Suggest a 50

[nightfly]

I recently purchased an M4-P and picked up a CV 28 3.5 and a Summicron 35mm (pre asph) in short order. I do mostly street photography so those cover my needs for the most part. I'm very happy with them.

However, I'd like some sort of 50, mostly for people shots. I don't want to drop a lot of cash since it isn't really my core work and honestly I don't have much to spare. I know a lot of people here seem to love this focal length and have strong opinions on it.

So what would you get for an inexpensive 50 which is fairly versitile but flattering for people? Super sharp and super fast aren't things I'd pay extra for but of course they might be nice. Are there options in the up to $200 range that aren't too old where they'd need a CLA? Feel free to offer to sell me your extra one if you think you've got something I might be interested in.

 

[jonasv]

You could always try a good sample of a Jupiter-8, which goes for what, $30? Plus adapter. Should meet your criteria, I think the Sonnar-design is excellent for people shots.

 

[wlewisiii]

A good Jupiter 8 is the cheapest and will do an excellent job for what you want. With searching, you can find them for $20. Even with the cost of the adaptor, you're not going to find anything else good for what you want anywhere that cheap. I prefer a black Jupiter 8 that is as recently made as you can find.

Another option is a Jupiter 3 if you need the extra speed (50/1.5 vs 50/2.0) but a) it will cost you more ($75 to $125) plus it will probably need to be adjusted by a knowledgeable tech before you can use it wide open up close. Though once it is adjusted...

Good luck!

William

 

[jonasv]

Another good buy that comes to mind is the Canon 50 1.8 in LTM. Usually $125-$150, excellent lenses. But really, the J-8 may be all you need.

ps William, that's a lovely shot!

 

[nightfly]

The Jupiter seems like the way to go. Anyone have one that they'd like to get rid of?

I've sworn off eBay.

 

[FrankS]

J8 if you want to spend $30.
Canon/Serenar f1.8 if you want to spend $125-150.
Summitar if you want to spend $175

 

[kbg32]

I second the Jupiter 8. For the price you can't go wrong, but I love my Summitar.

 

[JohnM]

The Voigtlander 50/2.5 is not a bad lens and it would seem to fit into your budget and "doesn't need a CLA" requirements. I had one for a year or so and thought it was a very nice, well-built lens.

A used Elmar might be an option, although the condition of the lens might be a little hit or miss given the age of it.

(Edit - William...that is a wonderful photo. Nice work.)

 

[xabi]

Or a Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton? It should be about $300.

 

[lubitel]

some people also rave about industar-61 53/2.8. supposed to be sharp and contrasty. you can get one for even less than J-8.

 

[JimG]

J8 if you want to spend $30.
Canon/Serenar f1.8 if you want to spend $125-150.
Summitar if you want to spend $175

I have seen some very good photos here done with a Summitar. One sold on eBay a few days ago for $100. Sounded like it was in pretty good condition to.

 

[J. Borger]

Another strong vote for the Summitar ..............!

 

[rover]

One of these should do...

 

[Ben Z]

I recently purchased an M4-P and picked up a CV 28 3.5 and a Summicron 35mm (pre asph) in short order. I do mostly street photography so those cover my needs for the most part. I'm very happy with them.

However, I'd like some sort of 50, mostly for people shots. I don't want to drop a lot of cash since it isn't really my core work and honestly I don't have much to spare.

I'll offer up a different idea. Why not for the time being just crop from the 35 Cron? You'd be using the central part of the image which is the best part, and I doubt that you'll lose more by cropping/enlarging than from going to a so-so 50. Meantime save up for a '69-'79 50 Cron.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

So what would you get for an inexpensive 50 which is fairly versitile but flattering for people? Super sharp and super fast aren't things I'd pay extra for but of course they might be nice. Are there options in the up to $200 range that aren't too old where they'd need a CLA? Feel free to offer to sell me your extra one if you think you've got something I might be interested in.

Canon 50/1.5 LTM, exceptional build, compact size, sonnar design, sharp, but flattering for portraits (has that pleasing Zeiss sonnar look some people love). Relatively inexpensive compared to a Leica lens.

But you really can't go wrong with the 50/cron if you wish to spend more. good luck

 

[Jon Graham]

Suggest you crop from the 35 cron until you save enough $ for a 50 cron or a new version collapsible elmar.

 

[sychan]

A lot of the best deals are older lenses. I think a good deal that a patient person can get is to pick up one of the old Nikkor 50/2 lenses - its the same basic design as the Jupiter 8, I suppose but its supposed to be very punchy and sharp, with good coatings.

Often you can pick up an old Tower RF camera that has this lens on it, for a good price on Ebay.

 

[ezio gallino]

If you go in B&W any lens can do the job. anyway 50mm is the easiest and less costly lens to make and averyone has done it well. If you have limited light or work in colours a relatively recent lens might do it better. Take a look at Cosina Voiglanders catalog (maybe for look to them secondhand) and to infinite offers on ebay...
Difficult to go wrong in this case.From $30 Jupiter to more than $3000 Noctilux...

Bye

Ezio.

 

[Grober]

Best all-around value is a new Nokton 1.5 but don't let your life dial run down before owning at least one Summicron at this focal length. The Summicron 50 is THE definitive Leica glass.