...I have procrastinated buying a Leica over the past year and a half but I did sleep at the Holiday Inn;)...and managed to buy a NIB Nikon S3 2000 which has been a blast!

But, yet, I still would like to experience Leica. I am getting better at manual exposure and the millenium lens is awesome.

So, what are your recommendations for a Leica for long-term, with one lens to use everyday?

Thank you in advance.:)

[tripod]

I'd suggest an M6 with either 50mm Elmar-M or 35mm Zeiss f2.8, depending on if you're more a 50 or 35mm type.

[mfogiel]

I think the one combination which is still appealing from Leica, is the 0.85x M7 with the 50/1.4 Summilux - to make it really shine, you should remove the 75mm frame as it messes up the view. This will give you a reasonably good VF with a single 50mm frame, accurate focusing and a good and fast 50mm lens, which at the moment has not been bettered by other products. For the 35mm lens the ZI+Biogon f2.0 or Nokton f 1.2 are unbeatable IMHO, and for the wider angles the R4A is the most sensible choice.

[telenous]

From what you say I think you 'd be happy with an M2 (unmetered, manual exposure like the S3). Try a 35 lens to have something different from your Millenium Nikkor, perhaps the Summicron or Summilux preasphs, if you want a compact kit. I am sure you know already, the Nikon and Leica focus in opposite directions - could be a nuisance if the cameras are used in tandem. Good luck in your choice - enjoy!

[Teus]

M3 in good condition with a recent 50mm summicron, or an M2 with 35mm. An M6/MP/M7 are possible as well, depending on likes and budget

[tomasis]

its highly personal. I speak for M3 and 50mm. Another suggestion is M4 and 35mm though I dont like 35mm. Summicron is the king of choice for starters :)

[Rik]

Black Paint MP and Noctilux... set up for life :-)

[hans voralberg]

M2 with 40mm Nokton, it's halfway in between so you wont have to think too hard about 35 or 50 =)

[ferider]

A little outside the box, but how about two lenses ? 0.85 MP + CV 35/1.2 + Leica 75/1.4. Kind of a unique Leica combo which will also nicely add to your Nikon.

Best,

Roland.

[pfoto]

A 0.72x MP with a small 35mm lens such as a Summicron or a UC Hexanon.

[Axel100]

Get the M-Body of your choice and a 50mm Summicron.
Also possible is a 50mm Zeiss Sonnar if you like it a bit cooler.
My 5ct :)

Regards, Axel

[rich815]

If you like wide angle then get a wide angle, maybe a 35mm, or a 28mm if you like wider. If you like a more normal lens then a 50mm would be best, maybe a 40mm if you think you'd like that. As for a body I like the Leica M2 or M3, maybe an M4, or even an M6. MP is nice too, as is an M7.

[Harry Lime]

MP + 1.4/35 Summilux ASPH (or any other 35)

[kalokeri]

So, what are your recommendations for a Leica for long-term, with one lens to use everyday?

This question is not easy to answer. It is a very personal decision.

If you can arrange yourself with a camera without build-in-meter and like to have something different than a 50mm the advice of Alkis - M2 with 35mm lens - is very good. Depends on how much money you like to spent if you go for a Summicron asph. or pre-asph. or try something cheaper like Voigtländer-lenses - they offer several 35mm. Whether you try this or the way - there is not much to do wrong. Just keep in mind that a M2-body should get a CLA sooner or later. Think about this extra costs when buying one.

Thomas

[Harry Lime]

A little outside the box, but how about two lenses ? 0.85 MP + CV 35/1.2 + Leica 75/1.4. Kind of a unique Leica combo which will also nicely add to your Nikon.

Best,

Roland.

It's very difficult for many people to see the 35mm framelines on the .85 bodies...

[Benjamin Marks]

I like the way Roland thinks - give yourself a new capability. My own first Leica was a a used M3 and a 50/1.5 Summarit, which I bought used from an Oakland camera shop in 1992. Damn, that camera and lens were an awesome combo. I think the best value going in Ms is the M6 classic -- not as well loved, perhaps, as the M2 or M4, but with all the functionality that you really need to make great pictures without having another piece of gear in your pocket.


If you don't want to select lenses "around" your Nikon choice (that is, if you just see how you see) and if you are a modern 35mm guy, I'd take a serious look at the Zeiss Biogon -- great performance for less money than the current 35 Summicron Asph. If you are a modern 50 guy, the 50/1.4 Asph is capable of jaw-dropping performance and I think that mine is worth every cent I paid for it. If you like a more nuanced look, I'd go with a 1980's version tabbed Summicron in either 50 or 35mm.

Me: Every camera from a new system I ever bought, I bought with a 50 (or its format-specific analogue) -- it is the lens I learned with and it is how I see the world most often photographically.

So: Pentax K1000 with 50/1.7; Nikon F4 with 50/1.4; M6 with 50/2, Pentax 67 and 105/2.8; 4x5 and 180/5.6 and so on.

Ben Marks

[Mike Richards]

MP + 1.4/35 Summilux ASPH (or any other 35)

Amen Amen. If you're on a budget, don't overlook the M2/35 f 2.8 Summaron combo. A sweet package.

[Harry Lime]

Amen Amen. If you're on a budget, don't overlook the M2/35 f 2.8 Summaron combo. A sweet package.

Actually make that any M body (except for the M3 of course) with a 35.
;)

Also skip the M4-2.

[phatnev]

An M2 and a CV 35mm 1.4 will be my first purchases this summer. I had a M2 and a 35 last August until it was stolen in November and I couldn't ask for anything more, except a faster lens as I had the 35mm f2.5 II pancake and with the unveiling of the f1.4 I can't help but spend the extra bucks.

[nrb]

M2 or M6. Summicron is nice, but so is Voigtlander or Zeiss or Konica or Canon.

[rpsawin]

From what you say I think you 'd be happy with an M2 (unmetered, manual exposure like the S3). Try a 35 lens to have something different from your Millenium Nikkor, perhaps the Summicron or Summilux preasphs, if you want a compact kit. I am sure you know already, the Nikon and Leica focus in opposite directions - could be a nuisance if the cameras are used in tandem. Good luck in your choice - enjoy!


Yep...I'll second that. An M2 with a 35mm Summicron is an excellent choice.

Best regards,

Bob

[jslash6]

i've been only using a Bessa R2a with a CV 35mm f1.4 sc

[raid]

Many people here like using a 35mm lens. I prefer the 50mm lens instead. The classic Summicron 50mm/2 would be my choice.

[BillBingham2]

Having moved from Leica to Nikon I have to put in my 2cents. There is a special feel to a Leica M. IMHO the Nikon S3 feels just as good, in some ways better, in some ways not as my old M4-P. I really like the wheel focusing, but do not like the long throw of the focus. I've very happy that Tom A has not come out with a winder for the S3 and above as I would have to get one.

From my point of view I would take the money and get a new 35/1.8 Nikkor for your S3-2000 and call it a draw.

You would not do wrong with an M2 or an M4-P, moving up price wise go with a M6 classic. Lens wise just about anything 50mm is going to be a step down from where you are. I'd go with a 35mm say the new 1.4 CV would go very nicely and priced reasonably.

You might find you like Leica more than the Nikon S, nothing wrong, individual tastes. I still say just go with the new Nikkor 35.

B2 (;->

[Chris101]

I've got an M4-P fitted with a 35mm Ultron. It's quite compact and I carry it everywhere if I don't have a different camera with me. It takes nice pictures too - I (mostly) use only one film (trix) in it as well, so I rarely worry about metering. Guess & go!

ps, hey Chris! Glad to see you have recovered from the theft and are jumping back in!

[mr_phillip]

Seeing that you obviously have a taste for the classic, I'd go for a 'golden age' Leica: either an M2 with a 35mm (v2-4 Summicron if you shoot mostly B&W or a ZM Biogon for colour) or a single-stroke M3 with a 50mm 'cron.

All of the M bodies are wonderful things, but the M2 and M3 just have that bit of magic about them IMHO.

[Scarpia]

A Leica M-6 with a Zeiss Planar 50mm F2 works for me. Somehow 45 to 58mm (various cameras) reflects the way I see.
Kurt M.

[northpole]

I'd recommend a chrome M7 0.72 combined with 35mm ASPH Summicron - again in chrome for sheer compactness and handling. Also for the benefit of aperture priority as a fall back option.

As stated above, you may have a slightly less wide preference in which case a chrome 50mm Summicron would be grand.

If you have more money to burn, consider the Summilux alternatives!

Peter

[kennethcooke]

Okay, I admit it...I have procrastinated buying a Leica over the past year and a half but I did sleep at the Holiday Inn;)...and managed to buy a NIB Nikon S3 2000 which has been a blast!

But, yet, I still would like to experience Leica. I am getting better at manual exposure and the millenium lens is awesome.

So, what are your recommendations for a Leica for long-term, with one lens to use everyday?

Thank you in advance.:)

Impossible to answer. There are too many probables, hang on I am not sure if that is English but the word seemed to fit. Anyway, the first question is what type of photography do you enjoy to do. The second question is do you wear spectacles and I guess the third question is what is it about Leica that appeals.

As an example I like taking mountain landscapes B&W and colour reversal- street scenes and general snapshots. I also wear glasses and I do not favour high tech electronics. Given that scenario I have just today taken delivery of an M6 Classic 0.72 in chrome with a 35mm f2 Summicron-M asph plus a Voigtlander 75mm 2.5 Heliar. if I am only allowed 1 lens it would have to be the 35mm but Voigtlander lenses are very good second lenses and s/h the 75mm was only £180 GBP. But only 1 lens it has to be Leica unless there is no justification for a Leica body

[Brian Sweeney]

Leica M3 Single-Stroke with Collapsible Summicron. That's the one I usually pick up and use. The Single Stroke has better eye-relief than the double-stroke.

[dave lackey]

Hi, Bill!

Good point about the nikkor and I may do just that! I would like to enjoy a Leica,even if only briefly, 'cause I'm not getting any younger...
:angel:
In all honesty, the S3 2000 is so good that it will take me longer than the rest of my natural life to master it...it is such a relief to use after shooting thousands of sports action images in a week!

Maybe it's GAS? Or maybe it's crazy, but I am keen on experiencing as much photographically as I can over the next few years...but I still need to focus on so many things in my photography, not just the gear. It's horses for courses for me as I try to fit the gear to my specific tasks.

Gotta tell you, though, that S3 2000 is a joy.:D

[Bob Michaels]

99% of the time, I'm in the "one body, one lens" mode. However every so often the body and lens change. They seem to rotate between:

Mamiya 7 body & 80mm lens
Zeiss Ikon body & ZI 35mm Biogon
Contax G1 & 35mm Planar

So none of my choices are Leica bodies or lenses. I guess I don't get to wear a Leica T-shirt.

[Steve Bellayr]

For one lens one time: Summicron 35mm V.4 (This is the llens with the supposedly greatest bokeh.) Therefore you will need a camera with 35mm framelines. Leica M of your choice.

[dave lackey]

Leica M3 Single-Stroke with Collapsible Summicron. That's the one I usually pick up and use. The Single Stroke has better eye-relief than the double-stroke.


Hi, Brian...

What does a collapsible Summicron run these days and where are they available?

[jonmanjiro]

Hi Dave,

I'd like to try shooting with a Leica someday too, even if only briefly! My pick would be a single stroke M3 with a rigid 50/2 summicron (first version). Of all the M series cameras, at 0.91x the M3 has the closest finder magnification to your S3 2000 so you should feel right at home, and the rigid 50/2 summicron (first version) is said to be a classic! I suggest keeping an eye on the classifieds here. You never know what might turn up, and if you buy right you won't lose any money when you decide to sell.

Jon

[BillBingham2]

Dave,

Jon is right, a single stroke M3 or even an M2 would give you the true Leica fit and feel. You might try reaching out to Youxin Ye (wye7 at yahoo.com). I have never used him but lots of folks here have and love is repair work on classic Leicas. From time to time he rebuilds an M3 and sells them for a reasonable price. If he's rebuilt it, it's been CLAed by one of the best. Good users pop up from time to time here on the classifieds too. Your long term rental will not loose you too much money. Not sure where to point you on the lens other than the classifieds. I have an old collapsible that I can loan you for a few months. Seen a bit of wear but used to shoot well and have an LTM/M adapter, not sure if it's the right one though. Let me know if you're interested and I'll check.

B2 (;->

[Dante_Stella]

An M6 or Hexar RF with a 35mm lens or an M8 with something between 21mm and 28mm. Or anything with a similar field of view. I wouldn't agonize too much about compact lenses versus bigger ones. Pick your lens based on its handling and how you like the pictures.

[phatnev]

I've got an M4-P fitted with a 35mm Ultron. It's quite compact and I carry it everywhere if I don't have a different camera with me. It takes nice pictures too - I (mostly) use only one film (trix) in it as well, so I rarely worry about metering. Guess & go!

ps, hey Chris! Glad to see you have recovered from the theft and are jumping back in!

Sounds like a good combo to me! I actually had to deal with two more thefts of much much more valuable stuff, kinda sucks. Oh well, after a month and a half of no work I have two jobs and I'll be working my butt off all summer to get myself the cameras I lost and put myself in a situation to get to Europe in November/December

[Chris101]

Word of advice? Insurance!

[thomasw_]

Well, what's your budget? It is a reasonable question. If you can swing the cost of a MP.... why not order it tomorrow?

But if the MP is too costly, and yet still you are after only one all-mechanical M body, then I'd recommend the M2 because it is so fine and uncluttered with either the 35 or 50 focal lengths, assuming here you might like both focal lengths. Again, if you are going to use only the 5cm focal length, then just get a M3: there is not a better body that I have tried with the 50mm focal length.

[Rico]

So, what are your recommendations for a Leica for long-term, with one lens to use everyday?
Started with M4 and 'cron 35 v4 for a year. In a solo body/lens config, I now prefer M4 and Summaron 35/2.8: beautiful results, classic handling, low tech, chrome galore. :)

[ian_w]

Similar to Rico, I started with Leica with an M6TTL and a 50mm summicron. That went after I discovered the 50mm elmar-M. Sold the summicron without much thought and haven't looked back. I do have 35mm and 21mm available, but could happily leave them at home most days.

Ian

[urban_alchemist]

MP with 50 f2.0 summicron

Best combination of quality, size, weight, speed and price...

[dreamsandart]

Coming from a Leica background and having gotten a new Nikon RF for basically the same reason you are looking at a Leica I think. I can say the New S3 is a great camera. Leicas are still easier for me to use (part being just more familiar) and will be the film camera I'll always have, but if I was going to recommend a RF the new Nikon with the new lenses are hard to beat.

Depending on the money you have to play with, either...

1) expand your Nikon RF system with a 28 or 35, another camera, maybe an S2 and make it simple - one classic style RF system.

2) Get the Leica you can afford, any will do. I'd look for a good working condition M2 (CLA will set you back $200-300 if needed) and 35mm lens (too many aging M3s have finder problems). The M2 .72 finder is just great with a 35. Get yourself Leica lens too - the whole experience - an older Summicron 3rd version. If you want to spend more find a good user M6 for its meter, same basic finder. Don't worry too much about the purchase, you're just trying and if you like it will do a lot more thinking later, and if you decide to sell you'll probably get most of your investment back.

Have fun!

[elude]

The body doesn't matter, all M bodies are GREAT. All Leitz/Leica 35mm are great too.

"Pour faire simple" : Leica M6 + 2/35 is the ****.

forget about "when was that lens produced???" it doesn't matter its the highest quality you'll have. the more recent, the cleaner, thats all.

[Athos6]

Nikon F3hp and the 28mm f/2.8 with CRC (my favorite combo, murders my other gear in terms of sharpness and color...) :)

[Vics]

I've been going around with this one for a while. I'm going to Europe in September. Which body/lens combo? I think I agree with Raid. I'll probably go with the M3 and the 'cron DR.l
Vic

[Listak]

Black MP and a Lux 1.4.

[ktmrider]

M3 with 50, M2/4 with 35.

[ampguy]

Easy, RD1s in JPG mode, with 35/2 Cron Asph.

[Hephaestus]

If I could only have one lens it would be a fast 35mm. My 35 Lux is the lens which I most consistently make decent shots with. It is also the only lens that I take when I travel. I grew up shooting a 50mm but I really believe that the 35mm lens is a more versatile focal length. Match it with whatever m-mount body that you like and I believe that you will be pleased. If you are not then it is a lens that you'll have no trouble selling.

[wlewisiii]

Get Brian Sweeney to shim a nice Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/1.5 for the Nikon & never look back...

;)

William

[dave lackey]

Get Brian Sweeney to shim a nice Zeiss Opton Sonnar 50/1.5 for the Nikon & never look back...

;)

William


Like this?

http://www.pbase.com/rsilfverberg/image/60748089.jpg


Niiiiice...

[dave lackey]

What a great forum...there have been so many good suggestions, I don't know where to start...maybe a second job? I can see this is gonna take some time!

[Livesteamer]

Just about any Leica lens/body combo is great but my all time, incredible favorite is my old M3 with my new 50 1.4 asph. Add some film, a handheld meter and you can do some wonderful stuff.
Joe