Need lens advice: Konica Hexanon 90mm or 50mm

[5aru]

Guys, I'm confused. As a novice user of rf, I can't figure out which one to purchase. Let me break it down on how I'm gonna use it.

Konica Hexanon 90mm
I shoot mostly behind the scenes during actual photoshoots that involve models. I am currently using a ZM F2 35mm and some of the shoots are just too wide for my taste. I would love to have more facial expression shot, hence the need for 90mm. Also I was thinking, as of now, 90mm might be easier for me to shoot faces on the street stealthily as I haven't mastered the art of in-your-face 35mm shots. What I am worried about is if its difficult to focus on the M6, since the crop line is so small. Also if its too tight for general usage.

Konica Hexanon 50mm
A standard lens that I can use for almost anything. I just need to practice getting nearer to people for the face shots. Also I had more experience with the 50mm during the SLR days. What's stopping me is that 35mm is just a tad too close to 50mm. That's it.

If there's any other focal lengths that fits my style, do let me know. I'm also thinking about the Heliar 75mm f1.8 as well... Thanks in advance guys. 😀

 

[ChrisP]

If you want faces with the 90 than you have to get close up portrait style (IMO). If you try to use a 90 to get images that look like other people's "in your face" 28mm and 35mm shots they're going to look flat. There's really no substitute for getting up close and personal because when you're close perspective changes and the distance between objects seems exaggerated.

This doesn't answer your question at all (sorry) but maybe it will save you some money somewhere

 

[kzphoto]

Every 90 I have ever owned stays in my bag most days. I walk out the door with either a 50 or a 21. 90's are great, but I use them only to photograph people and landscapes. I can use a 50 for everything. 21 is great for street.

Get the 50.

 

[pb908]

35 for peoples and surrounding, 50 for 1 people shot, 75/90 for half body shot , 135 for head shot. that's what i do

 

[ferider]

Get a Heliar 75/2.5 or 1.8 and don't look back.

The 75/2.5 has the added advantage of having the same filter size as your Biogon.

I find 35 and 50 too close in practice.

 

[Bruin]

Another vote for 75mm here; pick 2.5 or 1.8 depending on the speed you need and your tolerance for weight & size.

 

[rpsawin]

In think you should look at a 75mm. I have the CV 75/2.5 and love it. It's one of my favorite lenses.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[5aru]

Hmm... you are right, I might just consider the 75mm. Its been playing in my mind for awhile, not as tele as the 90mm but just a nice gap with my 35mm. I'll probably do some research here on the 75mm Heliar. Thanks guys.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

A RF isn't a good tool for that... You aren't too close to your subjects, and they're not posing for you... AF/MF lenses on mirror cameras are a lot better for what you say...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Tim Gray]

It really depends on the access you have in my mind. Are you not getting close enough with the 35 because you just don't feel comfortable as a photographer getting that close? Or does the environment discourage you from getting that close, camera or not?

If it's the former, get closer. The 35 seems like a good lens for this. Or even a 28. If you need a bit of extra reach, get a 50 and work close too.

If it's the latter, I think the advice for a 75 is good. I got a 75 late last year and am finding that it really doesn't feel that much shorter than a 90. It gives me more reach than the 50, focuses closer than most 90's for M (good for tight shots), and isn't so tight that that I can step back a bit for a 50mm type of shot if I want it. It also helps that the 75 I have is faster than the 90mm lenses available for M 😀

I do have both a 50 and 75, but really can't think of many times when I'd use both at the same time. I pair one of them up with either a 21 or a 28 depending on where I'm going.

 

[5aru]

Thanks Tim. I think most importantly for myself, is getting close to the subject matter. I might need to practice on that. But on the 75mm, I might consider taking the plunge if one pops up at the right price. A f1.8 for a tele, I'd imagine more opportunity to do portraits at nighttime. 🙂

 

[flip]

YOU need a 60. ;-)
But I agree with kzphoto. Some say 35/90 is a nice kit, but my 90 stays on the bench an awful lot. Go 50 and get intimate with your subject.