15/03/2026 7:00 pm
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honestly i am just so over this Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 II that I bought last year. I thought I really needed the f1.2 for night shots but man it is such a total brick on my M6. Like my neck actually hurts after like two hours of walking around the city and the lens flare is just getting on my nerves lately its so unpredictable. I feel like I am lugging around a massive DSLR lens on a tiny rangefinder which totally defeats the whole purpose of why I even switched to Leica in the first place... it's just exhausting. I want something tiny and snappy that I can just leave on the body 24/7 without getting a headache. Im honestly tired of missing focus on quick shots because the throw is so long on this heavy thing. I have about $1600 to spend if I sell some old gear and I need to find a replacement before my trip to Chicago next month. Should I go with a 35mm or 50mm for just general daily life stuff? Looking for the best M-mount lens for daily street photography that isnt gonna break my neck or my bank account.
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15/03/2026 7:00 pm
In my experience, that Voigtlander 1.2 is a bit of a trap for rangefinder users. We all think we need that aperture for night shots, but carrying it for more than an hour is a total chore. Over the years I have moved toward smaller glass for street work because the handling is just superior. For an M6, you want something with a focus tab and a short throw so you can zone focus without thinking. Based on your budget and needs, here are my top recommendations:
- Leica Summarit-M 35mm f2.4 is the lens I usually suggest for daily carry. It is incredibly compact and the focus action is very smooth. It feels right on a film body.
- Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f2 Vintage Line Aspherical VM Type II is the direct fix for your current issues. It weighs almost nothing compared to the Nokton and the optics are very modern.
- Zeiss C Biogon T* 35mm f2.8 ZM is basically the king of contrast and size. It wont flare like your current lens and its sharp as a tack. I would lean toward the Summarit. It is well within your $1600 limit used and gives you that genuine Leica rendering and build quality. The focus throw is much shorter than the Nokton, so you wont be missing those quick moments in Chicago. Honestly, switching to a lighter lens makes the M6 feel like a completely different camera... it makes you actually want to take it out every day without getting a literal neck cramp.
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15/03/2026 7:35 pm
Saw this today and honestly, I have the exact same problem. Been shooting M bodies for years and I am usually very happy and satisfied, but this neck strain is just getting old. I still havent found a light replacement that works well for me.
- what kind of strap are you using for that brick?
- do you worry about the strap lugs failing? Hoping we both find an answer soon...
