[Leica] Choice of lenses

[michiel.fokkema at wanadoo.nl (Michiel Fokkema)]

Richard Endress wrote:
> Hello to both CVUG and LUG,
> 
> I have been seeing the occasional discussion of 40mm lenses for  
> rangefinder cameras.  I have used the Leitz that was standard on my  CL 
> and the Voigtlander on a Voigtlander body.  Both were wonderful  lenses, 
> sharp, minimal flare, (despite their difference in age) but I  didn't 
> really like the field of view.  It was neither medium wide,  like both 
> eyes open, nor the more selective 50mm one eye open view.   For wide I 
> like the 35mm for recording the scene on the street.   Wider I like the 
> 28 and wider yet the 21.  I haven't used my  Voigtlander 15mm enough to 
> really get the hang of it yet.  If I want  a tighter view the 50 will do 
> it.  As an aside I have been using a  50mm on my R-D1 that gives, more 
> or less, the tighter view of a 75mm  on a 35 film camera.  I can see why 
> people like that field of view.   It has been useful to me on the street.
> 
> So that is just my two cent opinion.   What are your thoughts?
> 

Hi Richard,

I actually really like the 40mm view. I more and more only use my Leica 
CM. I also like the 75mm lens on my Rolleicord much better than the 80mm 
on my yashica mat.
I used to use a Leica 40mm on a M3. The whole vf more or less gave the 
40mm view with both eyes open!
I use 50mm as a short tele lens.
If I want wider I use the 28 or the 15. Well I don't have 21, otherwise 
I probably would use that instead of the 15 which really is specialised.
I try to use not too many different lenses during the day. After a few 
shots I get used to that particular angle and can pre visualize without 
the camera on my eye and do some steps forward or backward to get the 
right shot.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema