50mm Lens for M8 Around $350-$450?

[ROOOO]

I'm looking for a 50mm lens for my M8 and was wondering if anyone had good suggestions for something in this price range. What could I get if I went up another $100 or so? Thanks! LTM is okay. My main concern is that it focus correctly when shot wide open and that wide open be f/2.5 or faster.

Thanks!

 

[tbarker13]

In the $500 range, I think you could get a 50/2 hexanon. Lots of fans of that lens on this forum.
Of course, you could also find an older summicron.
Either choice would give you a great lens.

If you really want to stay in the $350 range, you could look at a canon 50/1.4 (actually I just ordered one of those myself).

 

[ROOOO]

Thanks! I will look into that Konica lens. I'm leaning towards an older Summicron, but there are so many versions--rigid, collapsible, black, tabbed, chrome, etc.--that I'm a little confused as to which one(s) I should be looking for at which prices.

 

[f16sunshine]

Hex f2/50 is IMHO as good as the last Cron50. I sold my cron and keep the hex50 as my modern 50mm.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

$300~$400 will but most any of the classic 50mm lenses, up through a late Collapsible Summicron or even a Type 1 or 2 Rigid with some patience. As note, it will pick up most Canon and Nikon 50s/ F1.4s .

The Canon 50/1.4 is a good lens, but make sure the glass surface behind the aperture is clean. It is prone to haze and damage from the lubricants used. Will not happen if properly cleaned.

http://ziforums.com/album.php?u=15

 

[kzphoto]

I think the Hexanon is going to be the best bang for your buck -- really sharp modern coatings/optics and fantastic build quality. You might be able to swing a 50mm Cosina Voigtlander lens for your price range. They're really sweet too.

The older LTM glass will serve your needs just as well. Flickr and RFF offer many images taken with most lenses. Search them and see what they do.

 

[ROOOO]

Unfortunately, I've had bad luck with CV lenses (back/front-focusing), so I'm not sure I want to try another one right now.

 

[DRabbit]

I understand your trepidation Rooo... I will just chime in and say that I've been floored by how good the CV 50mm f/1.5 Nokton is. It has quickly become a favorite lens and I've had no front/back focusing issues as with some other more expensive CV glass.

 

[ROOOO]

Amy, thanks for the reply. I'll check out the Nokton, especially if I can find one locally. I do wish it was a bayonet mount lens, though.

BTW, your photos on DPReview and your site are superb!

 

[Keith]

Another vote for the Hexanon ... the most flare resistant 50mm lens I've ever used and very sharp! Within the budget and excellent build quality with a built in hood also. 🙂

 

[kzphoto]

Unfortunately, I've had back luck with CV lenses (back/front-focusing), so I'm not sure I want to try another one right now.

Ahhhh -- I haven't shot much with a digital M. I know the focusing issues are much more apparent with using an m8/m9. Glad to see some discretion though!

 

[maddoc]

50mm M-Hexanon ....

 

[payasam]

M Hexanon 50/2 or Nokton 50/1.5. The second becomes an M mount lens if an M adapter ring is screwed on tight.

 

[baycrest]

I've got the Canon f/1.4 from eBay. Very nice to have the f/1.4. Takes great portraits & has a pretty good bokeh. I picked up mine for just under $300 if I recall correctly.
Very happy with it. Also have the Cron which has excellent color rendition & the CV collapsable f/3.5 which is razor sharp.
I like the Cron the best YMMV.

 

[Nigel Meaby]

Another vote for the Hexanon!

This is at f2 at minimum focus distance (0.7m)

 

[robklurfield]

canon 50/1.4

 

[fotomeow]

The most likely suspects have already been listed, but just wanted to throw in the Summicron 40/2 or the Minolta Rokkor 40/2 in your price range. I recently picked up the Cron for $450, and KEH has a Rokkor listed right now for $415, a reputable lens.
I list the 40mm b/c you have an M8, so with the crop factor, I think this would work out to be a little over 50mm.
But, this is only your first 50mm, and.........you.....will.....want......more.....50s................
good luck

 

[johannielscom]

In the $500 range, I think you could get a 50/2 hexanon. Lots of fans of that lens on this forum.
Of course, you could also find an older summicron.
Either choice would give you a great lens.

If you really want to stay in the $350 range, you could look at a canon 50/1.4 (actually I just ordered one of those myself).

+1 on the Hex, best quality for the price for sure.

 

[zleica]

50/2 hexanon or Zeiss ZM 50/2 Planar

 

[Dunk]

This is a 1960 50/2 Summicron recently cleaned, lens elements polished and recoated ... and total cost of lens purchase including the CLA and recoating etc was less than £200 ... the front and rear lens elements were very noticeably scratched when first purchased. There was no fungus but the pix illustrate what can be achieved with damaged coatings. The 'spots' are reflections. And the technician also sourced a replacement infinity button which was missing when lens was first purchased.

Cheers

dunk