After building up a solid gear collection...(Leica M & R)

RezaLoghme · Sunday at 10:30 AM

After building up a solid gear collection, I’ve been taking stock of what I actually use versus what sits mostly on the shelf.

R SYSTEM

R6 black
Leicaflex SL chrome
Super Angulon-R 21/4.0 (1970s)
Elmarit-R 135/2.8 (1970s)
Summilux-R 1.4/50mm (3rd gen, 1990s)

M SYSTEM

M6 black
M246 Monochrome
35mm/2.5 Summarit-M (2000s)
50mm/2.0 Summicron-M V3 (1970s)
Elmar-M 2.8/50mm collapsible black (1990s)
90mm/4.0 Elmar-C (1970s)
Elmarit-M 2.8/90mm chrome (1960s)
Elmarit-M 2.8/90mm black (1990s)
Elmar-M 4.0/135mm chrome (1960s)

All cameras and lenses have been recently CLA’d, and I’ve matched them with period-appropriate straps (nylon for older bodies, rope for newer).

I’m reflecting on potential redundancies, especially among the 90 mm lenses, and the “collector” items that rarely see daily use (like the 135 mm M).

Right now, I’m thinking about an “always-on” arrangement:

R6: Summilux-R 50/1.4 — the clean, 1990s professional tool
Leicaflex SL: Super Angulon-R 21/4.0 — the space-age, funky little SWC-inspired tool
M6: Elmar-M 2.8/50mm collapsible — my travel camera
M246 Monochrome: 35mm/2.5 Summarit-M — if HBC or Ara Güler were shooting today, this would be the lens

I have an EVF2 and an R-to-M adapter, too.

I’m curious what others think: how do you handle “leftover” lenses, especially longer lenses like the 90 mm on a rangefinder? Do you keep them around for specific use cases, or do you rotate out only the ones you use regularly?

Sirius Glass · Sunday at 12:32 PM

Since you have already invested in 90mm lens, since each one works well, instead of selling some off at a loss, consider keeping them as useful back up lenses.

RezaLoghme · Sunday at 1:51 PM

I wonder whether I am going to use them much. And three is one backup too many.

GregY · Sunday at 2:47 PM

RezaLoghme said:
I wonder whether I am going to use them much. And three is one backup too many.

R, some people buy just what they need to use, others revel in collecting & enjoy the hunt & purchase and waiting for arrival.....
You have to decide for yourself which group you fall in.
For me the 90mm is/was my least used lens. As to the concept. of 'back-up'..... they're Leitz lenses.....they won't go bad..... do you need spares? Personally I don't.

RezaLoghme · Sunday at 3:12 PM

GregY said:
R, some people buy just what they need to use, others revel in collecting & enjoy the hunt & purchase and waiting for arrival.....
You have to decide for yourself which group you fall in.
For me the 90mm is/was my least used lens. As to the concept. of 'back-up'..... they're Leitz lenses.....they won't go bad..... do you need spares? Personally I don't.

Why do I need to decide to belong to such groups?

You are right, I can buy any of there lenses again if ever needed.

GregY · Sunday at 3:42 PM

RezaLoghme said:
Why do I need to decide to belong to such groups?

You are right, I can buy any of there lenses again if ever needed.

Well..... to decide if you 'need' 3 90mm lenses.....or you just like to own and admire them...

RezaLoghme · Monday at 6:09 AM

Maybe I should track my usage of them - and yes, the 90mm lenses from Leica do have some rewarding tactile experience.

loccdor · Monday at 8:59 AM

Having more than you can use is a good point to stop buying and focus on using it. I'm at that point myself.

I don't have fancy glass cases in my house or space to show things off so it's use it or lose it. Everything sits under my bed in plastic boxes otherwise.

RalphLambrecht · Monday at 9:57 AM

loccdor said:
Having more than you can use is a good point to stop buying and focus on using it. I'm at that point myself.

I don't have fancy glass cases in my house or space to show things off so it's use it or lose it. Everything sits under my bed in plastic boxes otherwise.

perfect place for them to catch mold.

loccdor · Monday at 10:05 AM

RalphLambrecht said:
perfect place for them to catch mold.

Hasn't been a problem. Forced air heater keeps humidity uncomfortably low for much of the year.

RezaLoghme · Monday at 10:38 AM

Sirius Glass said:
Since you have already invested in 90mm lens, since each one works well, instead of selling some off at a loss, consider keeping them as useful back up lenses.

I am really thinking about your "backup" recommendation.

Lachlan Young · Monday at 5:30 PM

RezaLoghme said:
the space-age, funky little SWC-inspired tool

The 21/4.0 on the R isn't the Biogon-ish derived Super Angulon formula of the older non-retrofocus Leitz 21's.

RezaLoghme · Tuesday at 12:55 AM

Lachlan Young said:
The 21/4.0 on the R isn't the Biogon-ish derived Super Angulon formula of the older non-retrofocus Leitz 21's.

Its not. But coupled with a silver Leicaflex SL body it has a nice heft, lots of wide angle charm and the bonus of a TTL exposure meter, for 1/3 of the price of a worn SWC.

Thats why I wrote "inspired"

Sirius Glass · Tuesday at 6:47 PM

RezaLoghme said:
I am really thinking about your "backup" recommendation.

Now you should expand you camera equipment to include Hasselblad cameras and lenses.

ic-racer · 2025-12-10T07:11:39-0500

I have multiple 28mm lenses. I like that because when I choose a camera body to use, I don't have to track down the 28mm lens. I have a few of them so multiple bodies can have a 28mm.

RezaLoghme · 2025-12-10T07:55:18-0500

Yeah fully understand the reasoning.

So, about my collection, what would you recommend?

Besk · 2025-12-10T07:58:26-0500

Sirius Glass said:
Now you should expand you camera equipment to include Hasselblad cameras and lenses.

Don't leave out 4x5 cameras, lenses, accessories!

RezaLoghme · 2025-12-10T09:02:01-0500

Besk said:
Don't leave out 4x5 cameras, lenses, accessories!

Sorry, not interested. Will stay in my existing systems (M and R). Thanks.

Besk · 2025-12-10T09:15:16-0500

RezaLoghme said:
Sorry, not interested. Will stay in my existing systems (M and R). Thanks.

Was just kidding!

I would at least keep one of the long lenses. Even if it sits on the shelf - there may come an instance where a long lens would be required or at least very advantageous. (At least I found that to be true once in my experience.)

RezaLoghme · 2025-12-10T10:33:45-0500

From a tactile point of view, the lowly 90/4 Elmar-C is actually best. It is not going to win any bragging rights contest on an internet forum, but its small, looks like new (50 years old!!) and makes good snaps.

The 1960s 90mm/2.8 is just beautiful with its matte silver alloy body.

The 1990s 90/2.8 is heavy, and the focus ring a bit stiff.

warden · 2025-12-10T11:50:43-0500

You’ve got a kit to last a lifetime there, very nice. Always wanted to try an R Leica.

RezaLoghme · 2025-12-10T11:55:20-0500

warden said:
You’ve got a kit to last a lifetime there, very nice. Always wanted to try an R Leica.

I bought the bodies and lenses "on the cheap" - none of them is a collectors item, they are all "user grade" condition.

4season · 2025-12-10T12:20:41-0500

RezaLoghme said:
So, about my collection, what would you recommend?

Gather all items you might consider selling, and put them in a designated place (I use a cardboard box). Then observe what happens in the months that follow: Do you keep taking items out of the box, or do you simply forget about them? You can safely dispose of items which fall into the latter category.

TheFlyingCamera · 2025-12-10T12:46:03-0500

I find telephotos on a rangefinder to be challenging - much better used on an SLR. Frankly I'd sell off two of the 90s and the 135 for the M series and put that toward a fast 75-90mm for the R series.

RezaLoghme · 2025-12-10T12:52:00-0500

TheFlyingCamera said:
I find telephotos on a rangefinder to be challenging - much better used on an SLR. Frankly I'd sell off two of the 90s and the 135 for the M series and put that toward a fast 75-90mm for the R series.

I have a 2.8/135 for R.

The only "fast" lens would be the Leica SUMMILUX-R 1,4/80mm (11880). We are talking 1400-2000 EUR.
Well, the 2.0/90 Summicron (11219) is also fast(er) than a 2.8 and around 500 EUR.
You think I need another 90mm?

After building up a solid gear collection...(Leica M & R)

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