jmkelly
rangefinder user
Browsing eBay this evening and came across what looks like a pristine example of the Zuiko 50mm f1.2 - my very favorite lens for the OM System. I don't see these come up very often, and wonder if this one will sell at the asking price. When did these get so expensive? Is this a micro 4/3rds effect?
(BTW - all the usual disclaimers: no relation to seller, etc., etc.)
(BTW - all the usual disclaimers: no relation to seller, etc., etc.)
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Nice fat glass. 
These can be adapted to Canon and Nikon as well as micro 4/3.
These can be adapted to Canon and Nikon as well as micro 4/3.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
That is WAYYYY too much. Even Kevin doesn't charge THAT much. people are getting greedy/wishful because they're broke and think they an screw people online to pay their bills.
jmkelly
rangefinder user
Chris - I agree it's quite a lot to ask for this lens. I sure didn't pay that much for mine 4-5 years ago. I know you are not a huge fan of the 50/1.2 but even if I thought I could get that kind of dough I would not sell mine.
I looked at the seller's other items and all but this one seemed to be priced within reason. Maybe this is what the market will bear for the 50/1.2 now? If that's the case, I hope it's not generalized across the rest of the less-common Zuikos - I'm still hoping for a 21/2 someday.
I looked at the seller's other items and all but this one seemed to be priced within reason. Maybe this is what the market will bear for the 50/1.2 now? If that's the case, I hope it's not generalized across the rest of the less-common Zuikos - I'm still hoping for a 21/2 someday
.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
'WAYYYY too much' is a slight exhageration IMO ... I bought mine a year or so ago for $500.00 BIN from an eBay seller after receiving a PM'd heads up from Roland because he knew I was looking for one and thought this was an OK deal. I'd seen a few others at much the same price but they weren't in this condition.
Ultimately the market decides what these things are worth and if someone takes it at this price then good luck to them. I regard mine as one of the better purchases I've made over the last few years and wouldn't want to be without it!
Ultimately the market decides what these things are worth and if someone takes it at this price then good luck to them. I regard mine as one of the better purchases I've made over the last few years and wouldn't want to be without it!
plummerl
Well-known
I'd have to agree with Keith. Kevin currently has two 50/1.2s for $575 on his site direct. If you look on his ebay listings, they are $625 and $655.
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
OM is hyped at the moment. In all the photography forums, RFF included, you have people talking again and again about how OMs are really some kind of honorary rangefinder, what OMs to get, what the best lenses are etc. OMs are the iPhone of manual SLRs currently, hence prices for accessories are high. A good time to sell your OM stuff I guess.
If you have an idea what the next camera hype will be, I guess you can make a good dollar or two.
_mark__
Well-known
What about a 55 1.2 for £300?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OLYMPUS-ZUIKO...esFilters_JN?hash=item4ceca8d99c#ht_750wt_958
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OLYMPUS-ZUIKO...esFilters_JN?hash=item4ceca8d99c#ht_750wt_958
jmkelly
rangefinder user
That's not particularly cheap for a 55/1.2 - which in my opinion is an inferior lens in most ways to the 50/1.2. The older 55mm lens is larger and heavier, and produces notably softer images. Some would describe to OOF rendering of the 55mm as "more pleasing." I sold two of them.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
olympus recomend that the OM 50mmf1.2 be used between f4-f8 for acceptable results--pretty small window for good results eh, is it even worth the bother to attach it, let alone pay for the privilege
I want to see this recommendation in original print!
Not some 'heresay' quote!
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Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
ROTFL ...
you are kidding though arnt ya keith
Show me the money!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
here somethin for you from Olympus to chew on Keith...i added the ''......'' (dots) to separate and the 'YVMV' at the end...
Compatible Lens.........Recommended Focal Length and F Stop Range
Wide-angle
Zuiko Fish Eye 8 mm F2.8....F4-F8
Zuiko Fish Eye 16 mm F3.5.....F4-F8
Zuiko 18 mm F3.5......F5.6-F8
Zuiko 21 mm F2........F2.8-F8
Zuiko 21 mm F3.5......F4-F8
Zuiko 24 mm F2.........F2.8-F8
Zuiko 24 mm F2.8......F4-F8
Zuiko 28 mm F2.........F4-F8
Zuiko 28 mm F2.8......F5.6-F8
Zuiko 28 mm F3.5......F5.6-F8
Zuiko 35 mm F2.........F4-F8
Zuiko 35 mm F2.8.......F4-F8
Zuiko Shift 24 mm F3.5......F5.6-F8
Zuiko Shift 35 mm F2.8.......F4-F8
Standard
Zuiko 40 mm F2.......F4-F8
Zuiko 50 mm F1.2.....F4-F8
Zuiko 50 mm F1.4......F2.8-F8
Zuiko 50 mm F1.8......F2.8-F8
Zuiko 55 mm F1.2......F2.8-F8
Tele
Zuiko 85 mm F2......F5.6-F8
Zuiko 100 mm F2......F2.8-F8
Zuiko 100 mm F2.8....F5.6-F8
Zuiko 135 mm F2.8.....F5.6-F8
Zuiko 135 mm F3.5......F5.6-F8
Zuiko 180 mm F2.........F2-F11
Zuiko 180 mm F2.8......F4-F8
Zuiko 200 mm F4.........F8-F11
Zuiko 200 mm F5.........F5-F5.6
Zuiko 250 mm F2.........F2-F11
Zuiko 350 mm F2.8.......F2.8-F11
Zuiko Reflex 500 mm F8.....F8
Macro
Zuiko Macro 50 mm F2......F2.8-F8
Zuiko Macro 50 mm F3.5....F3.5-F8
Zuiko Macro 80 mm F4.......F5.6-F11
Zuiko Macro 90 mm F2........F4-F8
Zuiko Macro 135 mm F4.5.....F4.5-F11
Zoom
Zuiko Zoom 28-48 mm F4
F5.6-F8 at focal length of 28-48 mm F11 also possible at focal length around 36 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-70mmF3.5-4.5
F5.6 at focal length of 35-50 mm F8 also possible at focal length around 35 mm F4 also possible at focal length around 50 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-70 mm F3.6
F5.6-F8 at focal length of 50-70 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-70 mm F4
F8 at focal length of 35-50 mm F5.6 also possible at focal length around 35 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-70 mm F4 (AF)
F8 at focal length of 35-50 mm F5.6 also possible at focal length around 35 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-80 mm F2.8
F5.6-F8 at focal length of 35-80 mm F4 also possible at focal length around 35 mm
Zuiko Zoom 35-105 mm F3.5-4.5
F8 at focal length of 60-105 mm F5.6 also possible at focal length around 60 mm
Zuiko Zoom 50-250 mm F5
F8 at focal length around 250 mm
Zuiko Zoom 65-200 mm F4
F8 at focal length of 115-200 mm F5.6 also possible at focal length around 115 mm
Zuiko Zoom 75-150 mm F4
F5.6-F8 at focal length of 105-150 mm
Zuiko Zoom 85-250 mm F5
F5.6 at focal length of 150-250 mm F8 also possible at focal length around 150 mm
Zuiko Zoom 100-200 mm F5
F5.6-F11 at focal length of 140-200 mm F5 also possible at focal length around 200 mm
Lens release button
1Fit the Four Thirds Adapter into the camera’s lens mount by aligning the lens attachment marks and turn it in the direction of the arrow until it locks into position. ・To remove the Four Thirds Adapter, turn the lens in the opposite
direction while pressing down the lens release button. 2 Attach an Olympus OM system lens.
Notes
・Autofocus (AF) is not available. ・Stop-down metering is used. Spot metering mode does not work properly. ・Although it is possible to use the A (aperture-priority AE) mode in auto
exposure, the aperture display is not available. ・The aperture display is not available in M (Manual) exposure. ・In the P (Program AE) or S (Shutter speed-priority AE) mode, the shutter
releases, but the auto exposure control does not work. ・The distance scale on the OM system lens may not indicate the actual
distance. Always use the viewfinder for focusing. ・For recommended lenses, focal lengths and aperture (F-number) ranges,
see the OM system compatibility on the right. For inquiries, contact your nearest Olympus dealer.
Dimensions Weight
Main Specifications
: Ø 62 x 7.5mm (Ø 2.4 x 0.3 in) : 50g (1.8 oz)
��Notes (1) The recommended values shown above are based on Olympus standards. YVMV (2) It is not recommended to use an OM system lens that is not listed above. (3) When an OM system lens is mounted on a Four Thirds System SLR camera, the image
angle will be equivalent to that of a 35mm film camera lens with double the focal length.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
It happens every time someone creates a new "cult class" for a particular camera. The 55 f/1.2 Nikkor was panned back in the day as a dog for being so soft wide open. Saw a lot of pretty nice ones for almost nothing at camera shows in the 1980's for trivial money that went unsold. Now "f/1.2" is some kind of magical word and they sell for big bucks.
Like Keith says, though, if you can afford it, and want it, who cares what it costs? As for the Olympus, I guess compared to Leica lenses, $600 or $700 seems like a bargain.
Like Keith says, though, if you can afford it, and want it, who cares what it costs? As for the Olympus, I guess compared to Leica lenses, $600 or $700 seems like a bargain.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
One lens that has become worth considerably more than it's real value IMO is the Canon 50mm f1.2 LTM. I paid $280.00 for mine a year or two ago from memory and I keep seeing them advertised for $500.00 - $600.00. It has a minimum focus distance of one meter is soft wide open, has an impossibly long focus throw and flares badly in certain conditions. My Zuiko has none of these issues ... the OOF areas can be a little weird wide open at times but aside from that it's very easy to live with.
It has a minimum focus distance of one meter is soft wide open, has an impossibly long focus throw and flares badly in certain conditions. My Zuiko has none of these issues ... the OOF areas can be a little weird wide open at times but aside from that it's very easy to live with.aeolist
Member
btw, this lens is going to really suck if you adapt it on a crop camera. That huge rear element is going to bounce light back to the sensor a lot, resulting in awful colors.
I've tried both the 50/1.4 and 50/1.8 on my 4/3 camera, and the 50/1.8 was a lot better, colorwise
I've tried both the 50/1.4 and 50/1.8 on my 4/3 camera, and the 50/1.8 was a lot better, colorwise
jmkelly
rangefinder user
Yes, that's so. Though I have a Canon 55mm f1.2 professionally modified for M-mount that I would sell for that kind of money - even cheaper than the CV f1.1 Nokton.
Chippy's long list comes right from the instructions for the Olympus OM to standard 4/3rds adapter. Honestly I'm not sure why they say you can't use these lenses outside those narrow f-stop ranges. I have used the 50/1.2, the 40/2 and the 85/2 all wide-open on my E-300 with this adapter and the results are fine, though focusing accurately in available darkness is more difficult on the E-300 than on my OM-1. The E-300 VF is pretty dim, especially compared to the Beattie screen I have in the OM.
If it's too high, no one will bite and the seller will relist. If someone buys it, it wasn't too high.
I agree it's more difficult to use when adapted on an optical viewfinder DSLR. Those cameras don't have 'real' focusing screens, and the stop-down requirement gets in the way. That doesn't apparently deter people from doing it, and it *does* provide something that Olympus doesn't -- a full frame digital option.
I agree it's more difficult to use when adapted on an optical viewfinder DSLR. Those cameras don't have 'real' focusing screens, and the stop-down requirement gets in the way. That doesn't apparently deter people from doing it, and it *does* provide something that Olympus doesn't -- a full frame digital option.
ethics_gradient
Well-known
I think those Oly 50mm f/1.2 generally goes for around $450ish (in say, KEH BGN condition), depending on condition and accessories. Of course with BIN you can subtract 8% if you're willing to wait 90 days.
Kevin's prices on eBay are probably higher to reflect eBay's somewhat usurious closing fees.
Kevin's prices on eBay are probably higher to reflect eBay's somewhat usurious closing fees.
