New Leica M6

[jhw]

And if you want to go a bit longer, the Nokton 1.5 is a fun lens. As some have said, there are a few Zeiss ZM lenses that are standouts...in those focal ranges, give it a whirl to save up. Until then, most everything now is state of the art, and you're going to have a blast with the Skopar; I have the 28mm and it works quite nice. (And, if you're parting out that Mam7 and have a spare 65mm... )

[Richard Jepsen]

Hopefully, you complete the circle by enlarging those M6 B&W negs on a Leitz 1C.

[mls64]

I highly recommend Sean Reid's subscription site for in-depth reviews and comparisons of most of the Voigtlander, Zeiss, and many Leica lenses. It is a paid site, with an irritating flash interface, but the reviews are worth it if you are getting in to lens purchasing.

[rpsawin]

FWIW...

If you locate any of the Konica Hexar RF lenses (M mount) they deserve serious consideration. Excellent build quality and optics. There are some reports of focusing problems with some Leica/Konica combinations (read here http://cameraquest.com/konicam.htm ). I had no problems and find them to be a great pairing with Leica M's.

Best regards,

Bob

[JLP]

Hopefully, you complete the circle by enlarging those M6 B&W negs on a Leitz 1C.

Indeed and equiped with a good clean Focotar 5cm 3.5 lens.

[zsas]

I dont own one and have no insight, but do post your results to the gallery when you get some film run. CONGRATS on your new rig!!!!!!!

[Bateleur]

Congratulations, the M6 is a lovely camera body to use!

[osprey48]

Thanks guys. I've gone for the skopar 2.5, purely for economy, but I'll keep my eye open for a better one. Should get my first chance to use it later this week.
Sorry JHW, the 65mm (ebay again) on my mamiya7 has become my standard lens, and its the 43mm that has become almost redundant, although its great for interiors.

[rolleiman]

I'll start with a voigtlander as a cheap option just to get me started, then keep an eye out for a used leica lens when I've accumulated a bit more cash. At least I've got the body, so thats the main thing.
Thanks for the info.

I would be wary about replacing your voigtlander lenses with older used leica ones. I've been told that the current voigtlander lenses are actually better than some of the older leica ones. Lower price does not necessarily mean worse quality.

I have a similar dilemma. I would like to replace my SLR with a rangefinder outfit, but I've come to the conclusion that in this country at least, (UK) Leica gear is now priced to attract investors rather than photographers, for instance, a secondhand recent 35mm f2 Summicron will set you back well over £1,000, which is crazy.

[sandermarijn]

Thanks guys. I've gone for the skopar 2.5, purely for economy, but I'll keep my eye open for a better one.

You got the 35/2.5 right?

Great choice. I've owned this lens myself and found it very sharp with nice oof rendering.

To me personally the choice between Zeiss, Leica, Voigtlander and the rest is not so much a matter of better, but of personal preference for particular charasteristics. For example the Voigtlander 35/2.5 is very sharp and very contrasty. A less contrasty lens will not be anything worse, just different.

Pity that Leica M lens prices have sky-rocketed. Long live digital mirrorless...

Well, one day the digital crowd (myself included) will start dumping these systems and their lenses again, in trade for something newer and 'better'. Prices for 30-year old optics can't be this consistently high, can they? Hm, perhaps they can