$8000 to spend on Leica lenses, what would you get?

[35mmdelux]

add 50/1.4 ASPH. Keep it simple.

[Ducky]

A couple of FSU Jupiters and a $7,900 CD.

[Rob-F]

Your decision to get the 35mm ASPH Lux is a good one! I would add the 24mm ASPH, as it will give you about 32mm equivalent on the M8. That seems like a good idea, since you can shoot both the M8 and M6 in essentially a 35mm focal length by using the 24 on the M8 and the 35 on the M6. I have both these lenses and can recommend them. You can even swap the 24mm onto the M6 when you need the extra coverage.

I seem to like the 75mm focal length on the M6. I use the Summilux. It is however majorly heavy. I don't mind; but if you do, then the new 75/2 Summicron might be a good choice for you, or the new 75mm Summarit. They won't weigh down your kit so much. On the M8, 75mm acts like a 100mm, which seems still in a reasonable range for the rangefinder camera. 135mm seems just too long to me, even on the M6 or M3! When I need a 135, it's time to use an SLR.

So I'm thinking 15-24-35-50-75. How does that sound?

[alan davus]

What could $8000 buy??? Unfortunately I can't offer any advice on the Leica front but here's a shopping list. (prices from Popflash)

Zeiss 18 Distagon $957
" 21 Biogon $969
" 25 " $887
" 28 " $876
" 35 " $817
" 50 Planar $691 Total $5197
add Leica 75 Summarit $1495
Viewfinders for the 18 21 and 25 are $364 each or just buy the CV 21 for $128 and use it for all three. You would have enough left over to buy (from the head bartender)
CV 12 Heliar $594
CV 90 Apo Lanthar $315. Better allow $3-400 to buy one of the large Billingham's to carry it all. Not much change for film but it would cure most peoples Gas for a while.

[gberger]

Maybe I'm just fortunate - -but I bought the 24mm three years ago, and I've never regretted it. Its resolution and contrast are simply awesome when projected. If you're even contemplating shooting on English, Japanese, German, Turkish, Moroccan or Italian smaller streets. you'll be surprised at the capability oi this lens . Yeah, it's a super wide angle - - but it really isn't. If you're used to shooting close-ups and crowded street scenes, the 24 will be glued to your M body.