best portrait lens

[espressogeek]

Thanks for all of the info. I was considering either the CV 75/2.5 or the CZ 85/2 but the stupid CZ is so much money! Perhaps a 90/2 or 90/2.8 is the way. I do appreciate all of the feedback. Now I have to part with my xpan :-( sniff sniff, oh well. I will get a MF 6x7 or 6x9 to backfill those duties.

 

[payasam]

B2, here's a recent one taken with the Steinheil Culminar 85/2.8 of which you speak, mounted on a IIIc. I'm still sort of exploring the lens. My current "avatar", the elderly couple, was taken some years ago with a Serenar 50/1.8 on an M3.

 

[Spyderman]

I would vote for Jupiter 9 2/85. I have one and it is a great lens. Soft wide open, but tack sharp at f4. And that butter smooth bokeh... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25762
It's a lot of a lens for little money. I got mine for roughly $ 50. I immediately relubed it and fortunately managed to put it together the right way thanks to this manual http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/j9service.pdf

 

[Toby]

Best compromise quality v. price = CV75/2.5

 

[Jonathan_100]

Although I have neither of these focal lenghts for my Bessa, I prefer the 75 and the 135 for my SLR rig. I use the 75 more than the 135 mainly for the speed and low profile. Sometimes the longer lens makes the subject (candids of my kids and their friends mostly) more aware of me.

I will be purchasing a 75 for the Bessa when I have a few extra dollars.

Jonathan

 

[Jonathan_100]

I forgot to mention that the Nokton 1.5/50 works nicely as well. It's my primary right now. Here's a shot with the 50.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/molly_and_anna.jpg

Joanthan

 

[BJ Bignell]

Portrait with the 50/1.5: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=12278&cat=5020

Portraits with the 75/2.5:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=12276&cat=5020
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6017&d=1114649705

Portrait with an old 135 (taken before I had cleaned all the haze off the elements): http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6016&d=1114649696

I like them all for portaits. I've done some 21mm portraits, too, but don't have them handy. The 135 is great, but on a Bessa, the closer the better. At 20m or longer focus distances, the RF mechanism just is not accurate enough.