My Five BEST VALUE 50mm Vintage Lenses - UPDATED!

[@GeorgeK356]

Our Sunday's wouldn't be complete without Zenography. A lovely, and varied lens line-up, Nigel. Images made with this old glass is something that modern, computer designed lenses just does not achieve. There must be lens designers out there tearing their hair out, trying to build into modern lenses the look that these old, hand designed, lenses get without breaking a sweat. Top quality video again, and my Sunday morning go to channel.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

some modern lenses can get that vintage look such as, voigtlander sc and those zeiss classic planar 1.4 t*

[@danielspeis7558]

This has become one of my favorite channels! I have been so inspired by your content that I recently acquired several vintage Minolta lenses from my dad, and this week, purchased my first vintage lens (Minolta 135m Rokkor 2.8). I've never been more excited to get a lens in the mail! I absolutely love using vintage lenses and have had so much fun with them! Your content has also helped me see and experience photography differently, and for that, I am grateful. I am finding a joy with modern digital photography that I didn't know was possible thanks to including the use of vintage lenses. Thank you!!

[@zenography7923]

Very glad you're enjoying the old lenses - they're quite something aren't they?

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Can never have enough 50mm lenses. I was on the fence with the Olympus f1.8 for my recent purchase of the Fuji X-T1 and you’ve cinched the deal. Was looking for a compact 50 and this will fill the bill. Thanks again. Sunday mornings aren’t complete without your meditative approach to these videos.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@StavrosMoshidis]

Its funny that we live in an era that every year new cameras and lenses are getting better and better... and yet these old lenses are giving the most beautiful images... Very nice content sir, thanks for sharing!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bojanbuck7874]

Respect for a man your age doing YT with great content and on courageing people to open and clean lenses :D Cheers to you sir! Buck

[@ChristopherAndersonDP]

The Olympus f1.8 was my first vintage lens, and I still use it all the time. I picked it up about 5 years ago for $25, so it's certainly the best value lens in my kit!

[@emperorofrats]

Great video , thanks a lot for all these informations ! When I see your enthusiasm about these Pancolar 50mm I really have to find one for my own collection . If you want to find a 35mm lens with an adequate color and sharpness , try the Zeiss Ikon Skoparex 35 mm 3.4 , have one with M42 thread and adapter on my Fuji X-t1

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a nice setup!

[@6x-phoenix77]

This is a great, helpful video. I enjoyed watching it all the way to the end. It's just what I need on trying to figure out what budget vintage lenses to get started with.

[@hw9177]

The Canon 1.4 was my second vintage lens after the Helios 44. And it's the one I bonded with most (like you would call it). It's razor sharp wide open and I actually also like its look for some reason (although nothing can beat the collapsibles in terms of look). I got it including a T70 for 10 EUR on a flee market :-)

[@zenography7923]

Nobody seems to want t70s at the moment - it's a very capable camera too!

[@davidmccarthy7499]

I have an Olympus OM1 and have been using since the 1970s. I have had to upgrade the light seals. I have used my 50mm Zuiko f1.8 lens on my Canon EOS DSLR and it works perfectly. You mentioned that the adapter is a few cm thick. You can buy an adapter ring from Amazon which is only a few mm thick, thus maintaining the compactness of the Zuiko 50mm lens. I do like taking film and I very much enjoy your reviews. Keep them coming.

[@zenography7923]

Gad you're enjoying the videos - and your photography gear!

[@hugogutierrez2849]

I really love this channel. Thanks, man!

[@gregorypease213]

Another wonderful video. After your many glowing reports of the Pancolar, I searched for and found one at a decent price, and bought it. Though my copy is cosmetically rough and looks somewhat abused, it certainly lives up to your praise optically, producing striking images that retain a "vintage" feel, and are surprisingly sharp at all apertures. I like it enough that I'm now searching for a more gently cared for example. Have you tried the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston? Quite similar in optical design, but very different in its rendering. It's noticably softer than the Pancolar, and tends towards more bubbly bokeh, but does have a look and feel that is pleasing in its own right.

[@jrtorresphotography]

Love the content! I was wondering if you have any experience with the Rokkor lenses?

[@daveschroeder9187]

The ugly industar 50 actually has an adapter installed on the back to allow it to work on a rangefinder, if you unscrew it it will work on a m39 slr (zenit). The first m42 mount was used on a contax s (1949) and a few years later on praktica fx. Thanks

[@Puppy_parade]

This is so strange, I bought the olympus zuiko lens a day before you posted this video and I bought the Sony a6000 a few days before you posted that video. 😂😂Love your channel, thanks for helping to pique my interest in photography and vintage lenses!

[@anthonygainsford1893]

Another beautifully crafted video presentation. Will tag it for others to learn. Thank you.

[@zenography7923]

It sounds like there's a bit of synchronicity going on there! Glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@zenography7923]

Thank you, very glad you enjoyed it!

[@monteestowes1245]

So I came across this video again after a few weeks of shooting with a CZJ Pancolar 50mm 1.8. I also have a non-NEW Canon FD 50mm 1.4 and a Helios 44-M 58mm 2. The Pancolar is by far my favorite lens to shoot with--at least on my 5D MkIII. If I'm doing photography or video with my BMPCC4K, the win goes to the Helios. One thing I never considered before my shoot with the BMPCC4K is that on a sensor that small, the majority of the image winds up sharp wide open. I usually shoot floral and street photography so it's not a huge deal for me, but on my third portrait session, it was something I quickly realized. I had to switch between the 5D and BMPCC4K for this last shoot.

[@zenography7923]

Yes, an advantage of the smaller m43 sensor is that it looks through the sharpest portion of the lens - the centre!

[@rarknivesandleatherwork8045]

I have an early aluminium 39mm Helios 44 but mine is an 8 blade version and I can say it is a very nice lens indeed. I'm assuming it has the same glass and coatings as your 13 blade version so I also think that plays quite an important role in the success equation. I'd prefer the 13 blade version but I'm happy with my 8 blade version.

[@zenography7923]

Generally speaking with Helios lenses, the earlier, the better. However the best of them are made by KMZ - that's true throughout the production run, in my experience. As I understand it, all the silver bodied lenses are KMZ made.

[@nowyrozdzial]

I've heard that the earliest aluminium helios 44 with purple or orange coatings are made as any other later production helios 44 with 13 blades but glass is not made in russia but it is actually stolen from Zeiss factory after being nationalised in ZSRR. Early production models were supposedly made from Zeiss glass and the design was also stolen/copied.

[@verlangerter]

Bit late to the party here but I really enjoyed the video. I am about to pick up a Voigtlander Color Ultron 50mm F1.8, which from what I have read is very similar to the Carl Zeiss Planar lens.

[@greekio99]

Hi, I got myself an Olympus 50mm 2.8 on your recommendation, Its as fantastic as you described, Took some lovely shots on my Fuji XT3, thanks again

[@MichaelRusso]

Nice Olympus lenses. I just got the 50mm 1.8 and 1.4. Nice color characteristics.

[@zenography7923]

The Zuikos are great for colour - plenty of saturation and contrast!

[@petersnow389]

I have the f2 version of the CZJ Pancolar on my Exakta, purchased new in 1969, and still superb. It is coated, (but not multi coated). I would not like to speculate on how it compares performance wise, to the f1.8 multi coated lens, but it is usually available to purchase at lower prices, and owing to the different grouping of the six elements, it is physically, almost like a pancake lens, compared to the f1.8 optic.

[@VisioNerd323]

Happy to see you again, you gave me the desire a year ago to taste your Universe and I thank you for it. your explanation is full of passionate details! Thanks for what you do !

[@zenography7923]

Wow, thank you, glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@ronaldsand3000]

What absolutely beautiful images Full of colours nice and sharp and so affordable with old fashioned quality

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks!

[@woodedape]

Great info on the 50s. Have you done any videos on Best Value Wide Angle, Ultra-Wide Angle and Wide Angle Zoom lenses?

[@zenography7923]

The two most recent videos look at wide angle lenses - there’s one on vintage wide angles, and one on the very nice tt artisans 17mm f2.8. Sounds like they might be worth a look!

[@woodedape]

@@zenography7923 Thanks I'll have to watch them. I have a Nikon D700 with a 35-70mm f2.8D. I am would like to add a wide angle and a couple primes to my set. I also want to get a Nikon FM2 eventually. I'm hoping I can interchange lense between the film and digital cameras.

[@weakrecession]

I may be 3 years late to the game here, but still wanted to add something. You really made me wonder when you spoke in such good terms about the Olympus 50mm 1.8. As I had such a 50mm 1.8 in a drawer somewhere, I decided to set up my own comparison against my own gold standard, which is the Konica 50mm 1.4 (the 1.4-16 version). I don't know if I just picked up the most amazing Konica 50mm 1.4 ever made, but in terms of sharpness, it's simply amazing! Wide open not so much and indeed the Olympus was much better. The Olympus is actually an incredible lens, as sharpness is impressive from wide open onward. But soon the Konica takes over and tops everything I ever compared it with, including a Sony GM zoom 24-70 F2.8 at 50mm. which is some 50 years younger! It beat also the Pancolar 50mm 1.8, the Nikon 50mm 1.4, the 8 elements Takumar 50mm 1.4, etc.

[@zenography7923]

I think you must have a very fine Konica there - there aren't many that can ooutdo the Pancolar! The Olympus 50mm is a really nice lens, although its background blur does have one or two rough spots.

[@Despair505]

Not only very informative, but also incredibly relaxing. Great video!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Wonderful list, my vintage friend!

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Great video again Nigel thank you for sharing. I have loads of different 50mm lenses and have tried many more working in a camera shop but my favourite is the Olympus Zuiko 1.8. Second would be the Pentax K mount 1.7 then the Yashica C/Y mount 1.9.

[@redsphoto6708]

Another super lovely video! Darn now I want both the Pancolar and that silver Helios Some of my picks for wonderful 50s: - The Konica 50mm 1.7 - I have not had the chance to try this much, but I took a photo and two and was astonished by how sharp it is wide open. If you keep an eye out, you can probably get this inexpensive since it was bundled with a lot of cameras back in the day - Carl Zeiss Jena Prakticar 50mm 1.4 - This one usually goes for a big price but I think you can get em for less. Pretty soft wide open, but the images are distinct, and I love the large well defined bokeh bubbles it can make. (There are 2 versions and apparently they are pretty different) - The Shneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon 50mm f/1.9 - Someday I must make a video extolling this lens because it is just lovely in my opinion. It is not that sharp and it loses contrast easily, but the colours can be really pleasant and the background blur is messy and yet somehow really nice too. I love how this lens isolates subjects, it is just really good at it somehow despite not being super fast. If you buy it in the DKL mount, it can be had pretty cheap! The only caveat is that the DKL mount adapters are more finicky since they need an aperture ring. (Since this lens isn't too commonly talked about, here are a few quick samples if you like www.flickr.com/photos/191721832@N04/albums/72157718588565593 ) I haven't tried them, but I have heard good things about Pentax K-mount 50s, like the compact Pentax-M 50 1.4 etc. It is definitely not value anymore since collectors etc, but I hope someday you get to try out the Olympus OM 50mm f/2 Macro. I think it is a really nice, wonderful optic.

[@zenography7923]

I'd love to try that Olympus lens, and the CZJ 1.4 too! Ah well, maybe someday!

[@3flyte_3flyte]

My favorites right off the bat: The Leica II clones and the Minolta XE7.

[@northstar1950]

I also like the glow uncoated lenses give, I managed to get hold of a Leitz Summar last year with really clean glass and that , under the right conditions produces that vintage glow. Not to everyone's taste but given the right subject it makes monochrome images that really do have a serious vintage look. Another great vlog.

[@briandipierro8865]

I absolutely love my Minolta MD 58mm f1.4 but I noticed the front element on pretty much all of them looks very hazy. It's a beautiful lens that can create some stunning results, just gotta remember to stop down a little bit.

[@zenography7923]

A hazy front element indicates many fine scratches on the lens, or interior fungus - both of which will significantly reduce image quality - best to look for a nice clean one!

[@MrKoalalan]

Cool Video thxs ! I have the Pancolar 50mm and you can easily turn the front glass element and get Art photos .... with a 35mm 2.4 Felktogon an go out and have fun couple ! Great lenses that never be build again ! I use those with my fujj xt2 and a zhongyi lens turbo m42 great job with ~53mm ....

[@zenography7923]

Is the Zhongyi speedbooster soft at the sides? I found the Pixco sharp in the centre but really soft at the sides.

[@scsongor81]

Great video. My favorite is the chinon 50mm 1.4, brilliant image quality from 2.0 and quite cheap

[@johnaustin3437]

Great presentation and a very gentle way of speaking, but one observation is that the Industar was based on the Zeiss Tessar, have a look at the location of the aperture for a clue. I still work with very early Leicas, and print in a darkroom, but the idea of collapsing a Summitar or Industar on the Sony cameras, which I only use when I have to, scares me to Hell - Arithmetic says it should be OK, paranoia says NO.

[@zenography7923]

I know exactly what you mean - I've collapsed a 1930s Fed 10 on my A7 but other collapsables have longer barrels and would probably hit the sensor - to be avoided!

[@leojonkers3181]

I have the Canon 50 1.4. Great lens. Use it now with adapters on Fuji X-T1 and X-E1 and Sony A6000. I have a lot of FD lenses.

[@zenography7923]

They're some of the nicest vintage lenses, enjoy!

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

Tomorrow I'm going to pick up my new Nikkor 50mm f1.8 pancake lens (2xxxxxxxx serial number, 0.45m cfd, non E-Series) for my FE2. Love my Pancolar and collapsible FEDs plus all the non 50s. Nice lineup!

[@zenography7923]

I hope you enjoy that NIkon!

[@streetlifephotographer1359]

Great reviews as always. Thank you for this.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jurgenstrom4668]

Hallo and sorry for my english, I wach your canal sens a several month and yes I mad it trough all the episodes. To me it is a verry excellent canal with an always good explanation without the fancy animation. But there is one thing I am missing: erveryone know the big brands like Canon;Nikon;Olympus ect, but how about the unpopular brand like Revue these Kamera does the same like the great Brand`s also, these also can make great picture`s if the photographer know how to do it. Law of nature is not negotiable. Maybe a possibillity to do a Video abouth this branded camera and change the perpective view. I collecting those camera`s and for sure i used, all of them and i am allways satisfied. Thak you for all your Infomation you put into this canal. Jürgen

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the idea Jurgen, you're quite right, you really don't need any fancy equipment - a good photographer can make a nice image with any camera! Very glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@Martin_Siegel]

Hallo Jürgen. The Foto Quelle brand Revue did not produce cameras but only put their name on other products. Chinon, Zenit, Praktica, Yashica - very much like Foto Porst did. With Porst the rule was the camera must either be cheaper or offer more features than the respective brand model, with Quelle the cameras were mainly cheaper. But Revue or Porst with HAPO (older Porst brand) are not very well known outside Germany (and Austria). I also read that Carena was a Porst house brand. Take care and best wishes from Austria, Martin

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Would love a video testing if the Fed 10 collapses OK on mirrorless cameras like Fujifilm, M43 etc...

[@html401forever]

Great channel. Thank you! 👍

[@photo1416]

you are such a great connoisseur and keeper of the heritage of classical photography that it is impossible not to listen to your story . You are a great professional ! I am glad that you noted helios in your selection - this is an extremely non-standard and lively glass . And each instance is worse or better , but almost every one with its own unique pattern . This is due to the fact that it was produced in different regions, at different factories, where they made their own technological changes and amendments . I'm sorry, there is no white copy , but there are two subsequent ones. By the way, you have a sample with a number, produced from 60 to 62 years . Also, apart from other lenses-helios 40 -2 85 mm 1.2. There is already just a dizzying torsion of the bokeh )

[@zenography7923]

Oh, I love the Helios 40 - an absolutely unique lens, nothing I've tried is quite like it, though the om zuiko 55mm f1,2 came close!

[@photo1416]

I'd like to try this glass ) Recently, I have been looking more and more towards vintage lenses . I recently took a sample of the 135 FD canon, I was very surprised. I didn't expect such an interesting picture . Some unusual 3d effect and volume , not to mention the colors that you don't want to edit in Photoshop at all

[@neilpiper9889]

I love my Nikon 50mm 1.4 non ai s-c lens which I bought from Japan for £50. I use it on my Nikon FE. Wonderful bokeh, sharpness and colour rendition. I have, or have had all the lenses on your video, but the Nikkor 50mm 1.4 blows them all out of the picture.

[@sameerrao5834]

I was looking for a vintage 50 in m39 mount and i came across the Jupiter 3 50mm f1.5. The pictures on the net blew me away. Would love to hear your thoughts on it and how it compares with this list.

[@zenography7923]

It's a lens I've meant to try for some time, but it hasn't come my way just yet!

[@Chum_chumi]

I love your commitment and appreciate your knowledge. I'd really like to get a copy of the Zeiss but all the copies I see look the same but have electric written on them. Do you know the difference?

[@kolarz_z_karkonoszy]

Great video, thank you 👍👍👋👋

[@utube321piotr]

Ordered a 2nd hand Pancolar last night for a price of USD105 here in Europe incl shipping, pictures indicated mint condition, hopefully it turns out to be true. Thanks to your recommendation.

[@zenography7923]

That's a very good price for a pancolar!

[@ghw7192]

The Canon FD 59/1.4 SSC is one of the most beautiful lenaesbI have ever seen. All metal with a lovely coating. I bought the lens and then bought an eary Canon F-1 to go with it.

[@zenography7923]

Ooh, that sounds like a lovely combo!

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Nigel, many thanks! The Olympus OM Zuiko 1.8/50mm seems to be much more affordable than its 40mm sibling. I’m very happy with my 1.4 version! This is also very small and nicely engineered. Best wishes Ralf

[@zenography7923]

The 1.4 is lovely - but I've just discovered some haze in mine behind the front element! Ah well, it seems I have a bit of spannering to do!

[@Martin_Siegel]

There were a number of Zenit cameras in ZM39 mount up to the Zenit B and Zenit E which exist both in M42 and ZM39 mount. The best known for it though might be the Zenit 3M, as you said.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info Martin!

[@Martin_Siegel]

You're welcome, @@zenography7923 .

[@kbrsretrogameroom327]

Thanks for the recommendations. I do a lot of shooting with a Helios 44-2 on my DSLR and absolutely love the look it gives. I wasn't aware that the 13 blade version looked different. I'll have to check that out. If I can find it for a reasonable price, I wouldn't mind checking that Carl Ziess lens out either.

[@zenography7923]

The Pancolar is something else - nothing I've yet used can beat it!

[@kbrsretrogameroom327]

@@zenography7923 Looking forward to trying one.

[@kbrsretrogameroom327]

Just got one. Had to wait until I caught someone selling one here in the US as my last two attempts to import stuff never came. It's the older Zebra model so it only has one coating but it still shoots incredible pictures. I got it for 199USD which I think comes to around 140BP. Haven't got out to do a serious photo shoot yet, but the test pictures I've taken has put all my other lenses to shame. Thanks again for the recommendation.

[@napgius3395]

beautiful review! so beautiful that I am undecided between the Canon FD 1.4 and the Carl Zeiss pancolar 1.8, both wonderful .. i found them in good conditions and at the same price (£100), which one do you recommend? (I'd like to buy them both.. 😅) best congratulations & regards from Italy!

[@Enrico2806]

Great, great video, as always.... thank you!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonlouis2582]

I'm glad that you mentioned that bargains are still out there, you just have to try a little harder than a few years ago. I just got the Helios lens I have been looking for for years very cheap.

[@LCM94120]

Hello. Have you tried the smc pentax 50mm f1.2 yet ? Great review 👌

[@javiervaldez8104]

I have a older versions of the canon fd 1/4 and 2.8 also i have the olympus mainly was using on Olympus EM1 mkII and recently trying on Sony A7R3. Find both lenses better for portraits. Thanks for your videos always learn something new. What's is the best 85mm value for your money been looking at Olympus 85mm f2. But this one is pretty pricey from $600 us dollars and up

[@zenography7923]

There are quite a few - the Nikon 85mm f2 is nice, and affordable too, and a particular favourite of mine is the Olympus 100mm f2.8, though it's a bit longer. The Jupiter 9 is another affordable option, and if you want to go really wacky, there's always the Helios 40...

[@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki]

Amazing review as always :) Because of your channel and these reviews, I have invested in an M42 mount and M39 mount camera and I gotta say.. I’m spoiled for choices… and those Soviet and German lenses came in those mounts a lot.. I found a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar E 50mm f3.5 and a lovely Jupiter 8 over here in Tokyo and my god.. I’m starting to feel bad neglecting my Nikon’s with their Nikkor glass because I’ve just been using those two lens and cameras Soo Soo much.

[@zenography7923]

It sounds like you have some nice equipment there - enjoy!

[@gustavorivera27]

Fantastic how much we learn with you! Grettings

[@alexanderpopov4691]

I actually prefer plasticky nFD lenses to older metal housing FDs, they are aging way better from my humble experience. My own latest great 50mm finding is a jupiter 8m (contax rf mount). I shoot it with kiev 4a and I am blown away by its rendering and character and it is also so tiny and with f2 max aperture a5 the same time.

[@maunglodaya]

Helios 13 blades indeed really nice lens, but you should try helios 44 start mount with red coating, another gem of helios 44 that dont have alot attention.

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

RED coating??????????????????????

[@zenography7923]

I will look out for one, thanks for the tip!

[@migueljalo9731]

Hello sir! I am delighted I found your channel. As a lover of old lenses, I feel your content speaks directly to me. Thank you for that. Question. My favorite lens that I use on my a7ii is the series e Nikon 50mm 1.8 from the 70s. How do you think this lens compares to your favorite 50mm lenses?

[@zenography7923]

The series e is a nice lens - I love the way it renders colour. I think it gives away a little in sharpness to some other 50mm 1.8s, but overall very nice!

[@migueljalo9731]

@@zenography7923 I think I’m getting the Olympus 50mm, among other things, because my Nikon 50mm is plagued with internal fungus. Thank you sir!

[@glenho1335]

Wow. Love the images from the Jena so muchhh... How does the earlier zebra SC version compare to this one? Seems like the only version I could get my hands on!

[@vme3000]

If you had to choose between the helios 44 8 blade and the helios 44-2, which would you choose? Would the former outperform the latter in terms of sharpness and bokkeh?

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

my Favorite is whatever in mint condition 😂

[@zenography7923]

Sounds like a good idea!

[@fish3010]

I don't really care about being in mint condition as long as it works and it's not ready to fall apart. If glass is ok, the rest of the body is not broken in pieces it's a perfectly usable lens.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

@@fish3010 you do you, i maintain old lenses, not just use it. because today, they dont make like they used to.

[@fish3010]

@@akhyarrayhka4048 I agree, you do have to maintain them. But even today's lenses are sturdy enough. The only real issue with old lenses is oil and fungus which can be fixed quite easy and also lens/coating separation if they're glued together or held in really bad environment. Other than that I really encountered no issues at all unless the lens was used as a hammer.

[@joreau7507]

Love the information always. May I inquire about the Fed Industar 10? I've seen your videos and it seems like your Fed Industar 10 is uncoated. Is all Fed Industar 10 uncoated? I wanted to buy online but it seems like those Fed Industar 10 are later versions (not sure) and seems to be coated. The ones i see online are LTM and zorky, etc. Do you have the full name of your Fed Industar 10 if i may ask?

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

Looks like you were not listening to what he was saying...not so easy though. Early Fed 50mm f/3.5 was without a coating. KMZ developed a redesign in 1945 (M. D. Maltsev). The internal name of the new design was OI-22, then I-22 and I-22m. This version has also the "correct" flange distance of 28.8mm of M39 LSM. The name of Industar-22 was not used until later. Production of new design started in 1948 with single layer coating. Replaced in the late 50s by Industar-50. When you do not know where to look for information, you can always refer the official Zenit site...

[@davnyman]

Those are some lovely lenses indeed! Did you ever try the Auto-Chinon 55mm f/1.7? I recently picked one up for about £2.50, just unbelievable value! It has some nice bubbly bokeh and a little bit of swirl.

[@davnyman]

Here are some shots I made with this lens. KZbin won't let me link my Flickr album, I'll try to divide the link www. flickr. com/photos/davidnyman/albums/72157717134217527

[@zenography7923]

I did - I found it unexpectedly nice!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Lovely as always. Have you ever reviewed the Jupiter 3 lens? Regards Ulf

[@zenography7923]

I'd love to try one, but haven't yet!

[@ViktorGabyshev]

It's pure pleasure to watch your videos! Can you make a video dedicated to that Canon New FD 50mm f/1.4? Thank you!

[@zenography7923]

If I can, I will!

[@gagaklumayung7995]

All the lenses he touches is excellent, beautiful and good. Which one is the best, he is not sure anymore. Just watch all his videos, you don't know which one to buy at the end 😅

[@nenmaster1650]

What a quality youtube channel.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, very glad you're enjoying it!

[@ericchouinard8075]

Excellent. Thank you. What are the differences between Olympus OM 50mm f1.8 Zuiko and the F.Zuiko?

[@gigapascal]

Quite an episode. Excellent mention of the early Helios 44. Not many discuss it’s serviceability, but there’s nothing more rewarding than resurrecting a treasure with your own hands that others had disregarded. I’m curious, which version of the biotar 58mm did you compare it to? I’ve got my eye on the 17 blade version.

[@zenography7923]

I had the 10 blade version in exacta mount - I've heard that earlier versions are nicer...

[@soundknight]

EBay prices on these lenses are double the prices you are suggesting even from Japan, thank you very much for the advice, I will wait to travel to Japan again

[@kennypitts4829]

That idea is appealing; I've seen videos of Japanese second hand shops and the respect they give to their equipment brightens the odds for travel shopping. Cheers.

[@Djk0t]

Hi there I got the Olympus from your review and is amazing in terms of color and contrast . I have all the rest canon pan collar Konica Helios Minolta the color of the Olympus on a Fuji is from another world. Contrast and sharpnes is also perfect. So amazed. I have to get the 85mm now. By the way I have the nfd canon and is much better than the nikon. I am glad I sold it and got thi one instead

[@zenography7923]

I'll check out that Canon lens, if one comes my way!

[@Djk0t]

@@zenography7923 you should the focusing is much easier than the Nikon. With the Nikon I could not focus once.

[@PKpicPKpic]

And about the 50mm Fujinon X DM 1.6 and FM 1.9 or Pentax M 50mm 1.7, what do you think about its sharpness, colors and saturation compared to the Carl Zeiss J Pancolar that you comment on in your video(especially in sharpness)? much respect from a follower! Greetings.

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used the Fujinons, unfortunately. The Pentax is a very nice lens but in my opinion it's not the equal of the Pancolar by a long way.

[@nigearnold1308]

Hi, excellent and very useful video - having looked at various Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar lenses for sale, none of those that I have seen so far have the red "MC" lettering that yours seems to have. Is there something essential/more desirable about lenses with this lettering please?

[@zenography7923]

MC denotes multi-coating of all lens elements, rather than the single coatings (usually to the front element) of earlier lenses. MC versions will do a better job of preventing contrast drop in conditions where an earlier lens might need a hood, but other than that, as far as I know, the lenses are identical.

[@JoesCoralReef]

You have some explaining todo, someone keeps buying vintage lenses from my eBay account. I think your to blame, lol. Love the videos. They have made appreciate the uniqueness vintage lens have to offer.

[@zenography7923]

That's great to hear, thanks!

[@chefnimmo8192]

I would love to see you compare the bayonet Pentacon Prackticar MC 1.8 Some people has said that it's a re-branded Pancolar MC and just as sharp. If true that would be awesome and you could have a pancolar for 10-20 pounds.

[@zenography7923]

That would indeed be awesome! I'll look into it!

[@chefnimmo8192]

@@zenography7923 I did some more reading and I think it actually was a different design, not a copy. Be awesome to get you to compare the 2 just in case.

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

My favourite 50mm is de Sekor C 50mm f/4.5 :)

[@randyk1919]

I love my Canon FDn 50mm 1.4.. but when you said it lacked "grippy dimples", how could I *not* lust after a Zuiko?

[@zenography7923]

:)

[@markstoker3077]

Great video, as always, but there are none of the Canon lens online anywhere for less than £100 (in good/excellent condition?)

[@lafroig17]

oh no!! i miss the minolta mc rokkor PG(!!) 50mm f1.4. beats the canon fd by miles!!! stunning lens

[@Phantommxr]

great video!!!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the visit, glad you enjoyed it!

[@123Pucki-Soey-Birds]

Like the Minolta Rokkor 1.7 50mm (old made in Japan Version) on my X-t1. Great Lens 👌

[@zenography7923]

Minolta made some lovely lenses, and they're pretty much unbeatable for colours!

[@123Pucki-Soey-Birds]

@@zenography7923 oh yes, thank you. I Start 30 years ago photography with this 50mm and other Minolta rokkor and was always happy with this lenses. Got some sample pictures from a rokkor macro on my Channel if you like to watch. My english is not the best but you talk very clear that i understand nearly all. like your Channel, good work👍

[@thomasachin]

What is your opinion about the modern manual lenses which try to replicate these vintage lenses. For example the tt artisan lenses

[@zenography7923]

I like them very much - there are some very innovative lens designs coming from China at the moment, filling a niche that is ignored by Western manufacturers. They're usually very nicely made and the ones I've tried have been optically excellent too!

[@RopuchJr]

what the difference between the ziess and its zebra version?

[@SrOKOTE]

What's your opinion about super takumar 50 1.4 7 elements? Great video as allways!!

[@zenography7923]

To be honest I'm not that keen. I know a lot of people love it, but I found it disappointingly soft wide open, with some harshness in the background blur. It's not a bad lens but I don't think it lives up to its reputation. I much prefer the auto-takumar 55mm f1.8/f2 - in my opinion a better lens.

[@patriziodalessandro1693]

Hello. Why suggest the Canon FDn 50mm f/1.4 and then complain it is made of plastic when you can buy the 50mm F/1.4 S.S.C with metal body and chrome nose? Canon's marketing department for sure will agree with those that think that the "new" coating of the FDn provides "better" performance, but maybe with the 55mm front lens of the S.S.C. you get a a sharper image? I cannot see much price difference between the two...

[@raygeary1698]

Be careful on mirroless on that elmar copy don't collapse on camera 😮

[@marekpyka5432]

I have Helios 44 with13 blades aperture. But the last rear element of the lens is full of scratches from cleaning, the image is sharp but lacks contrast. I think about replacing the last element from another Helios. 44-2. Is there a point to try it?

[@zenography7923]

It's certainly worth a try - I think the elements are the same, except for coatings, which I think are very minimal, or even non existent on the later Helios lenses. It would probably give a much better image than your scratched element though.

[@marekpyka5432]

@@zenography7923 Thank you so much. I will try as soon as I get the tool. I realize that the lens is nothing short of fantasctic.

[@bobbaghead3150]

KONICA? and Minolta ROKKORS?

[@markusklein6309]

Hello Sir! As for the early Helios 44, 13 blades, I understand that it has a 39mm mount, and it can physically be mounted to a Leica III (for example) but “it will not focus”. Am I correct assuming that you still can focus by “guessing” the distance or by using an external rangefinder? Or is it impossible at all to take photos with it on a Leica LTM camera?

[@zenography7923]

It's just not possible I'm afraid - slr lenses (like the Helios) focus the image much further back than rangefinder lenses do, so a Helios mounted on a rangefinder just won't focus the image on the film!

[@markusklein6309]

@@zenography7923 Thank you! I have purchased a Zenith-C in this hour to try the Helios 44, 39mm mount, on it😀

[@kommissarjupiter7667]

Is the Canon NFD 1.4 better than the old 1.4 with SSC ? There's an offer near me for the latter with both caps and OEM hood.

[@zenography7923]

I can't say I'm afraid, I haven't used the earlier lens. You won't go far wrong with the NFD though.

[@briandipierro8865]

I absolutely LOVE my 50mm Canon FD f1.4 but it doesn't focus to infinity. I'm not sure if I can do anything to fix it, either. Aperture blades are perfectly fine, turns very nicely, just can't to infinity. I'm not sure how to fix it.

[@zenography7923]

What camera are you shooting it with?

[@briandipierro8865]

@@zenography7923 I should have amended this to say it works flawlessly on my Lumix S5, I just tested it out after commenting. It doesn't even pass infinity like most lenses, it hits it perfectly. It doesn't work right on either of my Samsung NX300 or 3000, my Lumix GX85, nor my EOS M. It could be my adapters, which it possibly is but my FD 50mm f1.8 hits infinity fine on all of them. I'm clueless

[@myblueandme]

I bought 50mm Pancolar 1.8 after seeing your reviews. Thank you for these helpful videos. But why does the Pentacon looks like a like Pancolar? Which I discovered later

[@zenography7923]

Later Pentacons were branded as CZJ and had a similar housing - it ain't a Pancolar though!

[@myblueandme]

@@zenography7923 so Pancolar MC i brought is actually a Pentacon ? is it! Mine has green marking on it.(Not Zebra or red)

[@jensknappe2485]

Pentacon and Pancolar are always different lenses ! The lens design is not the same. And the glass was different too. CZ in Jena got better glass types than Pentacon in Görlitz ( concerning the GDR optical industry ). Late Pentacons and late Pancolars have sometimes similar exterior design, yes, but the glass is always different !!! I have tested a lot of Pentacon 50mm and Pancolar 50mm lenses and the conclusion / main differences are : 1.) Optical : The image quality in the corners is much better with Pancolar lenses. But in the central zones of the pictures the Pentacons are often on par with the Pancolars. 2.) The exterior design especially on the later all black and Pancolar MC types is superb. 3.) When you look on the Pentacon 50mm i can recommend the early single coated types. Single lenses of these are very sharp in central zones of the pictures. The aperture in these early lenses delivers an angular design.

[@myblueandme]

@@jensknappe2485 thx ,.,much

[@duncanrae7504]

I have a CZJ DDR 50mm f1.8 MC with a P , Is this a Pancolar ? The CZJ 135mm f3.5 has an S ,meaning Sonar ,so I was wondering if the P on the 50mm means Pancolar ?

[@zenography7923]

I think it more likely you have a Prakticar 50mm f1.8 there - though I could be wrong. As I understand it, from the mid to late 80s onwards the standard 50mm was the Prakticar, rather than the Pancolar.

[@duncanrae7504]

@@zenography7923 It is a Praktica mount .still a very nice lens .

[@TulipEddy]

Hi, this might be a dumb question. But I wonder if it is possible to fit Zeiss Pancolar 50mm 1.8 to a Leica M?

[@zenography7923]

Well, rangefinder bodies and SLR lenses (and vice versa) generally don't mix due to their lenses being designed to focus at very different distances - SLR lenses focus much further back than rangefinder ones. In theory anything's possible, and you could probably rig up a mounting system, but even then the Pancolar wouldn't operate the rangefinder cam so there'd be no way to find accurate focus. So, the short answer is no!

[@stephanpaier9887]

Do you know if there is any difference between the pancolar with the red and the white painted „mc“ ? Thx, S

[@zenography7923]

I don't know I'm afraid, though it may denote different coatings perhaps, but won't make much difference to your images - all the Pancolars are equally nice in my experience...

[@cdavey061]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYWbap2chpyYnbM

[@ldstirling]

I cant imagine the New FD 50mm f/1.4 from Canon sells for less than the older breech-lock style of the same.

[@zenography7923]

Well, they do vary in price of course - some sellers ask top dollar for both. However, I've found that the new fd version does sometimes go for very low prices - I don't quite know why!

[@migueljalo9731]

Can I ask your opinion on the Nikon 20mm 2.8 ai?

[@zenography7923]

I don't know that one I'm afraid!