Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/08/06

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Subject: [Leica] cheap wide angle for Leica
From: "Don Dory" <dorysrus@mindspring.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 22:35:50 -0400

David, you won't get any cheaper than a Russian (jupitar 12?) 35mm knockoff
of the Zeiss Biogon, around $100.  This can be an outstanding lens and
again, with Russian quality control may not be.  Yes, you will need a screw
to bayonet adapter.  However, I think the idea of halving and doubling focal
lengths to be sound advice so you probably should look up a 28mm.  Floyd,
who manages used cameras at the main Wolf camera on 14th street might still
have buried in the back a Minolta 28 for the CLE(Leica M bayonet fit).  I
would start with an offer around $200.  Other suggestions would be a Kobalux
28mm or the 25mm Skopar.  Sometimes you will find a Canon 28mm F3.5 really
cheap and it is a good lens; again, you will need the screw to bayonet
adapter.  The only lens not rangefinder coupled is the Skopar

If you can wait until late October there is a fairly large camera show in
Huntsville AL the third weekend in October.  Prices are always cheaper and
you get to look at the offerings before purchase.  Downside is if you choose
unwisely it is still yours as the vendors can be hard to find again.  In
fairness though, if you ask around there are extremely reliable people at
the shows who travel a circuit and will honor any agreements made.

Last, look at cameraquest.com for suggestions as that is a great site for
knowledge.

Don
dorysrus@mindspring.com