The "look" of lenses. Your favourite?

[Arbitrarium]

Having tried a few SLR systems there's definitely a distinct "look" to each company's lenses.

My first camera was an AE-1p and I used a 50mm 1.8 and briefly a 1.4. Looking back on the results I miss the system (camera died on me)

My wife used to use an OM10 and I loved the look of the OM lenses. They seem to have SOMETHING special to them that I can't pinpoint.

I'm currently using an ME Super with the ridiculous K 50mm 1.2. I sometimes look at my prints from Pentax lenses and think they're maybe TOO good. Lacking in character sometimes.

I'm considering getting back into Canon. But what about everyone else? Which SLR lens system has the most pleasing "look" to you?

 

[Jake Mongey]

It has to be pentax for me (never used the 1.2) the 50mm 1.4 was a personal favourite of mine - Reget selling the system

However if were talking non SLR the mamiya C series 135mm 4.5 is just wonderful

 

[Michael Markey]

I`d have to agree with Jake.
The Pentax system has some very nice lenses (including the 50/1.2).

I`ve also used Contax but although the Zeiss C/Y lenses are excellent the cameras can have issues .

I use my C/Y lenses on my Canon DSLR these days .

 

[daveleo]

My favorite "look" comes from the Minolta Rokkor 50mm/f1.4 MC/MD lenses. The M-Rokkor 90mm/f4 has magic as well.

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

… also I confess a weakness for Rokkor glass. It's no wonder that Leitz asked Minolta to form a partnership, and not only some Leica cameras, but also quite a number of Leica-R lenses are in fact Minolta designs.

Generally, it's useful to know the criteria how the lens makers have designed their products; there are three main criteria:
— contrast vs. resolution
— optimum distance
— optimum aperture

See also: Bonus Section: The Great Leica/Zeiss and Nikon/Canon debate summarized!

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I really like the Canon FD stuff. I really like FD lenses for color. Pair a good FD lens with some Portra 160....

 

[mpaniagua]

Carl-Zeiss on the SLR Rolleiflex systems. Like how it renders b/w on the SL66 and SL35's system. 35mm cameras has a dubious reputation (well gained) but lenses make up for it.


Regards

Marcelo

 

[Arbitrarium]

Generally, it's useful to know the criteria how the lens makers have designed their products; there are three main criteria:
— contrast vs. resolution
— optimum distance
— optimum aperture

See also: Bonus Section: The Great Leica/Zeiss and Nikon/Canon debate summarized!

Cheers for that. Canon's lean toward contrast may be what draws me to the look.

 

[tunalegs]

One of my favorites is the Fujinon 2.2/55mm. The Fujinon lenses do all share some rendering traits, but the 2.2 is sort of special because of its peculiar boke' when used wide open (not visible in these shots).

JB27 by Berang Berang, on Flickr

jb24 by Berang Berang, on Flickr

Another favorite is the Yashinon 2/50

Untitled by Berang Berang, on Flickr

oval point by Berang Berang, on Flickr

Its subtle double-lining in out of focus rendering and its color rendering are attractive I think.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I've got favorites from a bunch of different systems.
The thorium glass Pentax SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4.
Leica DR Summicron.
Nikkor-O 2.1cm f/4
Nikkor-P 10.5cm f/2.5
Mamiya G 50mm f/4
Carl Zeiss Planar 7.5cm f/3.5 (Rolleiflex)
Nikkor 3.5cm f/1.8 (rangefinder)
Nikkor 5cm f/1.4 (rangefinder)

Some lenses have a special look simply because of their physical design:
Nikkor 85mm f/1.4
Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 AiS

Phil Forrest

 

[oftheherd]

Have to agree with the Fujica M 42 EBC lenses and the Yashica lenses. But I guess a lot of that has to do with my using them so much, and to the exclusion of most others already mentioned. But I have used Pentax (M42 and bayonet), Canon, Minolta, Contax C/Y, and OM. Of those, I didn't dislike any of them, but I think I preferred the Pentax M42 mount. But to my eye, the Fujinon M42, Yashica, and the Contax 50mm f/1.4, just seemed to speak to me.

 

[Kent]

Leica M lenses are my favourite (unfortunately for my purse).
I also love the old, manual Nikkor lenses and Voigtländer glass.
Olympus Zuiko OM lenses are great as well, as are Pentax/Takumar ones.
Fuji can also craft excellent lenses!
Leica R lenses are also pretty nice.
And Minolta Rokkor lenses can be found for good money.

From the non-OEM brand, I pretty much like Sigmas a lot and some Tamrons. And there is the odd good Tokina.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you've the Pentax ME super than I'd suggest you stick with it. No point in messing around for some vague difference.

And if your money is really burning a hole in your pocket then a couple of lenses, like that nice Pentax 85mm f/2 lens or a wide angle or even lots of film might be a good idea.

Regards, David

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Nikon 50mm 1.8 Series E
Hasselblad 80mm
Rolleiflex — various
Contax G45/2
Canon 85/1.2L
Leica M 35mm/2 ASPH

I have the Pentax 50/1.4, but haven't shot anything with it yet....

 

[Arbitrarium]

Hi,

If you've the Pentax ME super than I'd suggest you stick with it. No point in messing around for some vague difference.

And if your money is really burning a hole in your pocket then a couple of lenses, like that nice Pentax 85mm f/2 lens or a wide angle or even lots of film might be a good idea.

Regards, David

The opposite in fact! Trading off my 50mm 1.2 will get me a serviced AE-1p with a 50mm 1.4 leaving me with cash to spare.

I'm the sort of arty git who'll be swayed by subtleties in 'look' and 'user experience', but a more tangible reason to move away from Pentax is the desire for exposure lock.

 

[David Hughes]

The opposite in fact! Trading off my 50mm 1.2 will get me a serviced AE-1p with a 50mm 1.4 leaving me with cash to spare.

I'm the sort of arty git who'll be swayed by subtleties in 'look' and 'user experience', but a more tangible reason to move away from Pentax is the desire for exposure lock.

Hi,

On the Pentax ME super it is called manual mode and can be done without taking your eyes away from the viewfinder. And you can meter this way as well.

It's a bit odd that so many cameras from that period look like auto-only cameras but are usually manual and auto; it's almost as if they were ashamed...

Regards, David

 

[telenous]

I am not partial to the 28mm focal length but the Summicron 28 Asph sometimes knocks me for six; it's that good. The Macro Elmarit-R 60 is an exhilarating lens. Of older lenses I really like the Summarit 50/1.5. There's a phrase used by Erwin Puts in his Leica lens compendium - he says "the lens draws in a way that invites sympathy", or something like that. In a way it sounds like a put-down but to me it describes accurately the way the resulting photos are very appealing despite the lens' flaws (and they are not a few).

EDIT: Apologies, I just realised the thread is about SLR lenses. Other than R lenses, I've tried a few Canon and Nikon (AIS) primes. Generally speaking I prefer Canon lenses but my favourite of the bunch is the old Nippon Kogaku 50/2 H for Nikon F cameras. I don't think there's any other lens that comes that close to the classic Summicron 50. (Or is it the other way round?)
.

 

[nzhang]

Old 58mm zeiss biotar, nikkor 5.8cm f1.4 lens are full of characters.

 

[rybolt]

for me, it's hard to beat either the 50mm f1.8 Prakticar (Pentacon) or the Jupiter 9 (85mm f2) on the Fuji Xt1.

 

[oftheherd]

... it's almost as if they were ashamed...

Regards, David

Thanks for the laugh. But I agree manual mode can be used. To me with the Yashica TL Super, that was the only way to travel. So doing that with the Fujica ST901 was an easy short step if I thought the meter was being fooled by something (actually a somewhat rare happenstance).

I rarely find AE lock necessary, but I do find it easier to shift the lever one more place on my Contax 167mt, than fiddling with the manual setting on the Pentax ME Super, or on the Fujica.