help with picking old style 50mm

[brianv]

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For Sonnar formula lenses: the Nikkor 5cm F2 Rigid mount is nice, smoother Bokeh than the f1.4- and usually sells for reasonable prices. The earlier Collapsible Nikkor 5cm f2 is optically equal, but rare and usually expensive. The Canon 50/1.5 Sonnar formula also tends to be too expensive. Gone are the $100 501/.5 and 50/1.4 days.

 

The Canon 50/1.4 is a good performer, sharper and higher contrast than the Summarit 5cm F1.5. It uses 48mm filters, runs in the $300~$400 range. On any Canon, and older lens: be sure to inspect for internal haze. On the Black Canon LTM Lenses: this can turn into etching of the glass.

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[ericperlberg]

Such a great bunch of responses. In no way do I want to cut off any suggestions yet to come but a hearty thanks for the useful and spot on responses to date. what a resource you gents are!

[jaques]

The red scale elmars are really amazing lenses. Absolutely tiny mounted on an M9 yet sharp, focus well, and very nice 'vintage look'.

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[Ecar]

My 2c:

 

Classic rendering: Summicron 50/2 collapsible, Summitar 50/2, Canon 50/1.4, Canon 50/1.8, Nikkor 50/2, Nikkor 50/1.4 (non-Leica mount Nikkors will require special adapter), as well as old Zeiss lenses.

 

For more effect (at least wide open): Summarit 50/1.5, Summitar 50/2, as well as Russian lenses (Jupiter-3 50/1.5, Jupiter-8 50/2, Industar 55/2.8), some of which can be had for a song.

 

As others have said, making sure you get a good sample is paramount.

[lars_bergquist]

The red scale elmars are really amazing lenses. Absolutely tiny mounted on an M9 yet sharp, focus well, and very nice 'vintage look'.

 

If you would exchange a little bit of the vintage looks for a bit of convenience, then a bayonet mount 3.5 Elmar takes E39 filters, and optically it is still the 'red scale' Elmar.

 

The old man from the Kodachrome Age

[luigi bertolotti]

If you would exchange a little bit of the vintage looks for a bit of convenience, then a bayonet mount 3.5 Elmar takes E39 filters, and optically it is still the 'red scale' Elmar.

 

The old man from the Kodachrome Age

 

True...a bit less compact, but to adjust the f stops is MUCH more easy...

[normclarke]

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I was fortunate enough to aquire a late model Canon f:1.8 about three years ago for £60,

it is in almost mint condition and is all I need by way of a 50mm lens. You won't find many at that price now!

 

Best,

 

normclarke.

[ericperlberg]

Today I found and bought a mint LTM 50 Elmar 3.5 red scale made in 1954 along with a tiny 0 clear filter to protect the lens. I fell in love with the Elmar immediately. I could probably have bought one somewhat cheaper but getting one from a local dealer who I know was a priority over ultimate price.

 

My initial impressions from the first few shots is that its a wonderful lens and does draw with the kind of character I was hoping to get. Many thanks yet again to all who took the time to educate me on these lenses.

 

Eric