Alternatives to C-sonnar?

I think the closest performer to the C-Sonnar 50/1.5 is neither inexpensive nor a sonnar: the pre-asph Summilux 50/1.4 (the "IV version" with 0.7 meter MFD, 46mm filter ring, and integral hood).

Next to that would be a Canon LTM 50/1.5 in good-to-excellent condition, in my experience. I haven't had the pleasure of owning either the Nikkor 50/1.4 of 50/2 sonnars but Roland's and Alex's pics look really really nice.
 
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And a few shots with the J3 - 1953 version adjusted by Brian.

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1935 Carl Zeiss Jena 5cm F2, fully-coated after-market.

Wide-open on the EP2 using an Amedeo adapter:

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Under $25 on Ebay, but some work was required...

Nikon "NKT" 5cm F1.4 in LTM, wide-open on the Ep2:



Focus is to 18", same as the 5cm F2.
 
Personal favorite Sonnar.

1939 Carl Zeiss Jena 5cm F1.5, Sonnar "T", modified to Leica mount using a J-3 mount modified for 0.8m close-focus.



Wide-Open.

and at F4:

 
MCTuomey said:
Tim, have I mentioned lately how much I admire your B&W conversions? :)
Click to expand...

Thanks. I wish I could take credit through some arcane series of filters, etc. But I'm just using Silver Efex Pro, which I think is a fabulous program for conversion. I generally toy around a little with the software's filters, but the program does the heavy lifting.
 
I really like the image taken with the Nikon, what does "NKT" stand for (forgive my ignorance)? Does it require any modification for the close-focusing and is it hard to find? Thanks.
 
Just realizing you might not use RF at all ? If that's true, the Nikkor will close focus to about half meter (?) out of the box. All the close focus mod does is to keep the RF coupling down to 0.7m, which on a u4/3 camera you wouldn't care about.
 
Since no one has posted a photo yet from a Canon 50/1.5, here's one (from the lens that Roland sold me several years ago :)):

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So for color and a slightly more modern contrast, which one will be the better choice: the J-8, Nikon 50/1.4, or Canon 50/1.5? Also, what are the differences between the various versions of Nikon 50/1.4 (tokyo vs japan etc)
 
"My Speculation" The original Nikon S-Mount cameras used 24x32 and 24x34 frame formats. The 5cm F1.4 was introduced in 1950 and was contemporary with the Nikon M and Nikon S. The Later 5cm F1.4 marked "Japan" rather than Tokyo has larger diameter optics and fixture. I suspect it coincided with the move to a 24x36 frame format with the upcoming S2.

Later Nikon 5cm F1.4, wide-open.

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The Bokeh always seemed more harsh with the later 5cm F1.4's.
another.
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At F2:

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And with that, the "Tokyo" version of the lens has attained RFF cult status...

Just to add- the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 and 5cm F2 Rigid (The vast majority, collapsible stopped at 1948) focus to 18", the closest focus of any Sonnar formula lens that I am aware of. The Canon 50/1.5, Jupiter-3, and Zeiss Sonnars in LTM are all limited to 0.9m close-focus. On the Mirrorless cameras, The Nikkors have a huge advantage and my NKT 5cm F1.4 stays on the EP2.

BACK to the NKT 5cm F1.4 Nikkor on the EP2, wide-open:

 
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I used to like Planar lenses for SLR cameras, and then I started liking Sonnar lenses for RF cameras.

This one was taken with a CZJ Sonnar 5cm 1.5 that Brian modified into LTM. It is a great overall lens that is my favorite travel lens.

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Lovely stuff, all.

Ok. So who has a cheap Nikkor 50/2 LTM for sale? :angel:
 
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