Hi. I want to get my husband a vintage Leica/Leitz lens. I already have a 35mm Summaron f2.8 that we both like. But I wanted something with even more character. Something at the more exteme end (older I guess?), something with a softer look. I thought a Elmar or along these lines, but the photographs I’ve seen weren’t that different than my Summaron. Sorry if this is a bit vague, but I don’t know the proper terminology to state exactly what Iooking for.
This is a Leica Original design from the 1960's and re-issued with modern manufacturing. Incredible lens for both character and really fun to use. Not cheap though
Thank you RustyRus. I did not know that this lens I will definitely look into it further.. It’s definitely in my budget, so I really appreciate the suggestion!
Edit: I just looked at some images from this lens, wow! This indeed is a very cool lens!
If the 35/1.4 Summilux is in your price range and you're not dead-set on Leitz, you could also consider the Canon 35mm 1.5 LTM. Mint-condition CLA'd copies are going for around $3K on eBay; you can see some examples of images from it at https://www.paulmarbrook.com/sony-a7s-canon-35mm-ltm-rangefinder-lens/ bearing in mind that this photographer applies a specific look (I think he uses VSCO LUTs) to all his images; he's a wedding photographer.
It's very easy to adapt LTM lenses to M mount with a thin metal ring adapter (you need to use the correct adapter that will call up the 35mm framelines on your Leica).
christophl wrote:
Thank you RustyRus. I did not know that this lens I will definitely look into it further.. It’s definitely in my budget, so I really appreciate the suggestion!
Edit: I just looked at some images from this lens, wow! This indeed is a very cool lens!
I'll be honest-
If my partner got me this lens for Christmas, I would loose my shit. Its a really special lens that not only produces amazing and unique images, but also has a lot of history behind it in Leica.
You can buy the original for a 12-18K if you want, or drop down a meesly 4k for the re-issue There are many lenses both new and used from other lens makers but this is a really special one in mine and lots of others opinions on this forum.
christophl wrote:
Hi. I want to get my husband a vintage Leica/Leitz lens. I already have a 35mm Summaron f2.8 that we both like. But I wanted something with even more character. Something at the more exteme end (older I guess?), something with a softer look. I thought a Elmar or along these lines, but the photographs I’ve seen weren’t that different than my Summaron. Sorry if this is a bit vague, but I don’t know the proper terminology to state exactly what Iooking for.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Chris
My favorite rendering in a vintage Leica M mount lens is the 35mm Summicron 8 element. It is a well known collector lens, but enough out there to usually be available at not crazy prices by Leica standards. The silver ones are much less expensive that the black one. Interestingly the Canadian built ones are prefered over the german built ones by most collectors. He would probably prefer one without goggles depending on the body he favors. Such a nice glow on the main subject when wide open, sharpening up nicely as you stop down. Always with beautifull fall of and bokeh.
Last I heard both Sean at Leica Store San Francisco, and Dan Tamarkin in Chicago had good copies for sale with excellent warrantees. Both great people to deal with.
rollei35_warton wrote:
If you like summicron 35/8 elements, get yourself a LLL replica for less than 1/4 of the price
Well she asked for a Leica vintage lens. The original vintage lens is only about double what the replica is both at retail. There were some good copies sold at the recent Leyz Auction in Vienna (6 I think) for only a few hundred dollars more that the replica. She will probably get full value back from the real vintage lens when she sells it. So in the end, probably less expensive. I would put my money in the real lens.
rollei35_warton wrote:
Someone before me recommended a Jupiter, and I am not allowed to mention LLL? In your dictionary, Leica and Jupiter are real lenses, but LLL is not?
As for the LLL 35/f2 8e lens, I can get a brand new black paint copy for less than $500. You find me a good copy of summicron 35/f2 v1 for less than 1000?
Only a fool would ever pay a full advertised price for LLL lens.
Seriously?
No one said you couldn't reccomend anything you felt appropriate. The only reason that I mentioned LLL is that it is a direct replica of the 8 element I was already discussing. The Jupiter is not so. I didn't mention it.
I agree that optically and appearance wise it is a good competitor for the original vintage lens. However, the OP requested reccomendations for a Leitz vintage lens. Authenticity is an important component for many Leica enthusiasts. As you properly pointed out the price of replicas is very flexible. Resale values are likely to be low. I think it very appropriate to duscuss the differences between the replica and genuine vintage markets. The OP can make her own decision about this.
If my partner got me this lens for Christmas, I would loose my shit. Its a really special lens that not only produces amazing and unique images, but also has a lot of history behind it in Leica.
You can buy the original for a 12-18K if you want, or drop down a meesly 4k for the re-issue There are many lenses both new and used from other lens makers but this is a really special one in mine and lots of others opinions on this forum.
Good Luck!
Thank you everyone for the suggestions. RustyRus, I simply fell in love for the 35mm steel rim’s images, It’s really unique, and that’s what I was looking for. So I put in an order at B&H! Super excited to add this lens to our collection. So again, Thanks for the help. This community is fantastic!
