The Nikkor and ZK Sonnar above are from RFF members.
As is this Collapsible Summicron:
at F2,
Here's what I'm learning about Digital Cameras: Older lenses with Lower-Contrast are well suited for them. Freedom from Flare is important. Absolute resolution- not as much, as the sensor elements are not as fine as film. Once you get past 75LP/mm, you are not gaining anything. And 50LP/mm is fine for color, as aliasing starts kicking in.
As is this Collapsible Summicron:
at F2,
Here's what I'm learning about Digital Cameras: Older lenses with Lower-Contrast are well suited for them. Freedom from Flare is important. Absolute resolution- not as much, as the sensor elements are not as fine as film. Once you get past 75LP/mm, you are not gaining anything. And 50LP/mm is fine for color, as aliasing starts kicking in.
Jack Conrad
Well-known
There's the Sears 50mm 1.7... I don't know about dreamy, but it fits in pretty good at the bus stop, and it's sharp enough to shave with. 
Some of those lenses from Sears are first rate, but they vary by manufacturer.
The Nikkor lenses in LTM came from Sears on the Tower Camera.
The Nikkor lenses in LTM came from Sears on the Tower Camera.
Between the two, I would go for the Sonnar.
juzmister
Member
I think it's time to track down a 50mm Sonnar..you guys are legends!! I really appreciate all of the help. Do they pop up often secondhand?
I have seen a couple pop up on RFF used, and they go quickly. Check Popflash- they get new ones in, optimized for F1.5. Within your price range. Used- maybe 15%~%20 less, when they appear.
50mm F1.5 Zeiss Sonnar, 1950s version- on the Nikon S2.
The reputation to live up to.
I will be using this lens on the M8 with an Amedeo Adapter.
The reputation to live up to.
I will be using this lens on the M8 with an Amedeo Adapter.
juzmister
Member
What a beautiful lens...it's really something special
Garfink
Antfarm Photography
My 2 cents
My 2 cents
I have tried many 50mm m-mount lenses, apart from the canons.
My suggestion in order: (assuming money is somewhat a consideration is)
1) ZM Sonnar 50/1.5
2) Leica 50/2 (these can be had very cheap)
3) Leica 50/1.4 (not so cheap)
5) Voigtlander 50s are always bang for the buck.
I also own a Hexanon 50/1.2 that was pretty cheap also, but not an everyday lens as its way to bulky. A poor man's noct.
My 2 cents
I have tried many 50mm m-mount lenses, apart from the canons.
My suggestion in order: (assuming money is somewhat a consideration is)
1) ZM Sonnar 50/1.5
2) Leica 50/2 (these can be had very cheap)
3) Leica 50/1.4 (not so cheap)
5) Voigtlander 50s are always bang for the buck.
I also own a Hexanon 50/1.2 that was pretty cheap also, but not an everyday lens as its way to bulky. A poor man's noct.
flyalf
Well-known
pthurst
Established
I love the CV f1.5 Nokton. Lovely sharpness and bokeh for the price.
Paul
Paul
Firsty
Member
Finally found another R-D1 user in Sydney
we should meet up for a shoot and a try of each others lens
as far as a 50 goes I have a Jupiter 3 50mm 1.5 you can try
also have a CV 35mm 2.5
Keith
Firsty
Member
a few from the Jupiter 3
~~~
isorgb
Well-known
Jupiter-3 50/1.5 is really good and probably cheapest fast 50mm. I've used it sometimes and I am always satisfied with the results. OOF area is really nice, but you have to like soft images.
If you find that 50mm is good for you and not too long on R-D1, you can buy a better/newest lens.
What do you think?
If you find that 50mm is good for you and not too long on R-D1, you can buy a better/newest lens.
What do you think?
kermaier
Well-known
If you can spend up to $1200, you can get at least two 50s.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the CV Nokton f/1.5 -- absolutely great modern lens, and inexpensive. A bit bigger than many other 50s, but the results never disappoint.
For a second lens, definitely get a Sonnar type. The Nikkor 50/14, Nikkor 50/2 and the Canon 50/1.5 in LTM are great portrait lenses (I have all three). For some reason I get a higher percentage of pleasing shots with the Nikkor 50/2 -- maybe its best aperture/subject distance combinations fit my shooting habits better?
And if you can find a Type 1 Rigid Summicron with clean glass, that's a classic look -- maybe my favorite on the R-D1, especially for black and white at ISO 1600.
You could, conceivably, get all three of the above in your budget, with a bit of luck in the used market. Enjoy!
::Ari
I can wholeheartedly recommend the CV Nokton f/1.5 -- absolutely great modern lens, and inexpensive. A bit bigger than many other 50s, but the results never disappoint.
For a second lens, definitely get a Sonnar type. The Nikkor 50/14, Nikkor 50/2 and the Canon 50/1.5 in LTM are great portrait lenses (I have all three). For some reason I get a higher percentage of pleasing shots with the Nikkor 50/2 -- maybe its best aperture/subject distance combinations fit my shooting habits better?
And if you can find a Type 1 Rigid Summicron with clean glass, that's a classic look -- maybe my favorite on the R-D1, especially for black and white at ISO 1600.
You could, conceivably, get all three of the above in your budget, with a bit of luck in the used market. Enjoy!
::Ari
Phoenix
Member
My favorite is the summilux pre ashp. Gorgeous bokeh wide open and very sharp stopped down.
Krosya
Konicaze
Hexanon 50/1.2 is a super lens - I too have one. But it usually sells for more than $1200. As far as everyday lens or not - well matter of peronal taste I suppose. I used it on vacation as my only 50 (with 21 and 28 lenses) and it did just fine going through 3 countries - size weight didnt bother me at all, yet it's speed and sharpness was well worth it as well.
juzmister
Member
I scored a cheap local jupiter 8 which should be here early next week. Have seen a few of the Nikkors around the place as well at affordable prices..Also have an offer in on a couple summicrons!
Thanks for keeping me in line guys!
Keith-would love to do that, shoot me a pm
Thanks for keeping me in line guys!
Keith-would love to do that, shoot me a pm