The ULTIMATE 50mm f2 Lens?

[@1davidpeter]

Another lovely video. After 42 years of shooting Nikon, I went mirrorless and got rid of nearly all, including this beautifully engineered lens, keeping my first ever Nikkor, the 1.4. Plus a couple of Helios a pancolar and a few other oldies bought after watching your shows. They all work nicely on the new camera, but to be perfectly honest, the best overall experience of a 50 for me, now comes with the cheap and super light RF 1.8 from Canon.

[@TheOskaryn]

I really love your videos and your passion for old lenses. I have two questions if you don't mind: 1. How many lenses you have in your collection. (If you even know 🙂) 2. I use Amount cameras, I can't find adaptors for my camera to MD Minolta, Nikon and actually nothing except M42. Do you know where can I find any? Many thanks for all you videos.

[@MichaelRusso]

I have all those lenses, and love them all. They all take nice photos. Shout out to the Takumar's and their derivatives.

[@Yellowcatt]

Thank you for the video! I understand that manual lenses have their own aesthetics, but personally I have played with them enough and more often I just want to not miss the moment and quickly focus. It is difficult to shoot something dynamic with manual optics. For the Sony system there is an excellent autofocus lens that is not available on other cameras. This is the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm f/1.8 ZA. This is simply an incomparable, unique autofocus lens. It combines all the characteristics. It is sharp, with fast focusing and gives a very beautiful bokeh. It also does not have a high price. This is a real pearl in the Sony system.

[@douggoodhill]

I love this Nikkor too - classic planar design.

[@bwest6275]

The Leica 50mm cron will always be my favorite in this genre, both R and M.

[@terrygoyan]

That and the 135 f/3.5 lens were my first two Nikon lenses. Those on a Nikkormat FT-2 were my gear in the late 70's. That looks like a really clean lens. A favorite of mine!

[@musa7606]

As featured in Diamonds are Forever and used for filming in The Mandalorian (The Nikkor H version, that is)

[@princeharbinger]

Interesting. Do you know if the H.C. is just as good as the H version?

[@musa7606]

@@princeharbinger According to Ken Rockwell, the formula is the same for all 50 f2s from 1964 to 1979. The only optical difference is multi coating added in 72.

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

Yessssss! The japanese summicron! I love that lens on my D700. I have the late 60s version with the knurled focus ring, and single coated in blue. Absolutely beautiful lens.

[@tammytrashbags]

my favourite by far is the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro - but it'll certainly come at a premium, in the hundreds rather than the tens of pounds! Sort of apples to oranges though. It's not a nifty fifty, it's a luxurious and high-end lens that can basically do it all, from 1:2 closeup work to shallow depth of field to super sharp landscapes and everything in between. Although larger than your typical little zuiko it's still remarkably compact for what it is. I'm still shocked by how well it performs on my 47mp Lumix S1R, as well as on film!

[@mikhailshafeev9384]

I've just mentioned the same lens! Brilliant contrast but very nice bokeh the same time!

[@tammytrashbags]

@@mikhailshafeev9384 yes! I love all of the zuiko 50mm lenses, but the f2 is just so special

[@PMS1950]

@tammytrashbags the zuiko digital f2.00 version is a great lens and still great fun even on an early four thirds E500 camera.

[@tammytrashbags]

@@PMS1950 that's interesting - I've heard of it, but never got the chance to try it out myself. maybe a cheap old four thirds camera purchase is on the horizon :)

[@cameratrav]

An old school Zenography review and all the better for that. I enjoy the 'focus' on one lens instead of covering many at once. I note that the Chinese makers are churning out 50 1.8s, AF of course, but I wonder if they have any character.

[@peterkwakman7440]

I've learned my lesson on Chinese 'goods', do not entertain them !

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for looking in.

[@campbells0ups]

i own the Nikkor-H 50mm F/2. its a classic design with bubble bokeh. still sharp and clean rendering!

[@PMS1950]

As a Wedding Photographer during the 1970s-1980s, I used a Rokkor 50mm 1.7 optic on a Minolta 102 for a lot of my images. This lens deliverd a very distinctive, almost Leica quality rendering, which made it ideal for this type of photography. The 85mm rokkor was another little gem and perfect for portraits and candid shots.

[@mgman6000]

My favorite 50mm lens is my Canon f1.8 LTM from my Canon 7. I really like that the the adapter is only about a quarter inch thick

[@GOLDDYNACO]

If you are lucky enough to have a copy without haze and/or fungus, you can enjoy old optics at their very, very best. In flawless condition (today, very rare and very expensive) it can compete with all - inclusive early versions of the Leitz 50mm Summicron. The humble, little 1.8 is by far the best of the old LTM 50's from Canon if you want a slightly more universal, modern look.

[@j.f.7509]

I love that lens! This lens inspired Leica (W. Mandler) to make the Summicron 50mm R, and shortly after the M version.

[@mrstandfast2212]

Trying to decide which 50mm lens is best is like pushing water uphill with a rake. It's so subjective, and there are nearly all excellent. I have the Pancolar and the Nikkor you show, and they are both excellent. Although I'm a Nikon, Canon and Zeiss enthusiast, and love their offerings, I have to say that I like my Yashica ML 50mm f1.7 above them, and above them all, the Minolta MD 45mm f2. This is just about the perfect lens, being slightly wider, very sharp, lovely bokeh and small in size. While I'm here, I'd also like to put in a word for the cheap Carl Zeiss 50mm f2.8. It may not be fast, but my word it is ever so good.

[@zenography7923]

The CZJ 50 f2.8 Tessar is a seriously overlooked lens, a real gem and very cheap too!

[@tonyw.6813]

I love my collection of Zuiko lenses. I pair these with my Olympus Penlite PL3 micro 4/3 camera. Although i admit it is a cheap lineup. I can get fantastic images with the these lenses. What I love about using vintage manual lenses, is that it forces me to slow down. With an all singing DSLR setup is that when I get the green square, I click and then move on to the next composition. With manual focus lenses, i have to spend time looking through the viewfinder. Adjusting the focus, and then the aperture. This also gives me a greater understanding of focul length and depth of field. I would recommend to any photographer to try this. I get all my advice on vintage lenses from this channel, and I will probably try getting my hands on this lens. I also have a couple of Leica R lenses that I also use on my Micro 4/3 camera. It really does open up a new world in photography.

[@nicokremers7150]

My advice, use the Zuiko lenses on a Full Frame camera. I started with an 4/3 OM10 but was disappointed. Than changed to a Sony A7 mark 1. The colours were so much better 🙂. (Just moved to a Leica SL, still learning)

[@randywaldron2715]

A vote for the Schneider Xenon 50mm f2. My favorite lens in 36mm format. Sharp and full of character

[@stephentalas1940]

Managed to track down a used Helios 58 in local charity shop for all of £15 nice glass but found out the hard way that it and my full frame Canon 6D are not going to work out, as at certain focusing points it catches on the edge of the Mirror, no damage done, works fine on my APS-C Canon 760D . That said, the Minolta 50mm Rokkor PF f1.7 I inherited is a stunner, only it works out as a 80mm on my Micro4/3 but makes a great porttrait lens.

[@trels203]

Is your helios silver? Some of the ealier helios lenses will catch the mirror but you should check out the later helios 44-2, its a black lens. My silver helios 44 cathes my 5Ds mirror but the later helios 44-2 doesnt!

[@stephentalas1940]

@@trels203 Yes it is the older version, thanks for the info.

[@philmtx3fr]

Nice and affordable lens (more than the pan collar which now have an hype). Very interesting too in reverse position for macro.

[@Martin_Siegel]

I paid a little less for mine and I still need to test it, so thanks for the review! I needed to get it as my Nikon F came without lens.

[@barthonhoff5547]

😊It was my first Nikon lens, brought together with a Nikkormat FTN. Compared to my Summicron Rigid it delivers much more contrast, but both are extremely sharp. I prefer it over my 1.4 and 1.8 Nikkors. The classic look of the Jupiter is something I love as well. Thanks for the video.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for looking in!

[@cwkronenberg9838]

a truly enjoyable presentation. many thanks, from a life-long nikkor enthusiast. yiu hit the nail spot on and head on. that "uncomfortable blur" oh man ! is that not a common faultline in the nikon stable? 1, an unmatched colour spectrum, 2. with high class quality glass & 3. rendering images offering an "uncomfortable blur"? Greetings.

[@major-Mihailo-Madzarevic]

*Great video, thanks ! Could you tell me which lens adapter exactly are you using please ?*

[@zenography7923]

It's a cheap one from ebay, I can't remember the name but when it comes to adaptors, if the dimensions are correct you won't go wrong. I only ever buy the cheapest adaptors I can find, and have had no problems so far.

[@major-Mihailo-Madzarevic]

@@zenography7923 Thank you for your reply ! I am asking because I am always afraid that I coulc damage my Sony Alpha A7RV camera by using such adaptors ... This is the reason I was asking sir. Again, thank you very much for your reply !

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I've had good luck with Minolta lens.

[@mamiyapress]

Nice video ( at 1:25 as always ) and good news as I have several Nikkor 50mm F2's.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@caw25sha]

I've got the original A type version of this lens which I use on my old Nikkormat FT. I've only used it with Ilford HP5 and Harman Phoenix which doesn't give the opportunity for serious appraisal but it's definitely inferior to the later versions, not surprisingly. I've got an adapter to use it on my Fujifilm lenses but haven't got round to doing so yet. (Yes I know it'll chop the edges off!)

[@superuser13]

Yes, I was hoping you would mention Pentax lenses. I'm a Nikon shooter, but I usually grab my K1000 with my pmc 50mm and 135mm for film. It's not a vintage lens, but I believe the best 50mm ever made is the Nikon Z 50mm 1.8s.

[@rockartistet]

Yashica 50mm f2

[@zenography7923]

I looked at the Yashica a week or two ago, a very nice lens, enjoy!

[@barrysavage3105]

Love all your reviews and frequently use them for relaxation as well. I own mostly Nikon vintage lenses, so you are preaching to the choir on this one. One lens I think you should definitely check out is the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f 2.8. It is the sharpest lens I own and I use it more than any other one I have. Please check it out, if you can get a hold of one and do a review if you can. I think you will be pleased. Great for both macro and general photography, which makes it extremely versatile.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip, appreciated!

[@gyorgyfrank]

Wow! The bokeh of the Miranda and the blur of the Chinon are so wonderful! But still, I can't understand how could CZJ produce such a superior lens in the eastern block.

[@fintonmainz7845]

The communist countries were good at technology and science but poor on innovation. The professional training of technicians, engineers and scientists was very high and attracted top people who in the West might have been drawn to other professions by the $.

[@dutenn]

My pancolar arrived last week! I haven't figured precisely why the (red MC) means but that's what I got.

[@caw25sha]

Multi coated maybe?

[@dutenn]

@@caw25sha the red MC is much more rare for this lens. Doesn't exactly make it better. I do know that MC in general means, multi coated but thanks lol. Looking for more detailed specifics

[@zenography7923]

It means multi coated. You have a fantastic lens there, enjoy!

[@justinmueller9579]

Also check out the hexanon...

[@mikemcgrath5188]

the best nikkor 50mm i have is the Ai-S 1.8, super sharp wide open. a bit pricey in excellent condition. on a budget get a pentax smc m k mount. dirt cheap in excellent condition and readily available. for best results use a lens hood.

[@sclogse1]

Sorry for being late. It looks like you got some bounce light on your right (our left) side. It's working well.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, I was very pleased with the result. Glad it's working.

[@dgmwitz]

I have the same! Great lens

[@Narsuitus]

I have a 50mm f/2 for my Nikon SLRs but I only use it as a backup for my 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor.

[@caw25sha]

Some dates: A type - 2/59 to 6/67 (silver filter thread, single coated) C type - 5/67 to 8/74 (black filter thread, multi coated) K type - 6/74 to 1/79 (yours, rubber focusing ring) Thereafter replaced by 1.8.

[@marksieving7925]

The K type non-AI lens was replaced by the AI version in March 1977, with serial numbers starting at 3350001. The K type serial numbers run from 3100001 to 3339337. The lens in this video is serial # 3330225, so pretty late in the K type production, so probably made in February 1977.

[@peterkwakman7440]

Still have me 50mm f2 Asahi 41 year old lens, works wonders on the K200 D !

[@jvladcliff4083]

When you see the coating on the lens you know it's nice, a real sleeper glass

[@clementpoon120]

as someone who has a serious case of gear acquisition syndrome and has spent over 143 pounds on lenses because of these videos i love and hate you so much

[@zenography7923]

GAS is not curable. I understand it can be managed, but only by buying cameras and lenses. I sympathise.

[@kruno7150]

I have quite a collection of 50ish (50-58mm) f2 lenses - note, not f1.8 or f2.2, just good ol' f2. My few cents: Best budget - Ricoh Rikenon XR 50mm f2 (only this version) Best colors - Yashica Auto Yashinon 5cm f2 Best prewar - Schneider Kreuznach 5cm f2 Best overall - ??? still looking :)

[@mattbigwood]

That Nikkor is much, much better at infinity/far distances than the Pancolar if you're not bothered about shooting at close distances and looking at the bokeh, having used both

[@zenography7923]

These two lenses are not too far from each other in my experience, but the Nikon doesn't quite beat the CZJ. I guess samples can very, but that's been my experience. Thanks for checking in.

[@UndertakingCinema]

I suggest you try the Nikkor 55mm Micro f/2.8 AIS. It's an AMAZING lens and very cheap used.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip!

[@TerryD_100]

Shout out for the Leica 50mm summicron R however it is in a different price band

[@Gipsy-Danger73]

I think if I took photos all day with these three lenses, you would never be able to match the lens with the corresponding photographs. I own all three of these, and they all take great photos but are very subtle in their difference. They also take slightly different shots compared to themselves... The slightest difference in position, light, or any of the settings can completely change an image even with the same lens and camera. I personally prefer the Yashica 50mm and the Asahi super Takumar 50mm 1.4 ( de-yellowed) over all three of these lenses. The Yashicas are underrated, and the Takumar lens has amazing imagery with all the beautiful characteristics of a thorium lens.

[@zenography7923]

The 1.4 Takumar is a lovely optic, I often wish I'd kept mine

[@Scooter-dm3qo]

Your 50mm f2 Nikkor is a late production version. When the AI version of this lens was introduced it was labeled as the 50mm f2 Nikkor-HC. The C designating a multi coated lens. The design dates back to 1964-1965 time frame when it was announced nearly simultaneously with the first edition 50mm f2.0 Summicron. BTW both lenses share a near identical design and it's been debated if it was a Nikon or Leitz design. Both are Gause based symmetrical designs with a triplet on each side of the aperture.

[@zenography7923]

Interesting, thanks for the info.

[@Skipsul]

Have you tried the Minolta Rokkor 50mm f/2?

[@zenography7923]

I have, a lovely little lens!

[@alex-chicago-80]

Have you reviewed the 55m 1.2 Nikkor?

[@zenography7923]

I haven't, I'd very much like to though!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

All those lenses are amazing value, go nothing really. If I need to pay a tad more for a great lens that goes on my system, especially without an adapter, that's fine. The Nikon 50 f2 is a gem actually. Yes the Nikon f2 has a slightly nervous blur fall off but was a mid budget lens. However, it's the glass's chemical makeup and the fewer number of elements in some of these old lenses that contribute to their character.

[@erhantomekce5252]

I also admire p/k revuenon 50/1,4 and 50/1,9 lenses. Please check. Than you for your videos.

[@1oceanic1]

Did you test Ricoh 50mm f2

[@kruno7150]

XR 50mm f2 is absolutely stunning

[@zenography7923]

I tested it 3 or 4 years ago - a very nice little lens!

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Nigel, many, many thanks! Is the 1.8 version just as good? I have one. Is the e-mail address you gave me once still valid? I sent you many, many images made with Minolta. Best wishes, Ralf

[@caw25sha]

I had a 1.8 AI-S and it was an excellent lens, very compact as well.

[@erhantomekce5252]

I have the pre AI version, with rubber ring, bought with nikkortmat 2. 😊

[@sputumtube]

Not sure I agree with your opinion regarding Pentax lenses. I bought a 50mm f1.4 about a year ago and, even with little use, the front element (housing?) has become so loose it rattles!

[@erhantomekce5252]

Possibly it needs maintenance

[@erhantomekce5252]

I have one. Mechanically perfect bu some issues inside on the Şenses inside. Yet it has Super image quality.

[@tonyklein6499]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Nikon 50mm f1.8 ais… compared to the f2?

[@nicusorapostol]

❤❤❤

[@zenography7923]

👍

[@paulwadsworth7298]

I dont think you will find a better 50mm F2. I had a version that was well prior AI and it turned in some fantastic images. Have a look at the Nikkor 135mm F2.8 AI. I think you will agree its money well spent.

[@sergeantcrow]

😀

[@zenography7923]

👍

[@sergeantcrow]

@@zenography7923 I'd love to get a Nikon 50 f2.. But I'm lucky and already have the E series 50...among others of course 🙂

[@jameswburke]

Can't agree with this. Pentax are very sharp and Olympus have lovely colours. Helios have better bokeh. Never liked Nikon - too contrasty. End of rant.

[@jayakarthik8958]

Hi sir, you took a picture of mine at barkingside, u told me that u will send it to email, i didnt receive it, can u please send it, thank u