Hey all,
I'd like to thank everyone for the help. I tested the focus of the lens last night, but alas it is fine. I then tested my M5 with a lens I know to be calibrated and it, too, is fine.
I suppose most of this is just simply to the poor quality control of the lens itself. I know much has been written about the 7Artisan line - some quite positive reviews and others quite mixed. This will be the latter.
My apologies for this rant below - but I feel it needs to be said about the 7Artisans 50mm f1.1.
Compared with other budget 50mm lenses out there, it is simply not worth it. Not to say that out of the 20 rolls or so that I've put through the lens, there weren't some stellar shots - there were. But the total lack of consistency, reliability is not worth the money or time spent using it. Other budget lenses out there offer far more consistent results (Voigtlander Nokton 50mm 1.5 (NEW $600-700), Canon 50mm 1.8 LTM (USED $120-150)). I'm now debating whether to sell this off to fund a better alternative or just keep it as an edgy cult lens in the stockpile.
The results I've found online with this lens and this community, compared with the erratic ones I've found when using it have led me to question every part of my shooting process from the film, to dev, to my camera, my own abilities, and lastly found the lens itself.
I honestly get more consistent and better results from the lens on my Canonet QL17 than with this one. And the fact that it is an f1.1 shouldn't cloud everyone's judgment on its actual usability and reliability. Yes, the physical build is great. Yes, it's a super wide aperture that gives you some fun results. But if it doesn't function at the base level of being able to consistently take decent pictures in the mid aperture range - what's the point. Furthermore, if you're purchasing a product that is $350 NEW only to require a $100 lens calibration 2-3 months after purchase or need to do it yourself - what savings have you really gained?
End Rant.
