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Leica R (3 cam) 24mm f2.8-- good lens for a first Leica purchase

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Dave Osbun

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Hello everyone! I am asking the following question because I value everyone's input and admire what you do. Please let me begin by saying that i'm not a professional but enjoy shooting video as a hobby. I'll probably never make money doing it, and that's ok, yet i'd like to work (and learn) like a person that would like to possibly get some paid work one day.

I've just come into a small amount of extra $$ and have been looking at Zeiss Contax lenses (and reading the awesome Survival Guide) in this forum. However, i've found some nice Leica's on eBay (for sale in North America) that aren't too much more money than a nice Contax Zeiss lens. Is the 3-cam Leica 24mm f2.8 a good 'first Leica lens' choice? I'd like my new lens purchase to be in the 24 to 35mm focal range. There are some really super-clean Leicas on eBay that are under $700. My long-deceased uncle used to shoot for a few different fashion magazines back in the 60s & 70s, and he swore by his Leica set.

Any input is greatly valued and appreciated!
Dave
 
24mm is actually Minolta design although the rejection rate for their components is said to be very high in Leica's quality control. Leica supposedly also improved the design over the years. Still it is said to be not so strong compared to other Leica designed Leicas. Yes I have one, because for me 24 was better choice than 28 between 19 and 35. However the new 28 (the design changed at some point, not sure if it was ROM or 3-CAM) is said to be superb. Older 28 may not have as big advantage over the newer 24. Anyways, if this is the first and only Leica lens you buy, then probably you should go with something else.
 
Thanks for the into Tuomas. I've been reading some older threads and found the same info that you stated. Looks like i'll scrap this idea and look for a 28mm (or 35mm) instead.

Dave
 
Check keh.com for good leica-r deals. I got my summicron 50 from them and I love it and I plan to get a 28 or 24 from there as well.
 
I hate to take my own thread in a different direction, but now I'm thinking about getting a NEW Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS from B&H since it can be had for under $500. This lens seems to be one of the best 28mm lenses, period. Looking at the big picture, I doubt I'll ever be able to put together a full set of Leica lenses.

Dave
 
Thanks Samir. It is definitely a tough decision but I guess I can't really make a wrong decision. $500 seems to be a magical dollar amount since you can find some decent wide Contax Zeiss lenses, go with a new Nikkor 28mm AIS or spend a little more for a Leica. I just hate the eBay route since I've gotten screwed as a buyer before and KEH has been picked over.

Dave
 
I have a Leica set from 19-135mm, 28mm is a nice walk around lens, and but my 35mm is bokehlicious. Gorgeous lens.
 
And the 24 "minolta" IS A LEICA. 24mm is an awfully nice focal length to shoot with. Nikons are beautiful too, but no need to put down the Leica 24.
 
I have the Minolta 24mm VFC and it's a very good wide!
 
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