Enjoyed this, especially the work-hourse, side-kick, challenge, and vintage concepts. For me, the 50mm Summicron is the primary work-horse, and the 35mm Summicron is the vice-primary work-horse. For vintage, I love the Summitar 50/2.0 collapsible (vintage 1953), its outer zone bokeh is just wonderful, especially in B&W. Cheers.
I've tried many focal lengths throughout my years as a press photographer, and the Fifty is still my Number One, the Summilux 50/1.4. Number Two is the Elmar-M 24/3.8 for tight places and landscapes. Number Three is the Summarit 90/2.5 for portraits, concerts and outdoor. Number Four are all my Leica R-lenses from the analogue past. Dream lens on the wish list is the Tri-Elmar 16-18-21/4.0. Thanks for sharing and keep on rolling!
From Nikon, to Fuji and now Leica. I don’t think I’ll end up being a Leica shooter, BUT it’s a really interesting kit that I enjoy hearing about. Also, your images in this video were absolutely amazing. They’re always really good, but for some reason, I enjoyed them a bit more this time around. Well done.
I've been looking at Leica for a while, but currently on my Sony, I mostly use: - 24/1.4 (50%) - 50/1.2 (15%) - 90/2.8 (15%) - >90 (200-600, 35-150 @ 150mm) (20%) So for Leica M, I'd likely grab the 16-18-21 or 21/3.4, a 28 (F2.8 or faster), 50 (bokeh machine, F/1.4?) and 90-ish (F2.8 or faster). Maybe replace the 90 with 85 and 135 if such lenses exist for M. I am eyeing M-mount because I think the Sony kit is too big/heavy
It seems that there are three main categories of "Hero" lenses, the wide [28/35], standard [~50], and tele [75/90]. The photographer who starts with the wide or standard may say, "I can use this for almost everything!" As a member of the tele group, I say that I need something wider for many images, but the best images are taken in the 85-105mm range. This requires that the second lens has a very different focal length, rather than the similar one with the 35/28 pair. I have little need for both a 90mm and 75mm lens, or 85mm and 105mm, if I'm looking at the 3-4 lens line-up. For my DSLR, when I picked up a 105mm lens I sold the 85mm. On the wide end, however, I agree that the 35mm/28mm/24mm/.../14mm are much more distinct. I agree that a vintage lens is worthwhile, though I would generalize it to a "creative" option. It will stay in the bag for an entire wedding, but if there are 15 minutes alone with the couple, it has a chance to shine. It might produce only one 'keeper', but this is the one which is printed large for the couple or family. Hero: 90mm Alfred: 35mm Challenge: ? Creative: 90mm Thambar Your video and images reminds me that I really need to take a photo trip to South Asia!!!
Thank you very much for your approach! The answer of mine: the new Summilux 35mm, the 90s 24mm Elmarit (ist is easy to crop to 28mm of necassary), the 75mm Summicron as mild tele and the 35mm Summilux preasph. as vintage …
I have been following you for a while when I picked up my x100v , love the direction your going it's nice an NO "BS" I wanted a leica years ago won't give up my x100v but hope to get leica ..Maybe this summer keep up good work..
Voigt 28 Ultron type II is the one I use most often (specially at the moment in France with all the protests... 95% of the protest picture on my feed are M11 + Voigt 28). The second one is my Lux 50, which I love a lot. It has this special character and this "pop" I love. If I had to buy a 3rd one it will be ... that 28 5.6 with this special rendering! Or a 75 F2... Or a vintage 35 lux pre asph... :) Great vid as usual :)
A year with a 50, 35 and 90 mm matured my realisation to retire the 35 mm and replace it with a 28 mm instead to have a little more "modern" focal length available. So far I haven't regretted it, but I haven't done away with the 35 mm. I very rarely use the 90 mm and wish for more portraiture possibilities to get better acquainted with it. I shoot the 50 about 70% of the time and the 28 mm the rest. If I would choose only one, it would be the 50 mm.
After a few years of shooting an M I’ve settled on a very similar four lens lineup… a Voigtlander 28 F/2 Ultron, a 35 Summilux, a 50 summicron, and a 90 f/2.4 Summarit. These seem to be the best combination of size, price, and flexibility for my needs. My general practice is to pick my primary lens based on the situation and then bring a second lens that will compliment it best in the given situation. This two lens per situation seems to offer the right amount of versatility and variety without becoming overwhelmed by deciding constantly between 3 or more lenses at any given time when shooting. Often that will be 28/50 combo or a 35/90 combo. I also have a Q2 so I often opt for just bringing that instead of my M when prioritizing size, simplicity, weather sealing, or autofocus. I believe the best order to build your kit is start with your primary 35 or 50 and then add the complimentary 28 and 90. Eventually though there are real strengths and reasons to owning all four focal lengths for an M - 28, 35, 50, & 90.
Sold all my old gear with all kinds of lenses, filters, etc and bought a used Leica M240 with a Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2. What used to be spray and pray, now, photography is transforming into an art form. It's intentional, all manual controls. I am forced to frame, study the environment, light, background, foreground, angles, depth of field, shadows, have a picture in my mind before I take the shot. One day I shall buy one of the leica lenses you have suggested. Thank you.
Excellent advice. I've been trying to do just this with any system. For me I always trying to get a 24 & 35 somewhere between f1.4 and f2, extra versatile lenses that I will use 35% of the time - then the real hero: a 28f2.8 pancake lens that I will use 60% of the time as an everyday documentary lens. Finally; something in the 55 to 90 range for distance, and portraits, which I will only use for those two specific moments that other lenses can't quite get. Usually systems are real bad at getting that compact 28f2.8 out. It would be the first Leica lens I buy. Probably even before I have a Leica body for that reason.
Well done what a great analysis and I love your analogy to Alfred. You asked for dialogue so my thoughts are this. I'd argue a three lens kit makes more sense as an ideal kit. Four lenses are a luxury (I know luxury and Leica!!) which can give too much choice. You relegated three lenses to mathematicians but if you factor in a real world in which cost is the governing control for most. Three lenses gives you a balance. The Hero lens: one lens to rule them all, The Alfred lens: always there to get you out of trouble. The challenge lens: absolutely add freshness, difference and an alternative. But Vintage this is the luxury level to far. I get the different look another take on a subject a warm glow and character softness. If it was me and a fourth lens I'd expand the thinking to none Leica lenses old or new giving character at a more affordable price and perhaps better for occasional use. Just my thoughts. Thank you for the video.
I only need this three-lens kit for my Leica rangefinders: 21mm f/1.4 35mm f/1.4 90mm f/2 For my full-frame SLRs, I need this four-lens kit: 24mm f/2 35mm f/1.4 85mm f/1.4 180mm f/2.8 The 35mm f/1.4 is the workhorse lens for both kits. When I need a lens with character, I use a Holga and/or a pinhole.
Gajan, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. First and foremost, I enjoyed it because it seemed to me that you were really enjoying yourself. I came this same conclusion two months ago. My reasoning isn’t in sync with yours. Different launch point but same journey. My kit. Coming over to Leica introduced me to the 75mm focal length and I absolutely love it. Had the APO but had to have the Noct. Added to that my initial Dream Lens (I’m a Bokeh nerd) the Noct 0.95. Next the 50 APO. And the incredible vintage 135mm f4 1962. Incredible portrait lens! I also own the Q2 for the sometimes needed wide shot and the awesome versatility that system provides. Continued happiness and success to you and yours. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps
M10m 50mm Summilux asph 28mm Summicron asph 21mm SEM asph 90mm APO asph (had the 2.5 until last week) Then I bought an M10r: 50mm APO 24mm Elmar (was an Elmarit until yesterday) The antithesis: 50mm Jupiter 8 m39
Pretty sound (and fun) advice there 👍. I mostly find 3 lenses are enough for me, because I have a pretty good idea what I'll need to photograph. One workhorse, one wider, one portrait: very close to your criteria. Back in my amateur days, I had waaay more lenses because I photographed everything, lol.
I’ve been mulling over it for a while and my kit has boiled down to this: 21 SEM 35 ‘Lux Pre-Asph 50 ‘Lux Asph 90 Apo Cron I feel like this covers everything I like to shoot, while also providing me with a mix of characterful (with the 35 lux) and modern lens rendition. I shoot my Leica MP now and would like to add a M10-R to it. Then the kit will be complete!
I very much agree with your 4th Option. I've seen vintage lenses for a long time now, even at the same focal length as an existing (modern) lens, a very good option. To me, chosing a modern rendering lens vs a vinatge rendering lens can give such a different look & feel, that it is akin to chosing different focal lengths in your lens line up. Good call.
Great video thank you. I couldn’t justify buying 4 lenses so decided to go with the Hero (35mm Summilux) and the Vintage (50mm Noctilux f/1.2) and couldn’t be happier.
Hey G, I started watching your videos about a year ago and checked in from time to time but the last couple months you’ve really been putting out great content. Seems like you’ve shifted a little bit more into theory and the art of photography and a little less new gear review as most you tubers are. Keep up the great work, I’m watching almost every video you post. Keep moving forward and upward. 📷🖤📷
My modest collection is a 21 mm f2.8 Elmarit, a 28 mm f2.8 Elmarit, a Zeiss 50 mm f2 Planar and a 90 mm f2.5 Summarit. They cover most of my photographic needs from landscape/cityscapes to portraits. A vintage lens is a great idea.
Hi Gajan. I really enjoyed how you've framed your choices and decisions to go with these four lenses. If I had to use your analogy my hero lens is the 35mm Summicron ASPH. I find more value in the size over that extra Summilux f stop. I love the handling and the look it gives too. It's perfect in the best ways to me. My sidekick would be my 1981 50mm Summicron V4. The perfect look of my type of a 'modern' look. It's like it sits on the line of what's considered both modern and vintage by todays standards. That would be enough for me but there are two other lenses that I love and use in special cases. The 50mm Summicron Dual Range and the 1976 35mm Summicron v3. The 35mm has this painterly look that instantly gives you a Kodak Portra 160 look, with the green tones baked into your RAW digital files. And then the 50mm DR to give me close focus with a dreamy look that is something rather special. I could get by with only these for the rest of my life and I'd be a happy man. Not to say I don't have other Leica lenses, but these are the ones I'd choose first every time. Thanks for all the videos. They're well produced, informative and a joy to watch.
Not a Leica shooter. My two lenses are the 18-55 f2.8 and 23 f2 for Fuji. I love the 35mm FF equivalent and is my lens for night and day, but when I am travelling or can not really predict what types of photos I am going to take, I am taking the zoom out. These two lenses are perfect for me in terms of versatility, size and money.
I just got a Leica 50mm summicron last week for a very good deal (used). And I’m a bit tighter than you (prefer 50 before 35), but I have a Voigt 35mm ultron. I had the ultron 28 before. And now I think maybe, for me, a 28mm, 50mm and 90mm setup would’ve been the best combo. Having 28,35 and 50 is a bit overkill and probably make you change lenses a bit to often. BUT the 35 is great and for me that use glasses, the 28 is a bit to wide for me to see the frame lines 🤷♂️ Great videos and that’s a really nice setup!
Hi Gaian. I follow the age old adage that “More is More”😂My workhorse is 50 mm summilux. Just does everything and never lets me down. When I need absolute precision the 50 mm Apo Summicron. It’s so sharp it makes my focus finger bleed. Then it’s time for rock and roll and when Jimmy Hendrix meets Led Zeppelin it’s out with the 50 mm Noctlilux F0.95. It just takes me to a different place. Then when I want that vintage feel but don’t want to compromise on the optics it’s the 50mm summilux black chrome. So sexy. Finally everyone needs a challenge. So strap on the visoflex and out with the 135 mm apo teleyt f3.4. So that’s my M heaven and go to lenses. However, on the basis that “more is more” every great team needs some back up. So in reserve I keep the 28 mm Elmarit, 35mm summilux, 75 mm apo summicon and 90 mm summarit. Rotate these between an M10p, type 246 monochrome, sl2 with manual adaptor and old school film on MP and pretty much can cover most situations. Would one camera one lens do it. For sure but remember more is more😂. Happy days. Stay well and regards from Plymouth Uk. Steve Chivers
Hahaha, I love it! Thanks for sharing Steven, always a pleasure to hear how others pick and choose what their kit for any given situation would be. Thanks as always for watching ✌🏾
I think I’ve become a photographer gear head. Got my Nikon Z9 with bunch of Z lenses, Fuji GFX 100s and XH2s with bunch of GF/X-crop lenses. Today I finally made a critical juncture in my photo hobbyist and purchased Leica SL2s with 24/70-2.8 today. Can’t justify M11 yet but then again not sure how I justified the other 3 system, lol.
Timely video for me! I'm in this discovery process now. I just came home from a vacation and I think I have solidified that the 28mm is my goto. I have the Elmarit now and no matter what focal lengths I have in my kit this lens goes on first. I may upgrade to the summicron for versatility,. I also just rented the Voigtlander 75mm 1.5 and the Visoflex. I love the image quality but it's very close to a 50mm in look. So my 2 lens kit may be a 28 and 50. I may want something wider and definitely want a longer lens as well...I am looking at that 90mm you mentioned. But with a 90mm the Visoflex is a must! As for vintage lenses I have some Canon LTM lenses I adapt...just to change things up from time to time.
I really appreciate the depth to which you went on about using this SL2s camera. its very interesting to hear your thoughts when comparing this camera to medium format bodies, its something i bounce back and forth with. and of course it goes without needing to go on about the leica lenses .... keep up these great videos. zen billings.🎉
I’m not in the Leica system yet(saving up to be grab an m11 and the summilux 35mm fle). However, in terms of the current gear I own, my challenge lens is a 200mm telephoto on my Pentax 67(100mm in 35mm equivalent). I packed it for some walk around photography in Madeira this last fall and it ended up being worth all the pain from carrying it around everyday and despite all the complications that arose from shooting it(forgot my tripod head and the camera has tons of camera shake under 1/30).
You can also just buy 1 Leica lens as your main hero lens and all the others could be Voigtlanders. A Leica 35mm 1.4 flanked with a tiny Voigtander 21mm F3.5 and a tiny Voigtlander 90mm F2.8 APO . The savings can get you a highly regarded vintage Leica 50/35 .
Feeling like the same lens categories apply to my GFX system. Currently traveling in Paris with my GFX 100s, but the size limited me to only 2 lenses: my Challenge Lens (20-35mm f4 ultrawide) and Vintage Lens (adapted Minolta 135mm f2.8, covers the entire MF sensor!) Last year traveling in Paris, I only had my X100V, and the 35mm focal length was my hero lens. This time, I wanted to really challenge myself artistically.
Great lenses, even greater photos. I couldn’t afford the 35 so I’ve a Voigtlander Nokton 40 f1.2 which great, but I can see it turning into a 35 and 50 one day
Interesting Video. With the ability to put M & R Glass onto SL bodies, the possibilities are endless. What works well on an “M” often displays outstanding results on an SL: 24 F3.8 Elmarit punches well above it’s weight on both? Keep Well & Stay safe 👍🇬🇧
This is a great video, but not sure about the results from that 50mm Summarit F1.5, some might call it “character” but from the pics in this video it just looks outright bad.
Trying to fill out mine now, I got the voight 28mm ultron 2 and a 1993 50mm summicron v4, I’m trying to figure if I want a 75 or a 90 to be number 3, as for vintage I’m gonna get a 50 or 90mm made the year my dad was born and have him sit for a portrait with it.
I’m just in reverse of you when it comes to the Batman and Alfred lenses! Batman (28 Elmarit) is my do all, but when I need some portrait assistance, Alfred (the 35mm Color Skopar) steps in 😊
All this advise is pretty much what I have come to as well. I shoot 28/50/50 vintage/90mm on Leica M, and would do the same on any other system too (I shoot Nikon F the basically the same kit despite it having plenty of rad zooms). And all of that is luxury because I DONT shoot enough to warrant all of that and am best served with the 28/50 combo on any given weekend. PS: Marx would have said you need 4 lenses (each according to his ability) but you said Marxists and historically that is probably correct.
Or the other way is let the body dictate your lens choices….that’s how I do it. Certain bodies work better with certain lens. I’ve shot with many Leica bodies and lens but if you dig more into each particular body and viewfinder you will find the best combo.
3 lenses, wide, normal, short tele. For me that’s 31mm f1.8, 43mm f1.9 and 77mm f1.8. 43mm is the true normal being the diagonal of the 36x24 frame. I’ve got other lenses but that’s mainly all i need and beyond that you’re making it too complex. Oh and I’m talking Pentax, not Leica. And with the K mount going back to 1975 vintage is covered with many special lenses. My 4th lens (vintage) is the 135mm f2.5. Or maybe the 50mm f1.4 from that era. Absolutely tiny
Great photo's Gajan. I'm a M43 user & have 4 Pana "leica" primes - 12, 15, 25 & 42.5mm being equiv to 24mm, 30mm, 50mm & 85mm. Every one is a joy & I try to use them all on a day out & train myself to see the world through these focal lengths.
My brain wants to watch this video. My wallet though…
😂😂😂 👏🏾
Enjoyed this, especially the work-hourse, side-kick, challenge, and vintage concepts. For me, the 50mm Summicron is the primary work-horse, and the 35mm Summicron is the vice-primary work-horse. For vintage, I love the Summitar 50/2.0 collapsible (vintage 1953), its outer zone bokeh is just wonderful, especially in B&W. Cheers.
Nice!
I've tried many focal lengths throughout my years as a press photographer, and the Fifty is still my Number One, the Summilux 50/1.4. Number Two is the Elmar-M 24/3.8 for tight places and landscapes. Number Three is the Summarit 90/2.5 for portraits, concerts and outdoor. Number Four are all my Leica R-lenses from the analogue past. Dream lens on the wish list is the Tri-Elmar 16-18-21/4.0. Thanks for sharing and keep on rolling!
From Nikon, to Fuji and now Leica. I don’t think I’ll end up being a Leica shooter, BUT it’s a really interesting kit that I enjoy hearing about. Also, your images in this video were absolutely amazing. They’re always really good, but for some reason, I enjoyed them a bit more this time around. Well done.
Thank you Daniel 🙏🏾
I've been looking at Leica for a while, but currently on my Sony, I mostly use:
- 24/1.4 (50%)
- 50/1.2 (15%)
- 90/2.8 (15%)
- >90 (200-600, 35-150 @ 150mm) (20%)
So for Leica M, I'd likely grab the 16-18-21 or 21/3.4, a 28 (F2.8 or faster), 50 (bokeh machine, F/1.4?) and 90-ish (F2.8 or faster). Maybe replace the 90 with 85 and 135 if such lenses exist for M. I am eyeing M-mount because I think the Sony kit is too big/heavy
It seems that there are three main categories of "Hero" lenses, the wide [28/35], standard [~50], and tele [75/90]. The photographer who starts with the wide or standard may say, "I can use this for almost everything!" As a member of the tele group, I say that I need something wider for many images, but the best images are taken in the 85-105mm range. This requires that the second lens has a very different focal length, rather than the similar one with the 35/28 pair. I have little need for both a 90mm and 75mm lens, or 85mm and 105mm, if I'm looking at the 3-4 lens line-up. For my DSLR, when I picked up a 105mm lens I sold the 85mm. On the wide end, however, I agree that the 35mm/28mm/24mm/.../14mm are much more distinct. I agree that a vintage lens is worthwhile, though I would generalize it to a "creative" option. It will stay in the bag for an entire wedding, but if there are 15 minutes alone with the couple, it has a chance to shine. It might produce only one 'keeper', but this is the one which is printed large for the couple or family.
Hero: 90mm
Alfred: 35mm
Challenge: ?
Creative: 90mm Thambar
Your video and images reminds me that I really need to take a photo trip to South Asia!!!
Thank you very much for your approach!
The answer of mine: the new Summilux 35mm, the 90s 24mm Elmarit (ist is easy to crop to 28mm of necassary), the 75mm Summicron as mild tele and the 35mm Summilux preasph. as vintage …
I have been following you for a while when I picked up my x100v , love the direction your going it's nice an NO "BS" I wanted a leica years ago won't give up my x100v but hope to get leica ..Maybe this summer keep up good work..
Voigt 28 Ultron type II is the one I use most often (specially at the moment in France with all the protests... 95% of the protest picture on my feed are M11 + Voigt 28).
The second one is my Lux 50, which I love a lot. It has this special character and this "pop" I love.
If I had to buy a 3rd one it will be ... that 28 5.6 with this special rendering! Or a 75 F2... Or a vintage 35 lux pre asph... :)
Great vid as usual :)
That’s gonna be a tough decision, haha. Good luck and thanks for watching brother 🙏🏾
A year with a 50, 35 and 90 mm matured my realisation to retire the 35 mm and replace it with a 28 mm instead to have a little more "modern" focal length available. So far I haven't regretted it, but I haven't done away with the 35 mm. I very rarely use the 90 mm and wish for more portraiture possibilities to get better acquainted with it. I shoot the 50 about 70% of the time and the 28 mm the rest. If I would choose only one, it would be the 50 mm.
Great video. I love the selection of the lenses you chose.
After a few years of shooting an M I’ve settled on a very similar four lens lineup… a Voigtlander 28 F/2 Ultron, a 35 Summilux, a 50 summicron, and a 90 f/2.4 Summarit. These seem to be the best combination of size, price, and flexibility for my needs.
My general practice is to pick my primary lens based on the situation and then bring a second lens that will compliment it best in the given situation. This two lens per situation seems to offer the right amount of versatility and variety without becoming overwhelmed by deciding constantly between 3 or more lenses at any given time when shooting. Often that will be 28/50 combo or a 35/90 combo.
I also have a Q2 so I often opt for just bringing that instead of my M when prioritizing size, simplicity, weather sealing, or autofocus.
I believe the best order to build your kit is start with your primary 35 or 50 and then add the complimentary 28 and 90. Eventually though there are real strengths and reasons to owning all four focal lengths for an M - 28, 35, 50, & 90.
Solid reasoning, thanks for sharing ✌🏾
Sold all my old gear with all kinds of lenses, filters, etc and bought a used Leica M240 with a Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2. What used to be spray and pray, now, photography is transforming into an art form. It's intentional, all manual controls. I am forced to frame, study the environment, light, background, foreground, angles, depth of field, shadows, have a picture in my mind before I take the shot. One day I shall buy one of the leica lenses you have suggested. Thank you.
Love it, enjoy the journey! And thanks for watching 🙏🏾
Excellent advice. I've been trying to do just this with any system. For me I always trying to get a 24 & 35 somewhere between f1.4 and f2, extra versatile lenses that I will use 35% of the time - then the real hero: a 28f2.8 pancake lens that I will use 60% of the time as an everyday documentary lens. Finally; something in the 55 to 90 range for distance, and portraits, which I will only use for those two specific moments that other lenses can't quite get.
Usually systems are real bad at getting that compact 28f2.8 out. It would be the first Leica lens I buy. Probably even before I have a Leica body for that reason.
Batman: 50mm Summilux V2 ASPH
Robin: Leica Q-P
Alfred: 35mm Summicron V2 ASPH
Challenge: 90mm Elmarit-M 2.8
Vintage: 28mm Summaron-M 5.6 Reissue
I agree!
Well done what a great analysis and I love your analogy to Alfred. You asked for dialogue so my thoughts are this.
I'd argue a three lens kit makes more sense as an ideal kit.
Four lenses are a luxury (I know luxury and Leica!!) which can give too much choice.
You relegated three lenses to mathematicians but if you factor in a real world in which cost is the governing control for most.
Three lenses gives you a balance.
The Hero lens: one lens to rule them all, The Alfred lens: always there to get you out of trouble. The challenge lens: absolutely add freshness, difference and an alternative.
But Vintage this is the luxury level to far. I get the different look another take on a subject a warm glow and character softness. If it was me and a fourth lens I'd expand the thinking to none Leica lenses old or new giving character at a more affordable price and perhaps better for occasional use.
Just my thoughts. Thank you for the video.
I only need this three-lens kit for my Leica rangefinders:
21mm f/1.4
35mm f/1.4
90mm f/2
For my full-frame SLRs, I need this four-lens kit:
24mm f/2
35mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.4
180mm f/2.8
The 35mm f/1.4 is the workhorse lens for both kits.
When I need a lens with character, I use a Holga and/or a pinhole.
Gajan, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. First and foremost, I enjoyed it because it seemed to me that you were really enjoying yourself. I came this same conclusion two months ago. My reasoning isn’t in sync with yours. Different launch point but same journey. My kit. Coming over to Leica introduced me to the 75mm focal length and I absolutely love it. Had the APO but had to have the Noct. Added to that my initial Dream Lens (I’m a Bokeh nerd) the Noct 0.95. Next the 50 APO. And the incredible vintage 135mm f4 1962. Incredible portrait lens! I also own the Q2 for the sometimes needed wide shot and the awesome versatility that system provides. Continued happiness and success to you and yours. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps
Thanks for sharing, and truly appreciate the kind words 🙏🏾
M10m
50mm Summilux asph
28mm Summicron asph
21mm SEM asph
90mm APO asph (had the 2.5 until last week)
Then I bought an M10r:
50mm APO
24mm Elmar (was an Elmarit until yesterday)
The antithesis:
50mm Jupiter 8 m39
Pretty sound (and fun) advice there 👍. I mostly find 3 lenses are enough for me, because I have a pretty good idea what I'll need to photograph. One workhorse, one wider, one portrait: very close to your criteria. Back in my amateur days, I had waaay more lenses because I photographed everything, lol.
I’ve been mulling over it for a while and my kit has boiled down to this:
21 SEM
35 ‘Lux Pre-Asph
50 ‘Lux Asph
90 Apo Cron
I feel like this covers everything I like to shoot, while also providing me with a mix of characterful (with the 35 lux) and modern lens rendition. I shoot my Leica MP now and would like to add a M10-R to it. Then the kit will be complete!
I very much agree with your 4th Option. I've seen vintage lenses for a long time now, even at the same focal length as an existing (modern) lens, a very good option. To me, chosing a modern rendering lens vs a vinatge rendering lens can give such a different look & feel, that it is akin to chosing different focal lengths in your lens line up. Good call.
Great video thank you. I couldn’t justify buying 4 lenses so decided to go with the Hero (35mm Summilux) and the Vintage (50mm Noctilux f/1.2) and couldn’t be happier.
Amazing! Congrats ✌🏾
The best Leica lens, is always the next one
😂
Hey G, I started watching your videos about a year ago and checked in from time to time but the last couple months you’ve really been putting out great content. Seems like you’ve shifted a little bit more into theory and the art of photography and a little less new gear review as most you tubers are. Keep up the great work, I’m watching almost every video you post. Keep moving forward and upward. 📷🖤📷
I appreciate that, thank you 🙏🏾
My modest collection is a 21 mm f2.8 Elmarit, a 28 mm f2.8 Elmarit, a Zeiss 50 mm f2 Planar and a 90 mm f2.5 Summarit. They cover most of my photographic needs from landscape/cityscapes to portraits. A vintage lens is a great idea.
Nice!
Hi Gajan. I really enjoyed how you've framed your choices and decisions to go with these four lenses. If I had to use your analogy my hero lens is the 35mm Summicron ASPH. I find more value in the size over that extra Summilux f stop. I love the handling and the look it gives too. It's perfect in the best ways to me.
My sidekick would be my 1981 50mm Summicron V4. The perfect look of my type of a 'modern' look. It's like it sits on the line of what's considered both modern and vintage by todays standards. That would be enough for me but there are two other lenses that I love and use in special cases. The 50mm Summicron Dual Range and the 1976 35mm Summicron v3. The 35mm has this painterly look that instantly gives you a Kodak Portra 160 look, with the green tones baked into your RAW digital files. And then the 50mm DR to give me close focus with a dreamy look that is something rather special.
I could get by with only these for the rest of my life and I'd be a happy man. Not to say I don't have other Leica lenses, but these are the ones I'd choose first every time.
Thanks for all the videos. They're well produced, informative and a joy to watch.
Great kit and thank you for the kind words brother, truly appreciate the support 🙏🏾
Not a Leica shooter. My two lenses are the 18-55 f2.8 and 23 f2 for Fuji. I love the 35mm FF equivalent and is my lens for night and day, but when I am travelling or can not really predict what types of photos I am going to take, I am taking the zoom out. These two lenses are perfect for me in terms of versatility, size and money.
Nice! Solid kit ✌🏾
I just got a Leica 50mm summicron last week for a very good deal (used). And I’m a bit tighter than you (prefer 50 before 35), but I have a Voigt 35mm ultron. I had the ultron 28 before. And now I think maybe, for me, a 28mm, 50mm and 90mm setup would’ve been the best combo. Having 28,35 and 50 is a bit overkill and probably make you change lenses a bit to often. BUT the 35 is great and for me that use glasses, the 28 is a bit to wide for me to see the frame lines 🤷♂️
Great videos and that’s a really nice setup!
Nice! Thanks for sharing brother ✌🏾
i am contemplating going 35 and 85 for digital actually - I have 28 and 50 on my analoge camera and its all one could ask for
Hi Gaian. I follow the age old adage that “More is More”😂My workhorse is 50 mm summilux. Just does everything and never lets me down. When I need absolute precision the 50 mm Apo Summicron. It’s so sharp it makes my focus finger bleed. Then it’s time for rock and roll and when Jimmy Hendrix meets Led Zeppelin it’s out with the 50 mm Noctlilux F0.95. It just takes me to a different place. Then when I want that vintage feel but don’t want to compromise on the optics it’s the 50mm summilux black chrome. So sexy. Finally everyone needs a challenge. So strap on the visoflex and out with the 135 mm apo teleyt f3.4. So that’s my M heaven and go to lenses. However, on the basis that “more is more” every great team needs some back up. So in reserve I keep the 28 mm Elmarit, 35mm summilux, 75 mm apo summicon and 90 mm summarit. Rotate these between an M10p, type 246 monochrome, sl2 with manual adaptor and old school film on MP and pretty much can cover most situations. Would one camera one lens do it. For sure but remember more is more😂. Happy days. Stay well and regards from Plymouth Uk. Steve Chivers
Hahaha, I love it! Thanks for sharing Steven, always a pleasure to hear how others pick and choose what their kit for any given situation would be. Thanks as always for watching ✌🏾
I think I’ve become a photographer gear head. Got my Nikon Z9 with bunch of Z lenses, Fuji GFX 100s and XH2s with bunch of GF/X-crop lenses. Today I finally made a critical juncture in my photo hobbyist and purchased Leica SL2s with 24/70-2.8 today. Can’t justify M11 yet but then again not sure how I justified the other 3 system, lol.
Haha, I hear ya. Make sure you put them to good use ✌🏾
Timely video for me! I'm in this discovery process now. I just came home from a vacation and I think I have solidified that the 28mm is my goto. I have the Elmarit now and no matter what focal lengths I have in my kit this lens goes on first. I may upgrade to the summicron for versatility,. I also just rented the Voigtlander 75mm 1.5 and the Visoflex. I love the image quality but it's very close to a 50mm in look. So my 2 lens kit may be a 28 and 50. I may want something wider and definitely want a longer lens as well...I am looking at that 90mm you mentioned. But with a 90mm the Visoflex is a must! As for vintage lenses I have some Canon LTM lenses I adapt...just to change things up from time to time.
Great collection and i really should get around to messing with some vintage Canon glass. Thanks for watching ✌🏾
I really appreciate the depth to which you went on about using this SL2s camera. its very interesting to hear your thoughts when comparing this camera to medium format bodies, its something i bounce back and forth with. and of course it goes without needing to go on about the leica lenses .... keep up these great videos. zen billings.🎉
Thank you for watching 🙏🏾
The exact same focal lenghts that I've picked for my kit.
Nice! Solid collection.
I’m not in the Leica system yet(saving up to be grab an m11 and the summilux 35mm fle). However, in terms of the current gear I own, my challenge lens is a 200mm telephoto on my Pentax 67(100mm in 35mm equivalent). I packed it for some walk around photography in Madeira this last fall and it ended up being worth all the pain from carrying it around everyday and despite all the complications that arose from shooting it(forgot my tripod head and the camera has tons of camera shake under 1/30).
Nice! Thanks for sharing ✌🏾
Great common sense here, 100% agree with your thoughts Gajan
Thanks for watching ✌🏾
You can also just buy 1 Leica lens as your main hero lens and all the others could be Voigtlanders. A Leica 35mm 1.4 flanked with a tiny Voigtander 21mm F3.5 and a tiny Voigtlander 90mm F2.8 APO . The savings can get you a highly regarded vintage Leica 50/35 .
Of course. They don’t have to be Leica, this is just about the type of lenses to build a great kit.
Feeling like the same lens categories apply to my GFX system. Currently traveling in Paris with my GFX 100s, but the size limited me to only 2 lenses: my Challenge Lens (20-35mm f4 ultrawide) and Vintage Lens (adapted Minolta 135mm f2.8, covers the entire MF sensor!)
Last year traveling in Paris, I only had my X100V, and the 35mm focal length was my hero lens. This time, I wanted to really challenge myself artistically.
Nice! Have fun Josh ✊🏾
Great lenses, even greater photos. I couldn’t afford the 35 so I’ve a Voigtlander Nokton 40 f1.2 which great, but I can see it turning into a 35 and 50 one day
Nice, and thank you for the kind words ✌🏾
Interesting Video. With the ability to put M & R Glass onto SL bodies, the possibilities are endless. What works well on an “M” often displays outstanding results on an SL: 24 F3.8 Elmarit punches well above it’s weight on both? Keep Well & Stay safe 👍🇬🇧
Nice! Thanks for watching ✌🏾
Top man! Great pics. Nice kit. Well done.
Thanks for watching ✌🏾
Really enjoyed this video, love your work. Thank you.
Thanks for watching ✌🏾
I say sell a kidney and get these 4. Gorgeous images wow
Thanks for watching ✌🏾
This is a great video, but not sure about the results from that 50mm Summarit F1.5, some might call it “character” but from the pics in this video it just looks outright bad.
Gaian- Great video as always. I love by 21 SEM. Compliments by 35FLE and 90/2.4…..
Thank you, and great kit ✌🏾
Trying to fill out mine now, I got the voight 28mm ultron 2 and a 1993 50mm summicron v4, I’m trying to figure if I want a 75 or a 90 to be number 3, as for vintage I’m gonna get a 50 or 90mm made the year my dad was born and have him sit for a portrait with it.
Love it, especially the last one. Thanks for sharing brother ✌🏾
I’m just in reverse of you when it comes to the Batman and Alfred lenses! Batman (28 Elmarit) is my do all, but when I need some portrait assistance, Alfred (the 35mm Color Skopar) steps in 😊
Nice!
Just use Zeiss lenses
At the moment I have settled on 21mm, 35mm, 50mm and the black sheep 40mm rokkor that I can't seem to let go.
Nice! Definitely a unique kit ✌🏾
All this advise is pretty much what I have come to as well. I shoot 28/50/50 vintage/90mm on Leica M, and would do the same on any other system too (I shoot Nikon F the basically the same kit despite it having plenty of rad zooms). And all of that is luxury because I DONT shoot enough to warrant all of that and am best served with the 28/50 combo on any given weekend.
PS: Marx would have said you need 4 lenses (each according to his ability) but you said Marxists and historically that is probably correct.
I LUST after the 35 1.4 FLEII when will it become available again?!??!?!?!
Such a great lens, hopefully soon
Or the other way is let the body dictate your lens choices….that’s how I do it. Certain bodies work better with certain lens. I’ve shot with many Leica bodies and lens but if you dig more into each particular body and viewfinder you will find the best combo.
Interesting perspective
For me I only use 3 lenses
1. Leica 35mm APO Summicron
2. Leica 50mm summilux
3. Leica 28mm summaron
Planing on getting a 75mm or 90mm
Solid list
Great video. I’m in Rome. Brought the Q2 and the SL2S with a 24-90. I missed a 90-280!
Nice! Love the 24-90.
3 lenses, wide, normal, short tele. For me that’s 31mm f1.8, 43mm f1.9 and 77mm f1.8. 43mm is the true normal being the diagonal of the 36x24 frame.
I’ve got other lenses but that’s mainly all i need and beyond that you’re making it too complex. Oh and I’m talking Pentax, not Leica. And with the K mount going back to 1975 vintage is covered with many special lenses. My 4th lens (vintage) is the 135mm f2.5. Or maybe the 50mm f1.4 from that era. Absolutely tiny
Nice!
I got 11 Leica M lens
Haha, nice
Great photo's Gajan. I'm a M43 user & have 4 Pana "leica" primes - 12, 15, 25 & 42.5mm being equiv to 24mm, 30mm, 50mm & 85mm. Every one is a joy & I try to use them all on a day out & train myself to see the world through these focal lengths.
Nice!
4 Leica lenses, or a Porsche 718
I have the version 1 of the Summilux 35mm F1.4 ASPH. It is simply magical with my M2 or M6. Don't shoot digital Leica. Leica is all about film.
Nice
🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜
Thanks for watching ✊🏾
pretty much organically fell in this same lens collecting philosophy.