Summilux Redux

Biggles · 03-02-2006

It looks like I might soon be acquiring a 1964 50mm Summilux. Let's just say that at the offered price, it was a no-brainer. I'm reasonably certain I'll have one within a month or two.

Now. What in HELL shall I do with it?

You see, my only M-mount body is a CL. It's unbalanced enough with a fifth-version 50mm Summicron on it. Won't I keep tipping over on my nose if I bung a honking great Summilux into its hole?

So, whimsical question with serious overtones: If Leica Claus were to descend from the leaden skies, hand thee an Summilux, and administer a swift boot to thine arse in parting, what metered or non-metered secondhand M-mount body wouldst thou select to house the lens and go about stealing souls in darkness with?

Bear in mind, I enjoy taking a lot of pictures at EI 1600 to EI 25000, indoors and out. Neopan 400, for me, is a fine-grained emulsion.

So. Spend my money. Please.

rover · 03-02-2006

Hmm, the perfect mate for a fast 50? Um, do you really have to think about this?

Ok, a hint, it starts with an M and ends with a 3. You can find a mechanically sound user body for $700 or less if you are lucky, it has the best viewfinder on any Leica other than perhaps a .85 MP which will run you at least 3x as much. Yeah, for me this is an easy one.

peter_n · 03-02-2006

So you've paid next-to-nothing for the lens and you've got pots of lolly burning a hole in your pocket. Its an M7 if you feel like spending it all, or an M6TTL and a couple of rolls of film otherwise. They're not dodgy, won't need a CLA for years, have a nice big shutter speed dial (unlike those girlie Barnacks & earlier M cams) and the dial turns in the right direction. 0.85 mag of course...