So many 50's out there - looking for LTM, affordable, sharp, good contrast

I just looked at your blog -- really nice shots there!

I think you will like the Canon 50/1.4. Roland is a real gentleman! Any of the three canon lenses you're considering, as well as the J3, will balance well w/ your Bessa R. So, surprisingly, will the CV 50/1.5 (see Nico's shots in the Gallery w/ this camera/lens combo). You should have no trouble findng a Canon 50/1.8 or a J3 w/in your $200 target price; the others tend to go for more. The little Canon 50/1.8 will probably give you the most bang for the buck as an all-round 50; I've got the first black and chrome version, and like using it on my Bessa R. Very sharp, including wide open, decent contrast, very nice oof areas. But... if you can find the 50/1.4 for a good price.... 😎

I have to say that the Canon 50/1.5 is a treasure. Great for portraits wide open, as Roland points out above, but stopped down (f.4 and beyond) it is really sharp and very usable for landscapes and street photography. I also love the way it handles color. Sad to hear that Roland is selling the last of his; as it happens, I bought mine from him last year, and have been delighted w/ it.
 
Steve,
The 50/1.5 is on my target list for the future months, and so is a Nikkor 50/1.4. On the other hand, if I can buy the Heliar 50/3.5 in collapsible version, then that would also be good.
 
Yeah, the canon 50 1.5 is kind of hard to find on ebay. Roland's got all this extra stuff with his plus it's in such good condition it's too expensive 🙂.
 
Okay. The sample images I'm seeing of the J3 are really nice. Is it a notch below the Canon lenses, though, in reality? I'm seeing a few good prices...
 
raid said:
Steve,
The 50/1.5 is on my target list for the future months, and so is a Nikkor 50/1.4. On the other hand, if I can buy the Heliar 50/3.5 in collapsible version, then that would also be good.
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Raid -- My biggest dilemma these days is whether to go out w/ the 50/1.5 or the 50/1.8!

I'd love to get a Nikkor 50 LTM, too, although I don't know about the 50/1.4. I don't do as many portraits as you do, Raid, and I understand that lens is at its best close up and wide open. Wasn't there a Nikkor 50/2 LTM too, that is more suitable for all 'round use?

Having said all that, I still want a Canon 50/1.4, and might sell my Nokton if I could find a good one. Such is the way of GAS!
 
kaiyen said:
Okay. The sample images I'm seeing of the J3 are really nice. Is it a notch below the Canon lenses, though, in reality? I'm seeing a few good prices...
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Allen -- I borrowed a J3 last summer, and enjoyed using it. Took it to the California State Fair and was pretty pleased with the results. I think it's a great buy IF you can find one in good condition, and that's the catch. Often, so I hear, these lenses need adjustment. Still, I was looking for one, and then Roland's Canon 50/1.5 popped up and I got that instead. Both are sonnar design lenses, as you know. Of the two, the Canon is better, IMO, but more $$$.
 
first shot with my *new* canon 1.5. it wasn't cheap though, needing a CLA straightaway. i think i'd try the J3.
 

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Bingley said:
Raid -- My biggest dilemma these days is whether to go out w/ the 50/1.5 or the 50/1.8!

I'd love to get a Nikkor 50 LTM, too, although I don't know about the 50/1.4. I don't do as many portraits as you do, Raid, and I understand that lens is at its best close up and wide open. Wasn't there a Nikkor 50/2 LTM too, that is more suitable for all 'round use?

Having said all that, I still want a Canon 50/1.4, and might sell my Nokton if I could find a good one. Such is the way of GAS!
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Steve,
I already have the wonderful Nikkor 50/2, and that could be the main factor why I still don't have the Nikkor 50/1.4.

I understand your situation; when you have multiple good choices, the decision becomes difficult. I am debating whether to take with me on my upcoming 3 week trip the Canon 50/1.4 or 50/1.2 or use the classic Summicron 50/2.

I got lucky by finding at KEH a very clean and sharp Canon 50/1.4 for a very good price. They labeled the lens as Bargain, but it was more like a Excellent+.
 
Raid -- You should take the Canon 50/1.4, and report back to us on how it performed as an all-round 50. 🙂 Didn't you take the your 50/1.2 to Germany last year? For travel, I would favor a more compact kit. YMMV.

Now I want the Nikkor 50/2 too.... :bang:
 
Bingley said:
Raid -- You should take the Canon 50/1.4, and report back to us on how it performed as an all-round 50. 🙂 Didn't you take the your 50/1.2 to Germany last year? For travel, I would favor a more compact kit. YMMV.

Now I want the Nikkor 50/2 too.... :bang:
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Steve,

The 50/1.2 would be too large of a lens for a trip to Syria. The 50/1.4 seems to be a very good lens overall. Yes, I took the 50/1.2 to Germany, and it was used well during the trip. Inside a pub, I was able to take photos at available light with an ASA 200 film. The 50/1.4 seems to be a sharper lens than the 50/1.2.

The Nikkor 50/2 cost be about $150-$200 a few years ago.

Good luck in finding what you "need". 😀
 
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