One Summicron for a year - 50 or 35?

[seanbonner]

I'm really attracted to the idea of locking up everything but one camera and one lens and just shooting with that for a year so the only thing I'm thinking about is the photo, not the gear. I've decided on an M7 for the camera and wrestling between a 35 or 50 summicron for the lens. I shoot a variety of stuff, street to portraits - and I don't want to pick the lens for the job, rather make the equipment I have do the job I want done. But I'm stuck between these two, any thoughts or arguments either way to help me decide?

Or is there some other lens I should be considering?

Thanks

[Araakii]

Pick a 40 and you have both.

[jarski]

Originally Posted by Araakii

Pick a 40 and you have both.

or, neither

OP, I'd follow your heart on this. on street, how close you feel comfortable lift camera on your face and snap photo of strangers? agree 50 probably is better for portraits.

[thegf]

portaits with a 35 are no fun. get the 50.

[kiemchacsu]

Originally Posted by thegf

portaits with a 35 are no fun. get the 50.

It would be fun, just a sample to illustrate that:


1111_54_M3_BW400CN by kiemchacsu, on Flickr

[kiemchacsu]

well, persionally I will not restrict myself to do that, but if you would, you might have a look in a project by petronius here: rollei 35 for one year project. You might have some ideas how things would look like.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=94107

[rodneyAB]

M7 and 35 make a sweet pairing

[Rob-F]

Originally Posted by rodneyAB

M7 and 35 make a sweet pairing

+1. If I could only use one lens, it would have to be a 35.

[thegf]

you have proven that this answer is entirely subjective, and the answer is found within and not on some message board. (i only shoot 35mm.)

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by seanbonner

I'm really attracted to the idea of locking up everything but one camera and one lens and just shooting with that for a year so the only thing I'm thinking about is the photo, not the gear. I've decided on an M7 for the camera and wrestling between a 35 or 50 summicron for the lens. I shoot a variety of stuff, street to portraits - and I don't want to pick the lens for the job, rather make the equipment I have do the job I want done. But I'm stuck between these two, any thoughts or arguments either way to help me decide?

Or is there some other lens I should be considering?

Thanks

If you are serious about this personal photo project, you should make the decision yourself. Locking up one lens will not make you not think about it.

[seanbonner]

Originally Posted by Vincent.G

If you are serious about this personal photo project, you should make the decision yourself. Locking up one lens will not make you not think about it.

Locking up, selling, throwing out, whatever. I'm only going to have one lens for the year, I don't have a preference between the two and can justify either so I'm just asking for some other opinions to help me decide, not taking a vote. Just want to consider everything before I decide.

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by seanbonner

Locking up, selling, throwing out, whatever. I'm only going to have one lens for the year, I don't have a preference between the two and can justify either so I'm just asking for some other opinions to help me decide, not taking a vote. Just want to consider everything before I decide.

Personally I will use the 35.

[kiemchacsu]

Well, since a lot of people here reccommend the 35mm, I would suggest you the 50mm. It would make your project a different taste than the others.

[straightmp]

Presume you got loads of photo gear and often the choice what to shoot with is just paralysing you. That´s how I would come to a project like that.
But does it really make sense? Isn´t it like eating bread only when there is all of the variety of food? Like walking around in sneakers all year? Like choosing combination pliers no matter what work to do? Does that make you a better person? Is it more fun? Will your pics get better?

[back alley]

i would love to wear sneakers (runners here in canada) all year round!!!

that being said, my favourite lens is a 40 so that is what i would use...in your case maybe the 35 fits better...i like portraits with a 35...adds some environment.

[straightmp]

Yepp, 35 is best, of course.;-)

[mfogiel]

Take 50, it forces you to compose tighter, you will learn more.

[maddoc]

Use the 35mm for one year, than the 50mm for the next year. After these two years, decide, which lens you liked better, sell off the other one and keep shooting only with that one lens you liked better.

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by mfogiel

Take 50, it forces you to compose tighter, you will learn more.

Take 35, it gives you more composition possibilities, you will learn more.

[ruby.monkey]

Take a 90mm Summicron and make it a challange.

[Ruhayat]

Originally Posted by ruby.monkey

Take a 90mm Summicron and make it a challange.

Incidentally, I used a 90mm Summicron exclusively for a year when I first got an M. Because that was the only M lens I had. Makes you see things in a whole new way. Turned out okay in the end, once I learned to see it as a long 50. But the weight and size are significantly un-M-like, though.

[f16sunshine]

Make a real commitment. Get a Rolleiflex

[leicapixie]

i think it is a great idea. it is dangerous! It surely is, that's why many warn against. Why? It will be answered later..
The choice is between a 35mm, 64*angle and 50mm,45* angle.The M3 is best with 50mm as there is no frame finder, unless you use the whole window.It's a close as the poor finders in later cameras with the 50mm,(M4-p,M6,M7). The 35mm as all wide angles has a natural distortion of images close being too large. A hand put forward. If you like that exaggeration, go with it. If you step back slightly, it will be less, so.
The 50mm gives placid very clear images. Simply closing one eye, you know the framing. As a friend said of my photos.."Chocolate box illustrations.."
Another idea is the 28mm for its very dynamic geometry and spatial look.
If i had to choose a year, of one lens, that would be the one!Almost impossible.
Why the danger? After a few weeks you will no longer want or desire all the equipment. I have long ago gone with the 50mm and own numerous 50's for different cameras. Thee days I prefer the Leica or a light,but film, SLR.
There is no thinking what to pack, to carry. A spare roll and you are set even for an event. I shot a Rodeo with my old collapsible 50mm Summicron.
I captured action, sequences and portraits.
Go with it and let us know of your progress.

[leicapixie]

i think it is a great idea. it is dangerous! It surely is, that's why many warn against. Why? It will be answered later..
The choice is between a 35mm, 64*angle and 50mm,45* angle.The M3 is best with 50mm as there is no frame finder, unless you use the whole window.It's a close as the poor finders in later cameras with the 50mm,(M4-p,M6,M7). The 35mm as all wide angles has a natural distortion of images close being too large. A hand put forward. If you like that exaggeration, go with it. If you step back slightly, it will be less, so.
The 50mm gives placid very clear images. Simply closing one eye, you know the framing. As a friend said of my photos.."Chocolate box illustrations.."
Another idea is the 28mm for its very dynamic geometry and spatial look.
If i had to choose a year, of one lens, that would be the one!Almost impossible.
Why the danger? After a few weeks you will no longer want or desire all the equipment. I have long ago gone with the 50mm and own numerous 50's for different cameras. These days I prefer the Leica or a light,but film, SLR.
There is no thinking what to pack, to carry. A spare roll and you are set even for an event. I shot a Rodeo with my old collapsible 50mm Summicron.
I captured action, sequences and portraits.
Go with it and let us know of your progress.

[clayne]

Wider lenses require more closeness/shared space to get quality shots and immerse the viewer in shared environment. The choice is easy here: 35. Why stop there, how about 24 for a year?