Jerevan
Recycled User
I am looking for a low-contrast (wide or normal) lens in m42 mount. Preferably I would like an uncoated lens but I don't think there is such a thing. Any tips?
M42 lens for an old-time look?
- Thread starter Jerevan
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Uwe_Nds
Chief Assistant Driver
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
how about a Pentacon/ Meyer Domiplan 50mm f2.8 lens?
this three element wonder gives sharp negs, from f 5.6 or smaller and is kind of soft at f2.8 or f4.
make sure the aperture blades works on this lens, as it is not too well made.
this three element wonder gives sharp negs, from f 5.6 or smaller and is kind of soft at f2.8 or f4.
make sure the aperture blades works on this lens, as it is not too well made.
dexdog
Veteran
The M42 Zeiss 50/3.5 Tessar or 58/2.0 Biotar would be options. Cheap and readily available on eBay
mr_phillip
Well-known
The single-coated Super Takumar 50mm/f1.4 is a fabulous lens. Might be just what you're looking for.
santino
FSU gear head
Biotar 2/58 or old Helios 2/58
Limpovitj
Established
I like that lens. It's got a very, for lack of a better word, classic look to it. Yes, wide open it is decidedly a bit soft. Takes nice pictures. It is somewhat big, if that matters.Pitxu said:
Oh, and if you really want an uncoated lens, then coating can be removed with tooth paste on a q-tip. It'll take you all day, though...
peterm1
Veteran
The Jupiter 9 85mm f2 is available in both Leica mount and M42 mount. It goes cheaply and is designed on the pre war Sonnar lens design which is self renowned. It could well be what you are looking for. If you are more flush with cash a definite starter is the Helios 40-2, This sexy looking monster lens is 85mm f1.5 and is very popular amongst shooters looking for that older slightly softer and low contrast look. Both are still quite sharp enough however except when shot wide open, when they make good portrait lenses. 😉 The only problem with the latter lens is its price - its risen to often unreasonable heights on eBay due to high demand for it . And there are many more m42 lenses.
Here is a good forum site where you will find buckets of info on old M42 (and other) lenses. These guys are real enthusiasts who seem to buy new kit every week. They are on that constant quest which never ends - the quest for the perfect lens. I know the virus, I have it too. If you post your question there you will get lots of well thought out answers on this topic as its their specialty. (They are also very helpful.)
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=65c451cb17246cea7ebd23e9eab6e5a7
And here is a photo of the aforementioned Helios mounted on a Canon digital with adapter.
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/eos350d_helios.html
In fact this guys site is a great place for you to start. About half way down the following page you can find links to dozens of lens tests, many of them M42.
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/index.html
Knock yourself out. :bang: 😱
I should add that I have many Pentax M42 lenses and while I think they are in general great lenses - right up there with the best of their era I have never really thought of them as giving an older photo look. "Taks" were more among the first of the modern lenses and this is why I have suggested looking to some of these other M42 mount lenses. Since I started using that site I have been blown away by the quality of many European and Russian lenses of the post war era. I had always understood them to be sub par, at least in build and so have dismissed them. I have had to revise my thinking as they certainly produce the goods, photo wise.
Here is a good forum site where you will find buckets of info on old M42 (and other) lenses. These guys are real enthusiasts who seem to buy new kit every week. They are on that constant quest which never ends - the quest for the perfect lens. I know the virus, I have it too. If you post your question there you will get lots of well thought out answers on this topic as its their specialty. (They are also very helpful.)
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=65c451cb17246cea7ebd23e9eab6e5a7
And here is a photo of the aforementioned Helios mounted on a Canon digital with adapter.
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/eos350d_helios.html
In fact this guys site is a great place for you to start. About half way down the following page you can find links to dozens of lens tests, many of them M42.
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/index.html
Knock yourself out. :bang: 😱
I should add that I have many Pentax M42 lenses and while I think they are in general great lenses - right up there with the best of their era I have never really thought of them as giving an older photo look. "Taks" were more among the first of the modern lenses and this is why I have suggested looking to some of these other M42 mount lenses. Since I started using that site I have been blown away by the quality of many European and Russian lenses of the post war era. I had always understood them to be sub par, at least in build and so have dismissed them. I have had to revise my thinking as they certainly produce the goods, photo wise.
Last edited:
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Another vote for the Biotar 58/2.
Or buy a real camera (rangefinder...)
Cheers,
R.
Or buy a real camera (rangefinder...)
Cheers,
R.
Didier
"Deed"
There's only one M42 lens I ever really wanted (but never had), the Helios 40-2 1.5/85mm.
Some links about it:
http://www.dantestella.com/technical/helios.html
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/eos350d_helios.html
http://www.winken-zemke.info/?p=40
Didier
Some links about it:
http://www.dantestella.com/technical/helios.html
http://galactinus.net/vilva/retro/eos350d_helios.html
http://www.winken-zemke.info/?p=40
Didier
kestas
Member
- Local time
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i think it's helios-44 (58/2). especially older versions. helios-44 is a not very good clone of carl zeiss jena biotar 58/2, but it's really interesting lens for retro look photography. it shows nice circular bokeh wide open and costs only couple of $$
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Ah, have I got a lens for ya,
For what you've described look no further than the "enlarger lens"
... it's too small to be taken seriously, probably single-coated, and best of all, it takes darn good pictures (less contrast but no less sharp).
No, actually... (looking around shiftily)... *best* of all, it's dirt dirt cheap, come'on you can make the deal!
... used-lens-salesman-mode OFF ...
😛
For what you've described look no further than the "enlarger lens"
... it's too small to be taken seriously, probably single-coated, and best of all, it takes darn good pictures (less contrast but no less sharp).
No, actually... (looking around shiftily)... *best* of all, it's dirt dirt cheap, come'on you can make the deal!
... used-lens-salesman-mode OFF ...
😛
Last edited:
Jerevan
Recycled User
Well, thanks a lot for all the suggestions, especially Roger and his recommendation to buy a "real" camera. 😀
I am using a Spotmatic, so I already have the requisite 50 /1.4 Super-Takumar. One of the nicest SLR lenses I've used. I think a Biotar would fit the bill quite nicely, from the examples I've seen so far. I'll consider the other options, too.
But honestly, I would rather take a Leica with an Elmar any day. (oh yes, it's sellers remorse à la grave)
I am using a Spotmatic, so I already have the requisite 50 /1.4 Super-Takumar. One of the nicest SLR lenses I've used. I think a Biotar would fit the bill quite nicely, from the examples I've seen so far. I'll consider the other options, too.
But honestly, I would rather take a Leica with an Elmar any day. (oh yes, it's sellers remorse à la grave)
