Original Monochrome (18MP CCD sensor) and Lens Choice

[Alan J]

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Looking for input on the best 50mm for the original M Monochrome 18MP CCD sensor.

The 50 f2 APO appears to be the clear winner or choice in my opinion for the M10M with the CMOS sensor, but is this the same situation for the CCD sensor?

Other lens suggestion appreciated for truly excellent results for the CCD.

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[Marac]

I loved the E58 Noctilux, not everyone's cup of tea I know, but I enjoyed it. These days I am using a Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f1.2 & the results are very pleasing indeed similar to a pre-asph 50 lux.

 

ISO 4000 f1.2 closest focus

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Edited December 14, 2021 by Marac

[Chuck Albertson]

The 50 APO was introduced with the M Monochrom, and was designed for maximum performance with that camera's sensor. The newer, higher-resolution sensors are just gravy.

[pippy]

1949 - c.1960 50mm f1.5 Summarit (M).

Philip.

Edited December 15, 2021 by pippy

[Printmaker]

I tried using my 1969 50 Summicron on my M9M for the first 2-3 years and liked the results. I switched to a new type V 50 Summicron and found the contrast and resolution was better for most uses — the exception being portraits and nudes. That lens and camera combo was too sharp for women's skin and I would spend a lot of time smoothing and retouching. I suspect the APO version would be even more unforgiving. Then again, if you can afford the APO lens, you could use it for architecture, nature, and street photography and purchase another, more romantic rendering 50, for photographing the finer sex.

 

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[Bikie John]

I used it for badly-lit live music gigs with the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH and liked the results.

(Although I could have done a lot better with the post-processing to even out the light on his face  )

John

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[a.noctilux]

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😉

every lens IS good companion of Monochrom.

 

.

I use on my Monochrom CCD every lens I have, and never saw the lens limiting factor,

saying another way, the MM1 (for me) renders nicely the character of each lens ( of course we  need to know the lens), even the 'worse lens' can become pleasing.

 

As side note,

I'd choose the cheap&less loved Summarit-M 2.5/50mm light, 'perfect' and usable without fear from f/2.5.

 

note 2

even the old Elmar LTM is surprisingly good

 

 

Edited December 15, 2021 by a.noctilux

[Alberti]

You might also consider LTM lenses such as the Canon 50mm F1.4 (aka Canolux). It renders a contrasty picture ( I mean it has blacks) and is not harsh on the original Monochrom.

I evolved towards a Summilux-pre, nice soft wide open. Even at f2 it is as sharp as the Summicron but . . softer. In the out of focus rendering. I sent my Summicro type V to Wetzlar for re-alignment and they made it sort of better behaved.
Still the Canolux is great too.

And like said most lenses are nice on this beautiful camera!

Edited January 31, 2022 by Alberti