35mm for M5

Richard Jepsen · Aug 6, 2022

I have a M5 with a Summicron 35/2 late v2. I prefer the Minolta CLE 40/2 focal length which performs better than my perfect Cron but has the disadvantage of no frame lines.

The ZM 35/2,8 would be an economical and attractive pairing.

Huss · Aug 6, 2022

Richard Jepsen said:
I have a M5 with a Summicron 35/2 late v2. I prefer the Minolta CLE 40/2 focal length which performs better than my perfect Cron but has the disadvantage of no frame lines.

The ZM 35/2,8 would be an economical and attractive pairing.

When I use a 40 it brings up the 50mm frame lines on all my Ms. I prefer it like that as I just estimate a little extra space outside the 50 frame lines - basically between the 50 and the 35 lines - and it has worked out great.

Steve York · Aug 8, 2022

We are truly in a "golden age" of rangefinder optics for M mount. So may great ones out there, both new and old, from different makers. Do you like character or a modern, clinical look? Do you shoot color or B&W (or both), and at what iso? What's your speed requirements for available light and/or creativity? Any size preferences? Answer these questions and it'll point you in the right direction.

african_jon · Aug 8, 2022

Thank you for all the great recommendations. I shoot B&W exclusively, TriX @200/320 and TMax @800/1250. I like a clean look with nice contrast. I don't need anything less than f2 as I can drop the shutter speed down as I don't mind a little blur in low light if shooting handheld. Sizewise small is appealing.
Cheers,
Jon

Huss · Aug 8, 2022

african_jon said:
Thank you for all the great recommendations. I shoot B&W exclusively, TriX @200/320 and TMax @800/1250. I like a clean look with nice contrast. I don't need anything less than f2 as I can drop the shutter speed down as I don't mind a little blur in low light if shooting handheld. Sizewise small is appealing.
Cheers,
Jon

Small size? Fast? Great handling? Affordable? The CV 35 1.4 v2.
Shot w Kentmere 400 @ 1.4 and maybe 1/30 sec at dusk.

etn · Aug 10, 2022

Steven Lee said:
Nokton Classic II MC f/1.4 is the Voigtlander to get. It's a character lens at f/1.4 and f/2 and a modern/boring lens at f/4 and smaller. I also dig the way it looks.

+1 on that!!!

etn · Aug 10, 2022

film_man said:
Some people do like the new 35 Cron APO too I hear. If you’re into that kind of money.

I understand some people might have the money and want that on a 60+ Megapixel digital monster, but... isn't it overkill for film?

film_man · Aug 11, 2022

etn said:
I understand some people might have the money and want that on a 60+ Megapixel digital monster, but... isn't it overkill for film?

I was kind of joking there but in the end if you have the cash it is no more overkill than using a Leica vs a cheaper film camera. The 35APO will at least have some measurable benefit under ideal conditions (eg on a tripod, etc etc), unlike using a more expensive film body that has zero effect on the output (when on a tripod, etc etc).

NB23 · Aug 11, 2022

etn said:
I understand some people might have the money and want that on a 60+ Megapixel digital monster, but... isn't it overkill for film?

No. This is erroneous thinking.

Film will take anything you throw at it. Anything. It records exactly what the lens, any lens, will project onto it.

It is erroneous (more like downright naive and gullible) to believe that beyond some point film will stop recording a projection because the lens was too sharp.

Believe me on this: film will follow and record with high fidelity any lens, forever.
Film is not 0-1 binary, the space between grains is more grains, more tonality. Just like the webb telescope, the more you dig the more there is.

guangong · Aug 11, 2022

If my budget allowed, I would like to try the Zeiss lens for M cameras. I still use the 35 Summacron that I bought in 1970 for my M4, but also added the Voitlander a couple years ago. I don’t believe there are any losers among 35mm for M mount, so probably choice depends on your financial situation. Years ago a friend gave my daughter a 35mm summaron for her M3 when she graduated college and she still uses it.
By the way, the M5 was my wife’s favorite camera. She bought one of the very first ones brand new. Never a problem with it.

etn · Aug 11, 2022

NB23 said:
No. This is erroneous thinking.

Film will take anything you throw at it. Anything. It records exactly what the lens, any lens, will project onto it.

It is erroneous (more like downright naive and gullible) to believe that beyond some point film will stop recording a projection because the lens was too sharp.

Believe me on this: film will follow and record with high fidelity any lens, forever.
Film is not 0-1 binary, the space between grains is more grains, more tonality. Just like the webb telescope, the more you dig the more there is.

Thanks for clarifying! Very eye-opening and makes a lot of sense.

As a side note, your post surely does not help my GAS On the one hand, I really dig that 50mm APO Summicron in Classic finish! On the other hand, it is out of my price league. And even if I had that kind of cash to devote to photography, I would probably prioritize other acquisitions.

african_jon · Aug 12, 2022

I'm liking the idea of the CV 35 1.4 v2.
Thanks for all the replys.

Huss · Aug 12, 2022

african_jon said:
I'm liking the idea of the CV 35 1.4 v2.
Thanks for all the replys.

I bought mine used/like new on fredmiranda.com
There always seems to be one for sale there!

GregY · Aug 12, 2022

african_jon said:
I'm liking the idea of the CV 35 1.4 v2.
Thanks for all the replys.

It's a lovely lens wide open

35mm for M5

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