After building up a solid gear collection...

[RezaLoghme]

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?

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[Sirius Glass]

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]

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

 

[GregY]

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]

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]

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...