Leica LTM Canon Serenar 85 mm f/ 1.9 what is your impression?

[Alex Krasotkin]

Guys,

I found chrome Canon Serenar 85 mm f/ 1.9 in mint condition for aprox USD 377. I plan to use it on Leica M10 via LTM/M adaptor. What is your impression on this lens? I look for a dreamy bokeh and old signature. At first I was considering Summarex 85/1.5, but price is way to high for this lens.

Many thanks in advance.

Alex

 

[Charlie Lemay]

I own the f1.5 and it’s a very special lens. Very distinct character. Not super sharp wide open, but wonderfully pictorial. The f1.8 version is the more modern sharp one. I owned one but sold it. Too clinical for me. The Summarex is even less sharp than the Canon f 1.5, bordering on inerior performance except on the occasional shot where it’s poor rendering wide open is what makes the image. I sold it too. I would get the f1.5 or f1.8. Others may have experience withh. the f1.9, but lower pricing suggets it i
s not as hiighly prized.

 

[Mackinaw]

I had one years back. A typical 1950's design. A bit soft wide-open, sharpens up nicely by F2.8, very sharp by F4.0. Mine was chrome on brass and heavy. I sold it to somebody on this list. Can't tell you too much about bokeh, but I wish I had kept it.

Jim B.

 

[xayraa33]

The Canon 85mm f1.9 lens is a fine portrait lens but find the common chrome one to be a bit too heavy. I also have the later and rarer black bodied version of that lens and it is lighter and more delightful to use and carry around.

 

[David Murphy]

The 85/1.9 is one lens that I regret selling. They are beautifully made, and deliver pleasing, somewhat vintage looking results.

I think $377 seems a little high for this lens. My target price would be around $200.

 

[Beemermark]

There is one on the local craigslist for $250. Charlotte NC

 

[AndersG]

I have a chrome LTM Canon 85mm f/1.9 but I don't use it much. It is a bit heavy.

Store Udd, north-west of Göteborg, Sweden.
Canon 7, Canon 85mm f/1.9 and Tri-X 400TX at 1/125 f/8. (Negative photographed with my Canon 30D and 50mm/1.8.)

 

[shawn]

I have a chrome one. As other said it is heavy and somewhat slow focusing. But it also renders beautifully. Can be sharp and contrasty with pop. I don't use it nearly enough.

Shawn