First 50mm lens decision, help!

[Erik van Straten]

"micro-contrast" is something which is very hard to explain by me.
Here is something close to my experience. Canon L and non-L is 100% spot on for me.
http://yannickkhong.com/blog/2016/2/8/micro-contrast-the-biggest-optical-luxury-of-the-world
Most astonishing lens with micro-contrast in color I have on DSLR was modern Zeiss ZE 50 1.4 lens. Disaster on 1.4, but under good light and f5.6 it was unbeatable on how smooth and detailed transitions were. With perfect balance of contrast and details.

Now for me it is something more visible in bw and for me it is mostly on bw darkroom prints. I was never happy with CV CS 35 2.5 prints. I look at them and they are sharp, but it was kind of empty, something was missing between sharp lines. Something similar with many non expensive MF lenses.
But some lenses just have it. For example Olympus XA lens is flat on bw, yet Trip 35 is juicy on bw prints. Cheap Oly.Z 50 1.8 has it, even 50/2 lens on Kiev-19 renders not just sharp, but brings a lot between sharp lines.
I think it is more visible with f5.6 and smaller apertures and it is something to look at the image part where it is in focus.

UPD: Summaron 35 3.5 is less to none "micro-contrast", 2.8 is one of the best. IMO.

Thank you Ko.Fe., but I am still confused about micro-contrast. What it is, seems hard to define. I will study more on the subject. It seems to be related to polarisation, but maybe I am completely wrong.

Erik.

 

[Richard G]

The C Biogon is nice, but not small. I'd go for the modern Summarit for the 50 and agree with a clean Summaron 3.5 except slow for film: both of these are small, which is great for travel.

 

[leicapixie]

I am by nature very impatient!
what does it matter what lens?
Buy one, it's not a life or death decision.
Everybody recommends what THEY use!
Look at the images you like, here, Flickriver by lenses,
and go crazy.
The differences are so small.
Really.
Good luck!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

So you would recommend separate 35 and 50?

I recommend to do some search for 40mm lenses on RFF. You will find some threads where a lot of details are explained. Actually, almost any lens you are going to ask is already explained here numerous times and pictures threads with many pages do exist here for most of the lenses.

M4 has accurate 35 and 50 framelines. I think, it is somewhat important for landscapes. Slapping 40mm lens on camera where no 40mm framelines are is guessing game for framing. But in numerous threads I have mentioned, it is described how 40mm lens might be more accurate at some newer Leica cameras. But not on M4.

 

[zane0777]

For travel, I settled on a Canon 50/1.5, a Color-Skopar 35/2.5, and a 1930s vintage Elmar 90/4. Small, cheap(ish), and image quality that more than meets my humble needs. So many good choices out there...

 

[Scrambler]

I'm selling my 40 - mostly because unlike many here I have cheaper cameras and lenses and the 40 I have is the most valuable lens I own.

No Leica frameline is accurate. Everyone allows for adjustment around the frame. The 40 requires a 35mm frame and focussing within. No biggie, except dialing in the 35 frame - which is also no biggie with the Rollei Sonnar and its interchangeable M-mount.

 

[TRIago]

Get the 50mm Rigid Summicron. Seriously.

 

[Erik van Straten]

First try a Color-Skopar. Really.

Leica M3, Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.5, 400-2TMY.

Erik.

 

[Cabledog]

im leaning between this and the nokton only because there are times i shoot in low light. I'm aware of the focus shift and distortion issues of the notion but i feel it has a unique look different from the clinical sharpness of a leica or zeiss. the skopar is definitely still in the running.

First try a Color-Skopar. Really.

Leica M3, Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.5, 400-2TMY.

Erik.

 

[Richard G]

Don't get: The Rigid, the DR, any f1.5 lens except perhaps the C Sonnar. Compact, and low weight, is everything for travel. Take Erik's advice and get the Skopar. Or the little Summarit 50.

 

[Cabledog]

the rigid are already ruled out due to size. This is my compact and travel kit so the skopar is definitely appealing. I just like the idea of the faster nokton even with it's quirks but its about the same price as a 50mm elmar m that i was also going to get to complement the skopar, but 1.4...

 

[Daryl J.]

How about this idea for a travel kit M-body:
3,5/5cm Elmar red scale with a CLA and M mount adapter? It's a thought.

It will render differently than your Hasselblad and significantly. But it's inviting and interesting.


For what it's worth, I picked up a 2.8/50mm Elmar with a bent filter ring for $250 a few years back. The only issue was the bent ring, it's near mint otherwise. The collapsible lens is mighty handy for travel. I don't use the lens much because I'm not a huge fan of Tessar-like bokeh, but apart from that it's great.

And the quest continues. And a decade hence, will still be continuing. 😄

 

[Cabledog]

Thanks for everyone's input and help on this

 

[Chris101]

Thanks for everyone's input and help on this

Have you made your decision? You gotta let us know!

 

[Ranchu]

I'd buy this summaron. http://www.apug.org/forum/index.php?threads/leica-summaron-f3-5-ltm.147575/

 

[WJJ3]

For what it's worth, I picked up a 2.8/50mm Elmar with a bent filter ring for $250 a few years back. The only issue was the bent ring, it's near mint otherwise. The collapsible lens is mighty handy for travel. I don't use the lens much because I'm not a huge fan of Tessar-like bokeh, but apart from that it's great.

And the quest continues. And a decade hence, will still be continuing. 😄

I agree with you that this is a great lens, however I am a fan of the bokeh!

 

[Huss]

it might be the "water lens," but the bokeh wide open and closeup is really harsh. ymmv.

I'm not sure what the former means, and have not noticed the later.

I have pretty much every 50mm lens mentioned on this thread.. as well as the Summicron 40 f2, Voigtlander 40 1.4, Rollei Sonnar 40 2.8

Here's the thing .. You are shooting film so you kinda do need a fast lens unless you are going to put your camera away when the light dims. A faster lens obviously is more flexible. The Cron 40 is fast enough, is super compact, and super high quality. It is one of my favourite lenses. To estimate frame lines I frame between the 35 and 50... The dirty secret is that none of the Leica frame lines are accurate. So just shoot.

If u want speed, the CV 50 1.1 is fantastic, but is big. Used u can get them for about $600 if u are patient. I paid a bit under that for mine.

But no matter what you get, they really are all good.

 

[Cabledog]

Did you ever have the CV nokton 1.4 35?

I'm not sure what the former means, and have not noticed the later.

I have pretty much every 50mm lens mentioned on this thread.. as well as the Summicron 40 f2, Voigtlander 40 1.4, Rollei Sonnar 40 2.8

Here's the thing .. You are shooting film so you kinda do need a fast lens unless you are going to put your camera away when the light dims. A faster lens obviously is more flexible. The Cron 40 is fast enough, is super compact, and super high quality. It is one of my favourite lenses. To estimate frame lines I frame between the 35 and 50... The dirty secret is that none of the Leica frame lines are accurate. So just shoot.

If u want speed, the CV 50 1.1 is fantastic, but is big. Used u can get them for about $600 if u are patient. I paid a bit under that for mine.

But no matter what you get, they really are all good.

 

[Cabledog]

I haven't decided yet!! Hahaha. And my m4 will be here today! :bang:

Have you made your decision? You gotta let us know!

 

[Huss]

Did you ever have the CV nokton 1.4 35?

No.. Summicron 35 Asph, Summaron 35 3.5, CV 35 2.5, CV 35 1.2, ZM 35 1.4, LOMO 32 2.8..

The CV 35 1.4 supposedly has a bit of focus shift but once you figure that out you shouldn't have any issues. Meant to have a bit of distortion too but u can remove that in LR or just not use it for critical architectural photography.
It's a very cool lens because it is small, fast and affordable.

The CV 40 1.4 is also a great alternative - bridging the gap between 35 and 50 and gives u speed and small size. Not as sharp as the Cron wide open, but the Cron does not give you 1.4.

Honestly though, pick a lens, any lens (I know I'm not helping!) and enjoy that camera.