TOMIOKA Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.2. Review of a classic, ultra-fast vintage lens.
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- OK, so it's radioactive, and has a funny shaped rear element. But how does the lens (from a legendary maker) really perform in practice?
Here are links to the main parts of the video:
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Design and optics
04:46 How sharp is the lens wide open?
07:37 Does the bokeh have that “wow factor”?
09:35 How good is the performance stopped down?
11:51 The right lens at the right price?
13:30 Final observations on selecting an old f1.2 lens
#tomioka #f1.2 
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Here are links to the main parts of the video:
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Design and optics
04:46 How sharp is the lens wide open?
07:37 Does the bokeh have that “wow factor”?
09:35 How good stopped down?
11:51 The right lens at the right price?
13:30 Final observations on selecting an old f1.2 lens
Love your reviews! Looking forward to more lenses reviews like this!
Have used the Olympus OM 50mm and 55mm f/1.2’s. They are great! Especially the 50mm. Ended up selling them years later and now experimenting with the Minolta rokkor 58mm.
1.2
I recently acquired the Canon FL 55mm, and it really is a "wow" lens for me. Not only can it practically see in the dark, but it makes just beautiful images when you have lots of light points in the background.
Another GREAT video, thank you for sharing and for all the work!
I’ve really enjoyed my Minolta MC 58mm f/1.2. Image quality is great but I think what I like most about it is the build quality. It’s heavy, all metal and glass and just has a nice tactile feeling in the hands. As well the flare is…. 👌🏼👌🏼
I love your clips unconditionally and this was an exception coz for no good reason, I love 1.2 too!
Thank you for being YOU.
I have the Olympus OM 50mm 1.2, 1.4 and the 1.8 - but, honestly, I can't stop using the 1.2 because it's just so much fun to use.
I definitely enjoyed the black and white tree shots here. I had wanted to see how it behaved wide open at longer distances. And of course much of your experimentation was beautiful in the color shots.
I am back using my Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM for product shots right now. I think it is really a nice lens wide open. The Tomioka lenses I have are f1.4 lenses. They are good too, but this G.Zuiko is hitting the spot for me this week.
Thank you for posting this video and if you check, you'll notice that I have watched all of your videos.
Infact I do own a Yashinon Tomioka 55mm f1.2 since a very long time and used it for all the serious photo shoots during the film era but only reasontly I found out the real value of this lens through Ebay. I currently use a Nikkor 55mm f1.2 early model but I must admit that the Tomioka does have a certain unique quality about it.
Thanks once again and looking forward to seeing more of your videos in the future
Another great video. I have never been disappointed with any of your recommended lens that I have bought. Some of them didn’t grab me right away but after a bit if time with them the light bulb came on, “ah, that’s what he was talking about!” Thanks for your great reviews.
Many thanks Karen, so glad you ended up liking the lenses. I've had the same experience with some of my now favourite lenses - a slow burn! And for one of two, I think I've grown to like them mainly because I have to try so hard to get them to produce decent images.
Excellent video. Well balanced review backed up with appropriate images. Your audio is great. The text you wrote is lean and impactful and read at an ideal pace. Your subject choice is great, because that lens is awesome!
Many thanks. I really enjoying writing the text - the process helps me identify gaps in my knowledge, and lack of images to back up my ideas, and sometimes changes my mind. (If that doesn't sound too two-minded!). But narrating it and cutting it up to match the images and pace is a bit of a pain. So I'm very grateful for your support and encouragement.
@@Simonsutak Thank you for putting in all the hard work. Its a huge benefit for us!
Interesting video, thanks for that
I have the Auto Rikenon 55/1.4 and love it. This is my most exciting lens. And after the review I'll look around for the 1.2.
Thank you for this interesting and informative review! It inspired me to search out a Tomioka f1.2 and I was fortunate enough to find a nice copy. As a note, it can be hard to find adapters for this lens as the rear lens element often hits a flange on m42 adapters designed to trigger the aperture pin on the back of such lenses. After trying several adapters without success, I discovered that for certain brands of adapter, the flange is a separate washer type object and can be removed. This is accomplished by removing the set screws for these adapters, removing the M42 screw part, taking out the "washer" and then resetting the screw part of the mount. This will not work with some adapters as the flange is part of the screw mount. I am currently using a Urth M42 to M-mount adapter in this manner, and then I add a second adapter to attach the camera to Sony and Fuji bodies. Thanks again for this and your other excellent reviews!
I love my Konica Hexanon 57mm f1.2 and was incredibly lucky to find one attached to a camera for $40.
What a find!!!
I got interested in your channel about a month ago, since then I can't really watch others talking about old lenses. I really appreciate your style, well balanced in regards of subjective and objective (pun) evaluation. I have been wondering if you would do a Q&A session?
Many thanks for your kind words and idea. I'll look into Q&A sessions.
After doing my homework as which fast old lens to buy, pretty much as you did...my choice was the OM Zuiko 55mm f1.2 and wow I was not disappointed ! I love that lens and got some great images with it, best specialist lens I own.
Yes, I'd really like to try this lens one day.
My dream fast fifter is the CZJ Pancolar 55mm F1.4, I may never be able to buy one in my life but man the rendering of this lens is bonkers
I agree - some of the photos on line are extra-ordinary...this is a lens I'd really would like to own.
@@Simonsutak some cash out for Leica lenses, this would be the same kind of investment but for a CZJ so it's hard to justify
I like your presentations. I'm always impressed with the pinpoint focus of these old lenses as this Tomioka of yours. The only vintage 1.2, that I own is the Canon FL 55, made in '68. I like it very much. My problem, which is my own; I've acquired so many vintage lenses, I don't use it as much as I should. I've been rotating the stock, so to speak. Haha. Have good weekend.
Thank you! I know your problem only too well. I rotate nearly every day, as I walk to work, sometimes taking two cameras with me (the advantages of small mirrorless cameras). But I still look at a lens I haven't used for a while and think - "I love using that lens, why don't I use it more often?" Never enough time!
@@Simonsutak I know that "problem" very well. I own 16 vintage lenses, mostly left over from the film days, in addition to several modern ones. In German we have the rhyme: "Qual der Wahl" or the agony of choosing.
Many thanks for your sharing! Really learn a lot from your channel. ^^
I'm about to get a konica 57mm f1.2. I really loved the f1.4. In fact it's my favorite lens on apsc (91mm equivalent). I heard the f1.2 is surprisingly sharper and the photos show. Plus I've always wanted a yellowing radioactive lens. I'll add to this when I get it.
The Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 is a bit soft wide open, but sharp enough for portraits and the bokeh is great. Great value for money for Nikon f-mount cameras. But must admit I changed to mirrorless for these kind of lenses: focusing is so much easier and better.
I’ve had the privilege of getting to own 2 different 50mm 1.2s over the last year! I’ve briefly had both the Porst 50mm in Fujica mount and the Rokkor 58mm :))
I took New Years photos with the Rokkor and as Simon says (lol), the lens was difficult to use for infinity-focus shots and was good for close up portraits. My copy was damaged and didn’t stop down, but I still got some super cool video! I think I sold it for 160 or so
The Porst only had one issue: I did not like the focal length at 50mm. My longer lenses were much more satisfying! Otherwise, the lens was in immaculate shape, super sturdy, and looked really nice stopped down. I ended up selling it for $280 I believe.
Awesome video! I’m glad you found the right lens for you
Thank you - I agree about the 50mm focal length...so I'm happy to use APS-C!
I recently bought a Yashica TL Electro X ITS and to my surprise it came with a Tomioka Auto Yashinon 55mm f1.2 It only cost me 15 U$D. I also bought a Pentax ME with a Pentax SMC "K" 50mm f1.2 for only 5 Usd. I think I'm lucky hahaha😬
Which one of these lenses that you got, you think is the best? i own the Pentax SMC "K" 50mm f1.2 and i think is really beautiful. But i don't have other 1.2 lenses.
I love your reviews , this lens looks like one I want but I think it is out of my budget at the moment besides I already have 15 fast 50's ! I have the 50mm canon EF 1.2 and that lens has a certain magic and even thought it is much newer than this one I think it is about as sharp.
Reminds me of when I first got my first DSLR (Pentax K100D Super). One of the first things I did was stick my old 50 f1.4 A series lens on it and go out shooting. Focusing was hard - the normal focusing screen did not have the usual focusing aids we used to have. No microprisms, no split prism. Even with the f1.4 and the narrow depth of field it was difficult to nail the focus. The lens was also uncomfortably long, with the APS-C sensor. I guess these days for walking around I use one of my kit lenses, or my new (red) plastic fantastic 35 2.4 DA-L. Maybe I should try the 50 again someday.
Great video! I do like the cat portrait a lot. Of these lenses I have the Canon FL and FD 55/1.2 and the Olympus 55/1.2. Most used of all my 4 fast vintage lenses is the Olympus, because I like the bokeh and short MFD. Secondly used lens is my Canon 50/0.95, love that lens but the Olympus 55 is more versatile due to shorter MFD. The Canon FD 55/1.2 is very sharp wide open over a large area and smooth bokeh, but then I could just use a modern fast lens instead with accurate AF. On this list I go for the Konica 57/1.2 or the Tomioka Yashinon, but I take any of the Tomioka masterpieces of course :) The Olympus 50/1.2 is also high on my list.
Hell, I thought the f16 shots were nearly wide open....that lens is amazing!
You have a great brain, man.
I bought the Chinon version of this Tomioka to complete my set. 20mm f3.5, 28mm f2.8, 35mm f2.8, 55mm f1.4, 55mm f1.7 and the 100mm f2.8 all with the faux leather focus ring.
Nice collection! And you're right to describe the focus ring as having faux leather, a characteristic of some Tomioka lenses....rather than rubber, as I described it.
What's your observation about the difference between the 55mm 1.4 & 1.2?
@@251photographystudio How did you know I had the 1.2? never mentioned that.
Well let's see I collect Tomioka glass for their "dreamy, painterly" look, and the 1.2 has that look wide open that I can't find in other lenses.
The 1.4 has some of that beautiful soft bokeh wide open but sharpens up from f2.8-f4 but the corner softness never really goes even at f8.
The 1.7 has good centre sharpness but a lot of edge/corner softness till about f5.6-f8 (except the Chinon's with the green multi coated markings on the front bezel, that seem to have better edge sharpness).
Colours are a little muted or pastel, and the early Tomioka's lack multi coating so flare somewhat differently depending on when they were made.
The build quality is on par with my Takumar's and Contax (some of which were built by Tomioka).
@@damiendehorn6350 awesome thanks for the feedback on that. I was thinking of picking up the 1.4 as I already have a Canon FL 58mm 1.2 I love. Definitely looking for the dreamyness that the Tok glass provides
I have the Minolta 58 mc Rokkor pg, Canon FL 55 and the Zuiko 55 1.2, all meet your criteria. The Zuiko definitely has the wow factor and closer minimum focus distance of 45cm.
With macro focussing with a tripod, I recommend a rail. They have a gear for left and right and one for moving front to back. Tripod never has to be moved. You could argue why not just use the lens moving in and out, but a rail will give you more play. Plus, a nice old small German made rail is a nice thing to own, and you can move it, as I mentioned, left to right also. This is how to make stereo images to place on old Kodak stereoview cards that have crummy shots you don't mind covering. Just don't forget to slightly angle each shot toward the center.
I am very tempted by the Pentax 50mm f1.2. I saw photographs from it in a book as a child. It seemed to sparkle and have 3D pop. I think a high proportion of your list at the beginning were from Tomioka perhaps even the same design. I guess if it has a version with a stop down Auto/manual switch I might b tempted.
Yes, I like the A/M switch - so convenient for switching from wide open to a more stopped down setting. There are many fans of the Pentax 50mm f1.2 (SMC and A versions), but I prefer the bokeh from my Tomioka wide open.
I have a Minolta 58mm 1.2 on my Sigma fpL and I love it. Picked it up for $300, and it feels like a great bargain. I’m wondering if I bother to clean out the minor amount of dust inside if it would reduce the dreamy edges on bright subjects when wide open.
I have both a Cosina 55mm F1.2 and a Porst 55mm F1.2 in PK mount. I understand these two are the same optically, but they are different optically than the Cosinon, Yashinon, Chinon, Revuenon and Tominon 55mm 1.2 in m42 mount. Toby Marshall has some explanation of the difference. I don't have the m42 lens to compare, but I like the PK mount versions.
Napolina thanks you very much for the free publicity. Lovers of old lenses now only take this olive oil! 🤣🤣🤣
Loving your videos Simon, but darn you’re giving even MORE lenses to lust after!
I wasn’t even aware that this Tomioka even existed before I saw your episode on 50-60mm glass, but it looks like yet another stellar offering to add to the long list of fast standard lenses I’ve owned and used.
2 different versions of Minolta’s 58mm f1.2, Canon’s FL 58 and 55mm f1.2, the canon EF 50mm f1.2 and Voigtlander’s much more recent 50mm f1.2 E version (lenses which reinforces the view that I prefer lenses with the slightly longer focal length between 55 and 58mm).
I think that the Canon FL 55mm f1.2 is a brilliant example of a lens that offers incredible value over other more famous lenses and I suspect it’s actually largely identical to the subsequent aspherical FD versions that film-makers are busy elevating the prices for, and it’s much sharper wide-open than I was expecting with decent bokeh and the sublime contrast that that combination inspires… the 58mm Canon FL version is softer in its’ bokeh but at the cost of less in-focus sharpness.
I’m bound to try a Nikon 55mm 1.2 and Olympus’s version too at some point as well as others that I haven’t heard of yet, but the lens that I keep coming back to is the Minolta 58mm f1.4.
Living in the shade of its’ fine f1.2 brother, it’s apparently more like a 61mm focal length and it is som much more practical in size and weight than any of the f1.2 lenses I’ve used, and despite ‘only’ being a 1.4 and having a 0.6m MFD the out of focus character it produces is bokeh-licious! I even picked up a 2nd copy just so I have a back-up haha!
So in spite of reputations and fanfare, the phrase that keeps rolling round my head with all these lens options is 'Love the lens you're with' :)
But I’m bound now to be researching this Tomioka now and I do have one question about all the Auto-versions available… do you know if they all use thorium and as such are similar in their quality and character... maybe it’s really a case of just going with the focus barrel design and price as the deciding factor?
Anyway, great study Simon … again :)
Hi,
Many thanks for these most interesting comments. You have a great collection of f1.2s. I agree on the 55mm to 58mm focal length! I need do some research on the Canon FL as I don't know it at all.
I've been thinking about buying a Minolta 58mm f1.4 for some time now. But I've been slightly put off by the polarised feedback on the lens wide open. No reflection on your views - it seems for every positive comment, I've also a read "I don't like the bokeh until I stop down the lens to f2.8" comment. I'm tempted to wait for a good Minolta f1.2 to appear on-line and go for that. Or a Konica f1.2! Or maybe go for a cheap Minolta 55mm f1.7, but then I have so many 55s. Choices, choices...
My understanding is that all the various branded Tomioka Auto 55mm f1.2s are radioactive. I don't know whether they have the same character, and I've seen no evidence on-line one way or the other. They do, however, all seem to have the same quirky rear element design, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are essentially the same lens, except for cosmetic styling. I opted for the Auto-Revuenon because I liked the images I'd seen from that particular lens. So rather than taking a risk with the others, I stuck with the Revuenon. I very nearly bought a Yashinon version that was poorly listed and relatively cheap a few years ago, and I wish I had (I prefer metal focal rings), and then I'd be able to help more.
All the best,
Simon
@@Simonsutak Thanks Simon, that's really ever so useful and likewise, I think I'd prefer a metal focus ring.
And on the Minolta 58mm f1.4, I'd happily send you through some raw samples from mine if you're interested, not sure if you can direct message me on here so I can WeTransfer some examples. But I'm aware it gets mixed reviews and I can only say that I know what I like.
I will say that I wish it was just a tad sharper wide open because that soft corner warp you get on wide-open primes is frankly spectacular to my eyes, but I've also come to suspect that it's BECAUSE of its' slight softness that the bokeh is so beautiful as a result.
Anyway, the good news is that it's a steal and worth a try at typically under a hundred quid!
@@henrysteadman963 All I can offer is my email: simons.utak1@gmail.com. If you wouldn't mind emailing a few down-sized shots that would be great. I don't need to pixel peep - I'm more interested in the overall look of the bokeh. (As you write too!).
Hi again. Well I think I have a (partial) answer to your question. Someone I follow on Flickr, Milan, has just purchased an Auto Yashinon 55mm f1.2 and his photos could have been taken exactly with my Auto Revuenon. Here's a link to one of the 5 photos he's posted so far. www.flickr.com/photos/cvijax/52781199801/in/album-72177720307106908/
@@Simonsutak Those are stunning and certainly apiece with your revue non aren't they... so exciting when we discover a new (old) optic... wot fun! Thank you Simon :) Offer is still there to send some Minolta 58 samples, and even some canon FL 55mm ones too if it's of interest.
I don't have any lenses F/1.2 or faster (yet), but I do own 3 vintage F/1.4 lenses. Since I am on a tight budget, I gravitated towards old, manual focus lenses and defects.
The first I got was an Auto Revuenon 50/1.4, which I tried to clean from fungus and oil. One of the rings was stuck tightly, and well, let's just say I'm very happy I got the lens back together again and optical quality doesn't seem to have suffered.
The second is an Auto Revuenon as well, though an older version, 55/1.4 and larger than the other one. This one was my favourite up until now. It's in good mechanical and optical condition, aperture is stuck (oily) wide open - and because of the defect I managed to get it for 5€ at a local camera store.
Third and most recent is one of my dream lenses - a radioactive 7-element Takumar 50/1.4, with yellowed rear element. I just love how it feels and how compact it is.
In terms of optical quality I haven't compared them side by side, but I think they are largely similar.
Wide open all are a bit soft and vignetting, as I would expect from such a fast vintage lens. Combined with slight optical aberrations and very thin depth of field, this gives images wide open a very dreamy look.
Got some examples here: www.flickr.com/photos/192266207@N04/albums/72157719416063423
The Takumar also produces very sharp images at F/2.8 and smaller. I would assume the Revuenons do as well, but I don't want to bother with degreasing them again right now. If I want a good lens for stop-down, I have lighter and cheaper options anyway :)
Many thanks for sharing your experiences and the link. Love those dreamy images!
i own the old nikkor 55mm 1.2. i have the oldest version so i like to play with the light leaks and vintage rendering. i am a fan of nikkors' cooler color pallet and blue-greens and strong violets and reds
Sounds good! One day I hope to try the Nikkors...
I bought an Auto Chinon 55mm f1.4 TOMIOKA- M42 mount as well as a SIGMATEL 135mm f1.8 . However I still have not found an adapter for use with my NIKON D850 . I would like to know how they render ..... If anyone knows let me know please . Thank you .
As of April 2023, this lens is going for over $1000 US on Ebay. When it comes to vintage lenses, I just can't quite justify that kind of spending, especially when I got a Minolta f1.4 recently that seems quite outstanding...and I think it was under $100 at a camera show.
Which version of the f1.4? I've just bought a MC Minolta Rokkor-PF 58mm f1.4. The 50mm may be better I've read...
@@Simonsutak So I just double checked. I got both a Minolta MD 50mm f1.7 and the same 58mm you mentioned. Both have been good so far in limited testing, though I haven't had a chance to do any portraits with the 50mm to get a real feel for it.
with the super shallow dof at home live shooting helps alot so you can see whats going on on the computer rather than the camera
Using K-mount cameras (digital crop as well as 35mm film) a lot of the lenses mentioned are options for me. Out of all of them, the Pentax K 50 1.2 seems like the best mix of performance, availability, and price. The A 50 1.2 is supposed to be very slightly better out towards infinity but that's not really an interest and shots from the K seem sharp enough. I believe this lens offers some of the best wide-open sharpness out of all of the listed options. I will admit to envying some of the 3rd party M-mount options that are out there for fast glass these days.
Yes, there are a lot of fans of the SMC K 50mm f1.2. I took a good long look at this lens, and on-line friends of mine use this lens, but decided that I preferred the wide open bokeh of the Tomioka.
What about the Minolta Mc rokkor 58mm f/1.2
I am finding that this lens really sings wide open.
Auto Mamiya Sekor 55mm F1.4 with M42 Mount Tomioka Design
I didn't see any Mamiya f1.2 lenses on your list.
I also have these
Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f/1.4
Auto Chinon MultiCoated 55mm f1.4
I was really surprised with the Auto Mamiya Sekor 55mm F1.4 lens.
Good spot - there is a Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.2 - photos here: kopi234.blogspot.com/2013/03/auto-mamiyasekor-55mm-f12.html
And the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 really is wonderful wide open in the right light!
Yeah, great link. That cat is weird though. :-)
Longer focal lengths at more modest maximum apertures, produce at least as much out of focus effects. 30 years ago I shot bokeh effects on an inexpensive 300mm lens, that happened to focus closely. If you must have a 50mm f1.2, modern manual focus lenses from brands like Meke can be less expensive than vintage glass.
Yes, "close focus" is the operative phrase with telephoto lenses. Plus the need to stabilise the lens/camera. My 100mm f2.8 Macro lens can produce lovely smooth bokeh up-close. And there indeed are less expensive options to this vintage glass nowadays.
I bought the Chinon Tomioka 55mm f1.4, i have never seen another anywhere to date...
Hi Simon! Thank you for many really informative and interesting videos. I have enjoyed watching them for a while now, and some time ago I bought the Chinon version of the 55 1.2 Tomioka made lens myself. It`s a great lens, but I ran into a problem adapting it to digital. The protruding rear lens element seems to hit the bottom of the flange distance on the adapter(Novoflex), and therefore I can not focus further than about 2 meters. Did you find to have the same problem, and where you able to solve it. I saw the lens mounted on your Pentax K1 but could not see what kind of adapter that you attached it with. Anyways, please continue making these great videos. Thanks! Best regards Anders Bergersen-Norway
Hi, sorry to read about this. On my Pentax K-1, I use a Pentax made K-mount to M42 mount adapter ring and it works fine at all distances. On my Sony I use two adapters - a e-mount to K mount adapter and then the K-mount to M42 mount adapter. I do this because it gives me the flexibility to use K-mount lenses as well. It's this one - www.amazon.co.uk/Fotodiox-PKAF-SnyE-Adapter-Mount-Built/dp/B005ORIS4Y/ref=sr_1_20?crid=24CENVZI5QGZN&keywords=e+mount+to+k+mount&qid=1669887524&sprefix=emount+to+k+mount%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-20
Good luck! Simon
I've got both the Oly Zuiko G 55/1.2, but unfortunately it's aperture control has been disconnected and is stuck at f1.2. I have fun with it in super low-light situations, but otherwise I prefer my Nikon 50/1.2, which has the advantage of still being made. My copy is from the late 80s and I managed to get it for a little over $200 over a decade ago and it's still in very good condition with all mechanical bits working smoothly. Expensive for a vintage lens, but there are much more pricey ones out there. To be honest, I don't see a huge difference between the rendering on these two.
thanks a lot!
Hello Simon. I recently acquired the Auto Rikenon 50mm f1.7. It also has the amber coloured sunlight flare, coupled with the "rainbow rain" flaring effect same as in your examples. Do you happen to know if this one is made by Tomioka as well? (All lens parts, both internal/external look like the Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 as well)
currently comparing images of 50mm lenses ranging all over the place between 50mm f1.4 to 58mm f2. I'm looking forward to the f1.2 lens tests. It really is interesting seeing what you get (and don't get) from these vintage lenses. great vid!
I think my all time fav is the Contax Zeiss Planar 50/1.4, but I've recently fallen into a love/hate relationship with the Canon 50/1.2LTM since it's super compact on a Sony A7, but suffers from bad haze in harsh light.
@@KNURKonesur I would love to try the Canon 50/1.2LTM and compare it to the FL 55/58mm f1.2 and the FD 55mm f1.2 which I own.
@@seoulrydr Its a wild guess but the old guy may win on bokeh character, but certainly not on microcontrast, resolution, flare control and many others :P it also has an annoyingly long minimal focus distance, but since it's a screw mount lens, you can technically unscrew it a little and shorten the distance a bit, but it makes the thing unnecessarily fiddly.
@@KNURKonesur Yeah a long min focus distance can be problematic. I use the Sony A7RIII and I have lost 2 adapters to two of my canon lenses because I cannot get them off. I hate breach locks. I will probably buy a lot of them for all my canon lenses and leave it at that!
Have you played around with Anamorphic lenses or adapters yet?
A 1.2 50 Minolta arrived and even though the price was crazy cheap, after poking around with it I wonder what the heck I'm going to do with it. All my all metal Minolta 1.4's and a 55mm 1.7 find up bring stopped down, and I love the look. So how even to test the 1.2? By shooting video and moving toward and past the object or surface in mind. On tripod. Then, think about selling it for twice what I paid.
Revuenon from Revue was a trade brand of the Neckermann warehouses and "post dealer".
I foubd that rubber coating that gets sticky can be fixed by a number of rubbings with alcohol. I did it years ago to a camera body that was sticky using household bathroom alcohol and a series of wipedowns. Maybe 8.
That bokeh is quite something
I have this lens and it is the single lens I would keep if I sold all others and that includes over 350 lenses!
Good to hear, with all your experience and options. You got me thinking...which one to keep? I used to think I'd keep an old fifty-something Macro lens, as they are so versatile and such beautifully engineered lenses. But yes the Tomioka would now be at, or near the top of my list too.
I own this lens but, can't seem to focus to infinity with any lens adapter. Do you know how I can acheive this?
I had the same problem with mine on a nikon z7 with an m42 mount .
The lens got stuck inside.
Hi. What about Porst MC Color Reflex 55mm F1.2 PK ? Some people claim that properly used is an amazing lens.
Properly used, yes. From what I read (and I can't find the source right now) the Porst is not as "special" as some other f1.2s...but it's all a matter of taste.
I know that your focus is mostly on collecting old lenses, but have you ever thought of perhaps making a video on the modern fast manual primes for mirrorless cameras? For example, TTartisan makes a 17mm f/1.4 for crop sensors only, and I think it is an interesting lens with vintage-like characterisitcs. It's very cheap too, only about 100 USD if I'm not mistaken.
I have thought about this, and I was actually offered the chance by one manufacturer to review one of their lenses. But I passed on the opportunity, as I thought at the time it was better to remain independent. Probably a mistake in retrospect!!
@@Simonsutak yeah I'll admit that's a shame, would have liked to see the vid.
I now own 3 f1.2 lenses.
Canon FL 55mm f1.2 1968 (1.05822 lbs)
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM
Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm F1.2 Hawk Eye MF Lens MC II Hills and Valleys
Each one produces a different look.
The Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 has a color rendering that is fantastic.
The Canon FL 55mm f1.2 has a very clear and bright.
The Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm F1.2 Hawk Eye MF Lens MC II Hills and Valleys has a very unique 3D look too.
I would like to know what these lenses cost brand new back in the day?
Simon, don't you ever white balance your camera sensor before shooting? I am responding to your radioactive yellowing issues.
Yes, I do sometimes white balance my cameras. I should have mentioned this. However, I think my point about yellowing still stands, especially if people use (for example) standard jpegs.
You "sometimes" white balance your cameras? To me, a guy who dragged a PD150 DVCam, large fluid head tripod and cases of tape with him for 10 years of documenting his band performances for internet broadcasts, "sometimes" white balance your cameras would result in reels and reels of junk footage. No, I white balanced at every setup at every show. I carried a foam white board to do it with. That was because I wanted the colors to be correct. Now that I have a digital Canon 2000D camera, I also white board white balance for every setup. That is what I meant by White Balance. I could try to bring it back using software, but that is not as good as getting it right in the first place as the dynamics of the camera will eventually be strained. Your statement of "Yes, I do sometimes white balance my cameras" sounds like you think of it as the same as setting the colors on an old color TV. It is not. It is like setting the colors on the room or outdoor shoot. External, not in the camera. The camera finds white in the setup then sets the other colors based on that. This is a big difference.
I have found that there is no golden color to a radioactive lens if you do this. It is true that your lens might slow down due to the lens. I like to UV my radioactive lenses if it can be done without scratching the coating on the glass. Some lenses have a rear lens that extends out quite a lot.
I am glad we had this conversation. I watch a lot of your videos. I also think I might have heard your voice on some music interviews, but maybe not.
@@jmoss99 Great comment!!! I see precisely what you mean, especially using a white board as a guide.
I'm more of a snapper with the old lenses I talk about on RUclips. When I need to do a product shot (for example), that's a completely different thing, and I 100% agree its important to get the settings/set up right beforehand and not rely on post processing to fix issues. (I've fought with some odd blue or magenta tints in shadows for instance, trying to "fix" white issues pp).
So as a snapper, by "sometimes", I mean I decide before taking shots whether or not I need to manually change settings on my camera, or simply rely on the auto settings from the camera. And sometimes after taking a shot and looking at it on the rear screen I'll go into manual over-ride too.
Cheers - and no, I've never done any music interviews, sounds fun though.
Thanks for a good video.Unfortunately I am not convinced this lens warrants it's price, but I can only dream of stumbling on a bargain one day.Cheers.
Hey Simon how much did your lens cost I have a 55 mm 1.2 canon FDSCC is an SSC but I was just curious how they compared I love your channel sir and you should be doing children’s cartoon voice overs
Ha! My daughters would smile at me doing cartoon voice overs! My lens cost £325, three years ago. (I waited for almost a year before one at that price appeared). Some lenses in similar condition were going for well over £500 at the same time. I remember a mint Yashinon version came up for sale in the UK for £300 shortly after I got the Revuenon, and thinking - I should buy that as an investment....but I didn't... ifs and buts...
@@Simonsutak This lens is now on sale for about 600€, Before I buy it, I would definitely go for the Nikkor Z 50mm/1.2 S - sorry...
Thank you for this video (and others, ofc). Please tell me (us) the price you paid for this lens, it should not be a secret.
The prices I paid (all in the UK) were all over the place - from £5 to £135 over the past 10 years. The £5 was for a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm f1.8 (my second copy). I walked into a charity shop, saw the lens and asked "how much is this" (As the label was worn). "It's £10, but we are having a half price sale, so it's £5 today!". £125 plus would be for the Takumar 58 and 55 f2.2. I think my black ringed Auto-Takumar 55mm f2.2 cost £28 plus pp, and others in the £25 - £35 range.
@@Simonsutak thank you. Good to know.
Also, if you struggle with Focus Peaking an answer could be that your EVF is not resolving enough
Yes, perhaps - for the test shots I was using an optical viewfinder on a FF DSLR, and the focus peaking on the back screen (magnified). I haven't tried focus peaking on a mirrorless FF camera yet!
How is the Auto Revuenon Tomioka 55mm f1.4 ??
Right now at Ebay
Tomioka 55mm F/1.2 Yashinon M42
US $1,000.00
How much did this lens cost you? I am thinking about $350 or so.
It cost me around £325 three years ago, but it can cost a lot more.....
f1.2 lenses are not cheap. I paid over $300 for a few of my lenses on eBay like the Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 in great condition. Also, the Minolta MC Rokkor PG 58mm F1.2 Hawk Eye MF Lens MC II. The Canon f1.2 lenses are a lot less than that. I have the FL, but it is nothing to get excited about. However, the Leica R and Contax Zeiss in general can be much more expensive.
You were talking at the end about getting the "right lens at the right price" but you never told us how much you paid for your Tomioka lens. Are there other lenses on this list that you think are almost as good, based on your criteria, but maybe represent a slightly better value because they are less expensive? What, in your opinion, is a reasonable price to expect to pay for such a lens?
Well, three years ago I was looking to pay under £350 from the UK. Today, a K-mount Revuenon 55mm f1.2 would probably meet my criteria, and is sometimes listed under £300 . And then I've thought about buying the Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2 Lens....which sometimes comes under £300 too.
However, if I wanted an ultra-fast (sub-f1.4) lens, just to try it out, I'd definitely think about buying a 'cheaper' modern digital lens.
I really like the IQ of Olympus same FL, F1.2
Konica Hexagon 57mm 1.2
Won't it be cool to get lost in a garden with this lens!
Glad I watched this video. This lens is not for me thanks for helping me save my money. I'll fix my helios 40 instead.
I keep on looking for the bouquet u keep talking about. When I realised its ur off pronunciation of the word bokeh. Its very much pronounced as its spelled. Boh-keh not bowuaq or bouquet. Its a Japanese word and pronunciation is hard not soft. Which is an irony as it describes a soft area in an image