I have a gap in my R system. I have a 1.4/35mm and 2.8/100mm APO-Macro for my two primes. I am considering a 2.0/50mm 'cron, but would like advice as to whether or not I should buy new. (I always buy new, but for a 50 I might change) Before that question, I also have the 28-70 Vario-Elmar, also new, so would the 50 'cron have a place in my bag? If then new or how old/used delivers quality like my other primes?

-- Paolo (maggialone@yahoo.com), February 05, 2002

Answers

...would the 50 'cron have a place in my bag?

If you have to ask, then you don't need it. -That is the criteria I apply in order to avoid uneccessary purchaces, and it has saved med a lot of money.


-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), February 05, 2002.

Niels - a great philosophy. I wish I had applied it a few times in the past. I'd have avoided taking a loss getting rid of stuff that sat doing nothing.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), February 05, 2002.

Hello Paolo. Provided the classic and universal 50mm. focal length is to your liking a late "pull out" hood version 50mm Summuicron-R lens in good condition will always have the potential to render for you photos which are a pleasure to behold.Regards.

-- Sheridan Zantis (albada60@hotmail.com), February 05, 2002.

-Well Bob,
Sometimes I forget :-)

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), February 05, 2002.

Well the 50mm 'cron is cheapish new and very cheap second hand, so if you "always buy new" you can afford it with the 50mm 'cron. Personally I always buy s/h and a there are many 50mm around right now s/h. They are a superb lens and superb value. No changes in the design since 1978 or thereabouts. How do you like your 35 'lux?

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), February 05, 2002.

Paolo, Buy it s/h. If you use it for a while and like it, fine. If you do not like it you can sell, and probably at a profit.

-- Ed DeAngelis (edeange769@aol.com), February 05, 2002.

I don't know your shooting style but I see your range is well-covered from 28-100 so if there are gaps in your system they are at the wide and long end. A 19 or 21 might be one possibility, as might a 180, 80-200 or even a 2x for the 100.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 05, 2002.

If I were in the market for a 50 in the R, I would look at the latest 1.4 (E60). Everything I see and hear about this lens says it is incredible. The added speed for the R is a great plus. I don't see it used much but eventually they will start showing up.

-- Bob Haight (rhaigh5748@aol.com), February 05, 2002.

Er, Paolo, don't spend the extra on the 1.4/50, nice but heavy.

Try to find a second hand 2/50, they are fine and usually in good shape.

If you are accustomed to the Zoom, a fixed focal might feel strange.

It's nice for a challenge: I start off for a week end but I don't want to take more than a lens. Or: Let's work with a 50mm and see what comes out.

Have fun. X.

-- Xavier d'Alfort (hot_billexf@hotmail.com), February 06, 2002.

I have a lovely mint boxed 50mm summicron(pull out hod) if your interested( along with a whole case of other R bits and bobs).

-- steve (s.s2@uk.dreamcast.com), February 06, 2002.

Paolo,

If you have the 1.4/35mm and 2.8/100 APO, you are not going to think the 1.4/50mm is heavy. The view is very bright as you probably know from using the 1.4/35. I think the questions should be: What do you want to photograph that your current lenses will not suffice? Under what circumstances? Do you want a wider view than the 35, something between the 35 and 100, or longer than the 100? Do you want/need a wide aperture or a small light lens? Answers to these questions may guide you to the right selection for you! The used-vs-new decision is a personal one. I prefer new but then I do not plan to sell my Leica lenses. My young grandson is going to inherit a great photographic kit. I only hope he will use it with half as much pleasure as I have had. Good luck with your choice. LB

-- Luther Berry (lberrytx@aol.com), February 06, 2002.

Paolo- I think that there is a place for a fast 50mm lens in most people's bags. I have the new 50mm F1.4 and love it. It is a remarkable lens that is not that heavy and fills the void of having a fast lens for available light. I use it at night or in museums or for street scenes. Buy it new or second hand... You will not regret it.(8>)--Albert

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), February 06, 2002.