Canon LTM Canon ltm 50mm f1.8

Canon M39 M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
The later, black ones tend to develop a haze type of fungus which can't be cleaned.
The same appears to the 50/1.2, released in 1956 as well.
With later lenses, i.e. the 50/1.4, this was resolved.

I never heard of a *chrome* 50/1.8 with fungus, but the black version was said to be optimized in design with newer glass types.

My 50/1.8 has a hard stand against the (classic looking) 50/1.5 and the newer, dead-sharp 50/1.4. The outcome of the 50/1.8 is just in between, so it's hard to decide when to use it. But if you want just *one* Canon 50mm, or have a low budget, then the 50/1.8 is the one you need!
 
My tribute to C. 50/1.8:

U28407I1317411919.SEQ.0.jpg
 
The Canon f/1.8 isn't a 'low budget' lens, its just a great lens for less money than alternative over-hyped lenses. It is a perfect fit on an LTM Leica for size and style, and at half the price of a Summicron. The prices are going up for good examples though, and like any sleeper it will have its day.

Steve
 
Raid,

I'm with Steve on this one. I have two copies of the 50/1.8 and one copy is very prone to haze, the other not. The one that is not does not seem to render as your example one.

I am struck in your tests by the (apparently) huge difference in contrast, not to say detail, between the 50/1.4 and the 50/1.8. I also have th e1.4, and I do not witness that difference w my 1.8.

Apologies for not posting photos; I'll catch up with digitizing and uploading one day -- hopefully this year.

Giorgio
 
It's a 40mm, I believe. This size is a bit thin on the ground, but can be found used without too much effort. Third-party versions, such as made by Kalt, are not uncommon.

P.
 
Peter is correct: the filter size is 40mm. You can occasionally find step-up rings, as an alternative to 40mm filters.
 
Mine came with an Ednalite 617 Series VI holder. So I'll save on 1: Filters (of which I already have a set or two), and 2: a hood (just found an Ednalite Series VI hood, too). The original is too rare and expensive for me right now.

PF
 
Raid,

I'm with Steve on this one. I have two copies of the 50/1.8 and one copy is very prone to haze, the other not. The one that is not does not seem to render as your example one.

I am struck in your tests by the (apparently) huge difference in contrast, not to say detail, between the 50/1.4 and the 50/1.8. I also have th e1.4, and I do not witness that difference w my 1.8.

Apologies for not posting photos; I'll catch up with digitizing and uploading one day -- hopefully this year.

Giorgio

Hi Georgio,
Tests are not free of flaws; I checked carefully for lenses with haze or similar problems, and then I removed the images that were taken with such lenses. Still, I am not perfect. :D
 
Hi Georgio,
Tests are not free of flaws; I checked carefully for lenses with haze or similar problems, and then I removed the images that were taken with such lenses. Still, I am not perfect. :D

Hi Raid,

No criticism, nor a request for perfection; just adding my experience.

Giorgio
 
One good thing about the Canon 50mm 1.8 is that cleaning the surfaces of the lens groups is relatively easy - the lens disassembly is relatively straight forward.

My had some has on the back of the rear element in the front group. It looks like the lens itself had a lot of oil migration in general as almost every surface inside was a bit oily. Only took about half an hour to tear down and clean (though I'd done a partial disassembly before and was familiar with at least getting the first group out).
 
I just looked at my two 50/1.8 lenses.
I removed front and back covers,and then I pointed a strong light at the front of the lens and then I looked from the back. Is there a "best" way to check for haze? Should I go to a dark room? I cannot see haze as clearly as someone here has shown his lens with haze.
 
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