50mm f2.0 Planar quality

[eleskin]

I am an M8 user, and I am pretty much convinced the 50mm Planar f2.0 is the best buy for a 50mm lens. I guess the only thing now is to decide between chrome and black. I hear the chrome finish is more durable. Any thoughts? I would also like to see some comments on what it is like to use this lens.

 

[Avotius]

my 50 planar has the smoothest focus out of all my m mount lenses from the big three companies. It is quick and easy to use and does not give me any grief and has a really nice character in the photos.

As for chrome or black, that's up to you, I have heard that the chrome ones feel better made but I have never noticed a difference.

 

[OurManInTangier]

I use the black 50mm Planar on my two M6s' and my M8. It's a very good lens which works particularly well on the M8 in my opinion.

As for durability, I can't say too much as mine get bashed about a bit in their daily lives however it hasn't fallen apart on me yet.

It resists flair very well and I never use the hood; though its in the bag somewhere just in case.

There are people here who will be able to give you test results, the minutiae on how it 'draws' and all the other gumpff but for me as a simpleton shooter it works excellently and is a good balance of quality, affordability and size ( I don't want to use a discreet RF but then having a honking great lens on the front)

 

[jonmanjiro]

I've owned silver and black versions of several Zeiss ZM lenses including the Planar 50/2. In terms of durability I don't think there's any difference. Just buy what you want, or whatever turns up first in the classifieds. Come to think of it, a black one is listed right now.

 

[Phantomas]

One day ALL my lenses will be Zeiss!...

 

[mpve]

As both the black and chrome finishes are painted (not chromed!) it does not make any difference to the wear. It only changes the looks 🙂.

 

[hon910]

I am also currently interested in this lens to be mounted on my M6 black body.
Does it fit the M6 well in terms of proportion & handling?

Well, does anyone here mind about mounting a chrome lens onto a black M6 body?

 

[robbo]

In my experience, the black painted version I had lost paint fairly easily. I'm not sure whether or not that will be a concern for you. Images are superb imo and I preferred it to the Summicron I tested against it. There have been some cases, including mine, where the inner section of the lens barrel develops a 'wobble'. I had mine stripped, checked and lubed. It made no difference and image quality remained superb so I stopped worrying about it.

 

[elude]

same here, black ones lose their paint quite easily, i'd go for the chrome (had one)

 

[StanSmith]

What is underneath the black when it loses the paint? I don't think it is brass?

 

[trev2401]

What is underneath the black when it loses the paint? I don't think it is brass?

pink satin with a tinge of orange. 🙂

Nope it's not brass... probably some heavy alloy.

 

[hon910]

comparison with Summicron C 40mm

comparison with Summicron C 40mm

Hi, I need some advice.
I am currently using a Summicron-C 40mm f2.0 and I am very keen of getting a Zeiss Planar ZM 50mm f2.
I can't make a decision here as I find that if I were to use it on my RD-1, either one would be with the camera and the other would be left at home due to the slight difference in focal length.
Do you think the Zeiss would be better than the Summicron C?

Thanks