Difference between 2 Canon 50mm f/1.8

[fredus]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a Canon 50mm f/1.8 in screw mount. I see two kind

This one

and this one

Which one is best ?

Thanks !

Fred

 

[RayPA]

Actually, I think there are 3 types of 50/1.8, according to the CANON MUSEUM. I think they may be the same. I prefer the feel of the black and silver one, though. I have one available and would have been glad to trade it for that 35/2 you sold early this week 😉 😉 😉


🙂

 

[back alley]

the black & chrome is a newer model though i think they are the same optically.
i like the look of canon's all chrome lenses the best but sometimes the black versions are (supposed to be) better.

you can't go wrong with either.

joe

 

[xayraa33]

the chrome ones a little better on bottom loader Canons, Nicca/ Tower and LTM Leicas, the front of the lens tapers a bit and is less visable in the squinty finders these cameras have.
the black and chrome lens is lighter in weight and goes well on a VT, L1, P all the way to a 7s. BTW there were three styles made of this lens( optically they were the same) , two types of chome and black and a late all black one ,that was mechanically the same as the 2nd version of the chrome and black lens.

 

[marcus]

The coating is a different color, for what that's worth. The all chrome on brass is much heavier, which means I prefer the later one.
-Marcus

 

[harry01562]

Aside from the Serenar/Canon markings on the chrome lenses, I know of only the all chrome and the black lenses as shown in the pics posted with the first message. The first of the black lenses was a very short production, and I think the main difference is in the distance marking rings. It would be a rare lens, while the "normal" black lens is common. Unfortunately, it's also prone to internal haze, from what I've been told, and the element that hazes is part of an assembly. Not for amateur repairtypes. Optically, the lenses were all of the same design.

I personally prefer the feel of the heavier, early lenses. By comparison, they are cheap, and they are excellent performers. If you want light, find a good black design. You might want to leave room in bidding for a CLA, to be safe.

Harry

 

[CanonRFinder]

Other than the difference in bodies the element configuration is the same BUT there are two difference. One is quite noticeable and that is the rear focusing system. The other is the # of aperture blades. Sometime early in 1959 Canon changed from a RTH (Rotating threaded Helicoid) to a SDDH (Straight Drive Double Helicoid) . The later system I presume would be less wearing on the camera RF cam and maybe cheaper to produce. When Canon 1st introduced the B&C versions of the f1.8 lenses they changed the number of aperture blades from 10 to 11 but kept the RTH system. When they introduced the SDDH system they changed the number of blades to 8. Lenses between the serial #200002 and 250263 would have RTH and 11 blades.

If anyone has a f1.8 lens between serial #250263 and #252438 let me know as after the later serial # lenses have SDDH and 8 blades. The 50mm f/1.8 is the one lens that put Canon Optical production quality on notice with many other lens manufacturers.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Actually, guys there are 8 types of Canon 50mm f1.8. (This is for the rivet counters).

http://canonrangefinder.servehttp.com/index.php?page=lenses&type=standard_lenses&id=14

I have type 4, type 5, and type 6. All of them gather light and make great images if I do my part. I do think the chrome body looks better though, I use it on my new Zorki 4.

Wayne

 

[harry01562]

Actually, Wayne, the nickname CanonRFinder belongs to the author of that website you mentioned. You can accept his words on mostly everything and anything that has to do with Canon, at least in the RF days. And a bunch of us are waiting for the first of the books to grace our library shelves. Don't miss it.

I own examples of the types 2, 3, 4 and 5. And I also prefer the look and feel of the chrome lenses.

If you ever get an opportunity, get one of the 50/1.5. It's almost identical to the 1.8 chrome types, in both size and weight. It's a very nice performer, but has been pricey of late. Not easy to find, it's worth the hunt.

Harry

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Unless I missed a trick, the rear element is easier to remove on the Chrome lens to get at the infamous haze that builds up on the glass surface behind the aperture blades. The lens that made its way to Joe and then to greyhoundman was opaque when I got it for $27. Cleaned right up.

Second the motion that the chrome lens is tapered and infringes less on the Calssic Leica LTM viewfinders, including the Nicca. The 50/1.5 is even shorter, and when used with a Leica CL, fits into the pouch case.