One thing which I love about Leica M system is the ability to use historical lenses, even as old as from 1930-ies. My oldest lens is a Soviet FED 50mm/3.5 from 1936, my grandfather’s one (a copy of Elmar I suppose). Unfortunately this one would not focus properly. No surprise, since the FED cameras and lenses were produced in Stalinist prison camps.
There were more German lens copies in USSR after the WWII. Well-respected are Jupiters and some Industars, out of which I have J-3, J-12 and I-61LD. Some years ago it was possible to get them very cheap in second-hand shops or flea markets in former Soviet territories. Nowadays I have noticed that their prices average to the e-bay figures. Global warming!
To be honest, I use these old lenses very seldom, only when I wish to get an oldish look of images. However, I am not sure, if anybody else would notice this special old look, which I try to achieve. In my everyday work I am used to reliable Summicrons, and I like their focusing tab, too.
Following a habit of photography forums, I put up three pictures by Summicron and Jupiter (doing so is almost senseless taking into account such a small resolution). But you may trust me that Jupiter is a very nice lens next to the Cron.
Summicron 50mm @F/2
Jupiter-3 @F/2
Jupiter-3 @F/1.5
