Ljós
Well-known
Only one lens: 40mm f2.
That's a good one, too! f/2 rules, in any case.
Innerimager
Established
If the question was what's my single favorite lens, answer is 50/1.4 asph. But the question is which is the one I would pick if I could only carry one, and that's the 35 lux asph. Whatever flavor of 35 or 50, it's just a matter of getting extra coverage and versatility with a 35. Having 1.4 matters a lot to me. I've never shot with the 35 pre-asph lux, but I sure love the asph version. I have shot with the pre-asph 50 lux and it's great, but I prefer the 50 lux asph which I think is the best lens of all in the 35mm camera format.
50/1.4 ASPH is a majestic formula. Best f/1.4 lens ever computed; truly brilliant.
Innerimager
Established
I agree Boniface.
One theme of this thread I am synching with is that of the 21/1.4 asph being perhaps the "one" leica M lens to own from the point of view of it's uniqueness. I recently acquired this wunderkind. I spent more for it, by far, than any other lens. I was very, very lucky that I put my Leica kit together just before the M8 came out, and at the prices for mint condition used nocti, 35 1.4 asph, 28 cron, 50/1.4 asph, and 75/1.4 I could sell out and take a VERY long vacation! Of course I never would , as working with these gems is what I would want to do on that vacation. ;>) The point, (if there is one) is that I agree the 21 lux provides such a unique signature and set of possibilities that I could make an argument that I could replace the 28/35/50/and 75 leica lenses with Zeiss or CV alternatives, but there is nothing to replace the 21 lux. The leica 24 lux is similar but I think not quite as unique given both leica (28 cron) and non-leica lenses that approximate what it does.
One theme of this thread I am synching with is that of the 21/1.4 asph being perhaps the "one" leica M lens to own from the point of view of it's uniqueness. I recently acquired this wunderkind. I spent more for it, by far, than any other lens. I was very, very lucky that I put my Leica kit together just before the M8 came out, and at the prices for mint condition used nocti, 35 1.4 asph, 28 cron, 50/1.4 asph, and 75/1.4 I could sell out and take a VERY long vacation! Of course I never would , as working with these gems is what I would want to do on that vacation. ;>) The point, (if there is one) is that I agree the 21 lux provides such a unique signature and set of possibilities that I could make an argument that I could replace the 28/35/50/and 75 leica lenses with Zeiss or CV alternatives, but there is nothing to replace the 21 lux. The leica 24 lux is similar but I think not quite as unique given both leica (28 cron) and non-leica lenses that approximate what it does.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
It's not in the poll choice, but I'd go with Elmar-M 50/2.8 if I have to choose only one lens. For my use, F2.8 is fast enough, super small when collapsed, modern yet a bit lower contrast than similar gen 'Cron, 0.7m mini focus, etc.
drec
Rangeflounder
Give me any 50; my favourite lens by a long shot. But a 50/2 for financial reality and across-the-aperture-spectrum sharpness. I just got a 50/2 Heliar and will be sticking with that as my only M lens for a while. 50s are cool because they represent the least compromise in lens design-- it's hard to find a bad one. Oh yes, I guess I can count my $15 Jupiter-8 50/2 as my other only rangefinder lens.
While I like 50/1.4 for the speed, I don't think I'd go for it even if I could afford it (I didn't spring for a CV 50/1.5 even though I could have). I like 'sharp as possible' from most-open onward. I guess the 50/1.4 ASPH would have been ideal for me, but dwelling in financial reality means that the 50/2 Heliar is my only lens. And that's the way it stays for a while! What a lens.
While I like 50/1.4 for the speed, I don't think I'd go for it even if I could afford it (I didn't spring for a CV 50/1.5 even though I could have). I like 'sharp as possible' from most-open onward. I guess the 50/1.4 ASPH would have been ideal for me, but dwelling in financial reality means that the 50/2 Heliar is my only lens. And that's the way it stays for a while! What a lens.
kbg32
neo-romanticist
28/2.8 Elmarit Version ll.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Noctilux f0.95 ... which I could sell and buy all the Zeiss glass I need!
mervynyan
Mervyn Yan
35/1.4 is my choice. I really don't like 50mm, it is not wide enough.
colyn
ישו משיח
If I have to choose it would be my 50mm f/2 DR on the M3 and my 35mm f/2.8 Summaron on the screw Leicas.
braver
Well-known
I think I could live with the 28 summicron, but I would dearly miss having a 50 to switch to once in a while.
Kent
Finally at home...
35 Cron, no matter if on film, digital crop or digital "fullframe".
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Well, we can't know that. I imagine that better ones have been computed, but they were either too expensive or altogether impossible to fabricate.
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Ronald M
Mentor
Add a 75 mm lux or cron to your 35. Cron if you have the money.
If not one of them, a 90 mm. Lots of good ones, say a 90 2.8 Elmarit and the visoflex although it works fine just on the camera. You need a universal focus mount to put it on the visoflex.
Last 90 4.0 collapsible is a very nice lens. Same quality a ASPH , just smaller, lighter, and slower.
Last 50 1.4 ie current , is one outstanding lens. The best 50 I ever used. Heavy and expensive. Last version 50 2.8 same quality, but only 2.8.
If not one of them, a 90 mm. Lots of good ones, say a 90 2.8 Elmarit and the visoflex although it works fine just on the camera. You need a universal focus mount to put it on the visoflex.
Last 90 4.0 collapsible is a very nice lens. Same quality a ASPH , just smaller, lighter, and slower.
Last 50 1.4 ie current , is one outstanding lens. The best 50 I ever used. Heavy and expensive. Last version 50 2.8 same quality, but only 2.8.
dave lackey
Mentor
What's this "If" thing? Due to my financial conditions
, I still own only ONE Leica lens...the Summarit 50mm 1.5, not the newer Summarit, but the 50's model.
And it is amazing!
, I still own only ONE Leica lens...the Summarit 50mm 1.5, not the newer Summarit, but the 50's model.And it is amazing!
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Krosya
Konicaze
I'm not sure that everyone that replied read OP's post, as there are many recommendations for the 35mm lens. Since he already has a CV 35/1.2, it can do a lot as it is. So, I'd go with either 21mm or 75-90mm lens. Which one? Well whichever you can afford. BTW, Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 is fantastic! For a longer ones - Summicrons are good from what I hear. I'd also look into the NEW Summarits - seem to be good glass. Personally, I like Hexanons, Nikkors and Canons in 85-105 range. If you want a 50mm - how about a Sonnar type lens? Different from your CV 35/1.2 in signature and fun to use, plus fast. ZM Sonnar, Canon 50/1.5, Nikkor 50/1.4 LTM - all good choices.
Rowse
Gothamscapes
35mm Summilux Asph
35mm Summilux Asph
By far my favorite lens. Bought it in Dec 09 from Adorama just before the 2010 price increase. It was my best lens purchase ever in 35mm format, including SLR lenses.
35mm Summilux Asph
By far my favorite lens. Bought it in Dec 09 from Adorama just before the 2010 price increase. It was my best lens purchase ever in 35mm format, including SLR lenses.