My Five Fave 50mm Vintage Lenses - From The Past Year!

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  • Опубликовано: 1 янв 2025

Комментарии • 99

  • @jensknappe2485
    @jensknappe2485 Год назад +1

    i should look for a Chinon 50mm f1.9 for my Pentax ME/ME super cameras🤔
    thanks for this detailed review 👍

  • @meaper960
    @meaper960 Год назад

    The Canon FD 50mm 1.4 was one of my first vintage lenses. My copy looks like new and I got it very cheap. This thing is fantastic indeed, as sharp as modern lenses but with the vintage look.

  • @chainsaw2046
    @chainsaw2046 4 года назад +2

    The chinon came with a camera kit I was given, that I in turn gave to my younger sister. She's enjoyed using it, which is nice given how little appreciation these cheaper lenses are often given

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      Some of these Chinons are really nice - definitely unsung gems!

  • @wngimageanddesign9546
    @wngimageanddesign9546 3 года назад +2

    I concur. The Chinon Auto 50mm f/1.9 is a sleeper nifty fifty. A lot of soft bokeh, sharp, contrasty. NOTE: This lens was also commisioned by Yashica to be OEMed as a replacement for their own ML 50mm f/1.9. The later version has a designation of "C" after the name. So, it's the Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9 C. The visible difference to the Yashica original is the bokeh.
    I suspect the 'C' stood for Cosina. Yashica had a number of 'C' lenses released.

  • @mikafoxx2717
    @mikafoxx2717 2 года назад +1

    This video reminds me of a story my grandfather told me. In the 70's, his coworker in broadcast was a photographer on the side, and he used a Leica. He was disappointed to find out that my grandfather's Canon FD 50mm 1.4 beat his Leica's lens in the optical testing rig, and swore that he wouldn't take another picture on that Leica, angry over how much more he paid for it than the canon.

  • @kenheraty373
    @kenheraty373 4 года назад

    I appreciate that you give time for your photos to refresh thru the RUclips system, this makes a difference in your deliberate overview. Thanks

  • @thomasmoje5926
    @thomasmoje5926 4 года назад +4

    I really like the images taken with that Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50 mm f/1.8..vibrant color and sharp..oh my! Just picked up a Nikon/Nippon Kogaku 50 mm f/1.4 non-AI lens to go with my Ftn Photomic..shot first roll with it last week we'll see how it does. Really nice video thanks.

  • @abhishekvsmalyala
    @abhishekvsmalyala 4 года назад +3

    I have a Rollei HFT Planar 50mm 1.8, very similar to the Pancolar - and it never disappoints.

    • @sternschnupper
      @sternschnupper 10 месяцев назад +1

      great lens, and considering it can be had for super cheap (at least in german speaking countries) it is one of my best buy recommendations!

  • @casio912
    @casio912 Месяц назад

    I totally agree with the first place - incredible lens!

  • @jonlouis2582
    @jonlouis2582 4 года назад +1

    Another hugely enjoyable review. I used nothing but Zuiko lenses for many years, but always respected Canon FD glass and wondered why it was so disrespected. Until recently, you could hardly give them away. Here in the US, I have never even laid eyes on a Chinon lens, but I took some of my favorite pictures with a similar Minolta Rokkor MC 55/1.9 lens that I bought for $5 USD with an fugly camera as a rear lens cap. You just never know.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      All things being equal, it's the photographer, not the gear...!

    • @fangzhou3235
      @fangzhou3235 3 года назад

      I think it is due to the death of FD system and the difficulty of adapting FD lens to another system. FD system has very short flange distance so FD lens cannot be adapted to any other SLR camera w/o using extra glasses. No user means dropping price plus nobody to discover their strength. It is only with the coming of short flange distance mirrorless camera, FD is alive again. As it is so easy to do comparison test using digital camera, and the high power of pixel piping, the strength of FD lens is easy to rediscover.

  • @alangamble3236
    @alangamble3236 4 года назад +2

    I’m using a canon 50mm FD lens with an adaptor on my OMD e-m10 Mkii and getting fantastic results. Well recommended.

  • @hiresmusic
    @hiresmusic 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for good review/testing.Following your reccomendation I purchased Leica Summitar 50 2.0 and very like it for street & video on full frame camera.From your list I also used Pancolar for flowers& bugs shots with great result.If you will have chance try Canon FD 55 1.2 SSC lens ,its blows away FD 50 1.4 IMHO .Closed to 2.8 its easy outperforms 24mpx sensor of Nikon Z6 in terms of resolution.Its massive and 4x times more expensive,but the least expensive lens compares to other manufacturers( for 1.2 aperture).It cost like Summitar around 250-300 euro on ebay

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      I've heard the Canon 1.2 is quite something; glad you're enjoying the Summitar by the way!

  • @ghw7192
    @ghw7192 4 года назад

    The original Vuvitar Series 1 lenaes were amszing! I have the 28, 90 macro,. 135, 90-180, and 200 in Canon Fzl mount.. excellent!

  • @AbdonPhirathon
    @AbdonPhirathon 4 года назад +3

    I previously own a 50mm Summar f/2, and it had superb sharpness for a lens made in the 1930's. I compared it my Voigtländer 40mm f/1.4 in a side-by-side comparison expecting the Voigtländer to beat the Summar, but turns out that even though it did have better coatings, which allowed it to have better flare resistance, and better color rendition, it still wasn't as sharp as the Summar. That was the moment I realized why Leica is Leica, and why everyone goes crazy over their superb glass.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      Leica lenses are very hyped and very expensive - but my goodness they make some nice images!

  • @chrisnovakowski9827
    @chrisnovakowski9827 4 года назад

    I agree with your comments on the Canon FD 50mm f1.4. It's a lovely lens & is a perfect companion for my Canon A-1.

  • @BIMLounge
    @BIMLounge 4 года назад

    Not sure how I missed this video as I usually watch them as they come out. The Canon was a big surprise to me at the end of the video. I own a 1.8, lovely lens. Now I'm going to have to pick up a 1.4. My personal favorite is still the Pentacon 50/1.8 (multicoated version!). Best handling, minimum focusing distance and bokeh. I just got a Schneider- Kreuznach Xenon 50mm F/1.9. If you haven't tried it, please do. it's such a surprising little lens. It would be great to see it reviewed. If I lived in the UK I would definitely send you mine! Thanks as always!

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      And thanks for watching! I've heard much that's good about the Schneider Kreuznach lenses and will investigate them soon. The FD 1.4 is rather nicer than the 1.8 (which is itself a nice lens) - I don't think you'll regret getting one - and although I do like the Pentacon 50, the FD 1.4 will blow it out of the water, technically speaking, at least!

  • @parratt-world
    @parratt-world 4 года назад

    Thank you, from 'lockdown' stranded in the Philippines. Yes, the Summitar I have, as it came with the iiif as the original kit lens. It is indeed a gem, for all the the reasons yoi point out.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      That Summitar's a lovely little lens. Hope you're able to get home soon!

  • @puntonpointmedia5669
    @puntonpointmedia5669 4 года назад

    Hi Zenography--new to photography and videography this year. Purchased some great and affordable vintage lenses based on your recommendations. Recently acquired the Industar-61 2.8 for my Sony A6400. Delivers on everything you said--exactly. Really pleased. Thanks!

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      That;s great, glad these videos have been useful to you! Enjoy that little Industar!

  • @thoughtcriminal7198
    @thoughtcriminal7198 4 года назад +1

    I wonder how the Pentacon 50mm f1.8 would stand up in that group. If I could only keep one old 50mm vintage lens, that would be the one.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      The Pentacon is a very nice little lens - wish I'd kept mine!

  • @shahzadahmed-tq8tm
    @shahzadahmed-tq8tm 4 года назад +4

    Wounderful video as ever! Could you please recomend a 35mm f 1.4 vintage lens for black and white photography?
    Thank You in advance!

    • @vikmanphotography7984
      @vikmanphotography7984 4 года назад +1

      35mm 1.4 is really a newer accomplishment so you won't find much in the way of 'vintage'. The closest you'll probably get is the voightlander 35mm 1.4 Classic in Leica M mount.

    • @shahzadahmed-tq8tm
      @shahzadahmed-tq8tm 4 года назад

      @@vikmanphotography7984 Thank You for the reply! What abt. f2 and above?

    • @vikmanphotography7984
      @vikmanphotography7984 4 года назад +2

      @@shahzadahmed-tq8tm your best bet is either the Nikkor pre-ais 35mm f2 or the legendary Minolta/Leica 40mm f2.
      Minolta did make a 35mm 1.8 but it has many many issues and I can't recommend it.
      Pentax and Olympus have 35mm f2 offerings also but I'm not familiar with them.

    • @abhishekvsmalyala
      @abhishekvsmalyala 4 года назад

      As someone already suggested, get the voigtlander nokton classic 35 1.4 (preferably SC version if you are shooting black and white)
      A cheaper option is the voigtlander color skopar 35mm F2. 5 in Leica thread mount. Way sharper than most 35mm F2 lenses I've tried.

  • @CapitanFajardo
    @CapitanFajardo 4 года назад +2

    When I saw the title of the video I thought the Zuiko 50/1.4 was going to be in your list since you always speak in high regard about it.
    As a Zuikoholic I was a little bit sad to not see any OM lenses in your list, however I can see why since your selection is excellent!

    • @tommorgan3125
      @tommorgan3125 4 года назад

      Me too...my Easter ruined. Great video as usual and thanks for posting, most enjoyable.

    • @martinpettinger413
      @martinpettinger413 4 года назад

      Yes, I was surprised the Zuiko didn't make it. Had a Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 4 years ago and adapted for Micro 43rd's and didn't rate it. Could have had a poor copy though as I am more knowledgeable about fungus and haze now.

    • @vikmanphotography7984
      @vikmanphotography7984 4 года назад

      @@martinpettinger413 The Canon does suffer a lot from CA which might make it a less desirable pick for smaller formats.
      As for the absence of OM lenses, he did mention that this list was for lenses he's picked up in the last year.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      I do like that little Zuiko 1.4 - as you've noticed! This one was about 50mm lenses tried over the past year though...

    • @caldera878
      @caldera878 4 года назад +1

      The Canon FD 50 f1.4 have some very pronounced sample variation in the production run. Canon skimping on QC, plastic feeling qualities, and especially where bokeh fringing, and rings is a problem due to inadequate element polishing. Variations of busy, rough bokeh and too much Longitudinal CA. An overrated prime lens from an era when Canon was only chasing behind Nikon.

  • @martinda7446
    @martinda7446 4 года назад +1

    That was wonderful. The Canon took me by surprise...I didn't expect that. The images looked amazing. My favourite is the Biotar though.
    I know it isn't your style, but sometimes I would like to see a test card to determine performance, resolution etc...It is my engineering side that sometimes needs pampering. Nobody else is going to do it with these lenses. (And then again - I like the Biotar??) Edit - Which I doubt would test too well. Edit again: Which answers my own question really..

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      On occasion, I've toyed with the idea of formal testing such as you describe, to give definitive measurements of resolution, CA etc; as you've probably noticed though, I prefer to test in real world conditions, unscientifically, to gain an impression of the aesthetic feel of a lens. Maybe one day I'll put on my lab coat, as it were!

  • @marksieving7925
    @marksieving7925 2 года назад

    I recently saw a Zenit Biotar-Krasnogorsk 58mm F/2 in Nikon F mount. I'm wondering how it compares to the CZJ or Helios 44 .

  • @benleitch5307
    @benleitch5307 4 года назад +1

    Surely a Carl Zeiss 50mm F2.8 tessar from the contaflex and alike is a worthy contender. Costs peanuts in the scale of things but an absolute cracking lens £ for £

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      The Zeiss 2.8 Tessar is indeed an impressive lens - and very cheap!

  • @northstar1950
    @northstar1950 4 года назад +1

    I'm well impressed if you strip and clean your own lenses.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      It's something I approach with a minimalist philosophy - do the minimum amount of disassembly to get to the parts to be cleaned. The Biotar was quite difficult actually, due to the body having to come apart to get to the rear element. Reassembly took quite some time! The Helios 44, by contrast, is one of the easiest in the world to strip and clean!

    • @northstar1950
      @northstar1950 4 года назад

      @@zenography7923 , We, my wife and I ,well mainly me partially stripped a Leitz Summitar described by a dealer as scrap. The ten iris leaves had to be removed for cleaning as they were coated in fine rust, she did a splendid job using very fine makeup removal pads, I cleaned all the all the accessible lens surfaces but were still trying to get all ten leaves back in position. we have now given up and I re assembled it with out the leaves, it takes a great photo on a digital camera providing you want plenty of Bokeh!

  • @burstongreye7090
    @burstongreye7090 4 года назад

    Another stellar Trevor review ✌🏽

  • @NevardArt
    @NevardArt 4 года назад +1

    Riveting, where would you have put the helios 44 in a top ten?

    • @vikmanphotography7984
      @vikmanphotography7984 4 года назад

      Helios 44 is just a Zeiss biotar 58 f2 with slightly worse build quality.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      The Helios, especially the early 13 blade version, is a very nice lens and one of my favourites. In a shoot out between all the lenses I have it would most likely be somewhere near the top; this test however was for lenses I've newly used over the past year.

  • @teshaksnake783
    @teshaksnake783 4 года назад

    I really wish you'll try Minolta rokkor 50 1.4 and 40 1.8, both are pretty bargain in Russia, and I think here in England too

  • @thinkbear
    @thinkbear 4 года назад

    I’ve been enjoying your videos over the past few weeks. I can’t help noticing that you focus much more heavily on 50mm lenses. It makes sense given that these are vintage lenses for the 35mm full frame system, but 50mm is quite long for mirror less cameras. They’re good choices for portraits and macro, but harder to work with for general work. Do you have videos I just haven’t found yet comparing examples of vintage lenses with a 35mm focal length? Thanks!

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      Indeed I do! This video ruclips.net/video/K0Clc9dOpg8/видео.html features two 28mm and two 35mm lenses, this one ruclips.net/video/L3eDidMYJqo/видео.html looks at four 28mm lenses, and this one ruclips.net/video/arI3hmqM6Qc/видео.html compares the Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4 with the Olympus Zuiko 35mm f2.8. Enjoy!

  • @epiccookingwithtamtam9415
    @epiccookingwithtamtam9415 4 года назад

    Wish I can use some of these lenses someday.

    • @alanthomas2235
      @alanthomas2235 4 года назад

      Hello I'm going to look for some of these lens at my local car boot

  • @ldstirling
    @ldstirling 4 года назад

    Are you testing these lenses out on anything aside from your Sony mirrorless digital camera? It would be nice, I think, to see these lenses' results on shooting film. BTW, I totally agree with you on the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4. I have a Breech- lock version of this lens and its sharp and contrasty whether on my Canon A-1 or adapted to my Fuji X-E2. Got it for about $70 USD, or about £55-60.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      I'm going to do some film shooting in upcoming episodes. And those Canon lenses can be real bargains at the moment!

  • @Magnetron692
    @Magnetron692 4 года назад

    Hi, thanks for the review! What about the Canon FD 1.2/50mm? Best, Ralf

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      I'd certainly like to try that lens, I've heard very good things about it!

  • @MudbloodWizard
    @MudbloodWizard 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for the video! Don't you just love 50mm lenses?! I have the Canon FD 50 1.4 that I use on my A7III and it is one of my favorite lenses!

    • @chrisnovakowski9827
      @chrisnovakowski9827 4 года назад

      I completely agree with your comments on the Canon FD 50mm f1.4. I've been using this lens on my Canon A-1 & find that it is a lovely combination.

  • @takaya4203
    @takaya4203 4 года назад +2

    In my opinion the Pentacon 50mm f1.8 is a less sharper, more dreamy and cheaper alternative to the Pancolar...

    • @thoughtcriminal7198
      @thoughtcriminal7198 4 года назад

      A direct comparison would be interesting. The Pentacon reaches maximum sharpness at f4 with plenty of bokeh. It also focuses closer than the Pancolar.

    • @wreford07
      @wreford07 4 года назад +1

      I love the pentacon. Have several. Great bokeh. Dreamy

  • @theyasman
    @theyasman 4 года назад

    I want the Summitar but damn they are expensive!

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      Expensive, yes, but my goodness they're nice!

  • @stefpix
    @stefpix 4 года назад

    What is your opinion on vintage Nikon lenses? I have not seen any mentioned in your nice videos.

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  3 года назад

      Check out my video '85 is the new 50', and some of my other videos from around that time!

    • @stefpix
      @stefpix 3 года назад

      @@zenography7923 Thank you. I find actually 55-60mm the ideal focal length for my portraits. I like the closeness. I have been playing with the Helios 44x-xs and I like it, quite tighter than a Takumar. I used to shoot jobs with Sony A7xx and the 55mm Sony/Zeiss. I got the 85mm, first the Zeiss then the Sony, but I barely used them except for some round table events to get close up shots of participants. I have a few Helios, I will keep some sell some. I like the 44-3 and 44M-4 better than 44M and 44M-6. The 44-2 zebra looks nice, but the 44-3 has more usable focus ring. I will check your 85mm video, but I think the 50/58mm offer the most pleasure in using manual focus.

  • @atomicwaste12
    @atomicwaste12 3 года назад

    I have the Canon FD 50mm f1.8 version, is that one any good?

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  3 года назад +1

      Well I think it's lovely, but that doesn't matter! What's important is whether you like it!

  • @bradl2636
    @bradl2636 2 года назад

    The Canon is FD or New FD version and does it make a difference?

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  2 года назад

      This one is new FD, but as I understand it the mounts are almost the same, and are interchangeable.

    • @bradl2636
      @bradl2636 2 года назад

      @@zenography7923 Im wondering if the optical formulas are the same?

  • @ritonmhilli
    @ritonmhilli 4 года назад

    6:13 big like
    Thanks

  • @N0rdman
    @N0rdman 4 года назад +1

    Very interesting line-up and presentation of some serious vintage glass.
    Now there is one brand of vintage lenses I haven't seen you mention that I think you should explore further if you haven't before: Konica and their AR Hexanon top of the line, not the cheaper Hexar. Like all brands, not every lens is stellar but they have some qualities that make them quite interesting: high contrast, deep colour saturation, almost Minolta Rokkor in colour reproduction and excellent control of flare.
    Have a look here: www.flickr.com/photos/24288287@N05/49773609647/in/dateposted-public/

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад

      I've heard the Hexanon lenses are quite something - I'll look out for some nice ones. Which are the best, in your opinion?

    • @N0rdman
      @N0rdman 4 года назад

      @@zenography7923 I'm quite new to Konica Hexanon; I'm a mostly a Minolta person, but I thought I should start and take a look at the Konica brand as Minolta and Konica merged in 2003 and so far I've tried the 28mm f/3.5, 50mm f/1.7, 100mm f/2.8 and Hexar 135mm f/3.5.
      The 28mm and 50mm are clearly the best of these so far, but the Tele lenses are not that different from Minolta Rokkor.
      The Buhla site has more information about the lenses:
      www.buhla.de/Foto/Konica/eHexanonUebersicht.html

  • @FLORAMORAITINI
    @FLORAMORAITINI 4 года назад

    If it the 8 blades one they say it is radioactive. the 6 blades one is not.

  • @Desmond-Hume
    @Desmond-Hume 4 года назад +3

    You really need to use binaural microphone (or just simple 2 mics, one for the left channel, one for the right), and make those videos in ASMR style, as it is now anyway. And put title "ASMR" in thumbnail, u're gonna get really big.

    • @BIMLounge
      @BIMLounge 4 года назад +1

      I know, right? I think that would totally shift the meaning of the channel. AND you don't want too many people to know about vintage lenses 😂

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      Oh, I do hope so!

  • @ViewandReview
    @ViewandReview 4 года назад

    nice one

  • @martinbrice9458
    @martinbrice9458 4 года назад

    The voice though ...

  • @vladognyanov467
    @vladognyanov467 4 года назад

    To give you Zenith 44mm f2?!?!....the best !end

  • @popeyesailor9571
    @popeyesailor9571 4 года назад

    It really seems like all you do is put stuff out of focus. Bokeh bros have ruined photography

    • @zenography7923
      @zenography7923  4 года назад +1

      Hopefully something is in focus! And I don't think photography is ruined - I'm sure it will survive a little shallow depth of field!