Tell me about the 50mm planar...

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stompyq

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I'am really interested in this lens. Right now i have a 50mm canon 1.8 serner and a 50mm summitar. I love the summitar but hate the fact that i can't shoot it without worrying about flare all the time. The canon draws differently and in general i like it. Just looks more modern. How much better is the planar to the canon? Is their a huge difference? I'am talking about the way it draws. I'am almost sure it's better with flare. I shoot almost exclusively in the wideopen to f/4 range so subject seperation is very important.

I'll be using this on my M6 with color print film (no B/W). Just can't make up my mind.
 
By the way I checked out Tims shots. Those are great but not the enviorment that i'll be deploying the lens. I don't intend to do studio portraits with it. Just candid stuff out doors and on film.
 
Another person who uses the Planar with skill
is: 'Salmonpink' on flickr
check out his set with the Planar ...Tres Artsy Fab !
 
david.elliott said:
Hmm. But how does it compare to the hexanon?
Click to expand...

I had both and kept Hexanon. They draw similar yet different. Matter of personal taste really. Too close to keep both - I already have many 50s. Hex is built better IMO. Both have great glass. If there was no Hexanons, I'd go with Zeiss planar as I still liked it better than Summicron, which I had at the same time too and tested them all against each other.
 
I own all three (Summicron, Hexanon and Planar). The Summicron will be passed on, of the three it is the lens I like the least. It's sharp and everything, but the Planar just sings, especially with colour. The Hexanon? Built like nothing else, compact, creamy bokeh.

The Planar is quite high in contrast, so that might put some off it. Other than that, it can't be faulted.
 
I went through several 50s before settling on the planar (though I still have J-3 and a NIkkor 50/2 for the sonnar look). I've never shot with the 50 hexanon, though I have never had a bad experience with a hexanon.
I did, however, sell my 50 summicron after using the planar.

I know the OP isn't really interested in studio work. But regarding flare, I'll say that there are times when I've shot almost directly into a flash - and flare has not been a problem.

You might also check out the M-Mount group on Flickr for more examples from the lens.
 
I'm still getting acquainted with my 50 Planar-ZM... It seems very clean and neutral. Here's one:
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david.elliott said:
Hmm. But how does it compare to the hexanon?
Click to expand...

I prefer the planar because I really like the zeiss look and want my lenses to have consistent handling (pretty much all ZM). The hexanon is a wonderful lens, great imaging and build quality. The hex's "look" is a lot like the later 50 cron's, imho.
 
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I own a Planar, but I can't compare it to the Canon. All I know is that it could be the best lens I've ever used. I remember when I got my first roll back after using it and I was shocked at how good it was....contrasty, pleasing bokeh, and SHARP! I'm impressed every time. I know I'm only one thrilled user, but you won't regret picking one of these up. Good luck...
 
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