02Pilot
Malcontent
As I'm clearly not completely cured of my lust for a Konica LTM lens (see my thread on the 50/2.4 from a few weeks ago), I'm now back to ask about the older 50/1.9. I have a Konica III with the 48/2, and I shot a roll through it recently and was pleasantly reminded of how much I like the lens.
My first question then is simple: does anyone know if the 50/1.9 is the same basic design as the 48/2 or 50/2 that were mounted on the Konica fixed-lens III-series cameras?
Beyond that, any comments on the 50/1.9? There doesn't seem to be a lot of information anywhere. Thanks.
My first question then is simple: does anyone know if the 50/1.9 is the same basic design as the 48/2 or 50/2 that were mounted on the Konica fixed-lens III-series cameras?
Beyond that, any comments on the 50/1.9? There doesn't seem to be a lot of information anywhere. Thanks.
bluesun267
Well-known
I can't comment on the 50/1.9 but I have noticed their prices are getting higher and higher.
Don't forget, there's also the 50/1.8 on the later IIIa and IIIm which I understand is quite spectacular, probably the best of the bunch. I am biding my time until a decent IIIa with the 1.8 comes up at a reasonable price (but not holding my breath).
Don't forget, there's also the 50/1.8 on the later IIIa and IIIm which I understand is quite spectacular, probably the best of the bunch. I am biding my time until a decent IIIa with the 1.8 comes up at a reasonable price (but not holding my breath).
02Pilot
Malcontent
I like the idea of the IIIa, but I already have the III, which is great apart from the small viewfinder, and which I am not selling because it was my grandfather's. I find I tend to prefer using my screwmount Leicas in any case, so I think the LTM lens is my first best option, but I would like to know more about it before spending the money. Not that I would refuse a IIIa if one came along at the right price, mind you....
shawn
Veteran
Don't know your definition of reasonable but Japan Camera Exchange (sangetsu03) on ebay often sells Konica IIIa that have already been CLAs with the rangefinders cleaned and the shutters overhauled. I bought one from them a couple of years ago and it was in great shape and works well. As part of the overhaul they also disconnected the LV interlock which is nice.
Shawn
JB-Dancer
Established
The 50/1.9 Hexanon is a 6 element (Double Gauss) Ultron design.
02Pilot
Malcontent
Thanks for that. I found a similar block diagram, but I hadn't associated it with the Ultron design. I also found a mention on one of the wikis that said this lens was substantially similar to the 48/2 on the Konica III, which may be as much of a confirmation as I'm going to find.
Now to rummage through the pile to see what I can sell off to fund this thing....
Now to rummage through the pile to see what I can sell off to fund this thing....
furcafe
Veteran
I know nothing about its design, but I've found the 50/1.9 Hexanon in LTM to be an excellent lens. For some reason (rarity?), the asking prices on eBay tend to be outrageously high (like the Chiyoda Kogaku 5cm/1.8 Super Rokkor), but I was able find an affordable "cosmetically-challenged" example w/good glass.
Here's a boring shot to illustrate its performance at f/1.9 on an M240:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/furcafe/16560015574/
Here's a boring shot to illustrate its performance at f/1.9 on an M240:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/furcafe/16560015574/
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raid
Dad Photographer
Is it as sharp as the Hexanon 50/2.4?
02Pilot
Malcontent
I doubt it. The 48/2 I have is nicely sharp for a 50s lens, but I doubt it would be comparable to the much more modern 50/2.4. I'm more interested in it for the out-of-focus rendering, which furcafe's shot demonstrates.
02Pilot
Malcontent
My curiosity got the best of me; a (hopefully) nice example of the 50/1.9 is on its way to me. I'm hoping it lives up to expectations.
furcafe
Veteran
Agreed on "sharpness", if we're talking about resolution, but the 50/1.9 (my example, anyway) is very good for a 1950s lens, particularly in contrast & flare-resistance, a bit better than other well-regarded LTM contemporaries like the 50/1.8 Canon & 5cm/2 Super Rokkor (currently trying out a 5cm/1.8 Super Rokkor).
02Pilot
Malcontent
I'm pleased to hear that. I tend to use lens hoods on most lenses, but it's nice to know that the lens is well-controlled.
02Pilot
Malcontent
It has arrived. Got it mounted on my IIIg and loaded with FP4+ so I can concentrate on wider apertures during the test roll.
02Pilot
Malcontent
And for anyone interested or coming upon this thread in the future, a sample from the Hexanon.
Peter Jennings
Well-known
Lovely! I have one coming later this week. I got it rather cheap because it's in need of an overhaul and has some front element scratches. Performance shouldn't suffer, I hope. I also have the 48/2, but in a IIA.
02Pilot
Malcontent
A few scratches shouldn't make much, if any, difference. The Hexanon takes 40.5mm filters, which means that hoods are readily available.
bluesun267
Well-known
It has arrived. Got it mounted on my IIIg and loaded with FP4+ so I can concentrate on wider apertures during the test roll.
That is a mouth-watering combo. And I like the sample shot too. It looks Summicron-like
02Pilot
Malcontent
It is pretty, isn't it? Nice to use, too. I'm quite pleased with it.
I never had a Summicron, so I can't comment on the specific comparison, but given the reputation of the Leitz lens, it sounds like high praise.
