M6TTL, 0.72 black 35mm Simmilux ASPH black 50mm Summicron black

Alternates:: 24mm Elimart M ASPH black 90mm SAA black 1.25 magnifier

I'm a newcomer to Leica and I would like to get an M6 and a couple of lenses to try out. If I like them (I'm almost certain I will) I can add to the kit over time. As I advance, I will probably sell off items from my Japanese SLR kit that overlap this equipment.

I've been down the path of trading and upgrading my camera equipment before, and I'd like to avoid that pitfall this time by buying lenses that I will want to keep for the long haul.

Therefore, I'm primarily interested in the latest versions of the items in my list. Also, I'm somewhat anal about the condition of my equipment. My SLR equipment, even though it is several years old is pampered and is in like-new condition. I am looking for similar condition in my M6 kit. I'm not bashing anyone's well worn favorite lens, but I have this hangup, and I've got to live with it. :-)

If anyone has any of these items and has been thinking about selling or upgrading, please let me know.

Cheers, David Geddes d_geddes@pacbell.net

P.S. I apologise for the long winded nature of this post. As I'm new to this forum I'm not sure if this is appreciated. If not, please let me know. D.G.

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 18, 2002

Answers

Welcome! Being long-winded is hardly a rare trait around here. Since you're new, I won't even make fun of you for pampering your equipment . . . ; )

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), April 18, 2002.

Welcome David. If you have a Nikon F100/AF85mm f/1.4D, I'll trade my Summicron 90/2 SAA and 1.25X mag.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 18, 2002.

David, good luck in your search. You have certainly chosen the right time - the market is being flooded with barely used, virtually new M6's - it's a buyer's market for sure.

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), April 18, 2002.

Welcome David. I am relatively new to this forum too, but I am sure you'll find out, just like I did, that you will keep coming back here.

-- Eric Kragtwijk (e.kragtwijk@hccnet.nl), April 18, 2002.

Thank you everyone.

Kristian, My SLR is a Canon EOS system. The lens I'm most willing to part with a 17-35mm f2.8 zoom. It is a convenient lens, but not a spectacular performer, not to mention slow (by Leica standards). I'm sorry, but this lens probably won't interest you.

Oh, I also have a 300mm f4.0 (original version) that I bought on ebay. The seller misrepresented the condition of the lens (said it was a 10, it's actually an 8+), and wouldn't take it back. I paid $650US for it, but would gladly sell it for $450 just to get rid of it. Cheers, David

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 18, 2002.

In order to try and answer your question as to "what lens to buy?" the first thing I think of is that it would be of help if you have some type of idea as to "how many lenses will I have -- and/or -- do I want?". If I (myself) could only have one single lens, it'd be my 2/35. If two, ditto plus my 2.8/21A. That's logical but then there is always the other variation: if he had only one, his 50, if two, his 35 plus 75 or 90 etc. If you spend as much time thinking beforehand what you need and want, you might save yourself a lot of time and money later.

You might also want to check out postings in the archive categories "My Next Lens" here.

Apart from all that, welcome to the club here! This is the best M-group I know of!!

Mike

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), April 18, 2002.

Mike,

I've read quite a few posts, although I haven't visited the "My Next Lens" category yet. (I can only absorb a certain amount of information at a time.) I'll do that tomorow if I can. One thing for certain is that everyone has an opinion about what the most usefull lens or combination of lenses is.

From what I've read, here is MY opinion of the kit I would like to put together:

2.8/24, 1.4/35, 2.0/50, 2.0/90. If I have some funds left over, I might throw in a Tri Elmar for travel, although I would probably also carry the 1.4/35 for indoor situations.

I'm sure there are people who would suggest I get a 2.0/28 or a 2.8/21 instead of 2.8/24, but others would defend the 2.8/24. Personally, I like what I've read about the images from the 2.8/24.

Others would recommend the 1.4/50 instead of 2.0/50, but again, I like the 2.0/50 for what it is, and the price is right.

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind after I've visited the "My Next Lens" category. :)

Cheers, David

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 18, 2002.

As to your switching from an SLR based outfit to a Leica M system, you might be interested in the two threads below from people who have done the same thing. At least one found that for all of the rhetoric, the SLR system worked better for him and the acquisition of the Leica was an expensive lesson.

I hope the Leica works for you. I use the M6, but still hold on to and use my SLRs. Think everything through before you make a move to get rid of something that you may later wish you still had.

Take a look: Thread 1 ,Thread 2

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), April 18, 2002.

Hi David!

Welcome to the Leica M system. Here's a 90 Summicron lens in mint condition for sale: Leica M 90mm Summicron.

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), April 18, 2002.

Welcome, David. As a relatively new Leica user, but long-time shooter, I concur with your decision to add the M6 to your bag of tools. Although I don't have any gear to sell you, your initial targets seem rational from my personal experience. It also sounds like you intend to retain some of your SLR gear - another good choice, I think. Although a nice used 50mm Summicron DR will get you a little closer, it's no substitute for true macro capability. Then, there's the flash sync limitations of the M, if you're into that sort of thing.

Oh, and don't worry about pampering your equipment. Dixon gives me a bad time about the condition of mine,/a>, too. ;-)

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), April 18, 2002.

Oops. Sorry about the link error.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), April 18, 2002.

Muhammed and David:

FWIW the link you provided is not for a 90SAA (or 90 Summicron-APO- Asph) -- it is just a plain old 90S..

:-),

-- J Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), April 18, 2002.

I would get the 35mm Lux and the 75mm Lux. The 35mm is slightly shorter than normal and the 75mm is slightly longer than normal. It has been said more than once that this combo is the best combination.

-- Rob Schopke (schopke@attbi.com), April 18, 2002.

Thanks for the input. I think the 35mm Lux and the 50mm Cron are a sure thing.

I'll have to research the 75mm vs 90mm decision a little more.

At the wide end the two options seem to be the 28mm and 21mm (two lenses) or just 24mm (one lens). The more I think about it the more expensive it becomes! BTW, I haven't been to the "My Next Lens" category yet.

Also, I looked at a .72 and a .58 body today. The .72 body, with my glasses on, was OK at 35mm, but no matter how hard I mashed my face against the viewfinder I couldn't see the 28mm frame lines without shifting the camera back and forth. Do most people use a wide angle finder for 28mm?

The dealer said that 90% of his sales are the .72 body. Hmm.

Cheers, Dave

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 20, 2002.

Hi, After reading 'my next lens' and doing some additional research I have narrowed it down to two options.

First: 2/90-SAA, 2/50-cron, 1.4/35-lux, 2.8/24 Second: 2/90-SAA, 2/50-cron, 2/28-cron, 2.8/21

The second option seems more traditional, but the first option includes a faster lens for street use. Decisions, decisions.....

If anyone has an M6TTL.72, 2/90-SAA, or 2/50-cron in mint condition they'd like to sell please email me.

Dave

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 27, 2002.

David: In response to your last set of questions, I use a .72 with a 28, 35, 50 and 90. I tried to purchase a .85 when they were new, but unavailable and settled for .72. I use the 28 without the finder (which I have) and wear glasses. I am quite adept at visualizing what a lens covers without using the viewfinder, so no great loss for me. It would be nice to see the 28 frames, but the .72 works well with the 90's, but not with the 135's for me. Good luck on your choices.

-- Mark Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), April 27, 2002.

Mark, Thanks for the feedback. Your choice of lenses at the wide end is interesting. Do you find that you use the 35mm or the 28mm more often?

-- David Geddes (d_geddes@pacbell.net), April 28, 2002.