The Two 50mm Heliar Lenses: Any Tests Done?

[raid]

They are supposedly identical optically. Some people don't fully extend collapsible lenses and then get messed up images. That would be a difference.

 

[Patman]

I have the Bessa T 101 in Olive with the 50mm Heliar 3.5 and after purchasing it, new, I did some tests with it. I did a side by side comparison against the 50mm Col Summicrom and I found it to be nothing special and the Summicrom was far superior thoughout the entire f stop range. I have tried it since on my M8 and it wasn't a lens I would go out and buy, and one thing it definately wasn't was sharp!

 

[raid]

There may be something wrong with the allignment of your Heliar. It should be sharper than a collapsible Summicron.

 

[Patman]

I tried it with the Bessa, the M3 and the M8 te performance merely mediocre. I think the Heliar being a sharp lens is just a lot of hype.

 

[raid]

I base my opinions on this lens on test results and comparisons with many excellent 50mm lens using a heavy tripod, a cable release cord and identical conditions.

Maybe you are right?

 

[Patman]

I base mine on everyday useasge, whe I shoo a phot I/m looking for deail and if the lense doesn't perform in he field I just dont bother with it. I've given the lens a few opportunities to perform and it has fell on it's face. I've posted images on this site shot with the Heliar too see what kind of response I woiuld get, afew people commented on the color but know said a thing about the quality of the image.

 

[raid]

I have been taking hundreds of comparison photos taken by 50mm RF lenses over the past few years for RFF threads, and I am able to look at images side by side. I always have replicate images taken, and I let others comment on the results. The rigid Summicron did very well in the last 50mm comparison project, but so did the Heliar. Other 50mm did not do as well. The comparison included set-up for sharpness (letters), bokeh (out of focus reflection in a window glass), and details (foliage), plus portraits.

Take a look (choosing size "original") at the Heliar 3.5 and compare it to the Elmar or Summicron.

http://ferider.smugmug.com/Technical/Raids-50mm-Tests/The-Door/9196210_YBLFy#613819728_JwzeQ

 

[akk2]

Raid, You mean 50/2 rigid is the best?

 

[raid]

Raid, You mean 50/2 rigid is the best?

It did very well, and it was one of the best performing 50mm lenses for sharpness in the center. There are many excellent 50mm lenses, but the rigid Summicron does well regardless of its age.