So I'm using a 50mm summilux and I really like it a lot, but I was thinking of getting a 35mm lens. Unfortunately, I really can't afford a leica one, ( and also I don't think I will be using a 35mm much, but I would like the option). Are the voigtlander ones good alternatives? Which model? Where can I get adapters for the m6? What's a good place to get it online? Lots of questions, so lots of thanks in advance.

ken

-- Ken Kwok (kkwok@gostanford.com), October 04, 2001

Answers

The Voigtländer Ultron 35mm f/1.7 seems to be quite decent for the money (about $450 plus the cost of the adapter, if I recall correctly). Voigtländer also sells the adapters for M-bayonet mount.

B&H Photo or other vendors like carry the VC line.

Godfrey

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), October 04, 2001.

If you decide to go wider than 35mm than I strongly recommend the Voigtlander 28/1.9. It is top performer and easily rivals the 28mm Elmarit.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), October 04, 2001.

I was a bit surprised. The reason why we have Leica equipment at all is because of its lens and optics (between 21mm and 90mm). And 35mm 'cron or 'lux M are the essential lens beside 50mm 'cron, 'lux or Noct. It is hardly an option for many Leica owners, including me.

You don't think you will be using a 35mm much because you have not taken a lot of pictures with the 35/1.4 ASPH yourself and see the results. The color, the contrast, the sharpness and the shadow details are just incredible and different. If you get an Voiglander 35mm I am afraid you will not use it much, as you've said.

-- Damond Lam (damond_lam@hotmail.com), October 04, 2001.

Voigtlander lenses and adapters are also available from Stephen Gandy. I don't have direct experience with him, but here's the relevant link:

http://www.cameraquest.com/inventor.htm

Damond, please don't presume to speak for all Leica owners. The primary reasons I use Leica Ms are the precision and ease of low-light focusing and suitability for handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds. Also, my 90 Summicron is much more essential to me than a 35. It's good that you like the equipment you've chosen; however, it's entirely possible for well-informed and intelligent people to make choices that differ from yours.

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), October 05, 2001.

Besides, he states in his question that he can't afford the Leica lens. So why get on him for not buying one? We aren't all able to own +$1000 lenses.

The voigt 35/1.7 is a fine lens optically. I personally didn't like the way in handled. I think if I was going to get a voigt 35 again. I would go for the slightly slower 35/2.5 in either the "classic" or "pancake" mount. By all accounts they are excellent lenses and very reasonable priced. It might also be worth looking for an older LTM Canon 35. They pop up time to time on ebay and could be a bargin way to try out the 35mm focal length.

-- Josh Root (rootj@att.net), October 05, 2001.

It's nice to know that people on this forum are tolerant, patient and generous with information. Thank you. Ken

-- Ken kwok (kkwok@gostanford.com), October 05, 2001.

An excellent 35mm lens is the Leica Summaron 35mm f3.5. I recently purchased one for my M6 classic and find it a pleasure to use. I saw the lens in a local camera store here in Philadelphia and the price tag was $275.00! I actually traded another lens for the Summaron.I also have one with "eyes" for use with an M3. Also an excellent lens. I highly recommend this lens since it is an excellent performer and the price is right. Look around. They are not difficult to find. If you need more information, e-mail me.Good luck.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), October 05, 2001.

For the price range you're considering, I'd suggest shopping for a used 35mm Summicron in the first or second version. These are tremendous lenses--we saw much of the 1960's and early 70's through them, thanks to many photojournalists, and with modern films these lenses are even better. IMHO, there is something magic in all of the Leica 35mm lenses of the last 40 years, and the earlier versions can be great bargains today. At least check them out before you decide.

-- Tim Nelson (timothy.nelson@yale.edu), October 05, 2001.

I second the suggestion of an earlier Summicron 35mm. These are considerably cheaper than the ASPH or the last pre-ASPH lenses. I can also personally recommend the 2.8 Summaron. If you must buy new then the VC are good.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), October 05, 2001.

The great chess master Garry Kasparov was once interviewed about the prospect of playing Deep Blue, the mighty IBM chess computer. They pointed out to him that the computer considers billions of possible combinations before moving. They asked him, "So, Maestro, how many moves do you usually consider?" He replied, "Oh, only one or two", then added with a smile, "but they're the best ones."

-- Peter Hughes (ravenart@pacbell.net), October 05, 2001.

I second the suggestion of 35/1.7 Ultron. They can be easily found used in nearly mint condition on the 'net for ~$350. I got mine for $360 almost a year ago. Maybe I just got a good sample, but mine is the best-handling RF lens I ever held in my hands -- and that includes VC and Leica (and Russian/Ukrainian lenses). So buttery- smooth focusing and arerture rings!.. Opticaly I have no complaints about it as I use it handheld in low light most of the time where camera shake degrades sharpness more then any optical imperfections. Some say that it has unpleasant mushy bokeh close to wide-open. I had mixed experience in this regard, but from what I've seen shot with pre-ASPH 35/2 it looks similar.

Here are few of my Ultron shots:

http://www.electricm ist.com/ultron/u01.jpg
http://www.electricm ist.com/ultron/u02.jpg
http://www.electricm ist.com/ultron/t01.jpg
http://www.electricm ist.com/ultron/t02.jpg

I think the lens is worth every penny I paid for it. YMMV.

-- Alexander Grekhov (grekhov@wgukraine.com), October 05, 2001.