Nion Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS - corrected for close-up min focussing which is just under 20cm, Ken Rockwell describes sharpness as 'extraordinary' and for once I think I agree with him. :)
Soligor 21mm f/3.8. Optically the lens is pretty much garbage in every measurable way, but it's built like a tank, and fun as hell to shoot with when I just want to fool around and am not concerned about sharpness.
Really enjoying your content on vintage lenses. Planning on grabbing the 7 element 50mm Super Tajumar, a 1975 Helios 58 is onbthe way. Living in Stratford will afford me some awesome video content. I'm a newbybof sorts. Thank-you Mike.
Thanks Bill, both are great video options! Get a good VND, no BS...best bang for your buck in terms of quality is simmod VND. Will give you that option to shoot nice and wide on those bright sunny days. Let me know if you have any questions.
My favourite is the Pentacon 30mm f3.5, that is based on the Lydith design from Meyer Optik Gorlitz. Declicked aperture ring is a bonus for video work. Picked up a boxed copy last year for £50.
I have a soft spot for the FD lenses, and it took me a while to find a good example of the 24mn f2.8 but it was most definitely worth it. And of course my collection of vintage lenses is growing and of course you are to blame for that to a huge degree....
FD's are nice for sure! They're a nice compromise of size, weight and cost. The quality is always a good performer as well. I'm sorry for your growing collection, hopefully you're finding it rewarding non the less ;)
@@MarkHoltze I love my FDs Mark, and I'm always looking for excuses to buy more. They are still such good value. And you're right, vintage lenses are so rewarding. Your video, for example, served to remind me that I need to take that Pentacon 50mm 1.8 out one of these days really....
Another reason to dust off my eBay account Mark... you are a BAD influence sir! Great vid and as enterntainign as ever, ta! Do check out that Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS, it's even sharp wide open!
I had mine on standby for SO long without a purchase in maybe a decade, then vintage lenses happened lol. Will def check out the Nikkor 28 F2.8, right NOW actually! EBAY.COM GO!
@@MarkHoltze Maybe check out Rockwell's review... along with the Nikkor 55mm Micro (Amongst others) he clearly adores it too. Actually the 55mm Micro can be used with Nikon's slide adapter to 'scan' 35mm slides which I collect too in seconds, and I know you did an excellent piece on that too.
I'm a fan of Cosina made 24mm f2.8, sold as Vivitar, Miranda, Cosina and other brands. I have collected 3 samples with various brands and mounts, and I have to say iIt's really a nice little lens, very sharp and focusing down to 19cm
I have one with Vivitar brand and Nikon F AI mount, another Vivitar with Canon FD mount and a Miranda with FD mount as well. It's one of the more affordable 24 mm I have found on ebay, and it's really a little gem in my opinion.
I'm gonna boldly add another one tho this list: The Konica 28mm F3.5. I just got one of those the other day, and I was impressed! Super sharp wide open and really lovely colour rendering. Those old Konica lenses are generally great, actually... don't tell ebay.
I will second that, Konica lenses are fantastic, I love my 50mm f1.4. I have the 40mm and the 28 F3.5 as well. Also have a Telesar Super Wider Semi Fisheye attachment which makes it even wider.
@@ranchupics3919 Yeah, they're great! I have the 40m too, and a 58mm F1.4. All superb lenses. I feel like they still haven't quite been rediscovered by the community yet, so better get'em while they're stil fairly cheap :-)
The Don DeLuxe I picked up my 40mm and 28mm with a Konica FS-1 and some other odds and ends for about £40. It also came with a poster showing the AR lens line up, a few of the rarer ones are quite pricey.
I acquired an FD 24mm f/2.8 for $20 American. It had been to fungus town and was going through a separation, but with counseling and tlc I managed to get it out of its rut and into a productive lifestyle. It made me consider going into vintage lens repair/refurb/cleaning...
I have the SMC takumar 28mm f3.5 and a Canon 28mm FD 2.8. can't decide what one I like better. I leaning towards the canon but the Tak is so fun to use.
Gotta admit that Pentacon 29 is intriguing... Had the chance to play around with the Canon 24 and I really liked it, but sadly it belongs to a friend of mine and couldn't fine one of my one; got the 28 instead an it did not disappoint. In my humble opinion, either of them makes for a great everyday lens.
Agreed, the Pentacon is interesting, definitely got MORE interesting when I learned the backstory of the brand itself and this lens itself. I would love to get a Contax Zeiss 28mm F2.8 one day to compare directly to this lens. The FEEL of the Pentacon is identical to the 50, exact same materials or so it seems.
Got my second Takumar, exactly the 28mm f3.5. Only had the chance to toy around with it in my flat today, but so far it seems cool. Thx for this video. It greatly encouraged my to get the lens
Just scored an FD 24mm 2.8 SSC breach mount on eBay this weekend. I've regretted getting rid of some of my FD glass a few years ago. For some reason I still kept my 50 and 28.
The pentacon one is really really interesting! The minimum focusing distance makes me want to take it out to photograph fields of flowers. I love photographing flowers and a wide angle could totally give them a unique look. Also it just clicked to me that the sound effect you put on 0:20 reminds me of the song The Nexus - Amaranthe. Random lmao
I recently bought a Sigma MF24 F/2.8 Super-Wide II for under $100. Made for the Canon FD mount, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.18 meters and a maximum angle of 89% at full-frame. I'm using it with an APS-C camera and an adapter, so I don't get the maximum out of it, but I've still gotten some nice shots. Unfortunately a few days ago the aperture got stuck completely open so I just had to send it out for repair. But before that it had quickly become my favorite lens.
I love my canon 24mm FD. It lives on my film camera. I adore its flaw like characteristics. It makes for some unique images that's challenging to create in editing.
Mark Holtze I love your video an idea I want to see because I’ve been thinking of the combo of the Canon F-1 with the Canon FD 85mm f1.2L combo boy y’all about two excellent heavyweights or maybe if I do end up buying them I could send them your way for your thoughts
tonight i will put my Tak 28mm to the test. i have my canon f1 with some ektar100, and also mount to my sony a7ii to check out some sunset! keep you posted !
@@MarkHoltze , stopped down for landscape, the lens is really good on both systems! this lens is not at the batis 25mm f2 level for sure, but it does create really good results! the more you pay, the less is the gain ;) btw on ektar100, the images of a sunset are gorgeous. i now have the 28, 55, and 35f2 takumar on top of my 35f2.8fd, 50f1.4fd, and 85f1.8 fd. very nice addition. believe me, give a shot at the 85 f1.8 fd, you won t regret how 300$cad can bring you, and if you do, please compare it to you tak 85! :) keep up that channel xo
Hi Mark. Just signed up recently. Good to see some love for vintage lenses. I tried out the Pentax M series 28mm yesterday and found it was a great little lens. Instantly became a favourite.
Got the Pentacon 29mm, too...but I do more like my Auto-Beroflex fd 28mm f2.8 even when I can't tell why. Feels a bit sharper than the Pentacon and I enjoy its colours very much.
@@MarkHoltze I am happy to give back a little knowledge and want to say thank you for all your very entertaining and educational videos that I enjoy very much! Vintage lenses is a big thing to me since I started photography again after 15 years of mobile-shooting. 16 of 20 lenses I own are nearly my age or older and I feel a little throwback to my childhood using f.e.a Canon fd lens like my father did those years. Btw I own a Beroflex 75-235mm f5.6, sometimes on a Porst 2x extender, too when enough light is available and it's real fun. i don't know too much about Beroflex except they were the supplier of G.D.R.-products like "Pentacon" and their "Praktika"-cameras in western Germany.
Pentax-m SMC 28mm 2.8!! such a good lens. sharp, good colors and contrast, but with character! I have it together with the 50mm1.4 and it's a beautiful combinatiion for my a7rii and pentax LX
Love the production quality of this video! Unfortunately, with no photography/lens meetups in New Zealand, and expensive shipping costs to here as well, finding a sharp wide angle can be tricky to say the least
Ahhh yes, life on an island I hear is just way more expensive. You guys have other wonderful things to enjoy though. ;) I'd love to visit one day. Will bring lenses!
@@MarkHoltze I'll definitely look forward to it! I think the video and stills you'll be able to take in NZ will be superb due to your style :) Appreciate it!
I have a Nikon Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-s adapted to my Canon and it has become the lens that lives on my camera. I use it for black-and-white cityscapes and sometimes can't believe how sharp it is - though I have it on an APS-C camera, so the edges might be less sharp than I know. It's hard to believe, but I have heard that the f/3.5 version is sharper still.
I can vouch for the Super Takumar 28mm, I got mine with the hood. I use it mostly for recording my videos and its nice on a crop sensor. paired with varible nd and polariser, its small and versitile, especially in tight spaces. Need to get in there and fully Cinemod it Australia has that nice beach tax though, Common to find people charge mint prices for sub par lenses, still can find a good deal every now and again. My collection has grown a bit so every now and again I'll check for a deal. Currently kitting out my Yashica 635 and going to upgrade the lenses.
It's funny, because I have the Tak 20 and 35 I don't often reach for this one, but that doesn't mean it's not a great lens. I actually tested it fully in video with this one given it's been Sim-Modded. Such a nice lens though, perfect for use on a gimbal as well.
@@MarkHoltze yeah, I have the 35 F2 with i use the most, however my studio space is ~9meters2. Really tight space for the 35 with a crop sensor. I have been eyeing off the Tak 20 for the lens kit. maybe when i get that i will transition away from the 28.
I have the Canon 24 fd and the Takumar 28. The Pentacon is on my list. For me, both the Canon and Tak are AMAZING at what they do, which isn't the same thing. The Canon is wide and is over punchy color/contrast wise. The Tak's color is more muted but it's super sharp so in RAW those colors come to life! I'd put the The Tak 1st, but I haven't tried the Pentacon, but the colors that come out of the Meyer/Pentacon 135mm are some of my fav!
It might be leaving wide and entering Ultra Wide, but I recently tried out a Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 and I rather liked it. It looks/feels really cool and is fun to carry around. It's best feature is a close focus distance of about 0.5 feet or ~15 cm. I think you can grab it for about a $100 or thereabout, at least I was able to get it for about 90 USD (or 80000 CAD). The Vivitar's main problem is that its 82mm! front filter thread means it flares really easily. You basically always want the sun behind you (at least the flares look pretty nice)
I think 20 still falls in "wide", 16-20mm "ultra wide" "20-24mm" WIDE and 24-35 "standard wide"....that's the break down i've seen in a few places, but it's not written in stone. 20 is definitely a different world, I have the tak 20 and it forced me to learn a bunch of stuff to effectively shoot with it. That's a great price for a 20mm lens though! Problem with most wide angle lenses is that it's so easy to catch flare because so much light is being brought in. Definitely need a good lens hood and be mindful of the sun, I noticed that big time with the Tak 20.
The Pentacon colour and oof rendering seems really nice, the red pepper pic had the pop. The Pentax 28mm F2.8 SMC is a beaut, I'm surprised the vintage SMC Pentax's don't get much airtime in your lens series, they have some great lenses in the line up, similar bulletproof build to the Takumars and with more refined coatings.
I shot the video segments with the Takumar so figured it spoke for itself. It's tough to come up with good examples of 3 lenses that feels different, especially these days. Since it's a cinema lens I figured that would be the best way to showcase it. Also given the fact I do have the 35 and 20 i honestly rarely go fro this one.
One question- can I use vintage lenses on aps-c camera with speedbooster? It's impossible to find that wide vintage lens to be wide on crop sensor (like 12 mm). I have a6400 and want to build some set of vintage lenses to film with.
Yes you can. Unfortunately there is a small compromise using full frame lenses on APS-c cameras. They didn’t exist back then so while you midget find some 16mm FF lenses, they were rare and quite expensive.
I really like my Zeiss Contax 25mm 2.8. I got it for under $300. I like that focal length because if you're building a kit it fits well in between an 18mm and 35mm, whereas a 28mm is fairly close to a 35mm. But, of course it depends what type of kit you are going for. I remember a Super Speed MkII Zeiss kit with an 18, 25, 35, and 85 so looking to one day have the poor man's Contax version of that. As always great video and now can't wait to hear the pentacon contax story!!!
Very cool. I really like the Pentacon of the 3. Actually I have 3 Meyer / Pentacon lenses , this one, the lydith and the oreston 50mm f1.8, love the rendering of all 3. Out of all the lenses I have or used the build quality of the super takumars is my fave, they are just amazing , I enjoy just holding them 😄.
My vintage tastes are largely Takumar, but i'm also very into the Tamron Adaptall-2 SP primes. Today i was digging in the bottom of a camera bag and found a lens i have no recollection of ever buying - and it's not something i ever would buy, either: a Tamron Adaptall-2 24mm f/2.5 (not an SP lens). I spent an hour shooting it and... yes, pleasantly surprised - today it is absolutely my favourite vintage wide. (make some more vids, damnit!) Cheers and all the best.
Awesome video Mark. The FD looks really nice... and the Pentacon, well it would fit well in the start of a set, but the Tak... well it's a Tak... hang on, am I gonna get all three... are you controlling what I type? wait, what? Must now resist heading straight to looking at these... (opens new tab) damn it
Definitely gonna check out which of these might be available near me. I got an aps-c camera and my only wide angle zoom lens is so bulky that I really want something smaller... we'll see ;)
@@MarkHoltze An EOS 550D. I still struggle because I already put way more into this hobby than I expected^^ but I am happy about it so I won't stop any soon.
The widest vintage lens I have is the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/2.8 but I don't use it that much. There's just too much softness in the corners wide open. I prefer its brother - Flektogon 35mm f/2.4.
Interesting, but not surprising. 20 F2.8 would SEEM to require LOADS of elements and corrections to fix up that image. The 21mm CZ lens is one of the most optically complex available, it's a big reason it's such a big lens and why it costs so much ever still. Wide angle's are just optically way harder than telephoto's or standard primes for sure. Thanks mate! Great info there!
I like both the Olympus Zuiko 28mm 3.5 and the Carl Zeiss Jena P 28mm 2.8, don't know why I have 2 28mm lenses, I should do a lens-off and see which I like best.
I used to have a canon ae1 program the first camera I bought in 1984. I sold it but kept the lens that came with it and adapted it to my canon dslr. The extra glass element in the adapter was annoying to me. Might try adapting it to my micro four thirds haven’t decided yet.
@@MarkHoltze Yupp, APS-C here, although got a speed booster that brings the crop a bit down. Can't stand barrel distortion too... Damm Really enjoyed this one Mark, great video. Stay safe!
I got a Vivitar 28mm f2. It flares even on indirect light and it loses contrast easily. It is quite soft wide open and has lots of barrel distortion. I used it in my short film for some shots and it gave me an old worn film look.
Mark I am a fan of the Pentax M series I have the 28mm 2.8 great lens I bought it at a camera shop for $ 30.00 I thought a good price ,I also have Tru 5 star A lens 29mm 2.8 another good lens I like setting the Apature through the camera with the A lens
Sony a7iii is full frem(35 mm) 4k and blackmagic 6k camera y different sensors size .and fuchar in blackmagic changing in sensors size . I am interested in blackmagic camera bay? U suggests
Oh I got you now thanks for clarifying. These lenses are full frame so that was their intended design. They work well on super 35 as well, just at a 1.53x crop give or take. Pocket 4k is a 2.2 crop, nice for longer focal lengths but tricky to get wide angles without a focal reducer.
I own the fd 24mm S.S.C. version, with the breech lock and the FDn version (the version you have). They obviously look different and the S.S.C. version is larger and heavier. Image quality is very similar, it's a lot more affordable too. I also own the same Pentax you own, I love that lens. I also have the Nikon 28mm f2.8 Series E lens. It's really compact, almost pancake style. Not a bad lens at all. A lot of bang for the buck.
Great video as always. I've been wanting the FD 24mm for a while. The Canon FD 28mm F2.8 seems to perform similarly to the 24mm. The downside to the 28mm is the five sided iris but it was fun to use for event videography. I recently bought the Vivitar 28mm F2.5. Can't wait to properly test it when lockdown is over. I may be getting the first A7 for photography so it'll be a nice go-to wide-angle.
Ya it's been tough to do some proper tests, but I needed an excuse to get out and shoot. Luckly there is some green space nearby so I just go there and we're usually left t our devices amongst the trees. Very quick outings though. Thanks for watching Tom!
@@MarkHoltze I miss going to antique shops and looking for lenses. Still, i also found the Pentax Auto 110 18mm lens, its a surprising tiny little lens with great character with its bokeh!
I think I missed this vid. Weird because that Tak 28 is one of my favorites ever. It just has a certain something to its rendering. And yeah, that Takumar handling.
I really like the 28mm f/3.5 EBC Fujinon-SW for M42. It's sharp as hell and with the right lighting condition gives a nice vintage look. Only downside is you have to be lucky to find a good offer.
Hey Mark! Do you happen to have a 24mm SMC Takumar? I wanted to know how it compares to the Canon FD 24mm. I’m a little torn between the two. Both seem to have amazing character but I’m not sure which one is sharper.
pS I also would take a lock mount over m42 any day of the week. But I guess it depends if you’re on a canon DSLr or a mirrorless. Canon FD’s and dslr’s don’t play well together without an element adapter
Thanks so much for your reply. I’m trying to build a set for filmmaking. I already have a 55 1.8 SMC Takumar (which I love) so I’m not sure if I should go with all Takumar or all canon FD.
@@MarkHoltze Yeah. Have you looked into the minoltas? they are very underrated atm. :) Most of the tests they perform up to the sharpness of the others and IMO, the colors they render are very special and analogue. They don't have beautiful bokeh stopped down due to fewer blades, like canon and nikon and most zeiss, but that's the only downer :)
My favourite vintage wide angle is MIR 1b 37mm nice and sharp in the middle and true to vintage soft on the edges + you can reverse the front element. win, win, win.
I'm interested in doing some "City-Light" Shootings. So I decided to grab my old Canon EOS D30 (first Canon DSLR from 2000) bringing together with a good vintage lens. The problem ... it's working with an APS-C sensor. And therefore the focal length has to be multiplied by 1.6 ... so all 50mm vintage lenses are out of interest to reach the typical 50mm view. (Perhaps I'll try my Super-Takumar 50mm f/1,4 on my EOS 5D Classic some day) Compensate that "loss" I decided to go with a 28mm lens ... or in this case a 29mm ... does not matter. My decision was the Pentacon 29mm f/2,8. But there is a little question mark in my mind. There are TWO versions available. The "automatic" and the "electric" one. So ... what's the difference ?? ... or is there a difference using it on an old DSLR ?
I have the Meyer Optik Lydith 30/3.5 & Orestegon 29/2.8 - beautiful lenses - and 2 copies of the SMC Tak 28/3.5, one of which has been off on long term loan with Ray for a year or two. He seems to be putting it to good use, having uploaded some content with it that looks great.
Hi Mark! I have a Kiron 24mm ƒ2.8 MC Macro in FD mount that I enjoy very much. Minimum focusing distance is 0.2m, plus there's a Macro setting that lets you focus even closer. I use it 'natively' when I shoot with my Canon film SLRs, and on my Fujifilm X-E1 with an adapter. I like its results and versatility. Plus it has sentimental value, since it belonged to my late father, together with the Canon AE-1 Program it was mounted on. A not-so wideangle I own and I'm happy with is the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Lydith 30mm ƒ3.5. On digital, it gave me better results on DSLRs with CCD sensors, like my Nikon D200 or Olympus E-300. Cheers! Rick
Pentacon 29mm... what a strange focal length. Also when using that in S35 mode, we need to go down to fractions to work out the focal length! But... I really like the styalised look of the Pentacon 29mm, so that has to be my pick. Followed very closely by the Canon FD. Did you buy that $2000 vintage lens?! I mean, let's be honest - it's kinda worth it for the box art alone, but ouch! That's a lot of coin for an old gal. I hope you're well mate! Looks like summer is knocking at your doorstep!
The Pentacon 29mm lens with M42 was and is stil today a great lens. I have him used for many years on my old Praktica. And stil use. I have the old version with DDR insciption. The later ones has the insciption GDR. Which means the same.
Thank for the video Mark. I Own the Canon FD28mm 2.8 and shoot it on my Fujifilm XT-1. Do you know if the quality is similar as the 24mm. For me the quality is ok but not great! Looking for a beter 24 or 28 mm lens.
not sure as i've never tried the 28mm before, but I've seen people talk about the 28mm FD and said similar things. It's just not THAT great of a lens. I've done some light VS to my Canon 24mm F1.4 EF lens and I think it does pretty well all things considering.
Great job on this again my man, I definitely agree about the Pentax I use one as well on my film cameras. One lens I really would like but can't justify the price is the Meyer optik primoplan. I have the trioplan which has a beautiful soap bubble backgrounds but the primoplan is more advanced while still having unusual rendering. good to see you get out and do some b roll outdoors that's something I need to do more often
So important to get out, the weather is coming around here too, it's been strangely cool here most of the spring, not terribly cold, but not very "nice". LOTS of wind too. Saturday (when I shot the biking stuff) was perfect, 18 degrees, sunny and DRY! Before the BUGS too lol they're coming.
The Takumar 28/3.5 is a great start for a M42 / Takumar wide angle. 28mm was very popular at the time (28/50/135 trio of the 70/80's) and usually at at much lower price point than 24, so supply are high. You should have a warning though - it might lead to future Takumar addiction :)
I have a few. Modern-day Wides with MF/AF and aperture rings ('90's-2000's): Nikon 20mm f/2.8 D and Nikon 24mm f/2.8 D Vintage Wides, MF Only ('70s-'80s): Nikon 24mm f/2.0, Nikon 28mm f/2.8 E series, Vivitar 28mm f/2.0 MC Close Focus The Vivitar has a bit less contrast but I know that going in and I add it in post but the close focus distance of 0.23m is awesome! I have only one other lens that does closer and that is my Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro which does .20m but it has no aperture ring and is designed for crop sensors only. In my case the Nikon F-mount.
Hey Think I got me a gem. Apollo 135mm f1.8 low light tv I’m new on photography, Because of your videos was looking on around on eBay and found it, great conditions great price. Now I’m just waiting for the adapter so I can tested 😄
I've been wondering how good the Pentax Takumar Bayonet 28mm f/2.8 performs in comparison to the Super Takumar 28mm. Despite having a faster max aperture, build and optical quality are said to be not as good... but I still haven't seen any side-by-side comparisons! (*Hint hint*)
24 mm is an optically better design, the 29 and 28mm are stretched 35mm designs. I use a Nikon 24mm 2.8 af lens on my FE and my D300s, it benefits from being used with a Nikon Hn1 lens hood as it sometimes flares. It is however free of distortion and tack sharp.
Hi Mark great information 👍 as usual Could you suggest the best vintage wide angle lens for my Canon 5D Mark II Welcome suggestions from anyone thanks in advance
Hi Ravi, the Mark II should be able to take M42 adapted lenses pretty well. It's the FD lenses that aren't so great. Any one of these would work nicely minus the FD lens. I would look at the SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5 or 24mm F3.5.
Canon fd 24mm indeed a nice lens. For pentacon I like the 30mm one or original meyer lydith. Good to make stitching landscape, and cheap too mostly the pentacon brand one. Zeiss flektogon are nice but the smaller the f number, the more crazy the price lol, too much.
No difference, prime lens is a fixed focal length. Cine lens is a lens that’s got added functionality that videographers can benefit from. T stops vs f stops, declicked aperture and follow focus gears.
Great work, Mark! At this point I have a pretty full set of the Canon FD's, including that 28mm :) I use the 24 F/1.4 allot more than the 28, though. Maybe it's just my copy, but the 24 is quite a lot sharper.
Thanks Andin! A FULL SET of FD's!!!!! MMMMMM So you have the 24 F1.4 L series? That's a hard one to find but my god I'd love to have a set of the FD 24, 50 and 85 L series .... 1.2's (50 and 85).
@@MarkHoltze it's taken me about 4 years to put it all together, if you don't consider that I had the 50 F/1.4 and the 135 left from my canon film kit from whenever that was new. I don't have the 85 L yet, but *drool* right? I think you said your favorite is the 35? I have the 35 and the 85 in the breech lock versions, and those 2 are probably my favorites. If I had to bring only 3 lenses, as nice as the 50 is, it'd be the 24, 35 and 85. If I could only bring 1, it'd probably be the 35. Maybe the 24, though, if I'm bringing the gimbal. Even still, your collection is allot larger than mine. All my vintage lenses are the Canons, except for a minolta 50 that came with the minolta body back in the day. Another leftover. I'm not very good at getting rid of things, lol.
I bought the Canon FD f2.8/24 when I bought my Canon AE-1 in the 1980's. Although Canon had abandoned its FD lineup in 1987, I reunite the FD lens with a current Canon body when I bought a $20 Fotasy adapter for my Canon RP from eBay during the pandemic lockdown. No automatic focusing? The generous depth-of-field makes manual focusing safe. No automatic exposure control? The EVF has WYSIWYG, so a twist of the aperture ring gives me the exact exposure I want. No IBIS? Camera shake is negligible when shooting above 1/30 sec (and the RP's ISO 1600 is grainless). For $20, I got a darn good wide-angle prime for my MILC. No expensive RF lenses for me. Brave old world!
Thanks for the great content Mark! I’m currently using a mft body with my vintage lenses... But due to the smaller sensor size I miss out on a lot of character of the lenses itself 😕 are there any options for me? I already heared c-mount lenses might be a good match, but I’m not shure if thats the way to go...
Great video. Like your style and humor... I have the Canon Fd 24mm F2.8 and love it, on my Oly mft it's my nifty 50mm equivalent. Awesome video and stills lens for cheap. I have a Nikon Nikkor 85mm f2.0 and its an awesome portrait lense even at 170mm mft equivalent. Most days I like it more than my Oly 45mm f1.8 portrait lense. Maybe I've just learned to love manual lenses. Still on the hunt for a 35mm equivalent (14-18mm) vintage lense for reasonable price and quality. Might just have to buy the sigma 16mm instead. Cheers
Mark Holtze, I wana ask you something. have you tried soligor 28mm 2.8 vintage lens ,I bought a camera nikoon with lens on it for 10 dollar ,I picked up camera because I saw lens on it :D .other alone lens costs more.
I’m torn between the Canon and the Pentacon. I really like the minimum focusing distance of the Pentacon but I also like the extra 4mm difference of the Canon. I tend to gravitate towards “dreamy” looking lenses. The video footage of the Pentacon that I’ve seen so far on other channels look great but I suppose that’s subjective based on what subjects people use for their test footages (cats & flowers always look dreamy lol) I don’t have that many lenses but I’m currently trying to build out my kit with a range of focal lengths. I look for super stylistic unique looking lenses at every length. I just ordered a Jupiter 11 (wooo hooo!) love your channel as always, looking forward to more awesome videos.
I've had poor experiences with vintage wide angles, but the candidates thus far were Soligor and the like. Thanks for the Takumar mention. Maybe I'll give that one a try. My current widest APS-C is a 35 mm Pentax, which is really a stretch for selfies LOL. The 35 is a fair, but not exceptional lens.
That Pentacon looks really cool and different! Would be very tempted to try that one 😀 But I'm still very much enamoured with my good old Pentax 24mm f2.8 👌 Great video as always man!
Favourite vintage wide angle lens? Leave them here so I can make them MY favourite vintage wide angle lens GO!
I love my Kiron 28mm MC F2.8
Nion Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS - corrected for close-up min focussing which is just under 20cm, Ken Rockwell describes sharpness as 'extraordinary' and for once I think I agree with him. :)
Also, Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 24mm f3.5 - not quite as sharp or as fast or as close focussing as the Nikkor, but usefully wider
Carl Zeiss Distagon 2.8/28mm
Soligor 21mm f/3.8. Optically the lens is pretty much garbage in every measurable way, but it's built like a tank, and fun as hell to shoot with when I just want to fool around and am not concerned about sharpness.
Love your humor and insight. You provide the best technical breakdown and practical insight on vintage lenses and are hilarious. Love your channel.
Kind words mate. Thank you! ✊
I love the s-m-c takumar. I just got it and the 55 1.8. So good, especially with some pro mist.
Really enjoying your content on vintage lenses. Planning on grabbing the 7 element 50mm Super Tajumar, a 1975 Helios 58 is onbthe way. Living in Stratford will afford me some awesome video content. I'm a newbybof sorts. Thank-you Mike.
Thanks Bill, both are great video options! Get a good VND, no BS...best bang for your buck in terms of quality is simmod VND. Will give you that option to shoot nice and wide on those bright sunny days.
Let me know if you have any questions.
@@MarkHoltze hey "Mark" thank you for the great reply. I'll check them out. FYI I'll be using my Black Magic 4k for my projects.
Have a great day.
My favourite is the Pentacon 30mm f3.5, that is based on the Lydith design from Meyer Optik Gorlitz. Declicked aperture ring is a bonus for video work. Picked up a boxed copy last year for £50.
That Meyer Optik is a beauty! I did a review on it earlier this year and it blew me away. Simplicity, character and charm and still very affordable.
I have a soft spot for the FD lenses, and it took me a while to find a good example of the 24mn f2.8 but it was most definitely worth it.
And of course my collection of vintage lenses is growing and of course you are to blame for that to a huge degree....
FD's are nice for sure! They're a nice compromise of size, weight and cost. The quality is always a good performer as well. I'm sorry for your growing collection, hopefully you're finding it rewarding non the less ;)
@@MarkHoltze I love my FDs Mark, and I'm always looking for excuses to buy more. They are still such good value. And you're right, vintage lenses are so rewarding. Your video, for example, served to remind me that I need to take that Pentacon 50mm 1.8 out one of these days really....
Another reason to dust off my eBay account Mark... you are a BAD influence sir! Great vid and as enterntainign as ever, ta! Do check out that Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS, it's even sharp wide open!
I had mine on standby for SO long without a purchase in maybe a decade, then vintage lenses happened lol. Will def check out the Nikkor 28 F2.8, right NOW actually! EBAY.COM GO!
@@MarkHoltze Maybe check out Rockwell's review... along with the Nikkor 55mm Micro (Amongst others) he clearly adores it too. Actually the 55mm Micro can be used with Nikon's slide adapter to 'scan' 35mm slides which I collect too in seconds, and I know you did an excellent piece on that too.
I just bought myself a minty FD 24mm and I love it so far!
Nice mate! I think it was my third vintage lens ever. Wanted a nice wide option for use on my gimbal. Do you have this version or the S.S.C version?
@@MarkHoltze I got the same version you have! also picked up an FD 50mm f1.8 for $42 👌🏼
I'm a fan of Cosina made 24mm f2.8, sold as Vivitar, Miranda, Cosina and other brands. I have collected 3 samples with various brands and mounts, and I have to say iIt's really a nice little lens, very sharp and focusing down to 19cm
19cm GO! What mounts are Cosina's?
I have one with Vivitar brand and Nikon F AI mount, another Vivitar with Canon FD mount and a Miranda with FD mount as well. It's one of the more affordable 24 mm I have found on ebay, and it's really a little gem in my opinion.
I'm gonna boldly add another one tho this list: The Konica 28mm F3.5. I just got one of those the other day, and I was impressed! Super sharp wide open and really lovely colour rendering. Those old Konica lenses are generally great, actually... don't tell ebay.
I won't, I promise ;) Thanks for the suggestions mate!
I will second that, Konica lenses are fantastic, I love my 50mm f1.4. I have the 40mm and the 28 F3.5 as well. Also have a Telesar Super Wider Semi Fisheye attachment which makes it even wider.
@@ranchupics3919 Yeah, they're great! I have the 40m too, and a 58mm F1.4. All superb lenses. I feel like they still haven't quite been rediscovered by the community yet, so better get'em while they're stil fairly cheap :-)
The Don DeLuxe I picked up my 40mm and 28mm with a Konica FS-1 and some other odds and ends for about £40. It also came with a poster showing the AR lens line up, a few of the rarer ones are quite pricey.
I acquired an FD 24mm f/2.8 for $20 American.
It had been to fungus town and was going through a separation, but with counseling and tlc I managed to get it out of its rut and into a productive lifestyle.
It made me consider going into vintage lens repair/refurb/cleaning...
Brilliant mate!!! You are a hero!! Take a dead lens and give it life again!
@@MarkHoltze It isn't much, but it's honest work.
I have the SMC takumar 28mm f3.5 and a Canon 28mm FD 2.8. can't decide what one I like better. I leaning towards the canon but the Tak is so fun to use.
Probably a pretty close race there, the 3.5 vs 2.8 might be the big difference.
Dude keep these lower thirds they look awesome! Really liked this video, I have been really wanting to get a fast wide lens.
Thanks homeh, would work well with the mirrorless you got! Might want a 20mm though with the APS-C
Gotta admit that Pentacon 29 is intriguing... Had the chance to play around with the Canon 24 and I really liked it, but sadly it belongs to a friend of mine and couldn't fine one of my one; got the 28 instead an it did not disappoint. In my humble opinion, either of them makes for a great everyday lens.
Agreed, the Pentacon is interesting, definitely got MORE interesting when I learned the backstory of the brand itself and this lens itself. I would love to get a Contax Zeiss 28mm F2.8 one day to compare directly to this lens. The FEEL of the Pentacon is identical to the 50, exact same materials or so it seems.
Favorite lens is now bouncing between the Mamiya 50 f2 and their 55 f1.8.
Mamiya's are a brand I need to look into more! Thanks mate!
Got my second Takumar, exactly the 28mm f3.5. Only had the chance to toy around with it in my flat today, but so far it seems cool. Thx for this video. It greatly encouraged my to get the lens
Just scored an FD 24mm 2.8 SSC breach mount on eBay this weekend. I've regretted getting rid of some of my FD glass a few years ago. For some reason I still kept my 50 and 28.
The SSC is the way to go! You're going to love it I think!
The pentacon one is really really interesting! The minimum focusing distance makes me want to take it out to photograph fields of flowers. I love photographing flowers and a wide angle could totally give them a unique look.
Also it just clicked to me that the sound effect you put on 0:20 reminds me of the song The Nexus - Amaranthe. Random lmao
I agree, fully! Love a wide angle at min focusing distance. Love random info by the way ;) Thanks Denise!
I have the old EF Canon 28mm 2.8...was able to get it for a great price and works extremely well.
That's awesome!
I recently bought a Sigma MF24 F/2.8 Super-Wide II for under $100. Made for the Canon FD mount, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.18 meters and a maximum angle of 89% at full-frame. I'm using it with an APS-C camera and an adapter, so I don't get the maximum out of it, but I've still gotten some nice shots. Unfortunately a few days ago the aperture got stuck completely open so I just had to send it out for repair. But before that it had quickly become my favorite lens.
Sigma for the min focusing distance WIN!!!! 0.18 meters wow!
I love my canon 24mm FD. It lives on my film camera. I adore its flaw like characteristics. It makes for some unique images that's challenging to create in editing.
That's awesome Jen! I guess you prob haven't beee shooting much film lately huh?
@@MarkHoltze To the contrary. I've been shooting a fair amount of film. I've been dragging both digital and analog out together.
Just purchased the 28mm 3.5 can't wait to try it out
Boy I really love how you present your video I absolutely love it very original pretty rare out here and boy do I enjoy it
Happy to hear that mate! I'm having loads of fun producing them so as long as you're enjoying them it makes all the effort totally worthwhile.
Mark Holtze I love your video an idea I want to see because I’ve been thinking of the combo of the Canon F-1 with the Canon FD 85mm f1.2L combo boy y’all about two excellent heavyweights or maybe if I do end up buying them I could send them your way for your thoughts
tonight i will put my Tak 28mm to the test. i have my canon f1 with some ektar100, and also mount to my sony a7ii to check out some sunset! keep you posted
!
Please do! Exciting stuff!
@@MarkHoltze , stopped down for landscape, the lens is really good on both systems! this lens is not at the batis 25mm f2 level for sure, but it does create really good results! the more you pay, the less is the gain ;) btw on ektar100, the images of a sunset are gorgeous. i now have the 28, 55, and 35f2 takumar on top of my 35f2.8fd, 50f1.4fd, and 85f1.8 fd. very nice addition.
believe me, give a shot at the 85 f1.8 fd, you won t regret how 300$cad can bring you, and if you do, please compare it to you tak 85!
:) keep up that channel xo
Hi Mark. Just signed up recently. Good to see some love for vintage lenses. I tried out the Pentax M series 28mm yesterday and found it was a great little lens. Instantly became a favourite.
Got the Pentacon 29mm, too...but I do more like my Auto-Beroflex fd 28mm f2.8 even when I can't tell why. Feels a bit sharper than the Pentacon and I enjoy its colours very much.
BeroFlex! Never heard of it, I have now, thanks Alexander!
@@MarkHoltze I am happy to give back a little knowledge and want to say thank you for all your very entertaining and educational videos that I enjoy very much!
Vintage lenses is a big thing to me since I started photography again after 15 years of mobile-shooting. 16 of 20 lenses I own are nearly my age or older and I feel a little throwback to my childhood using f.e.a Canon fd lens like my father did those years.
Btw I own a Beroflex 75-235mm f5.6, sometimes on a Porst 2x extender, too when enough light is available and it's real fun.
i don't know too much about Beroflex except they were the supplier of G.D.R.-products like "Pentacon" and their "Praktika"-cameras in western Germany.
Pentax-m SMC 28mm 2.8!! such a good lens. sharp, good colors and contrast, but with character! I have it together with the 50mm1.4 and it's a beautiful combinatiion for my a7rii and pentax LX
also, got both of them for 40 euro's each :))
Love the production quality of this video! Unfortunately, with no photography/lens meetups in New Zealand, and expensive shipping costs to here as well, finding a sharp wide angle can be tricky to say the least
Ahhh yes, life on an island I hear is just way more expensive. You guys have other wonderful things to enjoy though. ;)
I'd love to visit one day. Will bring lenses!
@@MarkHoltze I'll definitely look forward to it! I think the video and stills you'll be able to take in NZ will be superb due to your style :)
Appreciate it!
Always good. Every time I watch your videos, it drives me buying more and more lenses. 😭Thank you again and keep your good work.👍
Thanks mate! Sorry about the buying more lenses part ;) As long as they're productive members of your family I guess it's all good :)
I have a Nikon Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-s adapted to my Canon and it has become the lens that lives on my camera. I use it for black-and-white cityscapes and sometimes can't believe how sharp it is - though I have it on an APS-C camera, so the edges might be less sharp than I know. It's hard to believe, but I have heard that the f/3.5 version is sharper still.
Ohhhhh 20mm Ai-s!!!! I'm going to look that one up, thanks Donald!
I can vouch for the Super Takumar 28mm, I got mine with the hood. I use it mostly for recording my videos and its nice on a crop sensor. paired with varible nd and polariser, its small and versitile, especially in tight spaces. Need to get in there and fully Cinemod it
Australia has that nice beach tax though, Common to find people charge mint prices for sub par lenses, still can find a good deal every now and again. My collection has grown a bit so every now and again I'll check for a deal. Currently kitting out my Yashica 635 and going to upgrade the lenses.
It's funny, because I have the Tak 20 and 35 I don't often reach for this one, but that doesn't mean it's not a great lens. I actually tested it fully in video with this one given it's been Sim-Modded. Such a nice lens though, perfect for use on a gimbal as well.
@@MarkHoltze yeah, I have the 35 F2 with i use the most, however my studio space is ~9meters2. Really tight space for the 35 with a crop sensor. I have been eyeing off the Tak 20 for the lens kit. maybe when i get that i will transition away from the 28.
I had a 35 f2 but the yellowing was so bad I had to sell it. That Tak 28 is one of THE BEST.
@@RossJaynes got a 10w black light and some tin foil to remove heavy yellowing from my 50m, 1 hour and it nuked the yellow. 2 days and its clear as.
I have the Canon 24 fd and the Takumar 28. The Pentacon is on my list. For me, both the Canon and Tak are AMAZING at what they do, which isn't the same thing. The Canon is wide and is over punchy color/contrast wise. The Tak's color is more muted but it's super sharp so in RAW those colors come to life! I'd put the The Tak 1st, but I haven't tried the Pentacon, but the colors that come out of the Meyer/Pentacon 135mm are some of my fav!
Brilliant Ross! Thanks for the added info mate! The Pentacon is a nice lens. Small and light, easy to carry around.
It might be leaving wide and entering Ultra Wide, but I recently tried out a Vivitar 20mm f/3.8 and I rather liked it. It looks/feels really cool and is fun to carry around. It's best feature is a close focus distance of about 0.5 feet or ~15 cm. I think you can grab it for about a $100 or thereabout, at least I was able to get it for about 90 USD (or 80000 CAD). The Vivitar's main problem is that its 82mm! front filter thread means it flares really easily. You basically always want the sun behind you (at least the flares look pretty nice)
I think 20 still falls in "wide", 16-20mm "ultra wide" "20-24mm" WIDE and 24-35 "standard wide"....that's the break down i've seen in a few places, but it's not written in stone. 20 is definitely a different world, I have the tak 20 and it forced me to learn a bunch of stuff to effectively shoot with it.
That's a great price for a 20mm lens though! Problem with most wide angle lenses is that it's so easy to catch flare because so much light is being brought in. Definitely need a good lens hood and be mindful of the sun, I noticed that big time with the Tak 20.
The Pentacon colour and oof rendering seems really nice, the red pepper pic had the pop. The Pentax 28mm F2.8 SMC is a beaut, I'm surprised the vintage SMC Pentax's don't get much airtime in your lens series, they have some great lenses in the line up, similar bulletproof build to the Takumars and with more refined coatings.
I shot the video segments with the Takumar so figured it spoke for itself. It's tough to come up with good examples of 3 lenses that feels different, especially these days. Since it's a cinema lens I figured that would be the best way to showcase it.
Also given the fact I do have the 35 and 20 i honestly rarely go fro this one.
I have a Pentacon Prakticar 28mm f/2.8 though. Bought it last month and had it adapted to my Canon EOS 6D. :)
One question- can I use vintage lenses on aps-c camera with speedbooster? It's impossible to find that wide vintage lens to be wide on crop sensor (like 12 mm). I have a6400 and want to build some set of vintage lenses to film with.
Yes you can. Unfortunately there is a small compromise using full frame lenses on APS-c cameras. They didn’t exist back then so while you midget find some 16mm FF lenses, they were rare and quite expensive.
@@MarkHoltze It's why I'm thinking about speedbooster. Some 28mm with booster would give me wide field of view.
I really like my Zeiss Contax 25mm 2.8. I got it for under $300. I like that focal length because if you're building a kit it fits well in between an 18mm and 35mm, whereas a 28mm is fairly close to a 35mm. But, of course it depends what type of kit you are going for. I remember a Super Speed MkII Zeiss kit with an 18, 25, 35, and 85 so looking to one day have the poor man's Contax version of that. As always great video and now can't wait to hear the pentacon contax story!!!
I like pretty much all contax zeiss lenses, I cannot tell a lie ;)
Very cool.
I really like the Pentacon of the 3.
Actually I have 3 Meyer / Pentacon
lenses , this one, the lydith and the oreston 50mm f1.8, love the rendering of all 3.
Out of all the lenses I have or used the build quality of the super takumars is my fave, they are just amazing , I enjoy just holding them 😄.
My vintage tastes are largely Takumar, but i'm also very into the Tamron Adaptall-2 SP primes. Today i was digging in the bottom of a camera bag and found a lens i have no recollection of ever buying - and it's not something i ever would buy, either: a Tamron Adaptall-2 24mm f/2.5 (not an SP lens). I spent an hour shooting it and... yes, pleasantly surprised - today it is absolutely my favourite vintage wide. (make some more vids, damnit!) Cheers and all the best.
Awesome video Mark. The FD looks really nice... and the Pentacon, well it would fit well in the start of a set, but the Tak... well it's a Tak... hang on, am I gonna get all three... are you controlling what I type? wait, what? Must now resist heading straight to looking at these... (opens new tab) damn it
lol! Careful now...the rabbit hole is deep and before you know it....you'll be where I AM!!! DUNNNNNN DUNNNNNNNN DUNNNNNNNNNNAH
My favourite vintage lens is the Leica 35mm f3.5 collapsible. Very small and a bit different.
ANYTHING Leica! But this one sounds super interesting. Thanks mate! Going to check it out!
Definitely gonna check out which of these might be available near me. I got an aps-c camera and my only wide angle zoom lens is so bulky that I really want something smaller... we'll see ;)
FD is your best bet here I think. Wider and very good price. What camera?
@@MarkHoltze An EOS 550D. I still struggle because I already put way more into this hobby than I expected^^ but I am happy about it so I won't stop any soon.
i’m really liking the vivitar auto wide 28mm 2.5. i’d love to see how you review that one
Will keep an eye out, thanks Julian!
Mark Holtze Of course! Love your content, man. It really gave me the confidence to push for trying vintage glass, and now I can’t get enough of it
The widest vintage lens I have is the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f/2.8 but I don't use it that much. There's just too much softness in the corners wide open. I prefer its brother - Flektogon 35mm f/2.4.
Interesting, but not surprising. 20 F2.8 would SEEM to require LOADS of elements and corrections to fix up that image. The 21mm CZ lens is one of the most optically complex available, it's a big reason it's such a big lens and why it costs so much ever still. Wide angle's are just optically way harder than telephoto's or standard primes for sure.
Thanks mate! Great info there!
I like both the Olympus Zuiko 28mm 3.5 and the Carl Zeiss Jena P 28mm 2.8, don't know why I have 2 28mm lenses, I should do a lens-off and see which I like best.
A lens off would be fun for sure!. Two focal lengths but one is a bit faster so there could be interesting trade offs there
I used to have a canon ae1 program the first camera I bought in 1984. I sold it but kept the lens that came with it and adapted it to my canon dslr. The extra glass element in the adapter was annoying to me. Might try adapting it to my micro four thirds haven’t decided yet.
Bought a Pentagon 29mm for E 2.5 Gona put some focus gear on it and have some fun.
Nice images. Very clean.
Glad you like them!
Yupp we can ear your thoughts Mark 😁😁
Got the super takumar 28 3.5 ... Not wide enough though.
20mm might be a better choice for you? Those 8mm make quite a big difference. Unless you're on an APS-C and you're looking for like a 16mm FF
@@MarkHoltze Yupp, APS-C here, although got a speed booster that brings the crop a bit down. Can't stand barrel distortion too... Damm
Really enjoyed this one Mark, great video. Stay safe!
Canon fd 17mm f4. Got one coming as we speak!!
I got a Vivitar 28mm f2. It flares even on indirect light and it loses contrast easily. It is quite soft wide open and has lots of barrel distortion. I used it in my short film for some shots and it gave me an old worn film look.
Its cool when you can turn those properties into narrative motivation.
@@MarkHoltze i figured out I need a lens hood. Do you know of any lens hood for wide angle that can fit in vintage lenses?
@@fishwigy easy - find out what filter size your lens takes, then buy a cheap $1-$3 lens hood off eBay or Aliexpress
@@Add8adamMC 55mm
Mark
I am a fan of the Pentax M series I have the 28mm 2.8 great lens I bought it at a camera shop for $ 30.00 I thought a good price ,I also have Tru 5 star A lens 29mm 2.8 another good lens I like setting the Apature through the camera with the A lens
Never tried the M series! Thanks mate!
Sony a7iii is full frem(35 mm) 4k and blackmagic 6k camera y different sensors size .and fuchar in blackmagic changing in sensors size . I am interested in blackmagic camera bay? U suggests
Oh I got you now thanks for clarifying. These lenses are full frame so that was their intended design. They work well on super 35 as well, just at a 1.53x crop give or take. Pocket 4k is a 2.2 crop, nice for longer focal lengths but tricky to get wide angles without a focal reducer.
I own the fd 24mm S.S.C. version, with the breech lock and the FDn version (the version you have). They obviously look different and the S.S.C. version is larger and heavier. Image quality is very similar, it's a lot more affordable too. I also own the same Pentax you own, I love that lens. I also have the Nikon 28mm f2.8 Series E lens. It's really compact, almost pancake style. Not a bad lens at all. A lot of bang for the buck.
Wicked Tom, thanks so much for the additional info! I do love ethose Breech lock's on the SSC versions.
Great video as always. I've been wanting the FD 24mm for a while. The Canon FD 28mm F2.8 seems to perform similarly to the 24mm. The downside to the 28mm is the five sided iris but it was fun to use for event videography. I recently bought the Vivitar 28mm F2.5. Can't wait to properly test it when lockdown is over. I may be getting the first A7 for photography so it'll be a nice go-to wide-angle.
Ya it's been tough to do some proper tests, but I needed an excuse to get out and shoot. Luckly there is some green space nearby so I just go there and we're usually left t our devices amongst the trees.
Very quick outings though. Thanks for watching Tom!
@@MarkHoltze I miss going to antique shops and looking for lenses. Still, i also found the Pentax Auto 110 18mm lens, its a surprising tiny little lens with great character with its bokeh!
I have a Minolta 28 mm f 2.5 that is great love the Minolta colors
I think I missed this vid. Weird because that Tak 28 is one of my favorites ever. It just has a certain something to its rendering. And yeah, that Takumar handling.
I bought a Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.4 Flektogon and paired it to my Fuji X-E3. haven’t taken it off since I bought it
I really like the 28mm f/3.5 EBC Fujinon-SW for M42. It's sharp as hell and with the right lighting condition gives a nice vintage look. Only downside is you have to be lucky to find a good offer.
Patience and the hunt are two things that I enjoy about the vintage lens shopping experience. As frustrating as it can be sometimes. ;)
Hey Mark! Do you happen to have a 24mm SMC Takumar? I wanted to know how it compares to the Canon FD 24mm. I’m a little torn between the two. Both seem to have amazing character but I’m not sure which one is sharper.
I don’t no. The canon is faster at 2.8 vs 3.5 and the canon is also cheaper found online I think.
pS I also would take a lock mount over m42 any day of the week. But I guess it depends if you’re on a canon DSLr or a mirrorless. Canon FD’s and dslr’s don’t play well together without an element adapter
Thanks so much for your reply. I’m trying to build a set for filmmaking. I already have a 55 1.8 SMC Takumar (which I love) so I’m not sure if I should go with all Takumar or all canon FD.
Hey Mark, I own some Minoltas and just got a hold of to vintage nikkors: 24mm 2.8 and 35mm f2. How do you rate them against your other vintage lenses?
They’re great, they just focus backwards lol. People often adapt those for cinema use quite often.
@@MarkHoltze Yeah. Have you looked into the minoltas? they are very underrated atm. :) Most of the tests they perform up to the sharpness of the others and IMO, the colors they render are very special and analogue. They don't have beautiful bokeh stopped down due to fewer blades, like canon and nikon and most zeiss, but that's the only downer :)
My favourite vintage wide angle is MIR 1b 37mm nice and sharp in the middle and true to vintage soft on the edges + you can reverse the front element. win, win, win.
That's funny, I just posted a photo today of that lens on instagram. It's been fully re-housed as a cinema lens though, but the guts are MIR 1b 37MM
I'm interested in doing some "City-Light" Shootings.
So I decided to grab my old Canon EOS D30 (first Canon DSLR from 2000) bringing together with a good vintage lens.
The problem ... it's working with an APS-C sensor. And therefore the focal length has to be multiplied by 1.6 ... so all 50mm vintage lenses are out of interest to reach the typical 50mm view.
(Perhaps I'll try my Super-Takumar 50mm f/1,4 on my EOS 5D Classic some day)
Compensate that "loss" I decided to go with a 28mm lens ... or in this case a 29mm ... does not matter.
My decision was the Pentacon 29mm f/2,8. But there is a little question mark in my mind.
There are TWO versions available. The "automatic" and the "electric" one. So ... what's the difference ?? ... or is there a difference using it on an old DSLR ?
auto and electric are for SLR systems, neither of them really make a diff when shooting digital. The lenses optically are identical.
I have the Meyer Optik Lydith 30/3.5 & Orestegon 29/2.8 - beautiful lenses - and 2 copies of the SMC Tak 28/3.5, one of which has been off on long term loan with Ray for a year or two. He seems to be putting it to good use, having uploaded some content with it that looks great.
I suggest the 28mm F2.8 (cheaper) and 24mm. Thank you!
Great video like always...
Cool bike
I use sigma multi wide ys 28mm f2. 8
And I will try pentacon
I like my Minolta 28 mm. Sharp if you can use the magnifier on your camera. Focuspeaking is difficult to read.
Peaking alone isn't that great, I always combine with zoom as it's the most reliable in my experience.
@@MarkHoltze I think that's what I wrote. Zooming in with the magnifier and than focus. Succes garanteed.
Hi Mark! I have a Kiron 24mm ƒ2.8 MC Macro in FD mount that I enjoy very much. Minimum focusing distance is 0.2m, plus there's a Macro setting that lets you focus even closer. I use it 'natively' when I shoot with my Canon film SLRs, and on my Fujifilm X-E1 with an adapter. I like its results and versatility. Plus it has sentimental value, since it belonged to my late father, together with the Canon AE-1 Program it was mounted on.
A not-so wideangle I own and I'm happy with is the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Lydith 30mm ƒ3.5. On digital, it gave me better results on DSLRs with CCD sensors, like my Nikon D200 or Olympus E-300.
Cheers!
Rick
Pentacon 29mm... what a strange focal length. Also when using that in S35 mode, we need to go down to fractions to work out the focal length! But... I really like the styalised look of the Pentacon 29mm, so that has to be my pick. Followed very closely by the Canon FD. Did you buy that $2000 vintage lens?! I mean, let's be honest - it's kinda worth it for the box art alone, but ouch! That's a lot of coin for an old gal.
I hope you're well mate! Looks like summer is knocking at your doorstep!
Damn Mark, that Pizza looks delicious :D Thank you again for that video. Might it be an idea to test vintage lenses on MFT Cameras vor Video? :D
Thanks mate, I would but honestly I don't have a MFT camera otherwise I would absolutely do that. Changes everything at a 2.2 crop that's for sure :)
i have the Canon FD 24mm f2 and the Carl Zeiss Jena electric MC Flektogon 35mm f2.4 M42. what do you think of these?
Haven’t tried either but the FD 23 F/2 sounds interesting vs the 2.8
@@MarkHoltze i'm not really qualified for a comparison video but when i find a 2.8 i'll try it.
The Pentacon 29mm lens with M42 was and is stil today a great lens. I have him used for many years on my old Praktica. And stil use. I have the old version with DDR insciption. The later ones has the insciption GDR. Which means the same.
Thank for the video Mark. I Own the Canon FD28mm 2.8 and shoot it on my Fujifilm XT-1. Do you know if the quality is similar as the 24mm. For me the quality is ok but not great! Looking for a beter 24 or 28 mm lens.
not sure as i've never tried the 28mm before, but I've seen people talk about the 28mm FD and said similar things. It's just not THAT great of a lens. I've done some light VS to my Canon 24mm F1.4 EF lens and I think it does pretty well all things considering.
@@MarkHoltze Thank you for the response. I'm gonna take a look for the 24mm. 😉👍
My vote goes to the Konica Hexanon 24/2.8 (have)and 21/2.8(not yet) : ) Great video as always, thanks Mark !
Konica huh! HEXANON GO!!! Thanks mate!
Great job on this again my man, I definitely agree about the Pentax I use one as well on my film cameras. One lens I really would like but can't justify the price is the Meyer optik primoplan. I have the trioplan which has a beautiful soap bubble backgrounds but the primoplan is more advanced while still having unusual rendering. good to see you get out and do some b roll outdoors that's something I need to do more often
So important to get out, the weather is coming around here too, it's been strangely cool here most of the spring, not terribly cold, but not very "nice". LOTS of wind too. Saturday (when I shot the biking stuff) was perfect, 18 degrees, sunny and DRY!
Before the BUGS too lol they're coming.
The Takumar 28/3.5 is a great start for a M42 / Takumar wide angle. 28mm was very popular at the time (28/50/135 trio of the 70/80's) and usually at at much lower price point than 24, so supply are high. You should have a warning though - it might lead to future Takumar addiction :)
Thanks for the info! WARNING especially lol! This is true!
I have a few.
Modern-day Wides with MF/AF and aperture rings ('90's-2000's):
Nikon 20mm f/2.8 D and Nikon 24mm f/2.8 D
Vintage Wides, MF Only ('70s-'80s):
Nikon 24mm f/2.0, Nikon 28mm f/2.8 E series, Vivitar 28mm f/2.0 MC Close Focus
The Vivitar has a bit less contrast but I know that going in and I add it in post but the close focus distance of 0.23m is awesome! I have only one other lens that does closer and that is my Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro which does .20m but it has no aperture ring and is designed for crop sensors only. In my case the Nikon F-mount.
Great info mate! Thanks so much!!!
Hey
Think I got me a gem.
Apollo 135mm f1.8 low light tv
I’m new on photography, Because of your videos was looking on around on eBay and found it, great conditions great price.
Now I’m just waiting for the adapter so I can tested 😄
Awesome mate! Let me know how you like it! Hopefully the adapter comes soon!
I've been wondering how good the Pentax Takumar Bayonet 28mm f/2.8 performs in comparison to the Super Takumar 28mm. Despite having a faster max aperture, build and optical quality are said to be not as good... but I still haven't seen any side-by-side comparisons! (*Hint hint*)
reading you loud and clear mate!
24 mm is an optically better design, the 29 and 28mm are stretched 35mm designs.
I use a Nikon 24mm 2.8 af lens on my FE and my D300s, it benefits from being used with a Nikon Hn1 lens hood as it sometimes flares. It is however free of distortion and tack sharp.
That’s interesting thanks Neil! Curious about that Nikon now!
Hi Mark great information 👍 as usual
Could you suggest the best vintage wide angle lens for my Canon 5D Mark II
Welcome suggestions from anyone thanks in advance
Hi Ravi, the Mark II should be able to take M42 adapted lenses pretty well. It's the FD lenses that aren't so great. Any one of these would work nicely minus the FD lens. I would look at the SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5 or 24mm F3.5.
@@MarkHoltze Hi Mark thank you for your response
Canon fd 24mm indeed a nice lens. For pentacon I like the 30mm one or original meyer lydith. Good to make stitching landscape, and cheap too mostly the pentacon brand one. Zeiss flektogon are nice but the smaller the f number, the more crazy the price lol, too much.
Zeiss ya, the mark up on those lenses is crazy isn't it.
Oooh... the AN-TIC-I-PATION!!!
Sorry u help mi what is different cine vs prime lenses
No difference, prime lens is a fixed focal length. Cine lens is a lens that’s got added functionality that videographers can benefit from. T stops vs f stops, declicked aperture and follow focus gears.
Great work, Mark! At this point I have a pretty full set of the Canon FD's, including that 28mm :) I use the 24 F/1.4 allot more than the 28, though. Maybe it's just my copy, but the 24 is quite a lot sharper.
Thanks Andin! A FULL SET of FD's!!!!! MMMMMM So you have the 24 F1.4 L series? That's a hard one to find but my god I'd love to have a set of the FD 24, 50 and 85 L series .... 1.2's (50 and 85).
@@MarkHoltze it's taken me about 4 years to put it all together, if you don't consider that I had the 50 F/1.4 and the 135 left from my canon film kit from whenever that was new. I don't have the 85 L yet, but *drool* right? I think you said your favorite is the 35? I have the 35 and the 85 in the breech lock versions, and those 2 are probably my favorites. If I had to bring only 3 lenses, as nice as the 50 is, it'd be the 24, 35 and 85. If I could only bring 1, it'd probably be the 35. Maybe the 24, though, if I'm bringing the gimbal. Even still, your collection is allot larger than mine. All my vintage lenses are the Canons, except for a minolta 50 that came with the minolta body back in the day. Another leftover. I'm not very good at getting rid of things, lol.
I bought the Canon FD f2.8/24 when I bought my Canon AE-1 in the 1980's. Although Canon had abandoned its FD lineup in 1987, I reunite the FD lens with a current Canon body when I bought a $20 Fotasy adapter for my Canon RP from eBay during the pandemic lockdown.
No automatic focusing? The generous depth-of-field makes manual focusing safe. No automatic exposure control? The EVF has WYSIWYG, so a twist of the aperture ring gives me the exact exposure I want. No IBIS? Camera shake is negligible when shooting above 1/30 sec (and the RP's ISO 1600 is grainless).
For $20, I got a darn good wide-angle prime for my MILC. No expensive RF lenses for me. Brave old world!
Thanks for the great content Mark! I’m currently using a mft body with my vintage lenses... But due to the smaller sensor size I miss out on a lot of character of the lenses itself 😕 are there any options for me? I already heared c-mount lenses might be a good match, but I’m not shure if thats the way to go...
C mount for sure, also speed boosters are a good option.
Mark Holtze thanks! Ill look into it 👌🏼
Get a Metabones speed booster, game changer
The Pentax K 24mm f/2.8 might be a interesting option.
✊
Great video. Like your style and humor...
I have the Canon Fd 24mm F2.8 and love it, on my Oly mft it's my nifty 50mm equivalent. Awesome video and stills lens for cheap.
I have a Nikon Nikkor 85mm f2.0 and its an awesome portrait lense even at 170mm mft equivalent. Most days I like it more than my Oly 45mm f1.8 portrait lense. Maybe I've just learned to love manual lenses.
Still on the hunt for a 35mm equivalent (14-18mm) vintage lense for reasonable price and quality. Might just have to buy the sigma 16mm instead.
Cheers
Pentacon 29mm. Unfortunately I roll with aps-c, still it gives me some of that ”movie feel” I like from older movies.
nothing wrong with APS-C ;)
Mark Holtze, I wana ask you something. have you tried soligor 28mm 2.8 vintage lens ,I bought a camera nikoon with lens on it for 10 dollar ,I picked up camera because I saw lens on it :D .other alone lens costs more.
I’m torn between the Canon and the Pentacon. I really like the minimum focusing distance of the Pentacon but I also like the extra 4mm difference of the Canon. I tend to gravitate towards “dreamy” looking lenses. The video footage of the Pentacon that I’ve seen so far on other channels look great but I suppose that’s subjective based on what subjects people use for their test footages (cats & flowers always look dreamy lol) I don’t have that many lenses but I’m currently trying to build out my kit with a range of focal lengths. I look for super stylistic unique looking lenses at every length. I just ordered a Jupiter 11 (wooo hooo!) love your channel as always, looking forward to more awesome videos.
Is the CANON FD 24mm F2.8 Lens Full frame?
All FD lenses are full frame, FF = 35mm film :)
I should start a 24mm prime set with all my Canon and Minolta stuff
Definitely!
I've had poor experiences with vintage wide angles, but the candidates thus far were Soligor and the like. Thanks for the Takumar mention. Maybe I'll give that one a try. My current widest APS-C is a 35 mm Pentax, which is really a stretch for selfies LOL. The 35 is a fair, but not exceptional lens.
Manual focus lenses at wide angle focal length make a lot of sense especially on full frame cameras.
Nicely explained
Thanks mate!
U suggests mi samyang or rokinon cine lenses supports 6k best quality?
Is the minimum focusing distance the same if we use apsc ?
It stays the same as far as i know. Just appears “closer” because of the crop factor.
Pentax 50mm 2.0 SMC M great Lens but tricky sharp in the middle.
That Pentacon looks really cool and different!
Would be very tempted to try that one 😀
But I'm still very much enamoured with my good old Pentax 24mm f2.8 👌
Great video as always man!
Ya, you've got a good one, no need for these! :) BOOM!