50 mm for R3A... too many choices!

T

timeUnit

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I was never very happy with the Nokton 40/1.4. The bokeh too harsh, couldn't get used to the focal length, and now that I use glasses instead of contact lenses, the framelines for 40 mm are close to impossible to see.

So I'm looking for a nice 50 mm lens... and the choices are endless!

The VC Heliar 50/2 seems like a great lens, but I'm a bit concerned about the nearest close focus: 1 meter. On the other hand, the "swirly" bokeh looks nice. Kind of a Petzval for 135-format.

The ZM Planar seems veeery nice, but is a bit big. Also, quite expensive.

Then of course, there are the Leica Summicrons... So many, which should I go for? And is flare a big issue?

Thanks for any advice.
 
Tom is right, and the good thing is that there are so many really good choices in 50mm lenses that you can hardly make a bad choice.

But nab the Hex and come back to discuss your second 50. 😉
 
keep in mind that the Heliar does not collapse as much as a Elmar-M for instance or the 50 collapsible-cron. So the collapsibility feature is really not as much of an advantage as you might think.

The hexanon-m is the equal of the modern summicron in sharpness and build. They do have a slightly different look. Some people absolutely love the hexanon, some the summicron, I think both are wonderful. If you want a modern lens, it really is the best deal out there considering BOTH competence and price 🙂
 
Flyfisher Tom said:
keep in mind that the Heliar does not collapse as much as a Elmar-M for instance or the 50 collapsible-cron. So the collapsibility feature is really not as much of an advantage as you might think.
Click to expand...

I use the 2/50 Heliar a lot and I find the collapsibility feature to be a big plus. Even if it doesn't collapse as much as a Leica 50mm lens, it is enough to allow for the lens to be stored in the ever ready case with a filter and the lens hood on. And my R3M would not fit in my slim line work bag with a rigid 50mm.

Built quality is outstanding and it is a real pleasure to extend the lens and turn it until it locks in place with a faint click. It gives the same feeling of mechanical excellence as when the front standard clicks into place on a Super-Ikonta after extending the bellows.

Cheers,

Abbazz
 
IMO, not tooo much choice if you care about the balance of the body and lens like me. I find many 50mm lenses just too heavy for the light R/2/3.
 
🙂

So I'm looking for a nice 50 mm lens... and the choices are endless!

🙂

You say that like it's a BAD thing! Collect them all! 🙂
 
Sebastien,

I've seen some impressive samples of the Heliar, so I have no doubts that it is a fine lens.

How far would you say it collapses when fully in the body?

By the way, very nice gallery.

cheers
 
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Tom,

I don't have the Heliar with me, but I would say it collapses around 1cm (.39"). Even when fully collapsed, the lens doesn't protrude into the body more than 1-2mm (.04"), so it should be usable with any camera.

Thanks for the kind words about my gallery. In fact, I don't have much time to update it these days.

Cheers,

Abbazz
 
timeUnit said:
I was never very happy with the Nokton 40/1.4. The bokeh too harsh, couldn't get used to the focal length, and now that I use glasses instead of contact lenses, the framelines for 40 mm are close to impossible to see.

So I'm looking for a nice 50 mm lens... and the choices are endless!

The VC Heliar 50/2 seems like a great lens, but I'm a bit concerned about the nearest close focus: 1 meter. On the other hand, the "swirly" bokeh looks nice. Kind of a Petzval for 135-format.

The ZM Planar seems veeery nice, but is a bit big. Also, quite expensive.

Then of course, there are the Leica Summicrons... So many, which should I go for? And is flare a big issue?

Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...

I had the 40mm and went for the 50mm. smaller and I like the focus.
 
Depending on your need for speed, your budget and preference for new or used there are an amazing amount of options. Just for purposes of having more to talk about, here are some that haven't been mentioned in the thread already:

50/2.8 Leica Elmar - collapsible, good optics, insanely cheap for a new lens from them.

50/2.5 VC Color Skopar - small, light & inexpensive. Not a speed demon, however. I've seen enough good work with it around here that it will probably be my next new lens once I feel I can afford to.

50/1.8 Canon - an under appreciated lens that gives excellent results and is silly cheap. The older chrome Serenar versions are _heavy_ (real chrome over brass construction) but nearly bullet proof. The newer black & chrome ones are much lighter but just as good otherwise.

50/1.5 Canon - probably one of the nicest reasonably priced Sonnars on the market. Heavy but compact.

50/1.5 Zeiss ZM C Sonnar - then again, if you have the money, just go ahead and get the real deal new from Zeiss 🙂 Again it's a compact lens with a very classic signature. If I only had the coins ... :bang:

Good luck!

William
 
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