Which lens to purchase?

[amritsg]

Hi fellow RFers,

I am going to purchase a preloved M8,

I would like to ask you guys which lens would be appropriate for my M8

I am considering a version 1 35mm cron 8 element ( with a macro set?) just wanted to get some opinions on this set up.

Thanks,
Amrit

 

[themageman]

The M8 has a 1.3 crop factor. 35mm = about 45mm. A 28mm would be a better bet on a M8 (28mm = about 36mm)ie Zeiss Ikon (ZM) 28mm f/2.8

 

[nex100]

50mm crons are of good value and much used by M8 users. Although weird equivalent focal length of 67mm it is my most loved focal length now. It really works well on the M8 and you cannot go wrong with it.

 

[htjvan]

Hi, i bought a m8.2 last month;upgraded from an x1 i liked very much. It is really up to your preference whether you like 28 (equals 36mm) or 35 (equals 46mm). For myself, i found myself cropping a lot of pictures taken with the x1 and decided for a 35 cron asph on the m8.2. Perfect for me and the lens is incredible.
Also to consider is a new 35summarit, a new breed of leica lens that is just very good as well maybe at a same price as an old cron.
Further, i am new to rangefinders and find that there are more things to consider. A bigger lens will block part of the viewfinder, something i wouldn't want. Longer focal length use only the middle part of the finder and are more difficult to frame and focus. 24mm lens will use all of the viewfinder to frame, 28 and 35 are perfect in my opinion, 50 is ok. But chrck it out yourself.
Good thing is to try the exact lens you want to buy on your m8 body and check if it focus correct (full open, stopped down, close distance and infinity). In this case you will avoid dissapointment when you find the lens (second hand) is not correct adjusted.

Anyway, the m8 is incredible, you will love it.

H

 

[Srono]

Hi fellow RFers,

I am going to purchase a preloved M8,

I would like to ask you guys which lens would be appropriate for my M8

I am considering a version 1 35mm cron 8 element ( with a macro set?) just wanted to get some opinions on this set up.

Thanks,
Amrit

I'm not sure about the macro set... I guess u r referring to the goggle of M3 version.
I would prefer to get non-goggle version as it is less troublesome and you have clearer viewfinder.

 

[amritsg]

Thanks for all the quick and great replies.

Just wanted to clarify more, the macro is the goggle set, or " with eyes " or the "M3" set or whatever names it has, how does that set actually provide anything useful for the user? i mean using it on an m8 does it provide any extra functionality, i understand it was to help frame on an m3 in the past, but anything for the m8?

 

[nex100]

the only macro for digital will be the 90mm macro lens. the 50mm dr will not work on the m8 but will work on the film m

 

[dtohs]

Hi amritsg, i suggest 28mm with M8, my experience as a RF noob with M8+35mm was VERY unpleasant. At approx 45mm+- range, i feel it was pretty odd for me. (I shoot mostly on the street). Then again i have seen others who did well with the same combi.

I strongly recommend 28 elmarit asph, the price, size and performance are fantastic. U will never regret this, too bad they dont come in chrome, less the limited ones ofcoz..good luck.

 

[NazgulKing]

There's also the Carl Zeiss lenses as well. A lot cheaper for the same quality in some respects, except in build.

 

[nex100]

ZM 25mm f2.8 biogon is extremely sharp some say better than the 28mm elmarit.