Canon LTM opinion on Canon 50mm 0.95

[Hacker]

Thanks Jim. A few more:

 

[mani]

Ken Ruth has a cheaper conversion that keeps the breech mount.

Hi Hacker

I think we've discussed this lens over on another Leica forum. I finally got hold of an apparently good example, (though rather expensive, of course). I was hoping to be able to use it for a while on The Canon 7 that I bought with it, but I just can't get on with the meter or the finder (compared to the M finders I'm used to). I've mailed Don Goldberg but no reply (which I understand is typical), and tried to get in touch with some other specialists.

So far, only Steve Serrota at Camera Care has got back to me - and his prices seem reasonable. I'm guessing you're of the opinion that Don is the best choice for the conversion? I'll be using the lens mostly on the M8, so focus needs to be spot-on.

Anyone have any solid recommendations for a good conversion specialist? I really want to get the best possible conversion, as it's nothing I'd want to re-do, especially after such a long search for a good example of the lens.

 

[Merkin]

Does anyone else think the bokeh is not that pleasant? And the razor-thin in focus area can only be done just so many times on a limited subject matter, no? Isn't this lens an example of "I just gotta have the fastest lens ever made because I can!" And then people go overboard to find ways to use it? I mean, the examples given here aren't really showing really really low light scenes that couldn't also be achieved with another lens hundreds of $$$ less like a 1.2 or 1.4 for the most part?

I think it is a strange case of bokeh so bad that it is beautiful. If it was any worse, it would be practically unusable, but if it was a little better (but not a lot better) it would be uglier, because it would lose its charm. I agree, however, that way too many people use the shallowest DOF just for the sake of being 'artsy,' or just for the sake of using the shallowest DOF, even when a larger DOF would make for a much more interesting image. On the other hand, being able to open up that large can allow you to grab a lot of low light images that would otherwise be impossible without flash. My main lens is a 35mm f/1.4, but I only use it absolutely wide open if I absolutely have to. In those situations, however, it is invaluable.

nnarin- Unless your lens is in mint condition with all of the original caps and shade, go ahead and convert it. For some lenses, a good conversion adds value to the lens, and for some, it detracts from the value. However, if it means that you will use the lens more, absolutely convert it. You can keep a converted lens in your camera bag, on hand, and slap it on whenever you find yourself needing it. If you get a canon 7, you can only use it when you purposely go out of your way to use it, which may (or may not) lead to more contrived uses of the lens. If I got one, I wouldn't hesitate to have it converted.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Wide-Open, my 2nd photo with this lens.

From the same test roll, wide-open.

 

[Mackinaw]

Taken last weekend at a St. Patrick's day parade. On Efke 25 (hence the high contrast) at f0.95. I focused on the gal with the cigar.

Jim B.