And What About the Canon RF Lenses?

[pdek]

I'll try to answer this, based only on my own experience (and not all copies of a single lens model are created equal, so that my experience, as in the case of the 35mm f/2, may disagree with the group of you who picked on this one: maybe I got a perfectly-made one, and yours were somewhat off for some reason) -- one question at a time, answers in capital letters:

Now we've explored the cameras, let's think about the lenses for a bit. Some of us have already expressed opinions, but for the moment let's pose a few questions:
1. Among the Canon RF lenses that you've actually used, which one or ones gave you the most satisfaction so far as results were concerned?
ANSWER - 25MM F/3.5; 35MM F/2; 50MM F/1.8, F/1.4, AND F/0.95; 85MM F/1.8; 100MM F/2; 135MM F/3.5 (LATE "black") MODEL).
2. Which was least satisfactory: that is, if any were?
ANSWER - I PARTICULARLY DIDN'T LIKE MY 35MM F/3.2, f1.8, AND F/1.5.
3. If you have a camera collection that includes one or two Canons, which lens or lenses would you most like to display with them? Why?
ANSWER - I ALWAYS KEEP MY COLLECTOR CAMERAS WITH "NORMAL" LENSES, AND I PREFER TO HAVE THEM MORE OR LESS AGE-MATCHED TO THE CAMERA THEY'RE ON. APART FROM THAT, I'M SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THE RARITY OF THE LENS IN ITS AGE PERIOD: FOR INSTANCE THE 50MM F/0.95 ON ONE OF THE CANON 7-TYPES, OR A SERENAR F/3.5 ON AN S-II OR IIB.
4. If you are a serious Canon collector, what lenses are you proudest to own?
ANSWER - THE 2 LENSES THAT MATCH MY CANON IIB USASC CAMERA (THESE CAMERAS AND LENSES ARE ENGRAVED IN A STYLE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE LATER USED ON THE USASC IIIAs SHOWN IN MY BOOK)
5. And, among the ones you don't own, which ones would you like to add?
ANSWER - AS A COLLECTOR, A KASYAPA FOR THE KWANON.
6. Finally, I'll ask you a question that you keep asking me, in one way or another: during the 1950-1960 period, what manufacturers made the "best" lenses for 35mm photography? ALREADY ANSWERED BELOW.
(My answer to that one is, in no order of ranking, Zeiss, Nikon, and Canon.)
So what do you all think?
Peter

AND THANKS FOR HAVING SO MANY THOUGHTS!!!
PETER

 

[rogue_designer]

I had an opposite experience than you with the 35 3.2 it seems. Maybe I just got a really nice copy.

Ah well.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us Peter. Much appreciated.

 

[wlewisiii]

I had an opposite experience than you with the 35 3.2 it seems. Maybe I just got a really nice copy.

That's what I thought about the 35/1.8. Of course, I got mine from Brian Sweeney, he may well have worked his optical magic on it. No matter, I love the look it gives me and want to find a nice P to put it on :bang: :bang: :bang: 😀

William

 

[Terao]

I regularly use the 50mm f/1.2, in fact used it only yesterday on my R-D1. Every time I use it I love it, always seem to get a shot that people like with it. I don't see any of the calibration issues that Rich reports. Of course it works so well because you're losing the corners on the cropped sensor.
This whole set was taken with it, virtually all @ f/1.2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiloran/sets/72157602109420790/

I also have two P's, a couple of 50 f/1.8s (came with the P's), the 35mm f/2.8, and the 100mm f/3.5. I've used the 100 a bit and it did fine, nothing spectacular. The 35 is currently on the P and permanently in the glovebox of the car for those candid street moments. My 35 is all chrome and absolutely gorgeous, so heavy for its size. Shame about the infinity locks, what were they thinking with those?

I'd like to add the 50mm f/0.95 at some point.

Can't comment on 50s rangefinder lenses as I have no idea what makes a "good" lens and the only lenses from that period I've used are the Canons and Agfa's Ambi Silette system.

 

[pdek]

Canon 50/1.2, etc.

Canon 50/1.2, etc.

Dear Terao,
Nice shots! I never tried the 50/1.2 on my R-D1, largely because I wasn't fond of it on 35mm but also because I am excessively fond of the 50/1.4, which is only 1/2 stop slower. And for speed, I do have the 50/0.95, which mounts better on my R-D1 than it does on my M8, and which produces really unexpectedly good results wide open. I had Marty Forscher's crew (actually Buddy, his right-hand man) modify it for M-mount years ago; since then both I and John Van Stelten have spent more time on it.
I guess Canon used infinity locks because Leica had done so, and of course the Nikon and Contax RF cameras also locked at infinity. Sign of the times!
Thanks for getting in touch,
Peter

I regularly use the 50mm f/1.2, in fact used it only yesterday on my R-D1. Every time I use it I love it, always seem to get a shot that people like with it. I don't see any of the calibration issues that Rich reports. Of course it works so well because you're losing the corners on the cropped sensor.
This whole set was taken with it, virtually all @ f/1.2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiloran/sets/72157602109420790/

I also have two P's, a couple of 50 f/1.8s (came with the P's), the 35mm f/2.8, and the 100mm f/3.5. I've used the 100 a bit and it did fine, nothing spectacular. The 35 is currently on the P and permanently in the glovebox of the car for those candid street moments. My 35 is all chrome and absolutely gorgeous, so heavy for its size. Shame about the infinity locks, what were they thinking with those?

I'd like to add the 50mm f/0.95 at some point.

Can't comment on 50s rangefinder lenses as I have no idea what makes a "good" lens and the only lenses from that period I've used are the Canons and Agfa's Ambi Silette system.

 

[Ken Ford]

I regularly use the 50mm f/1.2, in fact used it only yesterday on my R-D1. Every time I use it I love it, always seem to get a shot that people like with it. I don't see any of the calibration issues that Rich reports. Of course it works so well because you're losing the corners on the cropped sensor.
This whole set was taken with it, virtually all @ f/1.2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiloran/sets/72157602109420790/

I also have two P's, a couple of 50 f/1.8s (came with the P's), the 35mm f/2.8, and the 100mm f/3.5. I've used the 100 a bit and it did fine, nothing spectacular. The 35 is currently on the P and permanently in the glovebox of the car for those candid street moments. My 35 is all chrome and absolutely gorgeous, so heavy for its size. Shame about the infinity locks, what were they thinking with those?

I'd like to add the 50mm f/0.95 at some point.

Can't comment on 50s rangefinder lenses as I have no idea what makes a "good" lens and the only lenses from that period I've used are the Canons and Agfa's Ambi Silette system.

I love the way this lens draws! Thanks for sharing...

 

[wintoid]

Wow I love the look of that lens! I find the BW images about 10x nicer than the colour versions of the same. I admit, I'm very tempted to start hunting one down.

Shame about the infinity locks, what were they thinking with those?

Forgive the ignorance, what is an infinity lock, and do the 50mm lenses have one?

 

[agfa100]

Canon 50 mm f1.4
Canon 35 mm f2.0
Canon 100 mm f3.5
Canon 19 mm f3.5
All were late model black lenses and were great, switched over to Leica and sold the Canon lenses as I replaced each one with a Leica lens. Wish I would have kept the 100 mm f3.5 that was a very sweet lens.

 

[tedwhite]

Well, my Canon 50/1.8 had it. I say "had" because I disabled it immediately (you remove a tiny screw) as I cannot understand the logic of it.

It is a little tab sticking out the side of the lens, and when set the lens at infinity it locks it there. You must depress a little lever to get the lens to move off infinity again.

Way too fiddly for me.

Ted

 

[LeicaTom]

I LOVE the f1.5 50mm - can`t rave about it enough, have to post new work from it soon
(I own two very late ones 1955/56) it`s the legendary "sonnar" looks from this lens that are amazing, all my models love it when I photograph them with one

And it seems they are always on my Leica IIIC`s, I use these more than the standard Leitz f3.5 50mm Elmar

The f1.8 50mm has been on one of my IIF2`s since I bought it, great all around lens, proved itself well in some Crossprocessing here

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46880

and more to come next time some blk n wht work

I want a f1.4 50mm becuase of it`s "Planar" signature look, another fast vintage lens to love.....

and I want the f2.0 100mm for some amazing portraits

Tom

PS: I want to TRY out the f 0.95 "Dream" when I get to San Francisco, my old M6 which has a new home is wearing one now occasionally

 

[nodyad]

Well, my Canon 50/1.8 had it. I say "had" because I disabled it immediately (you remove a tiny screw) as I cannot understand the logic of it.

After I bought a 7 that came with a 50/1.8 lens on which that screw was missing, I immediately understood why I like this lock. I can unmount the lens without having to wind it out to 3ft just to get a grip on the barrel. If you have a spare screw, I wouldn't mind restoring the infinity lock on this one!

 

[jlw]

Now we've explored the cameras, let's think about the lenses for a bit. Some of us have already expressed opinions, but for the moment let's pose a few questions:
1. Among the Canon RF lenses that you've actually used, which one or ones gave you the most satisfaction so far as results were concerned?

100mm f/2 and 50mm f/1.4. I think these are as good as or better than most currently-available modern lenses.

2. Which was least satisfactory: that is, if any were?

50mm f/1.2. Sometimes it produces beautiful pictures, but other times they just look flat and mushy, and it's hard for me to predict which result I'll get.

3. If you have a camera collection that includes one or two Canons, which lens or lenses would you most like to display with them? Why?

The main reason I keep the 50/1.2 is that it looks so great on my VI-T. It's handsome, the proportions complement those of the camera, and "back in the day" that's what the serious shooter would have wanted on his/her VI-T.

6. Finally, I'll ask you a question that you keep asking me, in one way or another: during the 1950-1960 period, what manufacturers made the "best" lenses for 35mm photography?

(My answer to that one is, in no order of ranking, Zeiss, Nikon, and Canon.)

I'll agree with you, bearing in mind the "no order of ranking" part. (I suspect the ranking would have been different in 1950 than in 1960. A huge amount of optical progress took place during that decade.)

 

[john neal]

I have a 50 f1.4 that is may standard lens for both my M3 and MP, plus at a pich, I can use it on my Barnack bodies too. I think it often outperforms my 50mm Summilux - particularly in colour. One lens I am very unlikely to ever part with!

I used to have a 50 f1.8 Serenar on my IIIc, and found that to be a very good lens - much better (for me, anyway) that the Summar or Summitar. Somewhat sharper, if a little lower in overall contrast - very good period feel.

I also have a 35 f1.8 that generally sits on my Standard body - great lens, and not too slow for its size either. I did have a 35 f1.5 for a few weeks, but was not impressed and swapped it for a 35 'cron. I'm still wondering if I should have given it a better chance, so that would probably be the one I would like to add to my tribe.

 

[xayraa33]

the Canon 35/1.5 lens does have its charms, you should have given it more use and time, it has a nice different look wide open. I would never get rid of mine.

 

[OurManInTangier]

I only have two RF lenses in total, the 50mm 1.8 and the 35mm 2.8. Both of them bring a smile to my face everytime I use them (not very much recently which is a shame.)


I don't know whether the 50mm is considered chrome or black as its partly both - the focus barrel is black while the rest us chrome. My 35mm is all chrome, it comes in a little leather box with a chrome finder too - beautiful kit.


As a film and digi SLR user for work I find the simplicity, size and ergonomics a delightful change from those lumping great lenses I stick on the end of my SLR kit.

 

[tedwhite]

Simon, I was looking at your RFF Gallery and quite enjoy your work. "A Fleeting Glimpse" is very, very HCB, and Snoop Dog is simply hilarious.

Ted

 

[Sonnar2]

1. Among the Canon RF lenses that you've actually used, which one or ones gave you the most satisfaction so far as results were concerned?

I was most impressed by the 50/1.5 "Sonnar" look. Followed by the 100/3.5 (all versions), 50/1.4, 85/1.8, 35/2, and lately, 35/1.5 - my best 35mm at f/2.8 - and 35/1.8 for its overall character. Even the 25/3.5 hasn't such corner falloff as I expected.

2. Which was least satisfactory: that is, if any were?

So far, every Canon RF lens made me happy in use. Although there are some lenses I didn't use much, i.e. the 50/0.95, 85/1.5 and 50/2.8

3. If you have a camera collection that includes one or two Canons, which lens or lenses would you most like to display with them? Why?

In any case the "monster" 50/0.95 is an impotant lens in terms of collecting, as well as the 85/1.5, 85/1.8 or 35/1.5. A quite unknown fact is that the 35/1.8 was the fastest 35mm in the world 1956 (its patent was issued half a year earlier than Nikons 35/1.8)

4. If you are a serious Canon collector, what lenses are you proudest to own?

The same as above. I have a chrome "Canon" 85/1.5 which is quite uncommon.

5. And, among the ones you don't own, which ones would you like to add?

Probably the 100/2, but not for a high price. Probably I won't use it much because it's much larger than the 85/1.8 and I prefer small lenses in use. But just to check it with the Canon P and 100mm framelines...

6. Finally, I'll ask you a question that you keep asking me, in one way or another: during the 1950-1960 period, what manufacturers made the "best" lenses for 35mm photography?

Hard to decide. Probably around 1962-1968, Canon was overall best in rangefinders and Zeiss in SLRs. As far as RF is concerned, Leica's development speed prior to the "Mandler era" was too sluggish, creating a serious lack on modern wideangles, short telephoto lenses too big and heavy because of unmodern design, lack of super fast lenses etc. Nikon did some excellent designs but stopped it around 1956 in favor of SLR lenses. Zeiss stopped it even earlier, just after the great Biogon 21/4.5

Regards, Frank

 

[Sonnar2]

At least in the last 3-5 years price are quite level at USD basis, compared to Nikon or Leica which has fallen. Of course, EUR:USD relation is good for European buyers. The only categorie which gained value and will gain in the future is very rare stuff. But as far as CANON is concerned, most stuff were sold in large numbers, until everything was sold out. They sold RF stuff even in the late 70's, didn't they? It looks to me that many US soldiers bought CANON cameras in PX shops, because they were cheaper than Leica. There are actually more inheritors willing to sell that stuff on ebay than collectors to buy it.

 

[Rafael]

1. Among the Canon RF lenses that you've actually used, which one or ones gave you the most satisfaction so far as results were concerned?

I have tried the 50/1.2, 50/1.4, and 50/1.8 (and I've just sent payment for a 50/1.5). I was very pleased with all of these lenses, but kept only the 50/1.2 for its low light capabilities and for certain portrait situations.

2. Which was least satisfactory: that is, if any were?

I found the 50/1.4 to be an excellent performer and the 50/1.8 to be a really good everyday lens (possibly the best out there for the price). But after buying a ZM 50/2, I rarely used either of the Canons. So I sold both. I didn't find either to be unsatisfactory. But at the same time, I didn't find that either had a special enough signature to warrant my keeping it.

5. And, among the ones you don't own, which ones would you like to add?

I am really looking forward to receiving my 50/1.5. I have been coveting one of these for some time. I think that the "Sonnar" look will complement my current lens line-up much better than did the 50/1.4.

 

[steven]

I use a 50mm f1.5 a 50mm f1.2 and a 85mm f 1.8 and have but don't use a 35mm f2.8 . because then I use a 28 f2,8 elmarit more. Especially for portraits I use the 50 i.2 because of the softer look and the very nice coloring of the picture . For streetshot's often the 85 mm. Marvelous lens. I have got a R-1d since two weeks and that give a boost for my rf photography with was a little slowing down the last years. ( Using a m6 and a canon 7 beside a canon 5D).