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...

 

[RezaLoghme]

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

 

[loccdor]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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"