Hi Shel,
I'll look forward to seeing some results from that early Elmar. I had
one CV lens, a 70mm. Don't remember how fast it was. It was a very nice
lens, but I didn't use it much so I sold it when trying to generate
funds for my second *istD body. I kept the three Leitz lenses I own: a
35/3.5 Summitar, a 50/2 Summicron, and a 135/43.5 Hector. All are early
fifties vintage. The Hector is in like new condition, and I paid
around $100 for it. They're very plentiful, thus very inexpensive. The
Summitar was a reasonable bargain as well, about I believe. It's good,
but the Summicron 50 is by far the best of the bunch. Of course an M
body is the best choice overall. I hope to someday pick up a nice,
affordable M3.
Paul
Paul
On Aug 6, 2005, at 7:56 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
Hi Paul ...
Agreed about the pre-M Leicas being nice. They'll take modern screw
mount
lenses as well, such as those made by C/V. I prefer the M-bodied
Leicas
when it comes to fitting lenses, for they can use the earlier screw
mount
lenses from many sources as well as the newer glass. BTW, I just
picked up
a pre-1934 Elmar and am waiting for an adapter so i can put it to good
use
;-)) Also grabbed a $6.00 Russian 55/2.8 in screw mount as well.
There
are plenty of $10.00 lenses for the LTM all over eBay.
Good samples of the Elmar 3.5 are no longer "inexpensive." While
looking
for mine I found prices to be in the $150.00 - $450.00 range. Rarely
saw
anything worthwhile for less, although I lucked out and got mine for
$70.00.
Shel
[Original Message]
From: Paul Stenquist
You can also pick up a IIIC or IIIF screw mount Leica, with lens, for
$500 or less. These cameras are among the prettiest Leicas. The won't
take M lenses, but those early fifties LTM lenses will give you the
classic Leica look. Some M shooters prefer the old lenses for their
lower contrast, reduced saturation and mellow rendering. The Summicron
50/2 collapsible, for example, is a masterful lens. The more common,
less expensive and more compact Elmar 50/3.5 is quite good as well.
