How do Pen Ft lenses compare?

[navilluspm]

Hi all,

My Dad gave me his old Olympus Pen FT with 20/3.5; 38/1.8; and 150/4 lenses. I sent everything down to John Hermanson for CLA, and am just waiting word from him.

In the mean time, I was wondering: how do Pen Ft lenses compare with, say, OM lenses? How would they compare to my Contax lenses. (I know that I am probably comparing apples to oranges - the two being different formats, but I am just curious.)

Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[raid]

The lenses are first class overall. The 20mm lens is hard to find these days. I have the 38mm/1.8, which is quite common.

 

[Al Kaplan]

The Olympus lenses for the Pen F series of cameras are first rate! If you're going to "wet print" as they now call it, try to pick up a Schneider Componon or Componon-s enlarging lens (the "s" is multi-coated) 28mm lens. Using a 50mm lens will limit your print size a bit. You should have no trouble making really nice 11X14 prints, and with today's Tri-X 8X10 prints from full frame or half frame negatives don't look all that different. Back in the 60's Tri-X wasn't the film it is today!

The FT was made just before the OM was introduced and they both had fantastic optics.
As for comparing them to Contax glass? Every manufacturer's lenses seem to have their own "signature" as far as contrast, micro contrast, bokeh, etc., but I don't think in this case you'll be able to say one is better than the other. Just different perhaps.

 

[navilluspm]

Thanks for the replies. I just got an email from John about the price of the overhaul and shipping. He said it will be ready in about 4 weeks. I am looking forward to it. I have to keep my eyes open for that Scheider Componon enlarging lens. The only problem is that I can't find a half frame negative carrier for my enlarger (Omega c-700 series).

 

[shadowfox]

In my experience, I have seen an OM lens that is so-so. But I've yet to see one for Pen-FT.

For reference, I have used the 38/1.8, 25/2.8, 100/3.5, and 40/1.4

A sample:

This is a reduced size, no photoshop tweaking or sharpening.

That amount of detail on half of a 35mm frame (I forgot which film, but most of all my films are cheap and expired, so this ain't no Provia 😀 ).

 

[newspaperguy]

Yes, yes and yes... I have a framed 11 X 14 B&W print of my older daughter as a toddler taken with my FT back in the very early 70's. Great lenses, fine cameras, but be careful - they started my Oly addiction from which I still suffer gladly.

PS - John Hermanson does absolutely great work.

 

[Roger Hicks]

You jammy bugger!

Grain and film sharpness are the real limits with these negs. Superior film flatness; excellent lens quality; better quality control (from all I've heard) than OM.

I won't say I envy you -- I have too many cameras already, including the rare black Pen W, and I don't need or even want many more -- but that's a VERY nice outfit.

Cheers,

R.

 

[navilluspm]

Thanks for all the replies. I can't wait to get the set back - probably still a month out. I wonder how this set will do with the new Kodak Ektar film. . .

 

[Al Kaplan]

Keep your eyes open for the black Pen W with the 25mm f/2.8 lens. Find one in cherry condition at a yard sale and you'll be rich. I sold a beat to crap, badly brassed one for $425 on the auction site a couple of years ago.