RustyBug Offline Upload & Sell: On
|
p.1 #5 · Please recommend first M lens for SL system | |
Hmmm ... first one.
Something "satisfying", something that "differentiates", something that "teaches, something that "inspires", something that doesn't "frustrate" (too much, i.e. learning curve).
That last one ... I'd say to be wary of lenses that have a high amount of focus shift. That is something that can be frustrating to a new user. Folks here have a vast knowledge of which lenses are prone to a "little" amount of focus shift (small ain't bad) vs. a LOT (which can be frustrating).
Since you've got the 43 APO ... either a 35 or 50 puts you in similar focal length territory ... IF you are looking to keep a similar focal length. I cut my teeth on a Yashica rangefinder a zillion years ago with a 50/1.4 (iirc), so I've got a sweet spot for something like that. I have the Voigtlander VM 50/1.5 II Vintage in my bag, with a bit of that "retro" aspect to it, which will be something DIFFERENT from the way the 43 APO renders.
That's not to say you "NEED" a faster 50 ... just that it might be a lens that offers a lot of "teaching" capability to learn from. Conversely, something wider (say 28mm) that is slower (i.e. f/2.8 ish) will be "easier" to use because of the difference in FL > DOF range, so it might be more "satisfying". My Elmarit 24/2.8 is very satisfying to use. I can set my aperture / zone focus subject distance to a given point, and it can function very easy to capture things as a moment in time, without the need to even try to refocus.
Convenience of use vs. creativity capability ... those can be different motives as well. So, it's almost like someone asking what should be their first glass of wine ... red, white, rose' ... dry, sweet, semi-sweet, off-dry ... Chambourcin, Norton, Vignole, Cabernet, Chardonnay, etc. The variety of options is pretty exhaustive. So, categorically the plethora of M options is highly varied. And, to a point ... THAT is one aspect of the allure, that is heralded. And yet, you gotta start somewhere for that "FIRST" one. 
A 35mm might split the diff between the 50 / 28 paradigm ... just spitballin' the brainstorm at the moment, so this isn't a recommendation per se, just thinking out loud a bit. Just wish I knew more of what you're looking for / expecting ... I mean, the world is your oyster on this one ... so many options abound.
Still pondering ... 

|