noimmunity
scratch my niche
Is anyone using this lens for landscape? I'm interested in its performance for both B&W and chromes, particularly the latter. I love using my RF for backpacking, yet can only use lenses that are very short. My favorite so far has been the ZM C Biogon 21/4.5, followed by a Rollei Sonnar 40/2.8, which is extremely compact and bitingly sharp on center with a fall off in sharpness towards the corners that can be used to pleasant effect for close and middle distances, yet isn't really the ideal choice for shots at infinity. There's always the ZM C Biogon 35/2.8, which I had and loved, but for landscape, paired with a 21, I'd prefer something longer. Had totally forgotten about the Nickel Heliar. Has anybody been using this? Experience and if possible photos please! Thanks!
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have the Nickel Heliar and like it. A bit of a softness @ f2 (it is a Heliar after all) - once you get it down to f2.8-f4 it is very nice. Kind of "silky" smoothness to the image (this is based on bl/w). Plenty sharp.
However, if you can live with the slower speed, look at the Heliar 50f3.5. As sharp as you will ever need for landscapes. I have seen some stuff done with 'chromes and they really pop. The F2 has more of a "painterly" look to it, the f3.5 is just amazing. Almost to the point were I am considering shooting some color (almost).
However, if you can live with the slower speed, look at the Heliar 50f3.5. As sharp as you will ever need for landscapes. I have seen some stuff done with 'chromes and they really pop. The F2 has more of a "painterly" look to it, the f3.5 is just amazing. Almost to the point were I am considering shooting some color (almost).
raid
Dad Photographer
I use both lenses because, as Tom has explained, each is special in its own way.
sleepyhead
Well-known
The modern Leica 50mm Elmar-M is a truly small and truly fantastic lens.
It's sharp at every aperture, and has lovely bokeh, so can be used for people shots as well.
Focuses down to 0.7 meters, and good ergonomics for me, although not everyone likes that aspect from what I've read.
It's sharp at every aperture, and has lovely bokeh, so can be used for people shots as well.
Focuses down to 0.7 meters, and good ergonomics for me, although not everyone likes that aspect from what I've read.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Thanks, Tom and Raid. I remember both of your comments about these lenses from before. I completely forgot that Nickel Heliar could mean TWO lenses. I was really thinking of the 50/3.5. Tom's comments kinda push me over the edge, but I'd really like to hear more, and, ideally, use the lens... But yeah, my main use would be first for chromes, with some black and white on the side.
Yaron, isn't there something about not being able to extend the Elmar unless the hood is attached? Does that make it bulky?
Yaron, isn't there something about not being able to extend the Elmar unless the hood is attached? Does that make it bulky?
Sonnar2
Well-known
Not sharp enough for landscapes; I returned my 50/3.5.
Better take a coll. Summicron (much sharper but low contrast).
Canon 50/1.5 is also excellent at infinity.
That's for "vintage" lenses.
Better take a coll. Summicron (much sharper but low contrast).
Canon 50/1.5 is also excellent at infinity.
That's for "vintage" lenses.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Sonnar2: yes, I saw your comments in the other thread about your experience with the 3.5 Heliar. Perhaps sample variation? Though for a limited run lens, one would have hoped otherwise.
Duncan: I have a C Sonnar. It's on the edge of being too long (for my purposes). I shot 17 rolls last week while up in the mountains with this lens, first time I've used it that way, so I'll wait to see the results before making a judgment. My C Sonnar is optimized for 1.5, so I don't expect it to make the ideal landscape lens, but I'll see.
Duncan: I have a C Sonnar. It's on the edge of being too long (for my purposes). I shot 17 rolls last week while up in the mountains with this lens, first time I've used it that way, so I'll wait to see the results before making a judgment. My C Sonnar is optimized for 1.5, so I don't expect it to make the ideal landscape lens, but I'll see.
raid
Dad Photographer
I tested carefully the 50mm lenses, and the Heliar lenses came up as two of the winners. I used a heavy tripod and a cable release.
raid
Dad Photographer
Heliar 50/2 at 4.0
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Heliar 50/3.5 at 4.0
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noimmunity
scratch my niche
Thanks, Raid.
I prefer the 50/3.5 one.
Still not totally convinced it's worth it for me to get that as a backpacking lens, though. It's really so hard to know unless one tries...
I prefer the 50/3.5 one.
Still not totally convinced it's worth it for me to get that as a backpacking lens, though. It's really so hard to know unless one tries...
ferider
Veteran
Just saying.
Papercut
Well-known
Jon,
If set at close focus distance you can extend the Elmar, but it's not real easy on mine. I have to twist the front back and forth a little to loosen the tension and then slide it out. The hood makes it a cinch, of course. Perhaps one with more use would be easier to extend. But, I suspect you would want/need the hood anyway as the Elmar flares somewhat easily without it (or mine does anyway). Prices for the Elmar-M have shot up in the last year too.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Thanks, Roland. Might as well tell me about the unicorn...
But then again, I love mythology, soooo...got any pics I could go look at somewhere? Alternately, can you tell in words why you think so highly of this lens?
But then again, I love mythology, soooo...got any pics I could go look at somewhere? Alternately, can you tell in words why you think so highly of this lens?
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noimmunity
scratch my niche
That's too funny, cuz I JUST sent you an email about it!
Hahaha!
Now that it's even more widely advertised, I guess I gotta act FAST !!!
Hahaha!
Now that it's even more widely advertised, I guess I gotta act FAST !!!
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Okay, Roland, this is your fault
Thanks! The filter size (E39) is much more manageable than the E27 and irregular threads of the CV Heliar 50/3.5, and I already have some E39 filters.
In the end it's gonna be a duel between the Hex 50/2.4 and the Rollei Sonnar 40/2.8 . Looking forward to this!
Thanks! The filter size (E39) is much more manageable than the E27 and irregular threads of the CV Heliar 50/3.5, and I already have some E39 filters.
In the end it's gonna be a duel between the Hex 50/2.4 and the Rollei Sonnar 40/2.8 . Looking forward to this!
I'll throw it in the box along with your scanner, Jon! After I have a play with it, that is
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Be my guest, that is!
Oh yeah, Roland, the responsibility, of course, is all mine
Oh yeah, Roland, the responsibility, of course, is all mine
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Okay, Okay, I believe, I believe!!!
FWIW, since this was a thread about the CV Heliar(s), I just want to say that I did see a comment on a German-language site where Tom A was quoted as saying the CV Heliar 50/3.5 is "better" (undefined) than both the Hex L and the newest Elmar 50. The extra stop of the Hex tho will be useful to me around sunset/sunrise!