Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dear Jason, Congratulations on the M2! >* 35mm Lens Options -- Used or Voightlannder? >I am thinking of starting with a 35mm lens for awhile, and a new Leica lens is not in my budget. Should I look for a used one >on Ebay or get a new Voightlander with a adapter mount? If I get a used one, which should I look for or avoid? I don't have the Voigtlaender 35mm, so I can't comment on it except to say that I do have a Heliar and optically it's very nice. I'd expect that the 35mm, like the heliar, is good but maybe not as mechanically well made as a Leica lens. Right now I have the Leica 35mm f2 aspheric which is the current lens. If you can stretch to this, I'd recommend it especially remembering that it's something you only buy once. I got it new for a very nice price from Dr. Joseph Yao right here on the LUG. One option for you also might be to ask him nicely. He's a pleasure to buy from. Another, as you suggest, is to get a used Leica - I presume a Summicron because of your price concern. Before I got the asph I had the M2-vintage Summicron (the chrome one without the eyes). I sold it on the LUG, but as I have discussed with the buyer (Hi Kim!) except for the results at at full aperture and a tad more tendency to flare, I haven't seen a huge difference between it and the current asph . I consider this pretty impressive given the age of the lens and it makes for a very good price/performance ratio. Expect to pay about $700-800, depending on cosmetic condition and on whether or not it comes with a hood (which you should get). Make sure also that you check for lens haze as older Leitz lenses can suffer from this. Finally on the lens, probably the best bargain of all is a recent pre-asph f2 Summicron. It's a world class lens and because a lot of people are getting the asph, they are becoming pretty easily available. Just be careful, however, I have seen some sellers asking more for the pre-asph than others are asking for the asph used! As with any Leica, if you are willing to sacrifice a little on the cosmetic condition, you can also save quite a bit. >* Meters >I am looking at getting a small incident meter (maybe with a reflected option). My goals would be small, accurate, and inexpensive. Check out the Sekonic Twinmate:. http://www.sekonic.com/Products/prodinfo.html Last time I looked, B&H was asking $149. I have gotta get one of these myself! >Straps Not very retro looking, but I'd recommend you get an Op Tech strap. Non slip and comfy! Simon Stevens