Five RAZOR SHARP 50mm f1.8 Lenses - Pentax, Olympus, Zeiss Jena, Pentacon and Meyer Optik - Rated!

[@martinda7446]

I would add that certain products get a reputation and are worshipped by a few and eventually get a giant price too. This happens in my field, audio, and I can tell you for every worshipped, magic part, there are ten forgotten, ignored parts sometimes even better. Happens all the time, and I think the same happens with optics too. This is why your channel is particularly wonderful.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

[@GeorgeK356]

I have 3 of the 5 lenses you review here, the Pentax, the Pentacon and the Zuiko. My ratings are pretty much in line with yours, Nigel, but one thing that the Oly lens has is its compactness. As we have to use adapters with this old glass, which almost doubles the size when fitted to the body, a compact lens is an added bonus. A great year for Zenography, even though our activities have been somewhat curtailed, but it's just given us more opportunity to buy some of the lenses you have featured with the money we have saved. I look forward to 2021 being a better year for photography and especially look forward to more great Zenography episodes - as I'm sure all your fans do too. All the very best for the coming year, let us make some great images and enjoy our hobby. George

[@zenography7923]

All the best to you George, thanks for watching!

[@anthonygainsford1893]

I really agree with you, using an adapter really makes these relatively compact lenses oversized. I have a beautiful Zeiss 50mm 1.8 Pancolar and a Zeiss 135 3.5 Sonnar, both relatively compact as well as my Olympus OM 50mm and that fit fine with the full frame bodies, but when I want to shoot 4.3rds discreetly on my lovely little Olympus pen, they make it look like a battleship! It’s fine saying, why by a compact and use old lenses, but as far as I’m concerned, the particular look and rendition of certain lenses, can never be matched by modern equivalents in a atheistic sense, I likes what I likes, as Popeye put it! And!!!! A huge thanks (Well yes) for the excellent views on this Zenography platform and the way you have sent the price of stuff rocketing up on eBay! Remind me to buy you a pint (When allowed) If I see you in Epsom? 🥴

[@sergeantcrow]

2 days after Christmas.... and here we are again... : )

[@zenography7923]

:-)

[@barongreenbackthe2nd418]

This man should numerate a 2.30 am radio show,his voice is like chocolate.

[@zenography7923]

Thank you!

[@derekholmes1302]

Wonderful Sunday's entertainment! This review helps us appreciate those wonderful qualities of each lens! Wow , I want them all!!! Awaiting delivery of a Helios 44-3 lens from Belarus! So exciting to adventure into these classic vintage lenses! Have a wonderful + happy new year Nigel ! Derek

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Derek, glad you enjoyed it!

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Terrific info here! Thanks for helping keep classic lenses viable. Now I really desire to adapt my Olympus 50mm f1.8 to my Fuji.

[@GeorgeK356]

I too have moved to Fuji mirrorless, buy an adapter, James, the K&D Concepts one is the best quality I have found, the cheaper adapters work, but some of them don't inspire confidence that they are going to be secure. I like my Fuji rangefinders (the X-E's in particular). I have an X-E1, an X-e2s and an X-E3. My wife uses an X-A5. Great cameras.

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

@@GeorgeK356, after holding a friends X-100F, I picked up an X-E2. As a long time film shooter (45 years 😳), I love the Fuji system. Currently shooting with the X-E3. Best wishes to you for a great new year.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@InigoPedruezaTV]

​@@GeorgeK356 Well I have cheap adapter for every mount and all of them worked properly during years without any problem. It’s only a piece of metal so, there are no problem. In France of Spain or Germany most of these lenses are even cheaper if you have patience and find out at the flea markets or internet. Enjoy manual lenses!

[@GeorgeK356]

@@InigoPedruezaTV I have a couple of cheap (Chinese) L39 adapters which are missing the bayonet stop, not even a drilled hole for the stop. They bayonet into the body OK, but then just slip past the stop and fall back out. I am going to pop a pin in the right spot as soon as the weather warms up and I can get into my workshop. Keep manual photography alive.

[@houseofob3479]

I have really enjoyed this video. I took your advice and just bought the Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f1.8 . Thank you so much for sharing. Your experience is HIGHLY valued.

[@zenography7923]

Enjoy that Pancolar - there's nothing quite like it!

[@Enrico2806]

Some pictures you made to test those lenses are GREAT images.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you liked them!

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

15k! Congratulations, you provide great information and really helped me to dive deeper into the matter of vintage lenses.

[@zenography7923]

Thank you! Glad the videos have been helpful!

[@nvrumi]

I am enjoying the back catalog of your channel. This episode was no exception. I'm looking for a Pancolar, have a Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 (and a 1.4), and just scored a Takumar 50/1.8. I think I'm developing a "thing" for the CZJ lenses. Those I've tried are quite nice and produce interesting images.

[@zenography7923]

Get a Pancolar mc 1.8 if you can - you'll never regret it!

[@campbells0ups]

i agree those CZJ lenses are fantastic. I think the color intensity has to do with the quality of the original Zeiss *T coatings, they really push that saturation. love my Pancolar 2/50

[@ОлексаДовбуш-я8п]

Thank you very much for the video. I also have a pancolar 1.8, which impresses with its colors and fantastic unique pattern.

[@TheNewArtSchool]

Lovely video! Indeed the pancolar is an absolutely magical lens. Your reviews are spot on!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Another excellent video thank you. I have all 5 of the lenses tested with several others around that focal length and aperture but my favourite is the Olympus Zuiko 1.8. Like all my Olympus lenses it just seems to have something special, sharp, lovely colours and a kind of 3D quality that is different to the others. Back in the film days combined with Fuji slide and print film my photo’s stood out from others and I won loads of camera club competitions. The nearest to that look in my opinion was Pentax which I also used which made some excellent autofocus camera and lenses.

[@zenography7923]

I do like that zuiko 1.8 - very, very nice indeed!

[@oliverkane5810]

New favourite KZbin channel - Thank you for these lovely videos!

[@zenography7923]

Wow, thanks, glad you're enjoying them!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

You are the light in the tunnel, wish you the best for 2021 / regards Ulf

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Ulf, all the best to you!

[@campbells0ups]

just picked up the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston, it might be my favorite 50mm yet based on the image output. interesting bokeh throughout the focus range, great light leaks without washing out the image, excellent color rendition and just enough contrast and sharpness. it will be a useful art tool, even if the lens itself is in terrible condition. the images are just loveley!

[@py1824]

Great review yet again! Some wonderful 50's I would also like to add that my copy of the Oreston is radioactive on the back element only while both of my Pentacons are not!

[@zenography7923]

I didn't realise that, thanks!

[@py1824]

@@zenography7923 maybe this is why there are differences between the Oreston and Pentacon in terms of color rendition. Of course the Pentacon is MC.

[@michamilka]

Just picked up a Pentacon auto 1.8 50mm with one owner from new in mint condition. Has been stored in its case since 1980, cant wait to use it on my X-T1, its my first vintage manual lens! Excited😊

[@zenography7923]

It's a nice lens, enjoy!

[@jaymichaels5187]

Great lens review ! I have that latest 50mm f 1.8 Zuiko lens with the Made in Japan on the front ring and also have several of the silvernose Zuiko 50mm f1.8 lenses and to tell you the truth I personally prefer the silvernose versions for their less contrast and nicer muted colours rendition.

[@zenography7923]

The silver nose lenses are very nice - I had a silver nose 1.4 which I sold, but now wish I hadn't!

[@jameswburke]

I'd also recommend the Pentax SMC f1.7 50mm (one of which came with my ME Super back in 1981). PK fitting, so easily adapted to my Canon full frame digital bodies after chopping off the aperture lug. Not scarce and a lovely small lens to carry around all day. Sharp as a pin too. Still using mine and other Pentax SMCs.

[@zenography7923]

The pentax 1.7 is a great little lens - I've used one quite often and made some nice images with it!

[@hrabkoyevhenii]

Great thanks to you! It was a pleasure to listen your British and things you told. Спасибо)

[@zenography7923]

Very glad you enjoyed it Yevgeny, thanks for looking in!

[@InigoPedruezaTV]

Another great video, I adored! I have the Zuiko, the Pentacon and I’ve tried the Oreston. My favourite 50mm it’s the Yashica ML 50mm f1,7, it’s almost a Carl Zeiss planar, built by yashica at the 1970’ The Rollei version is also great because it’s the same. Rollei Xenar as well it’s really similar. if you never tried, you will love them! I recommend also the Schenneider Kreutnach Curtagon 35mm f2,8 my standar lens (APSC). A really jewel! Thanks for your videos!!

[@zenography7923]

No problem, glad you're enjoying them!

[@ajthealchemist]

The Pentacon 50mm f1.8 is my favourite art lens. IMHO it is better than modern "art" lenses, for what it is. The Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.8 is my favourite affordable50mm glass for excellent colour rendition. I have the F.Zuiko Auto-S version. I would highly recommend anyone who is anyone to pick up one of these before prices skyrocket, and even more so do I recommend following this fantastic channel! Keep up the great work sir📷 Would you please do more comparisons on great affordable lenses? It would be highly appreciated by the community. Oh, and a late happy holidays to all reading this😇🙏🏽

[@zenography7923]

Something tells me more lenses will be coming soon...glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@xinhuang0]

Good video! I never had any vintage lens but they looks great (both the gear and the photo), and the price is also very attractive. Ordered a Industar-61 last week. Can't wait to get it. I have 2 f1.8 lenses (35mm & 85mm), which I don't shoot wide open recently. A smaller aperture with a smaller size of body, esp. still need an adapter, is a lot easier to carry around.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed it is, and I think you'll enjoy the Industar!

[@KPPUSD]

Nice presentation. Good old style tastes in many ways. Enjoyable content from the beginning to the end. It made me want to try again the Pentax 50mm f1.8 mounted on my friend's Pentax SP and the Zuiko 50mm F1.8, on my other friend's OM-1, when I was a 10th grader in Japan, in 1973. Mid seventies was a good time there.

[@zenography7923]

It was a good time here too, I look back on '73 fondly! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@KPPUSD]

@@zenography7923 There was nothing like the mechanism of the penta-prism mirror box of the SLR systems. The view from it, to us, was a wonder of the world.

[@richardh353]

Good review, agree about my Meyer Oreston, not the sharpest 50 mm I've used but has the most character of the ones I've used and produces great images.

[@zenography7923]

It makes lovely images, for sure!

[@jimgraves4197]

The Pentacon and the Oreston are basically the same lens. The consolidation of the East German manufacturers in the 70's brought them all under the Pentacon brand name with the exception of Carl Zeiss Jena which was left untouched. It was doing rather well and is certainly one of only a few names to survive the partition of Europe after WW2. When the East German govt consolidated the industry, we lost a few notable names, but kept the actual products. The Oreston and Pentacon 50mm f/1.8 are identical in build, with just a few small changes in coatings to bring down the cost of production.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info!

[@jimgraves4197]

@@zenography7923 Happy to share it with you. The East German camera industry was one of the few success stories of the Cold War in the Soviet Bloc countries. It should be celebrated. :)

[@sergeantcrow]

I want whatever camera was used here ! Excellent photos...

[@zenography7923]

It was my trusty sony a7...

[@sergeantcrow]

@@zenography7923 Now I want one...

[@RealSoundReviews]

your voice is pleasant and the topics are great. Well done !

[@zenography7923]

Thank you kindly!

[@jarekratter3347]

Jestem z Polski. Oglądam Pana filmy zawsze z wielkim zaciekawieniem i nie mogę doczekać się następnego filmu. (właśc.

[@zenography7923]

Dzięki, cieszę się, że ci się podobają!

[@AnimeshBis]

I used all of this 4 lenses without Pancolar and think Pentacon is a value for money lens and Oreston is most lovable for its character.

[@zenography7923]

I couldn't agree more!

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

The X factor was in my FM2 back in 1998 Cape Town

[@zenography7923]

The FM2 is a very nice machine, no doubt about it!

[@stewartgardiner1266]

I read a post 20 years or more ago on a Praktica forum that the background behind the punchy colors and high contrast of the Zeiss Jena lenses was that the local East German ORWO color film was flat and low contrast. GDPR professional photographers needed high contrast color due to mechanical color separation methods of color printing of the time, so Zeiss Jena developed their pro lenses and coatings to specifically deliver high contrast color; hence the "color" in "Pancolor". In West Germany photographers could use Agfa Ultra, but that wasn't freely available in the East. Not sure if how much of this is true, it is a dimly remembered insight. The history of East German cameras and film is very interesting but woefully understudied.

[@zenography7923]

That's really interesting - it certainly makes sense!

[@FrankyFeedler]

Except it is "pancolAr" not "pancolOr" ;)

[@billkabb]

I got a zenitar-m 50mm f/1.7 for 60$ and im just amazed by how sharp it is and color reproduction . i really wonder how it stands among those 50mm glasses and why it is not one of your recommended 50mm's . Great review as always . thanks

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used the zenitar - I'll look out for one though!

[@brysimm404]

My Zenitar-M is also a very sharp vintage 50mm - but it has a low contrast and “flat” 2D look that disappoints me compared to others (like Zeiss C/Y Planar, Yashinon ML, Nikon Ai-S, or even Canon FDn).

[@billkabb]

@@brysimm404 thanks .

[@FrankyFeedler]

I have that Zenitar (a great sample) and the other lenses in this review except for the Takumar. While it is regarded and reviewed as one of the sharpest 50's of that era around, the Olympus 50 1.8 is still a league above it in terms of sharpness, contrast and colors. Especially around the wider apertures. The Olympus is typically also sold for less, found in better condition, has a slightly better construction and is much lighter. It is a typical example of how "reputation" doesn't always reflect reality. The Zenitar still is above average sharp though, but I would choose the Zenitar for its incredibly smooth out of focus rendering rather than its sharpness. That is its unique trait. It's so smooth in fact that it reminds me of a lens with an apodization element (except it doesn't have the gradient bokeh of course). That contrast with its quite sharp in focus areas probably gives it the 'pop' that many would interpret as supreme sharpness. The technically sharper Zuiko is much harsher in its rendering, for example.

[@nicedward7544]

I think the 70's voightlander color Ultron 50 1.8 is a candidate as well. It honestly might be a clone of that pancolar but not sure who was in charge of voightlander at that time. It definitely has that same red/purple coating as the zeiss and looks very similar

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Now what would be the top-5 least-sharp and most "dreamy" lenses? Almost soft-focus like. I love an unsharp and dreamy strange and glowy landscape.

[@zenography7923]

That's a really good idea - thanks, and watch this space!

[@zappymonk5255]

I like the slightly order zuiko. It has a fluffier boker, and slightly more pentaxy colour. I honestly didn't know about the newer "made in China" ones, but I might give it a go if I see one. Cheers buddy 👍

[@k3i0]

The Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm f1.8 is a very sharp 50mm. In my test shots it was a little bit sharper wide open than the Olympus- I have not compared it to the Pancolar sofar. But usually it is very very expensive. I agree the Olympus is the best value for money. But I also have to say you can find all of these lenses much cheaper. I have all of them and the maximum price i paid for a single lens was 20€. But you have to go to flea markets and check other platforms than ebay.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed - but not so easy to find flea markets just now!

[@campbells0ups]

the Zeiss Ultron might be the only lens to better the Pancolar 1.8 in sharpness and quality. id love to see someone compare them.

[@GeNTooFReaK]

I have multiple Pentacon (and other East German) lenses, using them with my Praktica MTL5B. But I have another "less known" lense, made in Japan, sold in West Germany by Porst, that really is a special one. It's a Porst Color Reflex 50mm 1:1.4 (M42). And that 1.4 is really great, enabled me to shoot some of the best images in my (rather short) photography lifetime. And it's rare to find, but cheaper than Pentacon 50s. I think it's derived from a japanese big brand lense, similar to the Pentacon derived from Meyer-Optik. But I'm not sure about it.

[@bamy546]

Another one for this category is Canon Serenar F1. 8 for LTM

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip!

[@pierratdrepy]

did you try rollei planar 50/1.8 non HFT version? you might change your view on zeiss jena 50/1.8 after comparing these two.

[@zenography7923]

I'd very much like to try that Zeiss!

[@glebmazur9892]

Hello! Do you know how this lens performs vs singapore versions (Voigtlander color-ultrion 50 1.8 and planar 50 1.8) with HFT orange coating? I mean if i got 25/35/85 CZ rollei west germany non HFT, should i look for CZ 50 or i can use clones without scare? I use lenses for video shooting, so i need lenses that would be easy to match on post. Should i engage for 50/55 1.4? I`ve heard they are unsharp wide open, i dont need aperture that i would not use) Thank you!

[@pierratdrepy]

@@glebmazur9892 I have several rollei lenses with one HFT made in W. Germany and others are all non-HFT, one non-HFT lens is made in Singapore and rest in W. Germany. HFT version is less sharp than non-HFT and red colour is a bit surreal than non-HFT but with a bit better anti-flare performance. Singapore version has no visible difference with W. Germany version. The 25/35/85 CZ non-HFT west Germany version I have are among best vintage lenses comparing with all other brands I have including leitz lens. But 50/1.8 non-HFT seems to show a tiny bit different tone from 25/35/85 non-HFT which I don't know why, you might like it more or dislike it a bit, depending on personal preference, but for video, 25/35/85 might be a bit better fit while 50/1.8 might be a tiny bit fit for photography, IMHO.

[@pierratdrepy]

@@glebmazur9892 based on ratings from allphotolenses.com, rollei planar 50/1.8 optical quality score is 5.00, cz jena pancolor 50/1.8 score is 4.84, Carl zeiss 50/1.4 HFT is 4.44, 50/1.8 non HFT is 4.50. But this score is not that accurate, especially for colour reproduction accuracy.

[@glebmazur9892]

@@pierratdrepy thank you for that usefull information! Seems i should be happy with non-HFT 25/35/85 CZ west germany and singapore voigtlander color-ultron 50 1.8 I believe i can match voigt 50 to others with slight correction. Can you recommend 1 wide angle lens and 1 longer for the future? Is it worth to get 18/4 or even 15/3.5? Should i go 135 over 200 lens, or its better to use teleconverter on a 85 lens/unboosted 85 on m4/3 sensor? Thank you so much!

[@JayGrapherBKK]

great video - already have the OM 50mm f1.8 that it seems to come with any olympus camera that people tend to buy or switch around in 2nd hand markets and if someone wants any other lens they would need to buy separately. also have the Vivitar 50mm f2 though I have not really done a side by side comparison to know for myself what are the characteristics between the lens.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ulis.4336]

Thanks a lot, another great video!! Did you ever test the Rolleinar Planar HFT 50 mm, 1,8 ? I love it and recommend it!

[@zenography7923]

I haven't tried it - but would like to!

[@glebmazur9892]

+1 lens is incredible as all rollei line (compact,sharp,nice colors and contrast). Did you ever compare Singapore lenses with CZ rollei QBM 50 1.8 made in West Germany?

[@Geedo777]

Have you tried out a zebra pancolar? I got my hands on one and it's beautifully sharp too, but it has the radioactive yellow tint. Jury's still out because of how that affects colours.

[@northstar1950]

My favoutite vintage lenses are SMC Takumars but I do have a Meyer Optik Oreston with decent optics in it but the button on the side which I assume is for DOF checking has a fault and I think this is why the iris blades stick at times but this can be overcome with a bit of fiddling. I think the images from it are akin to looking at Kodachrome Slides and that's something that other lenses also seem capable of too. I also have the Meyer Optik Domiplan but that is another less successful story!!

[@zenography7923]

The colours from the Preston are very pleasing, and do have a 'filmy' sort of feel!

[@campbells0ups]

my copy of the lens also has the stuck iris-when adapted to EOS with M42 adaptor the adaptor presses the pin and causes the blades to close to about f/1.9 - but its still usable, albeit not quite 'wide open'.

[@hugomouteira7015]

Nice comparative video as always. I would love if you made a review on the Zenitar-M 50mm f/1.6. I've heard really good things about this lens, would like to know your opinion. Regards from Portugal! And stay safe Mr. Zeno!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video - I'll look out for a zenitar!

[@hugomouteira7015]

P.S. i meant f/1.7 not 1.6, my bad.

[@erikwerner8755]

Great video 👍

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Desmond-Hume]

Have you tried Carl Zeiss Planar 50/1.7 C/Y, how it stands against Pancolar?

[@zenography7923]

I've never tried it, though I've heard it's very nice!

[@bassgojoe]

I recommend the helios 77m-4, it’s very sharp and has some of that x factor magic that helios lenses are known for. If you could get your hands on one, I’d love to know what you think!

[@zenography7923]

I'd be interested to try one - perhaps one might come my way soon!

[@ronaldsand3000]

Would have liked to seen a Nikon amongst the others

[@normannormi9006]

have you ever tried the fujinon ebc 1.8 / 55? Grüße aus Deutschland 👍

[@zenography7923]

I haven't tried that one - I'll keep a look out for it though!

[@normannormi9006]

@@zenography7923 You only hear good things about Fujinon (m42) lenses, consider getting one

[@diforbes]

I have one. It's very sharp stopped down.

[@benjaminhinkeldey6079]

May I suggest reviewing c-mount lenses on mirrorless? Some do a pretty decent - and generally interesting - job!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rolandfierle1879]

Hi Nigel, I am new to the "club" and just enjoyed your nice video on the 50mm. Thank you! I am currently looking for a further 50mm to harmonize with my Leica M6TTL, so your comparison was a perfect timing. Where would you position the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 compared to the five 50mm f1.8 in your video? Any opinion? Also from the community? All the best for 2021! Thanks Roland

[@zenography7923]

Hi Roland. I haven't tried the planar 1.4 so can't comment I'm afraid, however as it's an SLR lens it won't mount on your leica m6. SLR lenses are retrofocus designs, meaning they project the focussed image much further back than rangefinder lenses do, so slr lenses can't be mounted on a rangefinder camera.

[@jimharperphoto]

Very nice! I find the ergonomics of the japanese lenses tend to be better, the helicoid grease seems to hold up better too. Not sure if you've tried the radioactive super-takumar 55 f2, it's quickly become one of my favorites.

[@zenography7923]

The 55 f2 is a great little lens - it's actually the same as the 1.8 version in this video, just the 1.8 opens slightly wider...

[@campbells0ups]

ive also noticed this with the Japanese made lenses; the focusing grease as well as the durability of the coatings seem to be better than their German counterparts.

[@ZippyDChimp-mr1tf]

I wonder if the Pentacon is the same as the Oreston. I know I bought a Pentacon 30mm f3.5 which is the same as the Lydith so I wouldn't be surprised. Nevermind, you covered it when I restarted the video.

[@tommorgan3125]

Very informative and enjoyable to watch. How do you rate the Olympus OM 50mm 1.4 against the 1.8........

[@zenography7923]

I like the 1.4 very much - in fact, this video is (mostly) shot with one! It can be a bit soft wide open though...

[@devolution1310]

Just picked up the Zuiko 50mm 1.8 from a small town thrift store for... get this...$1.85....Best vintage score to date...:-)

[@zenography7923]

Wow - that's an incredible bargain! Well done!

[@devolution1310]

@@zenography7923 Well, I also picked up a minty Pentax 135 F3.5 for 10 bucks w/original leather case so maybe that was the deal of the year. 😁

[@yo4695]

Hola, te sigo hace algún tiempo y me encantan tus vídeos. Quiero hacerte una consulta y pedirte consejo, tengo una lente Super Takuman 55mm 1.8 y quería saber si se puede invertir la lente frontal como algunos hacen con la Helios 44-2. Un saludo

[@SlavianoRus]

Неплохо было бы тестировать более поздний super-takymar 55/1.8 вместо auto-takymar 55/1.8. Думаю, Пентакс удивил бы Вас ещё сильнее! А за обзор большой ЛАЙК!

[@glebmazur9892]

Do you use any speedbosters shooting on panasonic? Should metabones affect IQ (i want to see sides of the lens with its magic so want to use 0.64 booster to achieve ~FF look on GH5S)? Thank you!

[@zenography7923]

Any extra glass will - in theory at least - degrade the image to some extent, but in practice I don't think you'll see much, if any difference.

[@barrycohen311]

Weird story- I bought my Oreston on Ebay for $45 US Dollars. Seller disappeared and went off the grid. After 3-4 days still no word from them and no shipment. I sent the lady seller an angry direct message. A day later she replied back her Mother had died and all. Ok, that is understandable. When I received the lens it was trashed, looked like it went through WW II. Someone had taken a knife or tool and carved an "A" on the aperture ring, presumably a photography student back in the day. But when I examined the glass, it was clean as hell, and everything else worked properly, so it did have a happy ending. It remains one of my favourite lenses in my massive collection.

[@zenography7923]

A happy ending after all then! I kind of like old battered lenses that look like they've sat at the bottom of a lake for a while, but have pristine glass!

[@xylenz7399]

can you recommend any photography lenses that have the same characteristics as old panavision cine lenses (low contrast, not too sharp etc)

[@ajthealchemist]

One for super cheap, and he has reviewed it before, is the Industar 50-2 50mm f3.5 - a tiny little lens but it's absolutely fantastic! Hope you enjoy your photography journey in 2021😇📷

[@zenography7923]

I think the Jupiter 9 might fit the bill...

[@Pla2es]

Try Leica R lenses. Panavision used Leitz Canada glass back in the 70s for their anamorphic primes. Search Matteo Bertoli Leica R in KZbin. I've used them for video and skin tones are spectacular. Regards.

[@xylenz7399]

@@Pla2es this is probably the most valuable info i could get thank you !

[@xylenz7399]

@@Pla2es are the results really that close or do different coatings and lens type still cause a noticeable difference

[@udinbata]

Will they fit into Canon EF standard? ,..

[@zenography7923]

I'm not an expert on Canon gear, however as I understand it, many vintage lenses can be adapted to the Canon ef mount (with the right adaptor of course).

[@udinbata]

@@zenography7923 Ahaa ok..adaptor...Ok...well listening to you now I have 3 vintage lenses coming my way :D ..doesnt make any sense since I got my first SLR just before Christmas.. :D

[@jpaluh]

Will these lenses work on my Fujica ST-801?

[@zenography7923]

They might - it depends on the lens mount to film distance of your camera, and you'd need to adapt them to the mount.

[@sclogse1]

Does your C.Z.Jena say east Germany on the rear of the lens in black? Mine says West Germany. Hate to think this, but I wonder if my West German lens is really west.

[@estevao69]

It´s hard to decide which is the most sharp, because it depends too of the focus precision, isnt it? When we use these focus peaking, its almost impossible to take the same photo with 2 or more lenses. IMHO

[@KRATOSVSJEAN]

Hi! The Pancolar Eléctric or Auto it is the same or those are not too good opción?

[@zenography7923]

All the Pancolars, without exception, are outstanding lenses. Early ones (zebra version) are radioactive, later ones (MC, electric) are not.

[@tonytownend2564]

Great content :) would a Nex7 make a decent alternative to a sony a7

[@zenography7923]

Indeed it would - the Nex 7 is a great little camera, but its APS-C sensor would mean about a one third crop factor using vintage lenses - which may or may not matter to you!

[@markgwynne4969]

Hi there. I’ve acquired a CZ Jena DDR Pancolar auto 50mm f1.8 (with green and white distance text). Generally excellent condition however the aperture is stuck at open at f1.8. The aperture ring moves and clicks nicely and the auto pin moves freely so assuming something has disconnected internally. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice?

[@zenography7923]

This is a common problem in the CZJ lenses - if not used for a long while, and stored incorrectly, the aperture blades can seize. You may find that working the mechanism a few times will free it off, otherwise the lens will need cleaning, lubricating and adjusting. I wouldn't advise attempting this yourself - unless you're experienced in opening up lenses, it's best left to a professional. This would be a worthwhile repair - it's the nicest vintage 50mm I've yet encountered, bar none, and with a service it will be good for many more years.

[@zarrow50]

Olympus four thirds lenses are good value lately, some pro quality ones can be picked up for between £100 - £200 pounds.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed!

[@zarrow50]

@@zenography7923 The 14 - 25 f2 is like £800 though

[@artmaltman]

The Olympus 50mm f/1.4 was even better. And so small!

[@zenography7923]

I love the 50 1.4 - one of my favourites - and much of this episode was shot with it!

[@Phantommxr]

You've got red on you!

[@jakasampuna30]

Please review Helios 77 and Helios 40. Thank you

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out!

[@jakasampuna30]

@@zenography7923 Thank you

[@StitchTheOtter]

How would the Pancholar compare to the 50/1.7 Planar?

[@zenography7923]

I've used both and the Pancolar is the better lens - certainly of the copies I tested anyway. The Pancolar has richer colour and is slightly sharper wide open. Those guys in Jena certainly knew what they were doing!

[@StitchTheOtter]

@@zenography7923 Yes, i kinda became a Zeiss fan too. I stared off with the 50 2.8 Tessar a few weeks ago and got myself an exotic Sonnar 90mm f2.5 T* from an old projector (15€). The colors and the contrast of the sonnar blew me away. I dont have any other lens that would compare to it in terms of contrast. Plus its got the smoothest bokeh out of all my lenses.

[@mikelborrega5821]

Thank you for your videos!! What is your opinion if you campare Pancolar 50mm 1.8 with Super Takumar 50mm 1.4? Thanks!

[@zenography7923]

The Takumar 1.4 is quite soft wide open, nowhere near as sharp as the pancolar; it sharpens up as you stop down of course, but I think the pancolar has much nicer colours too, so for me it's a better lens overall.

[@mikelborrega5821]

@@zenography7923 in some days I will have both in my hands! Thank you for your support!

[@dynamax1041]

Hii. Thank u for this video.Pentacon 50mm 1.8 lens a radioactieve?

[@zenography7923]

No, I don't think any versions of that lens are radioactive!

[@dynamax1041]

@@zenography7923 thank u

[@zarrow50]

How would i fit any of these lenses on an Olympus E M1?

[@zenography7923]

You need an adaptor with, eg, an m42 mount at one end (or whatever mount you're using) and a micro four thirds mount at the other.

[@zarrow50]

@@zenography7923 I got the Olympus M - F1 of ebay for a good price for OM lenses

[@marekpyka5432]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm. Inspired by your videos, I switched to manual lensens and almost got crazy. I have a problem with my Pancolar (MC letters in white not in red as yours from the video). It is not that sharp wide open. My Helios 44-2 (a god copy) at 2.0 is sharper than it. At 2,8 Pancolar is sharp but not razor sharp. Best wishes from Cracow, Poland.

[@zenography7923]

It sounds like you may have a bad copy of the pancolar. If the lens has been apart, it may have been re-assembled wrongly...?

[@marekpyka5432]

@@zenography7923 Thank you so much. My lens was serviced two years ago (stiff aperture ring) and this may be the cause. But the colour rendition of the lens is awesome.

[@sclogse1]

My CZ 1.8 Jena that's coming in the mail is for Rollei. 88 bucks. There are other Jenas on ebay with the same stats going over 400 bucks. C. R. A. Z. Y.

[@zenography7923]

That's quite a find - well done!

[@la8920]

Hey! Have you thought about testing some of the new chinese manual lenses (7artisans, ttartisans, etc)? I heard they are inspired in vintage lenses, and that they are sharp as a razor blade

[@zenography7923]

I hope to have one for testing soon...

[@la8920]

@@zenography7923 looking forward to your video. I ordered one from ttartisan because I was curious, and was the only one I found with good reviews and a clicked aperture ring. Really hope not to be dissapointed with it

[@полярник-б9я]

спасибо! очень познавательно!

[@zenography7923]

Нет проблем, рад, что это было полезно!

[@devolution1310]

Sidenote, should have included the Pentax 50mm F1.7 instead of the 55mm F1.8.

[@zenography7923]

A very nice lens, for sure!

[@georgehuman7253]

Pentacon and Oreston are the same lens as far as I know

[@zenography7923]

They certainly make similar images - though the pentacon's a little cooler...

[@ssalessandro]

Pentacon was an Oreston copy indeed... ( like helios 44 and biotar)

[@ChristalBeerman]

@@ssalessandro Pentacon is not a copy of Oreston. Pentacon was the rebranded name of Meyer Optik Görlitz after 1971. They were made by the same maker.

[@ssalessandro]

The Meyer Optik Oreston For my taste it is the best to have with you... Only 33cm (1 ft) minimum focussing distance. And like other Meyer's is very cheap!

[@zenography7923]

It's certainly a nice little lens!

[@martinda7446]

I loved my Zuiko 50mm F1.4. It was much pricier than the standard 1.8 and felt it with twice the glass. It looked great and felt great and was a real favourite of mine. Edit Though reading around the net seems like most rate the 1.8 as sharper, cheaper, lighter..etc...Doesn't look as good though! Plus my memory is certainly playing tricks these days...

[@zenography7923]

The 1.4 is lovely, one of my favourites - in fact, most of this video was shot with one (at f2.8)!

[@martinda7446]

@@zenography7923 Cor!!!

[@stephanpaier9887]

Please try to find a Minolta MD 50mm f2… its soooo good!!!! And absolutely cheap!

[@zenography7923]

I reviewed one some time ago - a super lens!

[@PublicUniverse]

Great advice as always. I love the Pentacon, and Takumars. Have you ever tried the L39 Orion 15 wide angle?

[@zenography7923]

I shot one recently on film but honestly I was a little underwhelmed - it seemed rather low in contrast, and it has a very slow max aperture of IIRC f6.3 or similar? Quite expensive too!

[@PublicUniverse]

@@zenography7923 True, rather expensive, and a Jupiter 12 is another less expensive option for wide rangefinders. But I absolutely love the 15 on film, though it does lose contrast any time its even near the sun

[@PublicUniverse]

@@zenography7923 I found your previous review on the lens. Very well done as always

[@houseofob3479]

Question: Did you change your opinion on the Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.8? Which one do you like better? The Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.8 or do you prefer the Zuiko 50mm f1.4? I saw an older video of yours where you preferred the f1.4 version, but this video is two years younger so perhaps your review of of this version of the 50mm f1.8 has changed your mind? So which one do you prefer now? The Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.4 or f1.8? I saw an older b

[@zenography7923]

I really like the 1.8 final ('made in Japan'), that's a beautiful lens. But the background blur can still sometimes be a bit harsh and rough.

[@houseofob3479]

@@zenography7923 thanks for that clarification. I just purchased the made in Japan version. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.