Hi, everyone, I just bought a M3, now I am looking for lens to match it, I already have all the new M lenses for my M6TTL, can anyone suggest a old time 50mm lens that best matchs the M3 body?

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), October 30, 2001

Answers

The lenses you alredy have should be just fine with the M3, though the finder is not good with 35mm and wider.

If you want a "new" older lens I will recomend a nice rigid Summicron 50mmf2 this suits the M3 very well, I purchased such a kit in "very close to mint condition" half a year ago and love it - even though the price was high!

The rigid Summicron might not be up to the new version but the images it produces is very nice - even at f2

Kaj (remember to check any old lens carefully before purchase!

-- Kaj Froling (kf@draupnir.dk), October 31, 2001.

Assuming you already have a modern 50, why not get a collabsible Summicron? It's a pleasure to carry a camera with it on, it's a very interesting lens to use, and it looks neat on the M3.

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), October 31, 2001.

The M3 becomes the "best of the best" when combined with a DR Summicron.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), October 31, 2001.

I agree with you Bill, but can I ask you why?;

Mitchell I don´t know what lens you already have with your M6, but you may want a diferent focal length, M3 goes rigth with any 50 and 90 specialy fast ones, and 135 too, those are it´s natural capabilities.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), October 31, 2001.

I agree on the DR-Summicron. Here's my answer why: Since the appearance of the lens is important, the DR has a slightly distinct, yet classic look that complements the M3 well. From a functional standpoint, it adds the capability to focus closer than the current Summicron, and the lower-contrast character of the images it takes further expands the "looks" that can be produced.

Here's a recent example using the DR:

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), October 31, 2001.

I recommend you purchase a 50mm collapsible lens. When I purchased my M3 a few years ago,I choose the 50mm collapsible and still use it today on my M6. My version is chrome and was probably made in the late 1950's but I am not certain. I really should take the time to check it out. The images it produces are slightly "soft" comparied to my non- collapsable Summicron but the results are very pleasing, especially when using color print film.The lens is very solid and well made. I paid $395.00 for the lens and it is in mint minus condition.Good luck in your selection.

-- John Alfred Tropiano (jat18@psu.edu), November 01, 2001.

The collapsible ‘cron is a very good lens when in mint- condition but it has the front element from the “light crown” – sort of glass made. So, search for a plenty of cleaning marks on it that strongly affect the micro contrast. I have had two such lenses.

-- Victor Randin (ved@enran.com.ua), November 02, 2001.

This guy has ALL the NEW lenses! I wonder which one does he wear for what occasion? Now he wants the OLD look for his OLD M3!

GTH

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

That previous response sounds like sour grapes to me! Mitchell, I suggest you get hold of a second generation 50mm Summilux-M (Wetzlar version). Lovely retro appearance!

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

This is the most rediculous thread I have come upon in the land-o- Leica; second is the black or chrome lens on black or chrome body - yuck. Lens appearance IS NOT IMPORTANT!!! except for the glass. How do your PHOTOGRAPHS appear?

Mitch, do you have a gold plated Mercedes, or is it solid gold?

American Born Chinese

-- form follows function (newly rich fondler@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Ray,

I don't have sour grapes. I have a beautifully FUNCTIONING M4; looks pretty good too (perfect top plate), but name engraved in the back. I got it for $600 JUST for that reason. I USE an M6 too. I just don't care how it LOOKS. BTW, the photographs with OLD 21, 1:3.4 and 35, 1:2.0 (8 element) not new ASPH look great under 30X loupe - compares favorably with the SWC I also USE (believe it or not).

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Yes, it's one of the more light-hearted threads, I suppose, but variety is the spice of life. Lens appearance IS IMPORTANT TO ME!!! It also appears to be important to Mitch, from the tone of his question. The appearance of Mitch's photographs doesn't enter into it, since he already has that adequately covered with his impressive arsenal of current lenses. As for the appearance of my photos - you wouldn't want to go there, trust me! ;-)

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

Ray,

My, you're up late, and in the middle third of a 1000 Leica M thread . It's 0900 here in Russia.

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Ray,

My, you're up late, and in the middle third of a 1000 Leica M thread . It's 0900 here in Russia.

This rich guy, and MANY others make the stuff much more expensive for us Leica users.

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

09:00 in Russia? I thought Russia had about 7 time zones! In which zone are you? I'm in Jakarta, Indonesia and it's 1:15 pm here - lunchtime! This is also my first flame-war and I'm enjoying it. :-)

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

Ray,

Oh yes, now I remember you from previous posts; you're in Indonesia. So you know how silly Overseas-Chinese can get with their new money. I've been to Thailand and Malaysia on assignment (refining/petrochemical), and Myanmar and Cambodia on holiday, and have SEEN gold plated Mercedes'.

I'm in Krasnodar, Russia working an oil pipeline project.

I wouldn't call this a war (we actually should conduct this privately), but I wanted everyone to realize the type of person that makes us pay more for what we use, and shouldn't reply to; they hoard supply.

Let them do their own research, or actually use to see what is appropriate for their eyes. Or, like most with more money than brains, go for the LONGEST (28-200 w/adaptor) lens like many of the tourists I see. BTW, lens length is inversly proportional to p****s size and IQ.

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Ray,

Krasnodar is in Moscow's time zone GMT +3. Delete one * and translate.

-- more money than brains (leicajewelry@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

This thread is too old for Mitch to learn from anyway. You're probably right, though. He probably got by now every version Leica/Leitz ever made, with all the proper caps and shades (all mint). Oh, and or course, he has put a UV filter on each to protect the front element.

-- Chris Chen (leicaphile@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

MITCH,

STICK WITH THE NEW STUFF: TITANIUM, GOLD, OR CHROME, AND LEAVE THE OLD STUFF FOR WE USERS. RUSSIA HAS PLENTY OF NOUVEAUX RICHE (SP?) TOO.

-- form follows function (newly rich fondler@aol.com), January 10, 2002.

Has anyone heard of an insertible UV filter for the lenses that have a slot for filters (big glass wides/tele's). If so, they must be made to protect internal elements.

-- Chris Chen (chrischen@msn.com), January 10, 2002.

One up for the hoarders who later sell their stuff - if it werent for them, I'd never have been able to buy a mint fully funtioning 1981 M4-P for the price of a worn M6 classic. I'm now in the slow process of de-minting its condition.

Mr ABC, the OBC work hard for their money too and if they make enough to gold plate their Mercedes, more power to them.

-- Fred Sun (redsky3@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

Fred,

Money can't buy class or culture, and collectors do not sell; that's why they call them collectors.

Most of the used stuff (user) I bought were from estates that got handed down and the current owners didn't want them.

I think Leica is trying to help we users as, they make all these commemoratives for the collectors (did anyone see the ebay sale of 31 cameras for $145,000?). Therefore, after they buy, unless they're B. Gates, may seem satisfied or they're shelves are full. Then, that leaves the rest of us to buy the still great performing vintage stuff to use.

I'm also into hi-fi. I play LPs and bought a good turntable (Linn). Sounded great in 1987, sounds great today. No need to upgrade until my stylus wears out; know what I mean?

I have an older Colt Python that no new/mint gun can beat. No it's not a black paint version.

-- Chris Chen (chrischen@msn.com), January 10, 2002.

On another subject: holding still for low speed hand held shots.

I'm an NRA certified expert marksman since 1974. We're taught this technique to get good shots:

It's all in the breating: take long, slow, deep breaths. Inhale fully; exhale fully; inhale fully; exhale, and when you've exhaled half the air squeexe the trigger/shutter. It's steadier than holding your breath. Not very good for candids, but works for other subjects.

-- Chris Chen (chrischen@msn.com), January 10, 2002.

More money than brains: I like your name, but since you say you don't have very much money, I'd change it if I were you.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 10, 2002.