Nikkor 50mm LTM lens

[sandhuatrf]

Hi,

I am considering one of these lens for use on Olympus E-PL1.

I see a couple of HC f2 versions and a "S" f1.4 version. What are the differences? For "Nikkor-HC", does the "close-focus" signify macro capability?

And, how do these compare with modern lens like CV 40/1.4, CV 50/1.5, Zeiss 50/2 or Zeiss 50/1.5?

I am not a pixel peeper so colour, contrast and bokeh are more important to me than all kinds of sharpness tests. That said, reasonable sharpness wide open would be nice 🙂

Thanks!

 

[sp9107sp]

nikkor hc

nikkor hc

the h means the number of elements in the lens h=6, s=7, the C means C, was dropped on later lenses because all lenses were coated, the only way to compare lenses would be to get each one and try it, i personally like the nikon 5cm f:1.4 or the 3.5cm f:1.8,
Jim

 

[splitimageview]

Welcome to RFF!

Both of these lenses are Sonnar formula, do a search here (or better, a google search restricted to this website) as there are lots of threads about these lenses. Both are excellent vintage lenses; the Sonnars are favorites of many here...they compare very favorably -- generally very center sharp, but not as contrasty as modern lenses. The Zeiss 50/1.5 is a Sonnar too. I very much like the Sonnar bokeh...

The close focus doesn't signify macro, just that it will focus closer than the RF cam normally allows (there is a detent in the focus travel at the point were the RF is no longer coupled.) This can come in handy when used adapted on your EPL1.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

In this case "close focus" means that the Nikkor lens focuses closer than the standard .9m of the RF in screwmount bodies. When turning the lens focusing barrel towards close focus, there is a "bump" which is felt telling you that you are scale focusing from then on till closest range. This won't matter with a 4/3 camera though since you don't have any RF to couple to.

Phil Forrest

 

[sparrow6224]

Yes, I believe the Nikons focus at .7 or .6 if I recall; someone more knowledgeable will correct or confirm that no doubt. Meanwhile, on the 6 v 7 elements: I thought the Sonnar formula for a 50mm lens means 7 elements in 3 groups? Does the f/2 need one fewer element? The planar formula is six elements, is it not? Anyone with further info would be a welcome addition to clarify....

 

[Highway 61]

The vintage classic Nikkor-S-C 50/1.4 and Nikkor-H-C 50/2 lenses are both of Sonnar formula, the 50/1.4 has seven elements in three groups and the 50/2 has six elements in three groups.

The 50/2 is way better than the 50/1.4 in terms of resolution and light fall-off for general purpose, at any aperture settings. The 50/1.4 is optimized for close-ups at f/1.4 but isn't a stellar performer otherwise.

The Olympic and Millenium Nikkor-S 50/1.4 are of double-Gauss formula and with no doubt the best 50s for Nikon rangefinder mount, and probably the best 50 ever made for any 24x36 system when it comes to the Millenium Nikkor-S 50/1.4, which is a reissue of the Olympic lens with recomputed optics and top-notch internal and external multicoatings.

 

[sandhuatrf]

Thanks for all the responses. I looked around for Nikkor LTM lens on ebay, KEH and few other places but wasn't convinced about the condition of what is available out there especially given their asking prices. So I opted to go with a Contax Zeiss 50mm f/1.7. That's the best thing I like about m4/3 cameras is I can pick the best lens from various mounts and easily use it with an adapter. Gives me lots of choice! 🙂

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I use an older Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.4 in LTM on my EP2:

Wide open at F1.4.





At F4: