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The 50mm focal length


Raul

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Hi guys,

 

I just want to share with you my experience with the 50. While a 50lux was used for this article, it wasn't about the lux but more about my own epiphany regarding this focal length. For those on the fence on whether to go 35 or 50, this might help you decide what lens to go buy first.

 

My site is non-commercial in anyway. All for the love of the game :-)

 

On turning 50 | Raul Echivarre's The Bigger Picture

 

Best,

 

Raul

Edited by Raul
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Raul, nice link, thanks.

 

Despite the undoubted attractions of wide-angle lenses, there is certainly something beautiful about a 50mm lens used imaginatively. It somehow strips away a lot of photographic preconceptions, leaving you to your imagination.

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Funny that my setup is 21,35,75 + 135 i mainly use for some landscape. Very happy with that also somehow really been craving for a 50 lately. (especially after trying the 50lux from NorbertNL :) )Your post certainly strikes some chords with me. Very thought stimulating. Thank you!

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Thank you for the link to this article, Raul, it struck a chord with me.

 

Since the 70s I have had just two 50s, a Nikkor f1.4 for my F2, which didn’t get used much, and last year a f1.4 Zuiko I got with a OM-2.

 

After using a 35mm Summicron Asph almost exclusively for 13 years, the Zuiko re-awakened my interest, and this year I purchased an Elmar-M for my M6.

 

Much to my surprise – and delight – I’ve re-discovered what an absolutely joy a 50 can be. Most of this year it hasn't been off the M6!

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I am a big an alternating fan of both the 35 and 50. I am seriously thinking about a 40 as this might provide something alternative.

 

I have been using a 50 Cron recently and just gone back to a 35 Cron, I really like both to be honest but do prefer using one length then the other and not swapping too frequently. I might sell my 18 even though I have 3 35's and 4 50's as I'm not sure I am getting the value out of it :cool:

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Nice shots, these photos in Yunnan make me recall my first visit to those small villages 15 years ago, and I remember I could not stop telling my friends about my feeling that how clean and close to what the life should basically be.

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I might find myself in a similar situation at some point as I like the 35 as well. Maybe upgrade my cron to a lux. I don't swap frequently. I find myself using only one lens per trip or at least 80% of the time. Definitely per leg within trips, only one lens. Options on the field can be quite the distraction :)

 

I am a big an alternating fan of both the 35 and 50. I am seriously thinking about a 40 as this might provide something alternative.

 

I have been using a 50 Cron recently and just gone back to a 35 Cron, I really like both to be honest but do prefer using one length then the other and not swapping too frequently. I might sell my 18 even though I have 3 35's and 4 50's as I'm not sure I am getting the value out of it :cool:

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I was a 90% M3 50mm shooter forever - was delighted when M6 came out with 0.85 viewfinder (wish they'd offer that in M9 or -E)

 

Lately I've been using 1 lens at a time for about a month. Last month it was a Voigt 75. Currently and for the 1st time in ages, a 135mm - which is very challenging. Late last yr was a series using only a Zeiss 2.8 21mm.

 

That said, if I could only use one, would be a 50mm 'Cron v. IV w/ 1.25 viewfinder magnifier on M9/-E.

 

The work I show is altogether different, studio / indoors Visoflex w/ 65mm or 135mm on tripod. Calibrating the Viso to perfection was a trip - there's a thread on that somewhere from about 2 yrs ago.

 

Main thing, have fun!

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  • 2 weeks later...
I find myself using only one lens per trip or at least 80% of the time. Definitely per leg within trips, only one lens. Options on the field can be quite the distraction :)

 

Probably same here, I bring a couple of lenses, but decides on one lens per day/sesssion during the trip. It keeps me focused on photography and lessens one variable to think of (what lens to use). The 50mm - I can shoot all day long with this, or... all year long I guess. :D

 

Nice read on the Steve McCurry article.

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