Is the Heliar 50mm 3.5 over hyped?

[Bike Tourist]

"Is the Heliar 50mm 3.5 over hyped? "

No.

(If you're speaking of image quality.)

Otherwise, if your a fan of collapsible lenses, slow maximum apertures, imprecise f-stops and screw-mount to M adapters, well, you will really, really like it.

I've had a couple (attached to Bessa T 101s) but ended up trading them.

 

[ljsegil]

Two more examples, shot on Efke 100, don't recall exposure details scanned on Nikon CS 9000 at 4000dpi, cropped moderately and enlarged to 8x10.
LJS
I like what this lens makes my film do. It's different.

 

[bennyng]

Can anyone here claim that they can tell Heliar 50/2 from 50/3.5 by the result, at any aperture from 3.5 down?

I do use the 50/2 from the R2M kit...

I have both lenses. You can't really tell the difference from f/3.5 onwards. But on subjects closer to the lens, the narrower depth of field gives the f/2.0 away.

Cheers,

 

[raid]

A comparison with a Summlux or Summicron at 2.0 with the Heliar 50/2 would be interesting maybe.

 

[Palaeoboy]

Raid, dont forget that Jonmanjiro tested a few 50mm lenses in Nikon S mount. (Lenses including the Heliar 50mm f3.5 and the Millennium Nikkor) You may want to take a look at that before proceeding so you dont overlap.

 

[raid]

Raid, dont forget that Jonmanjiro tested a few 50mm lenses in Nikon S mount. (Lenses including the Heliar 50mm f3.5 and the Millennium Nikkor) You may want to take a look at that before proceeding so you dont overlap.

Actually, having replications of lens comparisons never hurts anyone. Just the opposite; we get more information independently. Any lens comparison/test should be taken with a grain of salt unless many people join the discussions with their own views with the lenses being compared. I want to keep my comparisons unaffected by Jonmanjiro's tests. I once compared 25 or so 50mm lenses, and I included the Millenium Nikkor.

Thanks for the tip, though.

 

[Sonnar2]

Please tell me that I don't need another C/V lens.... I still have the Heliar 50/2, and I like it, both from color rendition and sharpness. I use it mainly at f/5.6-8. It's not that sharp at f/2, but usable. But I only have one (M-mount) camera to use it on.

 

[raid]

I have never used any Heliar before, so I will wait until my lens comparison is over before any conclusions are made.

If you use the lens at 5.6-8, it does not make much difference which 50mm lens you use. A J-8 would be cheaper to get.

 

[Palaeoboy]

Actually, having replications of lens comparisons never hurts anyone.

In a way thats not always quite true as your tests will never be done the same as others and as such often gives conflicting results. Will be interesting to see your test all the same though.

 

[brobbins]

HU: Heliar 50/3.5 on Ebay

HU: Heliar 50/3.5 on Ebay

There is a Bessa T with 50/3.5 Heliar for sale on Ebay now with a BIN price of $489. The ad says the Bessa T needs repairs.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Please tell me that I don't need another C/V lens....

You don't need another C/V lens...

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[raid]

There is a Bessa T with 50/3.5 Heliar for sale on Ebay now with a BIN price of $489. The ad says the Bessa T needs repairs.

Thank you for the tip. It seems to be a good price.

 

[brobbins]

Raid,

Did you buy it? I was tempted.

Brett

 

[raid]

Hi Brett,
Yes, I got the Olive Bessa T with Heliar 50/3.5. The deal was too good to pass, but I am having thoughts on whether I should have bought instead a Nokton 50/1.1 and not bought the Pentax Limited 43mm 1.9 and the Heliar set.

 

[Tom A]

Raid, it is summer and lots of sunshine. Use the Heliar and the 43f1.9 now and then get the 50 f1.1 when fall sets in and the lights dim a bit (even in Florida).

 

[raid]

Raid, it is summer and lots of sunshine. Use the Heliar and the 43f1.9 now and then get the 50 f1.1 when fall sets in and the lights dim a bit (even in Florida).

Hello Tom,

This is exactly what I have been thinking today. Both lenses are for collectors anyways,and I am more a photographer than a Collector. A 50/1.1 can easily become my daily lens to enjoy.

Greetings,

 

[bennyng]

Hi Brett,
Yes, I got the Olive Bessa T with Heliar 50/3.5. The deal was too good to pass, but I am having thoughts on whether I should have bought instead a Nokton 50/1.1 and not bought the Pentax Limited 43mm 1.9 and the Heliar set.

Congrats on the fine purchase. The Nokton 50mm f/1.1 can be purchased anytime. But the Heliar 50mm f/3.5 only comes once in a while, especially at this price.

Looking forward to your pictures from it.

Cheers,

 

[ljsegil]

Hi Raid, I will be surprised if you do not find the Heliar 3.5 to be a keeper as a shooter rather than a collectible. I have found it quite special and unusual, unlike any other glass I have used, and fortunately, given its low speed, does better with a bit of underexposure than a less contrasty lens (though that may in large part be the Efke film I commonly use with the lens).
Very interested to hear what you think over time and how your comparison goes.
Best,
Larry

 

[raid]

Thank you Benny. Yes, the Nokton could be bought later if the funds were available, and things can change over time so that I sell some of my "stuff" that is better used by other people. I may have to schedule a monthly selling off event.

 

[raid]

I may be surprised myself, Larry. I have always been in favor of a lens with certain rendition and not just speed.

Thanks.