My Five BEST VALUE Wide Angle Vintage Lenses - UPDATED!

[@fredr.]

00:00 Intro 01:15 Pentax 28mm f2.8 05:20 Konica Hexanon 28mm f3.5 08:58 Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, 12:10 Olympus OM Zuiko 28mm f2.8 15:10 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4. 22:25 Honorable Mentions

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Fred!

[@dajuanandonly1]

Always appreciate your videos, and you were a big part of me buying a mirrorless camera, starting my little vintage lens collection, and going out and taking photos, especially last year. Thank you!

[@zenography7923]

And thank you, very glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@cwkronenberg9838]

Thank you very much for your informative, mature and deeply interesting postings (i am a vintage 'fanatic'); it is truly rare to find such amongst the more lamplight type, which predominates regrettably our social medium of information. Lack of substance = lack of credibility. 100%. Your open-minded, friendly, deeply creative, intellectual/scholarly approach to photography, couched in real-life experience, is truly phenomenal as it shows an immense respect towards the artist (the viewer) & his levels of intellect! well in my humble view. The knowledge conveyed here should in fact become part of college photography programs (if that's not the case already). Truly. Stay blessed & many thanks again for the wealth of knowledge and insights shared so pleasingly with all.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks for your kind words! I'm very glad you're enjoying the videos; so much online content is slick and fast, which is fine, but I think there's also room for a slower, more considered approach. Thanks for watching!

[@frenchcoupon3391]

I didn’t know Tim Robins was a photography master! Well done, sir!

[@ThePedalboardOrchestra]

Very interesting video! I absolutely agree about the Flektogon 2,4/35. One of my favourite vintage lenses. Absolutely awesome with that minimum focus distance on APS-C.

[@zenography7923]

It's fantastic - one of my most used lenses!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

I bought the cosina on your recommendation... very nice I agree Nigel... use it with my 2 Zenit..... Great stuff !

[@sclogse1]

Surprised I missed this one. Dropped by really to relax.

[@raecrowe9514]

The petite Pentax lens you have is the M series designed to go on their downsized M series 35mm film cameras they released to compete with the Olympus OM cameras. Think that was in the 1980s.

[@petersnow389]

Thank you for an informative and entertaining video. With regard to the Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.4 Flektogon, if one is prepared to forego a little aperture, and purchase the f2.8 version of this lens, it can often be bought for less than the f2.4 optic. The zebra version of the lens also has the close focussing facility.

[@zenography7923]

Yes, the 2.8 version is cheaper - I ought to have mentioned it, thanks for reminding me!

[@xiaodu87]

I've got the 50s silver version. Although it has at best single coatings it's still fun to shoot with and I really like the haptic feel of the lens. Backlight is tedious however, as you get blue flare, that doesn't suit in many condition.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Always enjoyable Zenography , always relaxing and informative ! Thank you ... always !

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@busqda]

Great vid! I enjoy the zuiko 24mm f2.8 for street architecture, together with the 35mm-105mm zoom

[@zenography7923]

The 35-105 is a surprisingly nice lens; as for the 24 2.8, I'd love to try one someday! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@fredo1070]

Top tip for magic lens. Zuiko 28mm-48mm f4 small zoom. A perfect walk around lens. Images have 3D pop.

[@zenography7923]

I haven't tried that one - thanks for the tip!

[@princeharbinger]

Hello, which version of the Zuiko 28mm are you talking about? There is a F/2 version, F/2.8, and a F/3.5.

[@fredo1070]

@@princeharbinger Zuiko 28mm-48mm f4 small zoom. Not a prime lens.

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

I would advise looking into the technical aspect of photography as it might help with some of the dilemmas you might be facing. There's no such thing as 3d pop and microcontrast and similar

[@kennyj604]

I compared my 28's .... takumar 3.5 first version (58mm filter), takumar 3.5, pentax m 2.8, tamron 2.5, olympus om 2.8, canon fd 2.8, and tokina rmc 2.8. Surprisingly the Tokina was extremely sharp wide open. Softest was the first version takumar. BUT it's my favourite for artsy photos and the soap bubble blur, while distracting to some, I absolutely love. I love the colours from the olympus. Tested lenses on a Panasonic GX7. Thanks. Love your channel.

[@zenography7923]

Glad you're enjoying the channel - enjoy those lenses too!

[@tylou4479]

The Minolta Md 35mm/1.8 is a cracking lens but I think the MD 35/2.8 is probably better as an all rounder. I own both and more often reach for the 2.8 version.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!

[@j.c.103]

The MD 35mm f2.8 is a very nice allrounder, comparable to the famous Flektogon 35mm f2.4, i use it on Minolta cameras very often. This later MD types with 5/5 lens design are the best 35mm Minolta lenses. The 35mm f2.8 MC predecessor lenses with 7 elements have lower image quality and often sticky blades. But, the last versions of the MC types ( small built, smaller front lens ) already have the newer 5/5 lens design.

[@HeuerAndy]

In terms of wide-angle, I can also highly recommend the Pentax SMC 24mm f2.8. If you use it on a Fujifilm, for example the X-T1, and if you set the sharpness in the film simulations to -2, you get a wonderful look.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for it!

[@HeuerAndy]

Anytime. Fingers crossed that you will find a nice one.

[@lioneldm5130]

I've got the smc fa 20mm. It's also great, but not easy to find and some are expensive...

[@jensknappe2485]

I have both, the older SMC-K 24mm f2.8 and the SMC-M 28mmf2.8. Use it on Pentax ME and MEsuper and on Program A. And i must say, the 24mm isn't that good. At f 2.8 and at f 4.0 it's very soft and unsharp. But the SMC-M 28mm f2.8 is much more better and you can use it without any doubts even at f2.8.

[@GeorgeK356]

A long time ago - probably 45 years, I bought a camera with a Prinzflex 28mm f2.8 wide angle lens on it. I thought that, being a Dixons own brand, that it would be rubbish. How wrong could one persom be. It's solid metal throughout, even the screw on lenscap is metal, the coatings are really effective, it's a joy to use. I disposed of the camera (can't even remember what the camera was) but hung onto the lens, little realising that 45 years later I'd be using it of my Fuji mirrorles bodies. It's more a video lens than a film one, it gives a dreamy quality to footage short through it. It's not super sharp, and it flares a little, but in the spirit of Zenogpaphy, it has character. Have you ever come across the Prinzflex range? Worth looking out for, in my opinion. Another thought provoking episode in the life of a Zenographer. Thank you.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I'll look out for the prinzflex lenses.

[@borderlands6606]

Prinzflex branding was used for Dixons Soviet gear, and latterly Japanese pre-Chinon cameras, which eventually acquired their own name. The badge was often a foil sticker that could be peeled off before it fell off, revealing the origin underneath. The better Chinon lenses, like the kit 50mm f1.7, are much better than their price suggest, and were probably made in one of the big optical manufacturers who supplied big name brands.

[@GeorgeK356]

@@borderlands6606 Thanks for the additional info, the lens I have certainly performs better than the price suggestd.

[@justcallmesando]

Loved this video. You are sharing some real valuable info here. Thank you.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Like your shots of book fair under bridge on South Bank London....I have shot there too... Nigel....

[@legionchef]

Thank you for these videos, they really are helpful to the new generation of film shooters

[@zenography7923]

I'm very glad you're finding them helpful, thanks!

[@jmoss99]

I tested my three vintage 24mm lenses to see which was the sharpest and clearest, using my Sony A7Rii. This is how they came out. The Olympus was way clearer than the rest. 1) Olympus OM-System H.Zuiko Auto-W 24mm f2.8 2) Canon FD-N 24mm, f2.8 3) Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5

[@ghpicard]

You should try the Meyer Optik Gorlitz Primagon 35mm f4.5. It is slow but it renders beautiful colors and it is very sharp from wide open (IMO). It also has 10 aperture blades, an uncanny flare resistance for a single coated lens, and the precision mechanics that is seldom found nowadays.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!

[@morrisbagnall2690]

I just listed the Pentax 28mm on eBay only because I bunch of lenses close to that focal length. It's a cracking lens though and mine was attached to an ME Super too!

[@zenography7923]

It's a great little lens, and the ME Super is a nice little camera too!

[@petersnow389]

Further to my last post, the zebra version focusses to 0.18, and the front element has a deeper recess, thus making it less vulnerable.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, you've piqued my interest in trying one of these!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

A couple spring to mind that are well worth looking out for, the Fuji 35mm - 3.5, and the Vivitar 28. Not sure of the aperture on that one, as I don't have it immediately to hand. My particular one is an M42 mount and the quality is outstanding.

[@zenography7923]

I'll look out for those lenses - thanks for the tip!

[@AlexDerrick_DP]

great video. I just ordered a Zuiko 28mm. I almost have a complete set now thanks to your video reviews. I am really loving them. I them in conjunction with an Anamorphic front element and it produces some astounding images when coupled with a Red 6k camera. Keep up what you're doing, and happy shooting.

[@zenography7923]

They're quite something aren't they? I'd be really interested to know what you're shooting with those old zuikos - must be quite a production with a red 6k involved!

[@punkrachmaninoff]

I have the astoundingly rare Pentax M 28mm f2.0, yet I often reach for the last version of the Konica AR 28mm f3.5 or occasionally the Pentax M 28mm f2.8 for the portability.

[@zenography7923]

I know exactly what you mean - sometimes a smaller, slightly more modest lens does the job just as well!

[@50shadesofNV]

Thanks for providing years of experience in succinct format. Voice is super chill and soothing, like old school radio talk show host. I noticed a zebra Helios lens on the table, have you talked about this lens? What’s the different between the zebra and other Helios’?

[@rachikb]

Thx for this wonderful video. I have a quick question : The Minolta is the MD Rokkor or MD that was made in 1981? Thx

[@shila999]

Excellent video (as always :P). A lens that surprised me in a great way is the Vivitar 28mm 2,8 Close-Focus: very sharp, nice colors and... incredible bubble bokeh! And it's very cheap!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for it!

[@Em4n92]

Yes, I have the close focus M42 version and it's really good. I initially used it on my MFT Oly e-m10 so not so wide angle but it really shines on my spotmatic.

[@pentlx]

Check out the EBC Fujinon 28/3.5 sometime. Very fine.

[@trevorsneath4665]

The Olympus on an OM4Ti was excellent. One of the nicest cameras I've ever owned.

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used one myself, but I hear they're very nice indeed!

[@trevorsneath4665]

@@zenography7923 Very. I hope you get the chance. They had a comprehensive in-viewfinder display that was superb. And a nice quiet and dampened shutter and mirror. Oddly, Ricoh was the next out with a truly remarkable in-viewfinder display. I can't remember the model, but it was a great camera to use. And insanely cheap. About the same as the Pentax K1000 with 50f2, but the Ricoh came with 35-70.

[@christopherlloyd8117]

Absolutely. I'm still using mine that I bought in 1988 - and it's still a joy to use.

[@AStrangeHill]

Great video! Very nicely stated, the volume was fine for me personally and the content wholesome. Super pictures & well thought out reviews! I have a copy of the Pentax 28/3.5 and find that much nicer to use than the faster f/2.8 version. Thought that might be worth a shout and also, the venerable smc 24mm f2.8, deserves a mention! One of my favourite lenses at the moment. I'd like to try a Jena after seeing this. Many thanks & enjoy your evening!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Alex, glad you enjoyed it!

[@AStrangeHill]

@@zenography7923 Thankyou for creating and sharing. A pleasure indeed!

[@tonybaker55]

Great content as usual. I have a Pentacon 30mm f3.5 and I find this a gem. Based on the Myer-Optik Gorlitz Lydith design.

[@zenography7923]

I'll look out for that one, thanks for the tip!

[@tonybaker55]

@@zenography7923 Just so you know, I paid £50 for a boxed copy.

[@scrptwic]

The first lens you reviewed I have as I collect Pentax M lenses I have 28mm 2.8 and the Takumar 35mm 3.5 lens in my collection

[@zenography7923]

A good Pentax lens is hard to beat - enjoy!

[@Narsuitus]

Here are the best value wide-angle vintage lenses I still own and use: 28mm f/2.8 Pentax 35mm f/3.5 Pentax 28mm f/2.8 Nikkor 35mm f/2 Nikkor 24mm f/2 Nikkor 18mm f/3.5 Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Zeiss Biogon 21mm f/2.8 Zeiss Biogon A few of these lenses were neither vintage nor a value when I bought them decades ago.

[@scottcosta7119]

Awesome, knowledgeable, easy to digest information. I am new to film, been using an OLY OM10, w/ 50mm, and stumbled upon your video because I'm looking into the Zuiko 35mm. Both of these videos were very helpful and you've excited my interest to order it soon. Thank you!

[@alexblaze8878]

He’s a devout user of the OM1 and I consider him the go-to KZbinr when it comes to the OM series. Stick with him, he’s one of the best photog channels on YT.

[@zenography7923]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottcosta7119]

@@alexblaze8878 👍🏻👍🏻 Awesome to hear that! His knowledge definitely pushed me over the top to purchase a 35mm that I can't wait to get started with. I will definitely stick around here. Thank you for your insight!!

[@alexblaze8878]

@@scottcosta7119 be careful. I’ve had to put myself on a budget as I went on a binge of buying gear he recommended lol. Stuff I’ve bought off his recommendations in just the past 8 weeks Zorki 4K Jupiter 8 50mm F2 Praktica MTL 5B Helios 44 m42 mount A second Helios 44 professionally adapted to Nikon Mount Super Takumar 135mm 3.5 A third Helios 44 that I bought as a gift for a fellow photographer. And I’m now looking at buying either the Fuji X-T1 or the Sony a7.

[@scottcosta7119]

@@alexblaze8878 😀 Oh My.. That's like the Pringles commercial. Once you pop, you can't stop. Haha. Unless it's his meditative voice sending subliminal messages. Haha. Well....thank you for the heads up! Enjoy, stay creative, and don't break the bank! 😁

[@mainakdey6878]

Thanks for sharing such informative video. Would you recommend EnnaLyt München 28mm 2.8 M42 mount for around €50?

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

When I found my flektogan in the collection , stuck it on the Sony and wow contrast colour sharp and perspective, that's a nice one, I should get a spare(I was toying with stereographic imaging at the time), looked on eBay saw the price and thought I'd wait. Then I found another one already in my possession.

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

My 28 optomax macro spends a lot of time on the camera, after some severe cleaning from a life a corner of a bodyshop to being part of an experimental digital to film rig.

[@zenography7923]

Wow, those were two lucky finds indeed!

[@srdjanbasaric517]

Tamron adaptal 28/2.5. Combination with polarizer,1/2 stop down reminds me on kodachrome 64 stoped down bit,sharp and greasy.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!

[@jameswburke]

I got one back in the 90s but only recently started using it. Great lens and well made.

[@TheMotleyPatriot]

Nice prospective on characteristics!

[@tonyhayes9827]

Great video again. Thank-you. It's hard to find the flektagon 35mm these days it seems to me. I settled on the Nikon 28mm f 2.8 AIS as it also focuses down to 20 cm. Great lens. It's slower than the flektagon and I don't know how they compare but it's a good lens as far as I can tell. Certainly sharp enough as they say, wide open.

[@zenography7923]

I've heard that's a very nice lens - enjoy!

[@br2v]

If you can find it, Get the Pentax K 28mm f3.5 , excellent for landscapes and great flare resistance, and another sleeper 10€ with really nice close up capabilities Vivitar 28 mm f2.8, (0,23 m 1:5 Komine made, 49mm filter suberb vintage bokeh character but with great colors and sharpness. Mechanics = ++

[@markstorer7204]

Just what I needed to watch as I'm in the market for 1 of these 👍

[@zenography7923]

Glad it was of some help!

[@gordondenilson2666]

another informative video cheers mate

[@paolomesseca8679]

Thank you very much for your very useful review: thank your suggestion I am now testing a Leica collapsible Summar (unfortunately with some fungus inside). Not so sharp as modern digital lenses but with a unique color rendition (a poetry I would suggest) not far from modern Zeiss but softer.

[@zenography7923]

I've heard the Summar is a very nice lens - I think it would be worth getting it cleaned if you can - the difference may surprise you!

[@paolomesseca8679]

@@zenography7923 Thank you very much for answering and for the suggestion (I don't dare to do it my self so I have to find somebody)

[@williambolton5679]

I have a few vintage wide angle lenses in the 20, 24, 28, 35 and 37 (the Mir 1 of course) focal lengths. One that I particularly like is the Macro Revuenon 28mm f2.8 lens made by Enna Munchen, a wonderful lens that has great color and sharpness and that can focus very close.

[@davidatkinson1413]

which 20mm do you have?

[@williambolton5679]

@@davidatkinson1413 The SMC Takumar 20mm f4.5. It's very close focusing, sharp and has great color (IMO).

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!

[@williambolton5679]

@@zenography7923 I don't know if you're aware of it but Pentaxforums offers great reviews of old lenses, Takumars and others. This is the page for the 20mm for example: www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/S-M-C-Super-Takumar-20mm-F4.5.html

[@Analogbrain]

Great review as always! 👍I've heard a lot about the concave version of the Canon FD 35 mm 2,0. It would be very interesting to see what you'd think about it, if you came across one. I have the FL 2,5 version, not bad either. Lately I bought the Tamron 28mm 2,5 for €15, a nice little lens for daily use on an aps-c sensor.

[@zenography7923]

I'd certainly like to try that Canon - if one comes my way, I will!

[@cjewe1z]

I bought a Vivitar 28mm 2 recently. Have you thought about reviewing it for the next update?

[@evocati6523]

For us M43 shooters this bring it up to the 50mm arena so these are great. I love the vintage 50s but they end up being portrait type lenses after the crop factor

[@zenography7923]

They do, but personally I find a long lens, around 100mm, to be a very useful length indeed!

[@JachtingMotorowy]

Dear Zenographer, I bought Flektogon 35 in a very good condition. It was only a partial bargain. I paid full price for lens which has not been using since at least 30 years according to seller's story. Additionally blades were stuck but service fixed it easily what was my term for closing a deal with a seller. Small distance objects are extremely sharp on photos but trying to gest landscapes on wide open a result is like washed out. Is this correct or my lens have calibration problem due to unknown fixing up in the past or maybe operation of cleaning blades went too far? How do you think? Closing up aperture fixes the problem. I use Canon 5d mark II for photos. For filming I use BMPCC 4K with Metabones XL 0.64. The same situation. Closing aperture to 4 makes difference but it is not still sharp image. I also noticed that orange mark line on the tube is not matching with 0,2 value on the focus ring. There is 9-10 mm offset to the left. Do you have the same default setting on your Flektogon? I do not have many vintage lens to compare but on Pancolar 50 mm it almost matches 0,33, on 44-4 on 0,5 matches - but on 44-2 there is a major offset too. I appreciate a lot your answer. best regards from Poland. Daniel.

[@zenography7923]

Hi Daniel, a little offset is no problem as such - my Flektogon turns a little way past the minimum focus mark too, However the lens should definitely not show a degraded image wide open. All lenses get a little sharper when stopped down, but the Flek is known for giving an excellent image from wide open. It sounds like yours is faulty - I'd return it for a refund as there are many good working examples to be found.

[@JachtingMotorowy]

@@zenography7923 Hi Nigel. Thanks for your answer. I was afraid that. In PL when you buy from private person no refund is possible. I will try to fix it somehow.

[@ea4bl]

Hi there. I am really enjoying a lovely Sigma Super-Wide II 24mm 2.8 Macro and also a very sharp (from max. aperture) Pentax M 28 3.5, Lovely lenses on my Fuji XT-2. Thank you very much for yor work,

[@zenography7923]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@edwardcrosby5034]

I am lucky to own the Pentax K 30mm f2.8 which I bought from new. Would probably be on your list, but they are hard to come by in the UK,

[@zenography7923]

I haven't heard of that one - it sounds nice though!

[@MezeiEugen]

Never understood why in the GDR they could not use quality grease. While most copies of the Japanese lenses presented here you will not find one Flektogon not having the focusing helicoid and the apperturer glued solid.

[@elitefamilyparkour]

I would add Tokina 17mm RMC and Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm 2.8 Flektogon (not so budget anymore tho)

[@zenography7923]

Agreed!

[@SeanC1959]

Great video as always Z! :)

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@cameraprepper7938]

Of cheap 28mm Lenses I will choose Olympus 28mm 3.5 or Tokina 28mm 2.8

[@zenography7923]

Both excellent lenses!

[@MyChevySonic]

It's a shame that Minolta had to contend with giants like Canon and Nikon back in the day (before I was born LOL), but their lenses are really amazing. My favorite is my PF Rokkor 58mm 1.4.

[@mikelborrega5821]

Thanks for the video! The Flektogon is always in my bag, incredible and versatile lens. What do you think about the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm 1.2. Is not a vintage lens but, as far as I know, it renders as a vintage lens because of it’s optical formula...

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used that one, but the 35mm 1.4 I shot a year or so ago was sublime!

[@denisrandomtech5822]

Another great video. I wonder if we could call the Mir 1 37mm as a wide angle lens.

[@zenography7923]

Yes, I think we could!

[@terrywbreedlove]

My Nikon F3hp Kit. 28mm f2.8 50mm F1.4 and 135mm F2. Going to add the 24mm pay day.

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a nice collection!

[@portcorner_noise]

Great video which I appreciate enormously! I am on the hunt for the best wide angle I can get to match the characteristics of my Helios 44-M4 58mm f2 which I use exclusively for filmmaking. Can you recommend a lens that would be close to the Helios? looking for anything like 20 to 24mm. Many thanks!

[@zenography7923]

Can't think of anything that wide with swirl, but the CZJ Flektogon 20mm f4 is of a similar era - and a really nice lens.

[@portcorner_noise]

@@zenography7923 thanks! I decided the best to do is to experiment with different available options, so I will buy different 20 to 28mm lenses by CZJ, Olympus, Tukamar and check which one serves me best, I may shoot them all in Flog and then match them in post to my taste the best I can right? it won’t take away the character of each lens will it?

[@barnabovichblacksmith7117]

Hi Zenography! I dont know if i should say to You Zenograph or Zenographer? ;) Anny way, iI'm watching your channel for quite some time. And i appreciate your work. My sundays are now more fun ;) At the same time, I have suggestions for you. What would You say to review some manual cctv Lenses? There are some of those allredy whit DSLR mounts. I am considering buying one of them, but i dont know which are good? Im not shure if You allredy reviewed some of those on the chanel? So that is my sugestion to You! Best Regards and stay healthy!!! Barnabovich

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used many cctv lenses, but one I have shot is the slr magic 35mm f1.4 - a very nice lens indeed! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@barnabovichblacksmith7117]

@@zenography7923 Hi! I hope You doing well! I have mist Yuo last sonday! Take care!!! And see You soon...

[@p_aulwhite]

Another excellent video, thank you. Any advice on where to buy these vintage lenses? Is ebay the best place to start?

[@zenography7923]

Ebay's not a bad source of lenses but don't pay inflated 'buy it now' prices - auctions are better, and check out sold prices too, so you know roughly the values.

[@AbdelaliSd]

Hi I hope you’re doing good I lately bought a 70-210 f4 fd lens it needed some cleaning because of the fungus on its glass I tried to clean it but now when I’m putting back it’s elements I noticed that the blades are not fully open when at f4 but i can’t remember if this is how it behaves at f4 Please if you have any idea or you have this lens so i can check if did the things right i looked online for hours and found nothing Many thanks

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

Have you ever used a ExAKTA camrea? 28/50 carl zelss lens what do you think. Just got one. Put film in B&W. Whats best to photograph and what speed aperture.? To start with being a beginer to film camreas.?

[@zenography7923]

That's a nice camera, and the CZJ Tessar lens is very nice too. If you're new to manual film cameras, you'll need a light meter to measure the light and get the right exposure. There are phone apps that work well, or get a standalone light meter. That will tell you the right settings for the light you have.

[@jakoberiksen2944]

Great video, thank you good sir 😊 I have the Cosina 50mm 1.9 and can confirm the quality you mention, and I got it for 20 pounds! Blur is very nice too :) I'm Looking to get a more wide angle though for video and low light, but are there faster wide angles out there. 1.8 maybe? CHEERS

[@zenography7923]

The minolta 35 1.8 in the video is pretty nice!

[@jakoberiksen2944]

@@zenography7923 Thank you 😊 maybe that is the fastest wide angle vintage lens. I can see that modern lenses can be as wide and fast as 24mm 1.4, Maybe they couldn't make that back then? I din't know, still learning. Thank you by the way for sharing your approach to creativity (and life I guess). I feel it it very valuable 🙏

[@MrKoalalan]

Dear, I only only pick up Takumar lenses near by Pentax lenses with a bit of a special spice ... what about the Takumar 28mm 3.5 my favorite lens on my Fuji body’s ....... near by the Takumar 35mm f2 ..... I miss these

[@zenography7923]

The 28 3.5 is lovely - sadly I don't have one anymore!

[@thomashilmersen711]

Have you tried the Contax/Yashica Zeiss 28mm 2,8? I love the IQ from that lens, but it is not particularly inexpensive or small.

[@zenography7923]

I have, and it's very nice indeed!

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Have you used the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 4/25? I have one on the way and there seems to be little info on it.

[@zenography7923]

I haven't, but would very much like to!

[@kevinparkes417]

I have a Helios 28mm f2.8 that says made in Japan. Curious as I thought all Helios lenses were Russian made. A quick internet search suggests it might be the Cosina lens you mentioned rebadged to Helios for the euro market. Any thoughts?

[@zenography7923]

I believe that's the case with this lens - but Cosina made some fine lenses - I've found this one is really nice!

[@harrycover9180]

Best of all 28mm not present here is the Pentax SMC K 28mm f3.5. Better than the M version.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip - I'll look out for one!

[@moaliyt]

Wow, your videos are oases among the KZbin clutter. Thank you. :)

[@zenography7923]

So glad you think so, thanks!

[@jimgraves4197]

May I be bold and add a Meyer Optik Goerlitz 30mm f/3.5 Lydith to that list. It's a beutifully made M42 mount lens that renders colours superbly and produces excellent images with film or digital cameras.

[@zenography7923]

I'll look out for that one, thanks for the tip!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Very excellent video have binge watched this more time than (....) Yes well when you talk of zone focus as you do maybe also....speak of hyper focal focusing too Nigel.. cheers anyways.....

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip Phil, I'll keep it in mind!

[@pentlx]

RE: The Zuiko. 2.8 is 2/3 stop faster than 3.5, not one stop.

[@MezeiEugen]

Street photography is not about a subject but is a rapid sketch telling a story. You can not have a story without surrondings, therefore you need a wide lens.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Hi there I was surprised that Canon and Nikon never got a mention

[@zenography7923]

I did give an 'honourable mention' to the Canon; as for Nikon, I haven't used any of their wides - -yet!

[@MGFilmsNY]

@@zenography7923 Definitely check out the Nikon Nikkor 28mm f2 AI or AIS if you get the chance. That lens is absolutely magical. 😊

[@ronaldsand3000]

As a Nikon enthusiast, I am very excited when you review any products made by them As the market leader back in the 60s to 80s being the choice of professionals for quality, unparalleled accessories and interchangeable system, I’m surprised that you haven’t embraced the Nikon much more, to a large degree all the other brands were bought only if you couldn’t afford Nikon

[@borderlands6606]

@@zenography7923 The Nikon 28mm 3.5 is a high performing, reasonably priced lens. Canon's 24mm 2.8 is also fairly inexpensive. The Yashica 28mm 2.8 in DSB (single coated) and ML (multicoated) versions are often overlooked. The DSB gives an almost Barnack-like rendering, and when I last looked was seriously cheap.

[@josecasasferrer]

My friend hope you can help me.. I have an helios 44-2 and trying to use in a canon 5d mark ii with an adaptor that have a AF chip on it. The problem I encounter its that someone the back of the lens in 2 occasions hit the mirror. Very disturbing and dangerous. Do you know if there are some variations of this adapter? To avoid this problem? Hope its clear and many thanks in advance....

[@zenography7923]

Hi there, sorry for the late reply! As I understand it, there are some m42 lenses that will hit the mirror on your canon camera, and it seems the helios is one of them. If it's only happened on two occasions it may depend on your focus - the back of the lens extends and retracts as you focus it, and sometimes it's nearer the mirror. It may be better to use a different lens.

[@josecasasferrer]

Zenography yes, the only solution was to use an adaptador without a chip, the one who its shinny and tick. I think it's made out of brass. Many thanks for your respond.

[@sidekickbob7227]

Jose, I have got the same setup, and can confirm it will hit the mirror when the lens are focused to infinity. The AF chip would be ok, but the ring clamping down the lens are extending too much out. I screwed it of, and then carefully filed it down quite much. If you have the skills, you probably could do it too, but stay away if you haven't knowledge about metal work.

[@josecasasferrer]

@@sidekickbob7227 thanks a lot well i guess i will be used only in mirror less camara sadly

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Great stuff.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

No mention of Takumar 35mm f3.5...

[@zenography7923]

I gave it an 'honourable mention' at the end...

[@jonlouis2582]

I’m sure every lens is a little different, but my new looking Pentax SCM-M 28/2.8 might be the very worst lens I ever tried to use.

[@migueljalo9731]

Why

[@jonlouis2582]

@@migueljalo9731 Mine is a flare monster.

[@zenography7923]

I'm sorry to hear that - are you sure it's not faulty?

[@jonlouis2582]

@@zenography7923 I’m sure it is, although it looks perfect. I only wish I hadn’t taken it on a vacation with my Pentax LX several years ago. Lots of ruined photos.

[@png-startwitharightunderst1210]

Do every pentax lenses have that color?

[@zenography7923]

Do you mean the colour of the body, or the glass?

[@png-startwitharightunderst1210]

@@zenography7923 that "pastelly" color you mentioned

[@tomallen6073]

Hers a little bit of constructive criticism, leave your self out is the video’s you have a very authoritative voice, play to your strengths.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@paulchamberlain3359]

Nikon nifty fifties very very sharp lens

[@felixcat4346]

Fair enough. Now tell all the stuff you hate.

[@zenography7923]

I prefer to accentuate the positive!

[@mikepxg6406]

I have a pretentious Canon 28mm lens it pretends to be a walnut....🙄📷

[@MajorTomWorkshop]

Audio is way too quiet, next time normalize, please. Also, when you talk about a certain lens, please keep its name on the screen, it will greatly improve perception. Viewers keep losing attention, so when you say your final line about a lens, they have to rewind to find out which one it was.

[@zenography7923]

I'll certainly do that next time!