Looking for an introduction to 50mm

[Huss]

Personally, I'm satisfied with serviced by me Jupiter-3 on M-E, but it is not straight out from parcel lens on M.

It's the same thing with the J-8. I like the lens but it needs to be shimmed to focus correctly. I never did with mine, I just paid attention to how far it back focuses and accommodate for that.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It's the same thing with the J-8. I like the lens but it needs to be shimmed to focus correctly. I never did with mine, I just paid attention to how far it back focuses and accommodate for that.

Silver versions of both Jupiters are same, not easy to re-shim. But black one is not so, it is simplified due to collapsing manufacturing base. Yet, with more fresh coatings.

 

[Henry]

Never noticed it. I'm not saying it doesn't but I have never noticed it.
Nor from the other lenses on my list.

I guess I could spend an afternoon testing out my 50s to see which one is the best for distortion. But that sounds really boring!

As the OP is using a digicam, he'd just select the corresponding lens profile in LR etc

I don't usually mind distortion as long as it's not ugly anyway. I rarely use profile corrections unless they are force-baked into my images (looking at you iPhone).

I wouldn't recommend any of the post-Rigid 50mm Summicrons because of bokeh issues (and flare, of course), except for the APO ASPH.

If focal length is the only thing you care about, I'd recommend literally anything that meets your budget of $400. They're all good optically in their own ways. I'd base my decision on any personal preferences regarding speed, size/weight, ergonomics, design, condition, and optical signature (contrast, resolution, bokeh, color, etc.).

For an "interesting" lens, I'd say a collapsible lens would be cool, or a Contax or Nikon 50mm rangefinder lens with an Amedeo adapter for that Sonnar look.

I see people mention the issues with the more recent Summicron variants, are there people here who really like them as is?

 

[Henry]

Used Planars are at 500$ mark. Easy to sell, without loss, lens. 7Artisans might be bit large for travels. Even Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1.5 Aspherical VM in black are at this price mark, used but not abused and not Nikkor, Canon vintage which isn't always good on digital M.

Personally, I'm satisfied with serviced by me Jupiter-3 on M-E, but it is not straight out from parcel lens on M.

I'll admit, the prospect of repairs/CLA with vintage lenses does make me nervous, and is one of the things that originally got me looking at the 7artisans. Considering a new-but-gently-used modern lens is appealing though.

 

[raid]

There exist many excellent 50mm RF lenses at prices of $400 or less. The J-8 50/2 is an excellent lens that usually does not require any shimming while the J-3 often does. The Canon 50/1.8 is a bargain lens, and the Canon 50/1.4 is faster and as good. The Nikon 50/2 ltm is an excellent choice too. The CV 50/1.5 is a great lens. There are too many excellent 50mm to list here. My favorite 50mm lens is most likely the Rigid Summicron, but it costs more than $400. The Elmar 50/2.8 is awesome too.

 

[maddoc]

The CV 50/2.5 LTM would be my recommendation. I still prefer it over the 50 mm Summicron (vs4 maybe, the one with tab but no intgrated hood) due to its size. This lens might be the best value for the money also.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'll admit, the prospect of repairs/CLA with vintage lenses does make me nervous, and is one of the things that originally got me looking at the 7artisans. Considering a new-but-gently-used modern lens is appealing though.

Even two 50 LTM Canon I get needed CLA and re-shimming. They are not as bad as FSU, if not better than Leitz for DIY CLA, but still takes time and effort.

I’m not sure if 50 1.1 gets evenly sharp across entire frame at some aperture.

 

[taemo]

I hadn't considered the LTM route, thoughts on the 1.4 vs 1.2?



I've always been hesitant about the collapsible models with the digital M bodies, I think my manual specifically suggests against them, or am I being too paranoid?

I have used my Collapsible 50mm Summicron on a M240 with no issues.
IQ performance on digital for this old lens is amazing as well.

 

[shimokita]

I have and like the Canon S-Mount 50mm f/1.8 (on a IIIf)... since you are primarily a 35mm shooter, the size of any 50mm you choose could impact your experience. Too big and heavy might put you off before you get started.