Tell me about the 50mm planar...

[ferider]

Compared to Hexanon or v3 or v4 Summicron, the ZM Planar is not cheap. And performs very similarly. Some Planars start to wobble after a while, some are not light tight. The Summicron is the smallest of the 3, the Hexanon the best built. And Tim's portraits would be good with any lens 🙂

I recommend to decide based on handling (size, hood, filter size, etc), and luck in price when looking for a good used copy. For example, a couple of weeks ago, we had a Hexanon for US 300 in the classifieds. What's not to like about that ?

Your Canon 50/1.8 is not a bad lens, BTW. Not too far off the 3 lenses above.

 

[kknox]

I had a ZM Planar on an M3 SS. All my shots were out of focus a bit on that camera. I sold the lens, is it the lens camera combo? My other lens were always in focus. Let me know

 

[jonmanjiro]

a couple of weeks ago, we had a Hexanon for US 300 in the classifieds. What's not to like about that ?

That's a great price indeed. Luckily used Planars sell for not much more in Japan ($380 - $400) and are easily found.

 

[ferider]

Not here, Jon. Living in Japan is real cheap it seams 🙂

 

[david.elliott]

Not here, Jon. Living in Japan is real cheap it seams 🙂

That's for sure. That is a significant 'discount' that Jon is enjoying. Makes me jealous. 🙂

 

[tlitody]

check out tim barker's 50 planar pics ... worth a look

can someone give a link to tim barkers work. I searched flickr but can't find anything with his name which says its from a 50 planar.

 

[tbarker13]

Hi there.
There is a link in my signature to the shots I have posted on ZeissImages.

 

[tlitody]

Thanks,

Great images.

 

[Luna]

Not here, Jon. Living in Japan is real cheap it seams 🙂

This definitely isn't true. Well, the used stores for lens, yes, that is somewhat cheap.

But actually living here....no. I came from the land of 50 cent sodas, decent priced gas, and cheap homes. Here, its all twice the price.

 

[stompyq]

Finally bought one and now eagerly awaiting USPS...

 

[Mister E]

Just as good as a Summicron 50/2 for a lot less money! What more to say? 😉

Maybe less new but used they are similarly priced. I like them both.

 

[Mister E]

This definitely isn't true. Well, the used stores for lens, yes, that is somewhat cheap.

But actually living here....no. I came from the land of 50 cent sodas, decent priced gas, and cheap homes. Here, its all twice the price.

Or 4 or 5 times the price. Japan is expensive.