M mount 50mm question.

[Gerry M]

What would be considered a modern, hi contrast M mount 50mm lens? I don't need super fast, f2 is OK. Leitz is (way) above my price range. I have a 50/2 Summicron collapsible and a Canon 50/1.8 for my M3. I would like something with more contrast, as an alternative. Any input is appreciated.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Sounds like the Planar is what you need

 

[Ronald M]

Planar

original 50 2.8 and 50 2.o Version 2, i.e. Rigid Sumicron has a big step up in contrast/ image quality to the collapsible.

Planar is probably the best choice. Others are more than acceptable. Depends on what you find and cost.

 

[pepeguitarra]

Summicron is a small step on contrast, not much. Planar is good. Also a 40mm is the Leica Summicron-C 40/2, which has good contrast.

 

[Gregm61]

The Zeiss 50mm f2 Planar ZM, new, is $860 for the black-finish version, currently with a mail-in rebate for $75. No telling how long that takes to happen, LOL. There's also the used route via eBay or the like. Looks like $575-$700 is the going rate for used.

 

[taemo]

consider the cv nokton 50mm 1.5 asph.
i took some comparison shots between it and the zm and both were very similar, at times the cv being better

 

[Gerry M]

consider the cv nokton 50mm 1.5 asph.
i took some comparison shots between it and the zm and both were very similar, at times the cv being better

Doing a quick ebay search, it seems that the majority of these are ltm mount. I wonder if this has any effect on performance on M mount body? I use a Canon 50/1.8 ltm on the M3 w/o issues.

 

[BLKRCAT]

He's probably talking about the new one.

I did a quick test roll with mine and its quite a performer. Whether it would have more contrast than the ZM planar I'm not certain. I feel like the Zeiss would have more bite than the Nokton. Both are excellent lenses though.

Something to note about the Zeiss planar, Its a very light lens. It doesnt have the heft that leica or voigtlander models have. This is a make or break for some people but I still think the results are great and on par with the competition.

 

[Ronald M]

Summicron is a small step on contrast, not much. Planar is good. Also a 40mm is the Leica Summicron-C 40/2, which has good contrast.

I have both and they are clear as a bell and owned them for 30 years.
BIG STEP.

Rigid is same as dual range and nobody complains about that one.

 

[ferider]

Technically, the two best 50s that I have are the 50/1.1 Nokton and the Elmar-M. The 1.1 Nokton has less distortion than the VM 50/1.5, has resolution and contrast roughly on par with the ZM Planar f2 and up, and you have the extra speed. Just a little large. On the other hand there is the tiny Elmar-M, with limited speed but out-performing any Summicron (well, except the Apo version that I haven't tried).

So, I suggest to go either small or large 🙂 Used prices of 50/1.1 and Elmar-M are similar.

Roland.

 

[Gerry M]

I do have a Rokkor M 40/2 that has fairly good contrast and is sharp. Do the Zeiss & Nokton have more contrast than this lens?

 

[ferider]

Not in practice. The Rokkor is a great lens.

 

[Gerry M]

To all, Thanks much for the info. I may just stick with the Rokkor 40/2.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Technically, the two best 50s that I have are the 50/1.1 Nokton and the Elmar-M. The 1.1 Nokton has less distortion than the VM 50/1.5, has resolution and contrast roughly on par with the ZM Planar f2 and up, and you have the extra speed. Just a little large. On the other hand there is the tiny Elmar-M, with limited speed but out-performing any Summicron (well, except the Apo version that I haven't tried).

So, I suggest to go either small or large 🙂 Used prices of 50/1.1 and Elmar-M are similar.

Roland.

I have both the F1.1 and the F1.5 and I consider the 1.5 the better performer. Though like I said earlier in the thread I haven't got past a test roll from the 1.5.

It would be interesting to test this. but the F1.1 is huge and I rarely use it unless it's needed.

 

[analogpics]

Hey Gerry, i've owned the CV 50 1.5 asph (the m-mount version), zeiss zm 50 planar and still have the 40 rokkor. If you're looking for a bit more "bite", out of the three, the planar definitely has the most modern/high contrast look of the three. The CV has a nice smooth/more classic rendering to it. I also preferred the ergonomics of the zeiss planar since the CV has that weird grip that sort of cuts into your fingers.

 

[jsrockit]

50mm Planar ZM
50mm Summarit 2.5
50mm Nokton 1.5 M mount

 

[neonart]

The Planar is an absolute bargain, and the performance is unbelievable! If f2 is all you need, you'll be blown away.

I truly wish Zeiss would make a lens that blends the features of the Planar and the Sonar. f1.5 and close focus with nice bokeh rendering... They could charge $2000 and it'd be a steal!

 

[djnato10]

Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f2

I really REALLY love this lens. I picked one of these up about six months ago and all of my other lenses have been put to the wayside since. It's not the greatest pairing for a digital body but for film this lens is absolutely amazing.

Great contrast, very sharp, and well built. My only gripe (and I have read the same thing from other users of this lens) is the larger filter size. It's a Summicron copy so why they went with a 40.5 filter size is beyond me. With that being said, this is my go to 50 and I have used just about every 50 out there for M mount ranging from the Elmar to the Summilux and a huge majority of the third party and ltm 50's as well. I just don't see why people knock this lens for being a bad copy...

 

[Lord Lucan]

Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f2

I really REALLY love this lens. I picked one of these up about six months ago and all of my other lenses have been put to the wayside since. It's not the greatest pairing for a digital body but for film this lens is absolutely amazing.

Great contrast, very sharp, and well built. My only gripe (and I have read the same thing from other users of this lens) is the larger filter size. It's a Summicron copy so why they went with a 40.5 filter size is beyond me. With that being said, this is my go to 50 and I have used just about every 50 out there for M mount ranging from the Elmar to the Summilux and a huge majority of the third party and ltm 50's as well. I just don't see why people knock this lens for being a bad copy...

I agree, the Hexanon M 50 is vastly under rated. I just bought one to use it on Sony and this lens made me to put other lenses (50mm) to rest that included summicron.
The filter size of 40.5 doent bother me because my Rokkor M 40 shares same thread and these fliters are less expensive than 39mm.

 

[Iestrada]

I do not know how it compares in terms of contrast with what you currently have and want, but the Summicron v3 can currently be had for a reasonable price if you can find one.