00:00 Intro 02:56 KONICA 57mm - 10 minutes of a 35mn video so yeah this is his baby. 12:54 NIKKOR 50mm - Nigel equal to himself: "This lens has natural colors??? Any image we make is a metaphor and an abstraction of reality." 18:10 MINOLTA - "Love the colors. Most saturated pallete I ever see. Softest of the 5. But one of the ones I like the best. Blur can be energetic, [...] Worth considering" 22:20 CANON FD - "Colors are bright, beautiful but a little bit more restrained […] The rendering is more like a modern lens […] The blur is smooth. The sharpest of the 5. Buy an FD lens and enjoy it" 28:15 OLYMPUS ZUIKO MC50 - "This is one of my favorite vintage 50 […] Sharpness not behind too far from the Canon […] Beautiful little lens […] If you want a great all-round 50/1.4 that will serve any photograph needs [...]"
Many thanks!! Great episode! I’m an Olympus enthousiast!! Since art school Olympus is my favorite camera and I adore the OM Zuiko lenses!! Nowadays I use my old analog Olympus lenses on my Canon 5D, my Canon 50D, on my digital Olympus OM… Thnx again for the always interesting and good videos!! You are a treasure for photo enthousiasts!!
I shoot nikon gear 90% of the time and I think the performance is usually in the first standard deviation from the mean, if you get my statistical reference. I shoot nature, mostly... so the "realism" is what I'm going for. I want the images to look genuine and not heavily edited, yet possessing a brilliance with good saturation in most instances. Having said all of this, I have a hexinon 1.8/35mm lens that performs similarly to what you describe and I was delighted with the images it makes. I enjoy all you Zenography videos and am grateful to you for sharing a variety of what inspires you!
@Jack Warnerthanks for sharing, when you say that you shot two films with the Nikon lens? Do you mean two video films or two rolls of film or something else entirely?
Super episode of our Sunday evening camera club, Nigel. Some lovely lenses there, more than anyone could wish. Remember the Mamiya Sekkor SX 50mm f2, and how surprised you were by the images it made, both sharpness and colour rendition? Well, I've been doing a little digging, as I have the same lens, as you know, and there's a body of opinion out there that this lens may be a Tomioka lens! Now, I have a Chinon 55mm f1.7 which is definitely a Tomioka, and I've looked at image quality from both lenses and I can't really see any difference - Bokeh, blur, sharpness, colour etc - apart from the slight difference in focal length and aperture. Whether the Mamiya Sekkor SX is or is not a Tomioka remains a mystery, but it certainly holds its own in exalted company. I also watched an older video of yours, th-cam.com/video/53meU1LESp4/w-d-xo.html (Five Beautiful Blurry Background Vintage Lenses) - how it escaped my attention first time around baffles me - and I own 3 of the 5 lenses you showcased. Something occurred to me while watching it, the Helios 44, once fitted to the cheapest SLR you could buy, the Zenith EM, and derided by camera snobs everywhere, is now the ugly duckling turned into a swan. Whole movies have been shot using the lens, Mirrorless camera users everywhere, with camera bodies costing many many times more than the original price of this lens (£17 if memory serves), are actively searching auction sites for copies. I wonder what lenses there are out there that had the same reception BITD (Back In The Day) are going to be the next Helios 44? I am currently searching for the holy grail, a Pancolar 50mm f1.8, but I won't pay some of the crazy prices being asked, however, again there is talk of the Prakticar 50mm f1.8 being the same lens (and one I have in my collection). If I ever get my hands on a Pancolar I'll be able to settle the question, at least in my own mind, Sorry for the stream of consciousness - great episode George
Well, I was looking at a few KONICA HEXANON AR 57mm f/1.4 lens, but you talked me out of it. I think it is no way as nice as the Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 Black Nose that I already own. Thanks for that. You saved me.
I have the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm 1.4 which I bought for £20 because it had fungus. I took it apart and cleaned it and I absolutely love it. Probably my favourite of all my lenses, old and new.
Well, I was going to share with you that I recently acquired a Minolta 58mm f1.4 for the paltry sumo about 17 pounds sterling but Kalle below found one for 8 Euros! I got mine from a retired lens repair specialist who was selling off some stock. Still waiting for my test roll of film to come back from the lab and I have high hopes. I don't own any Konica lenses, but I do own and use each of the others you mention here and I have to agree with all of your observations. Another "sleeper" lens, not a 50mm, is the Canon FD 85 f1.8. I tried that on one of my Fuji's and was really impressed with the quality of the files it delivers. Nice work.
I can verify your views on the Konica and Nikkor. I have a later version of the former and an earlier (pre-AI) version of the latter. I’d also recommend the SMC Pentax M 50mm f1.4 which can often be found quite cheaply: a stunning lens with the characteristic strong contrasty saturated rendering typical of the SMC coating
Nice review Nigel. How about adding the one of the Asahi Takumar f1.4 to this review for an update? I own an SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, which although thorium laden, is a beautiful lens.
A delightful episode, Nigel! Today, I bought that Minolta 58mm 1.4, with a defect camera, for €8! I put it on the A7r, and went out and shot it, quite a coincidence! My FDn 50mm 1.4 currently sits on an AE-1 program with E100 slidefilm in it, a combination that's hard to beat! If you mind the little plastic, there's allways the FD 50 mm 1.4 breech lock that's all metal, or even the older, heavy FL 50mm 1.4. They're all great lenses. The Nikkor 50mm 1.4 is one of my favourites too, I've used it a lot on digital, because it fits right on any Nikon DSLR. I don't know why, but I find Canon to be more expensive than the others, regional differences maybe? Of course Pentax come to mind, both the super takumar and the smc, but hey, you can't have it all, I really enjoyed this episode!
Man, you really make my day. You hardly ever tell anything new. But fuck it. You're the Bob Ross of photography. I'd listen to you if you read us your local phone book. It's that relaxing listening to you and your voice. :)
Quick tip for you Nigel ;-) If you are unsure whether part of a lens is plastic or metal, just touch that part to your top lip (Your lip is far more sensitive to temperature/conductivity than your fingers.). Metal will feel cold, much colder than plastic. Try that with your Canon nFD 50mm f1.4. If it's the same as mine you'll find the only plastic part is the aperture ring.
Hi Nigel, thank you for your phantastic channel and all these great and ejoyable videos! My personal tipp: you should try out the Minolta PG MC 50 f 1.4 (one of the best vintage lenses!) Greetings from germany! Heiko
I happen to buy one of the early Nikkor ai 50mm 1.4 from Japan literally for peanuts around a year ago, and it quickly became my favorite lens. Especially I like to pair it with my old Nikon D300 - I don't know what magic is happen there, but it's almost impossible to make really bad photo with this couple. It manages to give perceptible depth to almost any scenery, and the colors - they are special, you can't mistake the color it delivers with anything else. When buying, I've been just looking just for inexpensive 50mm fast lens, but what I got in the end is a real gem.
The Canon FD 50mm f1.4 is one of my favorite lenses to adapt to Olympus m4/3. I like the color, blur, and non-clinical sharpness. My only quibble is its tendency toward chromatic aberration, but that's removable in post. Thank you for an enjoyable and informative video, Nigel!
That lens is what made me find that I love that focal length. I purchased the Oly 45mm f/1.8 afterwards. I have to agree, the chromatic abberations at wide open will appear.
Nigel I have a Minolta 58mm 1.4 used on a Sony nex with good results.currently waiting to develop film taken using an x300 film camera.can’t wait to see the results.I always enjoy your views and knowledge and I realised it’s also because it’s obvious you enjoy photography so much. I think that’s important because even though technical knowledge is important having fun just taking pictures for me outways everything else. A fed 4 ,a zorki 4k with Jupiter 8 purchased from the real camera company in Manchester are as a result of your channel so keep the good work coming. I’d love to see you write for ap magazine on adapting vintage lenses!
All great lenses. I have the Minolta MD 50mm f/1.4 and my favourite portrait vintage lens the Minolta MC 58mm f/1.4. I'm using them with a speedbooster on my x-t2 and they are capable of producing beautiful images.
I've got the Olympus 1.4. I got a good deal on it because the seller was listing it as a 1.8 and priced it accordingly- in fact even for the 1.8 he priced it quite low.£25. So a real bargain indeed. Plus it is mint condition! Unfortunately, my adapter got sent to the wrong address so I haven't had a chance to really put it to the test at 1.4. I have shot it on my OM10, but due to the good weather, I haven't got anywhere near having it wide open. I'll have to wait for the adapter for that. But it's a damned good lens stopped down, I can attest to that much. A friend is selling me a Takumar 1.4 in the near future too. I can't wait to get that on the Sony!
here's another option to add to the list : Schneider-Kreuznach XENAR f2.8 50mm M39 paxette. i have one . it is 50's german tessar design, full rich colour palette. sharp as a pin and not too expensive. probably sharpest vibrant 50 to rival om and others from ddr. 29.5mm filter thread! you will need a paxette m39 adaptor for use on digital, adaptor can be found from uk supplier on ebay.
Great review, my take on the Konica 57 it has a pastel look to images different. the Nikon 50mm 1.4 (metal manual one) has a beautiful timeless images especially when taking video, (the Nikon 50mm 1.8d plastic fantastic super clean modern look would be my go to lens Bargain Canon FD 1.4 no need to say much Fun lens .Canon FD 1.1.2 basic is fantastic for video Minolta new plastic version 50mm (don't have a 58 ) lots and lots of deep color's. OLYMPUS 50mm 1.4 find the images a little aged looking Interesting lens 1.4 ish. Fuji 1.6 long barrel version has great micro contrast Mamiy sekor sx 1.1.4 lovely rendering ( think you did a review on this) Yashica 1.1.4 50mm smooth as silk buttery bokeh Pin sharp Very very nice Auto Chinon 1.1.4 55mm (Tomioka print on lens) disappointing expecting more ( does not like my focal reducer Auto chinon 1.1.4 55mm newer vision much better sleeper Time less look like Nikon Keep the good work up Picked up a Samyang 24mm 1.8 (Auto Focus very very nice and light for my Sony a7 in manual you can focus 2 inches i kid you not) Looking at the Viltrox13mm for my XT1 Keep up the good work
I agree Hexanon 40mm is my favourite lens, I now shoot with 24, 28, 40 and 50mm Hexanons, after years of trying almost all makes I have settled on these beauties + 55mm Super Tak which I have had for years.
I was lucky enough to have inherited some old lenses that my grandpa used to have. One of them is a Contax Zeiss 50mm f1.4 and it's absolutely fantastic to shoot with, especially in low light. Unfortunately it seems that they have gotten quite expensive by now so they don't really fit into this list but it's certainly a fantastic lens!
I find that the latest version of the Konica Hexagon lenses are the sharpest, even if they aren't quite as well built they are fantastically sharp. That 3rd version of the 57mm is no slouch.
I’ve been looking forward to this review. You’re quite correct about both the colours and the blur. I have yet to master predicting which type of blur will manifest but I will. I have so many vintage lenses, I tend to swap them around quite often. At the moment I’m concentrating on my DKL mount jewels. I also own the Konica Hexanon 28/3.5, the 50/1.7, the 52/1.8 and the 135/3.5. If you can find the 52mm, I recommend it to you. Thanks for the video, looking forward to your next.
@@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL Aye, it's a wee gem. It produces almost circular bokeh balls under the right conditions. I've also found it to be pretty sharp even wide open. It's well worth hunting one down if anyone has yet to find an example. :o)
@@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL That's a good question. I'm on Pinterest with the same username. One of my boards is the Konica Hexanon 52mm f1.8. I only upload my own images to that site. 😊
Fantastic! Just got a Fuji XT1 based of your reviews and these seem like would be great portrait options for the Fuji. Thanks for your work, as always, fantastic!
@@zenography7923 That's lovely feedback Nigel, thanks for the reply! I did love their colours as well as a bonus, and perhaps them not being the sharpest actually works out well for portraits! Thanks once more and keep up the great work!
The Konica is nice. I have two mint (early & late models). One had oil on the blades (came with a body on Ebay), happens these lenses are easy to take apart and clean. Plenty sharp and lovely color.
I have canon fd 50 1.4 nfd Minolta rokkor 50 1.4 both from the original owner and immaculate and they are a little disappointing wide open. I have a 28mm 2.8 md and its razor sharp wide open with great color. The lens is a freak and it was bought in 1980. I think the 7artisans 25mm and 35mm apsc lens are great too on my fujis
I concur on the Canon FD. I have the older FD with the bayonet locking ring It is as sharp in the center as a modern lens, smooth transitions to OOF highlights and excellent focus feel. Many of the old FDs are being snapped up for Cine lenses.
Great video - even it would be a nice addition if the title would include if compared lenses are for SLR or rangefinder mount. Would be very interested in a comparison of Canon and Nikkor 50/1.4 LTM mount which were omitted here.
In 1976 the Canon 1,4 50mm s.s.c. was tested against the Leica 2,0 50mm with then new modulation transfer function by an independant facility. The Canon won. Canon new FD lenses can not open the aperture without the little adapter provided with each lens back in those days. They are mostly gone. The Canon FD lens were designed exclusively for shutter priority to get sharp images. Using them with closed aperture will lead to false exposure because of the maximum aperture contact. You will need the adapter only with the lens mounted with uncoupled accessories or mounted backwards for macro shots.
Nigel, I have a question about 1.4/ 50nn's....if you look at a nikon, or a canon 50mm and compare it to a takumar or olympus 50, the nikon or canon have a much larger front element and the barrel is wider, yet all of them are 1.4/50's...how can that be? Please explain. thanks,
I have the Nikkor and Zuiko, plus a Takumar SMC and Rikenon 50/1.4. I haven’t done a “shoot out”- that would be fun and I’ve intended to do so. FWIW, there is one more iteration of the Zuiko. Samples starting at serial number 1,100,000 are considered the “best”. I have one of those, and 2 or 3 of the MC (2nd generation) - again I’ve not compared them … yet! i’m a Zuikoholic!
I looked up a list of Rokkor Lenses online. I noticed that the only two lenses in the 50-58mm range that had the designation PF are the 58mm and a 50mm f1/7. Was I looking at an incomplete list of lenses (quite possible) or was the lens you review actually the 58mm. I also tried to find a 1.4 PF lens on EBAY. Again, some were advertised as 50mm; but when you looked at the pictures, they were actually the 58. I only mention this because I have the 58mm 1.4 PF and love it. Erich Brunner
I think the CanonFD is usually slightly cheaper, despite the SSC version being a bit more costly, because the FD system does not adapt to any DSL except the native ones. The focal distance from the film plane is shorter then even the newer Canon system, and EOS allows you to adapt pretty much every other vintage lenses out there (except the FD). This is much less important today as the Mirrorless systems are taking over but it was back in the DSLR days. I like Olympus lenses, but I must say I prefer the 50 1.8 to the 1.4
Was Minolta not sold to Sony? And many of the Leica SLR's contain Minolta components or are "rebranded" Minoltas. That is although right for some of the Leica lenses, which were designed in Solms, but manufactured by Minolta...
Hi, Nigel, I love your videos! So, I need a very fast lens for a documentary in super low light conditions and after seeing some of your videos I was on the market for an Olympus 50 1.4. But I've just happened to see a comparison with a Nikon Ai stating the Nikon was way brighter than the Olympus at f 1.4 and showing some images from the Zuiko with same settings which seemed pretty darker indeed (aside from showing strong vignetting). In fact it seemed like an f2 or even more. Anybody could enlight me about this behavior?
Hi Matt, I have a Nikon AI 50 1.4 and I love the colours it makes, however in my experience it isn't quite as sharp as the Olympus, with quite a bit of CA wide open too, which the Oly doesn't have. Plus, I'd be surprised if there were any vintage 50 1.4s that don't show some heavy vignetting wide open - in my experience they all do it, no matter the name on the front. It might be that the Nikon is better in this regard though. I'm not sure you'd go too far wrong with either of these, however the Canon FD might be a better choice than either of these. It's a more modern design and a lovely clean, bright image, but retains plenty of vintage character. One of my favourite vintage 50s.
@@zenography7923 thank you for your quick and useful response Nigel, I've tried the Canon fd, but found the focus ring not smooth enough for video work, maybe it was the copy I tried, Idk. I even bought a 50 1.4 smc Pentax which is wonderful BTW, but the focus ring turns the opposite way I'm used to (clockwise it focuses to infinity), still usable for photography, but it drives me crazy for video work. Something worth noting about the pentax for us videographers.
I agree with the value proposition. I think I only have one f/1.2 lens, a Nikkor and I’ve only used it a few times. It makes me feel like I’m shouting “Hey, look at me with this f/1.2 lens!”. It’s a bit much really.
Have you ever tried the Tomioka, auto rikenon 55mm f1.4? I don't know if it's just my copy but that is the best vintage f1.4 that I've ever used - cheap too.
Nigel.. thanks for the review, however, when you refer to the Nikon lens, please tell us whether the one you are holding is a pre-AI version (looks like it.. the rubberized focusing ring.. may even be a "K-version" .. meaning it is one just before Nikon introduced the AI lenses; it may very well even be an AI lens you are holding. Showing us the aperture ring would clarify all of my questions: i.e. a Nikon is not just a Nikon. Cheers
The Minolta Auto rokkor PF is a 58 mm lens I think. The MC Rokkor PF 58 1.4 (mk2) is a better one and the MC 50 1.4 PG is sharper at F1.4 than all others Minoltas 50 mm. but at 1.7-2.0 and beyond the plain MD 50mm 1.4 is the best.(center sharpness and contrast) The most allround 50 mm in the SR mount (Minolta) is the MD f2.0 (sharpness across the frame)
i have 2 lenses, one is 55mm f1.4 chinon - looks good, i like middle sharpness but thats it, adn other one is sigma xq 135mm f2.8 what i dont know nothign about
the konica 50 1.4 and minolta 50 1.4 are better optical wide open and less heavy and looks better on sony a7 cameraes than the 57 and 58 versions, in my opion..this minolta 58 are very soft and pale wide open. all your praises to konica for been unique in all ways. but mine are quite warm in colours. are you using auto white balance?, it will surely make wrong colours balance, when the camera try to calculate the wb itself...about konica, i have ended up only using the 50 1.8,, its handles flaires and direct sunlight very impressing than the above mentioned.
have you compared it with Sony 50mm 1,8 or 2 , for APSC , , as i see from the samples , it cant even compare with 16-50 PZ OIS sony nex kit lens . Far as sharpness goes aind its a prime
Vintage 1.4 lenses shot wide open won't compete with a modern lens in terms of sharpness and it wouldn't really be a fair comparison - a bit like comparing a '60s car with a modern one. Instead, use each in situations where they excel! Thanks for tuning in.
@@dedskin1 I wouldn't buy any vintage lens to compare directly with a modern lens. Buy them because they give a different aesthetic (character), because you enjoy using them and it helps if you appreciate the design/mechanics/history of the lens. Many old lenses will give images that are far nicer to look at than those from the kit lens IMO, but if you value sharpness above all else then you're better off with a modern prime made for your camera.
@@spectralcav i wouldn't either , but if you listen to zenography you will buy 15 lenses and never use them , you will also buy 15 analog film cameras and never use them as well . The value of Vintage lens is their Bodies , they are good for film , they are completely disassembled and their bodies modified such that they can be used in film production. These modifications cost 100x more then the lens it self . But you dont have a focus pull guy , you dont have a film studio , you dont have actors and camera guys . So value of them is very low for you and me .Because we need not such lenses , we can use modern lenses , put filter on them to soften them up if needed . Use your IS and AF , and if you want flare its easily added to modern lenses , In still pictures you can do whatever you want also without need for older lens . I have few vintage lenses and find them to be exactly what they are sub par even compared to zooms of today . So i see no reason to go for one , i rarely shoot video , and when i do i need IS none of the old lenses have it so its out of the question for me . I am wondering how do you do without IS filming today , you must have some pretty large and expensive gear to stabilize your DSLR ?
@@dedskin1 That's all very rational and logical, two qualities that probably don't apply to people who enjoy using these 'outdated & obsolete' lenses. I think most vintage lens users are just having a bit of fun and enjoying the varied results that they achieve from them, faults and all. If you're a commercial photographer or videographer, you'd be unlikely to be afforded the freedom to take such an approach to your work, but most camera owners are not professionals. Hobbyists have the freedom to be able to do whatever they like to get the results that they want. You may not like those results but that's besides the point - maybe they simply got more enjoyment from creating those imperfect images than they would have by using the latest gear. It may not be rational or logical but it doesn't need to be.
Hi! When I watch your reviews (apart the fact, I even want to buy more lenses...) I am curious, if there is any lens in the world, that its color palette you DONT like.... ;-)
Well, I try to appreciate all things for what they are, and in the reviews I try to find likeable qualities in lenses that might not be my first choice (my personal preference is for saturated, slightly cool colours). I guess that way the good qualities in the lenses become clear to viewers! Thanks for looking in.
Sorry to tell you that your Nikon lens is not an early model. It actually dates from the late 70's. The clues are that it has the small aperture ring with numbers all in white - indicates an AI version, backed up by the serial number. The focusing ring is the main giveaway. The early pre ai lenses had the deep scallop effect. These were produced from the early 60's.
@@zenography7923 I'm sure! I don't know why, but I own two of them :-D. I'm very curious about the canon fd 1.4, but I feel like all the canon and nikon vintage lenses are overpriced, so usually I don't even bother. Anyway, excellent content as always!!
Your Nikon appears to be an AI rather than AI-S and therefore a smidge cheaper on average. I used the AI-S version for many years through the 1990s and well into the 2000s. The 105mm 2.5 (yes, 2.5 not 2.8!) and 135mm f2.8 are also very nice.
Being a street/landscape photographer, I prefer the Canon. Like very much the sturdyness and the finish of the Konica but not its rendition and use it rarely. Sold the Pentax (A version) some years ago, a lens I was never confident.
00:00 Intro
02:56 KONICA 57mm - 10 minutes of a 35mn video so yeah this is his baby.
12:54 NIKKOR 50mm - Nigel equal to himself: "This lens has natural colors??? Any image we make is a metaphor and an abstraction of reality."
18:10 MINOLTA - "Love the colors. Most saturated pallete I ever see. Softest of the 5. But one of the ones I like the best. Blur can be energetic, [...] Worth considering"
22:20 CANON FD - "Colors are bright, beautiful but a little bit more restrained […] The rendering is more like a modern lens […] The blur is smooth. The sharpest of the 5. Buy an FD lens and enjoy it"
28:15 OLYMPUS ZUIKO MC50 - "This is one of my favorite vintage 50 […] Sharpness not behind too far from the Canon […] Beautiful little lens […] If you want a great all-round 50/1.4 that will serve any photograph needs [...]"
Thanks for the summary Fred, appreciated!
Thank you, human GPT.
Many thanks!! Great episode!
I’m an Olympus enthousiast!! Since art school Olympus is my favorite camera and I adore the OM Zuiko lenses!! Nowadays I use my old analog Olympus lenses on my Canon 5D, my Canon 50D, on my digital Olympus OM…
Thnx again for the always interesting and good videos!! You are a treasure for photo enthousiasts!!
I like the attempted grab for the lens at the beginning, (after the money is handed over!) and the other hand still doesn't let go...
I shoot nikon gear 90% of the time and I think the performance is usually in the first standard deviation from the mean, if you get my statistical reference. I shoot nature, mostly... so the "realism" is what I'm going for. I want the images to look genuine and not heavily edited, yet possessing a brilliance with good saturation in most instances. Having said all of this, I have a hexinon 1.8/35mm lens that performs similarly to what you describe and I was delighted with the images it makes. I enjoy all you Zenography videos and am grateful to you for sharing a variety of what inspires you!
@Jack Warnerthanks for sharing, when you say that you shot two films with the Nikon lens? Do you mean two video films or two rolls of film or something else entirely?
Do you want to sell your Konica 35mm 1.8? Haha
Nikkor 50mm 1.4 never leave home without it!
Super episode of our Sunday evening camera club, Nigel.
Some lovely lenses there, more than anyone could wish.
Remember the Mamiya Sekkor SX 50mm f2, and how surprised you were by the images it made, both sharpness and colour rendition? Well, I've been doing a little digging, as I have the same lens, as you know, and there's a body of opinion out there that this lens may be a Tomioka lens!
Now, I have a Chinon 55mm f1.7 which is definitely a Tomioka, and I've looked at image quality from both lenses and I can't really see any difference - Bokeh, blur, sharpness, colour etc - apart from the slight difference in focal length and aperture. Whether the Mamiya Sekkor SX is or is not a Tomioka remains a mystery, but it certainly holds its own in exalted company.
I also watched an older video of yours, th-cam.com/video/53meU1LESp4/w-d-xo.html (Five Beautiful Blurry Background Vintage Lenses) - how it escaped my attention first time around baffles me - and I own 3 of the 5 lenses you showcased.
Something occurred to me while watching it, the Helios 44, once fitted to the cheapest SLR you could buy, the Zenith EM, and derided by camera snobs everywhere, is now the ugly duckling turned into a swan. Whole movies have been shot using the lens, Mirrorless camera users everywhere, with camera bodies costing many many times more than the original price of this lens (£17 if memory serves), are actively searching auction sites for copies.
I wonder what lenses there are out there that had the same reception BITD (Back In The Day) are going to be the next Helios 44?
I am currently searching for the holy grail, a Pancolar 50mm f1.8, but I won't pay some of the crazy prices being asked, however, again there is talk of the Prakticar 50mm f1.8 being the same lens (and one I have in my collection).
If I ever get my hands on a Pancolar I'll be able to settle the question, at least in my own mind,
Sorry for the stream of consciousness - great episode
George
Well, I was looking at a few KONICA HEXANON AR 57mm f/1.4 lens, but you talked me out of it. I think it is no way as nice as the Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f1.4 Black Nose that I already own. Thanks for that. You saved me.
I agree. I would much rather get a radioactive Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lens.
I have the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm 1.4 which I bought for £20 because it had fungus. I took it apart and cleaned it and I absolutely love it. Probably my favourite of all my lenses, old and new.
Well, I was going to share with you that I recently acquired a Minolta 58mm f1.4 for the paltry sumo about 17 pounds sterling but Kalle below found one for 8 Euros! I got mine from a retired lens repair specialist who was selling off some stock. Still waiting for my test roll of film to come back from the lab and I have high hopes. I don't own any Konica lenses, but I do own and use each of the others you mention here and I have to agree with all of your observations. Another "sleeper" lens, not a 50mm, is the Canon FD 85 f1.8. I tried that on one of my Fuji's and was really impressed with the quality of the files it delivers. Nice work.
I can verify your views on the Konica and Nikkor. I have a later version of the former and an earlier (pre-AI) version of the latter. I’d also recommend the SMC Pentax M 50mm f1.4 which can often be found quite cheaply: a stunning lens with the characteristic strong contrasty saturated rendering typical of the SMC coating
Nice review Nigel. How about adding the one of the Asahi Takumar f1.4 to this review for an update? I own an SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, which although thorium laden, is a beautiful lens.
A delightful episode, Nigel! Today, I bought that Minolta 58mm 1.4, with a defect camera, for €8! I put it on the A7r, and went out and shot it, quite a coincidence! My FDn 50mm 1.4 currently sits on an AE-1 program with E100 slidefilm in it, a combination that's hard to beat! If you mind the little plastic, there's allways the FD 50 mm 1.4 breech lock that's all metal, or even the older, heavy FL 50mm 1.4. They're all great lenses. The Nikkor 50mm 1.4 is one of my favourites too, I've used it a lot on digital, because it fits right on any Nikon DSLR. I don't know why, but I find Canon to be more expensive than the others, regional differences maybe? Of course Pentax come to mind, both the super takumar and the smc, but hey, you can't have it all, I really enjoyed this episode!
Man, you really make my day. You hardly ever tell anything new. But fuck it. You're the Bob Ross of photography. I'd listen to you if you read us your local phone book. It's that relaxing listening to you and your voice. :)
Quick tip for you Nigel ;-)
If you are unsure whether part of a lens is plastic or metal, just touch that part to your top lip (Your lip is far more sensitive to temperature/conductivity than your fingers.). Metal will feel cold, much colder than plastic.
Try that with your Canon nFD 50mm f1.4. If it's the same as mine you'll find the only plastic part is the aperture ring.
Hi Nigel, thank you for your phantastic channel and all these great and ejoyable videos! My personal tipp: you should try out the Minolta PG MC 50 f 1.4 (one of the best vintage lenses!) Greetings from germany! Heiko
I happen to buy one of the early Nikkor ai 50mm 1.4 from Japan literally for peanuts around a year ago, and it quickly became my favorite lens. Especially I like to pair it with my old Nikon D300 - I don't know what magic is happen there, but it's almost impossible to make really bad photo with this couple. It manages to give perceptible depth to almost any scenery, and the colors - they are special, you can't mistake the color it delivers with anything else. When buying, I've been just looking just for inexpensive 50mm fast lens, but what I got in the end is a real gem.
It's a real beauty - enjoy!
The Canon FD 50mm f1.4 is one of my favorite lenses to adapt to Olympus m4/3. I like the color, blur, and non-clinical sharpness. My only quibble is its tendency toward chromatic aberration, but that's removable in post. Thank you for an enjoyable and informative video, Nigel!
its also fantastic on sony fullframe, the bikeh and blur are quite unique, look like none of my other lenses-and i got many
That lens is what made me find that I love that focal length. I purchased the Oly 45mm f/1.8 afterwards. I have to agree, the chromatic abberations at wide open will appear.
Very informational and well said,.. Very Much appreciated, thank you !!!!
I really nice the Konica colors and it is a very sharp lens. Love it!
I got nFD 50mm f1.4 that my grandfather buy in 1982 and this lense still works amazing. Plastic but very very good quality one.
A beautiful lens, no doubt about it!
well put.. yes, the konica world is like the closet doors to narnia,, its a another world... and addictive
The Nikon f1.4... Lookin out for that one! My f1.8 could use a friend ;)
It's a beauty, you won't regret it!
Nigel I have a Minolta 58mm 1.4 used on a Sony nex with good results.currently waiting to develop film taken using an x300 film camera.can’t wait to see the results.I always enjoy your views and knowledge and I realised it’s also because it’s obvious you enjoy photography so much. I think that’s important because even though technical knowledge is important having fun just taking pictures for me outways everything else. A fed 4 ,a zorki 4k with Jupiter 8 purchased from the real camera company in Manchester are as a result of your channel so keep the good work coming. I’d love to see you write for ap magazine on adapting vintage lenses!
Thanks Ian, very glad you're enjoying the videos!
All great lenses. I have the Minolta MD 50mm f/1.4 and my favourite portrait vintage lens the Minolta MC 58mm f/1.4. I'm using them with a speedbooster on my x-t2 and they are capable of producing beautiful images.
I've got the Olympus 1.4. I got a good deal on it because the seller was listing it as a 1.8 and priced it accordingly- in fact even for the 1.8 he priced it quite low.£25. So a real bargain indeed. Plus it is mint condition! Unfortunately, my adapter got sent to the wrong address so I haven't had a chance to really put it to the test at 1.4. I have shot it on my OM10, but due to the good weather, I haven't got anywhere near having it wide open. I'll have to wait for the adapter for that. But it's a damned good lens stopped down, I can attest to that much.
A friend is selling me a Takumar 1.4 in the near future too. I can't wait to get that on the Sony!
Nikon lenses in general render cherry blossoms 🌸 in pleasing colors… by design.
That makes sense, considering their Japanese origins. Interesting, thanks!
love your reviews
here's another option to add to the list :
Schneider-Kreuznach XENAR f2.8 50mm M39 paxette.
i have one . it is 50's german tessar design, full rich colour palette. sharp as a pin and not too expensive. probably sharpest vibrant 50 to rival om and others from ddr. 29.5mm filter thread!
you will need a paxette m39 adaptor for use on digital, adaptor can be found from uk supplier on ebay.
Great review, my take on the Konica 57 it has a pastel look to images different.
the Nikon 50mm 1.4 (metal manual one) has a beautiful timeless images especially when taking video,
(the Nikon 50mm 1.8d plastic fantastic super clean modern look would be my go to lens Bargain
Canon FD 1.4 no need to say much Fun lens .Canon FD 1.1.2 basic is fantastic for video
Minolta new plastic version 50mm (don't have a 58 ) lots and lots of deep color's.
OLYMPUS 50mm 1.4 find the images a little aged looking
Interesting lens 1.4 ish. Fuji 1.6 long barrel version has great micro contrast
Mamiy sekor sx 1.1.4 lovely rendering ( think you did a review on this)
Yashica 1.1.4 50mm smooth as silk buttery bokeh Pin sharp Very very nice
Auto Chinon 1.1.4 55mm (Tomioka print on lens) disappointing expecting more ( does not like my focal reducer
Auto chinon 1.1.4 55mm newer vision much better sleeper Time less look like Nikon
Keep the good work up
Picked up a Samyang 24mm 1.8 (Auto Focus very very nice and light for my Sony a7 in manual you can focus 2 inches i kid you not)
Looking at the Viltrox13mm for my XT1
Keep up the good work
I agree Hexanon 40mm is my favourite lens, I now shoot with 24, 28, 40 and 50mm Hexanons, after years of trying almost all makes I have settled on these beauties + 55mm Super Tak which I have had for years.
The Hexanons are amazing lenses - as is the little 55 Tak! Enjoy!
Agreed, the 40mm f1,8 is a great lens.
I was lucky enough to have inherited some old lenses that my grandpa used to have.
One of them is a Contax Zeiss 50mm f1.4 and it's absolutely fantastic to shoot with, especially in low light. Unfortunately it seems that they have gotten quite expensive by now so they don't really fit into this list but it's certainly a fantastic lens!
What adapters do you use and where do you purhas them.
Keep up with your videos on film camera and lenses. ❤
I find that the latest version of the Konica Hexagon lenses are the sharpest, even if they aren't quite as well built they are fantastically sharp. That 3rd version of the 57mm is no slouch.
You're right, the later Konicas are sharper, but the 57 has the Konica colours alright!
I’ve been looking forward to this review. You’re quite correct about both the colours and the blur. I have yet to master predicting which type of blur will manifest but I will. I have so many vintage lenses, I tend to swap them around quite often. At the moment I’m concentrating on my DKL mount jewels. I also own the Konica Hexanon 28/3.5, the 50/1.7, the 52/1.8 and the 135/3.5. If you can find the 52mm, I recommend it to you. Thanks for the video, looking forward to your next.
The 52mm f/1. 8 truly surprises!! It's crisp, gives beautiful colour and light to carry.
@@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL Aye, it's a wee gem. It produces almost circular bokeh balls under the right conditions. I've also found it to be pretty sharp even wide open. It's well worth hunting one down if anyone has yet to find an example. :o)
Any possible ways to see one of your pics with bubble bokeh?
@@PeterSingerBONDNATIONAL That's a good question. I'm on Pinterest with the same username. One of my boards is the Konica Hexanon 52mm f1.8. I only upload my own images to that site. 😊
Fantastic! Just got a Fuji XT1 based of your reviews and these seem like would be great portrait options for the Fuji. Thanks for your work, as always, fantastic!
Any of these would make a nice portrait on you X-T1, however you might find the Konica 57mm or the Minolta 58mm do it nicest, being a little longer!
@@zenography7923 That's lovely feedback Nigel, thanks for the reply! I did love their colours as well as a bonus, and perhaps them not being the sharpest actually works out well for portraits! Thanks once more and keep up the great work!
The Konica is nice. I have two mint (early & late models). One had oil on the blades (came with a body on Ebay), happens these lenses are easy to take apart and clean. Plenty sharp and lovely color.
I have been waiting for your review of the Konica. Myself, I have the 1.4/50 and I love it.
I'd like to try the 50 next - just got to find one at the right price!
A comparison between the 1.4 and the 1.2 versions would be interesting
I have canon fd 50 1.4 nfd
Minolta rokkor 50 1.4 both from the original owner and immaculate and they are a little disappointing wide open. I have a 28mm 2.8 md and its razor sharp wide open with great color. The lens is a freak and it was bought in 1980. I think the 7artisans 25mm and 35mm apsc lens are great too on my fujis
I concur on the Canon FD. I have the older FD with the bayonet locking ring It is as sharp in the center as a modern lens, smooth transitions to OOF highlights and excellent focus feel. Many of the old FDs are being snapped up for Cine lenses.
Great video - even it would be a nice addition if the title would include if compared lenses are for SLR or rangefinder mount. Would be very interested in a comparison of Canon and Nikkor 50/1.4 LTM mount which were omitted here.
Great suggestion - I'll try to include these lenses soon!
In 1976 the Canon 1,4 50mm s.s.c. was tested against the Leica 2,0 50mm with then new modulation transfer function by an independant facility. The Canon won.
Canon new FD lenses can not open the aperture without the little adapter provided with each lens back in those days. They are mostly gone. The Canon FD lens were designed exclusively for shutter priority to get sharp images. Using them with closed aperture will lead to false exposure because of the maximum aperture contact. You will need the adapter only with the lens mounted with uncoupled accessories or mounted backwards for macro shots.
It's certainly a fine lens - thanks for the info!
Hello. Do you know any places in London where you can buy old lenses? I mean some markets.
Nigel, I have a question about 1.4/ 50nn's....if you look at a nikon, or a canon 50mm and compare it to a takumar or olympus 50, the nikon or canon have a much larger front element and the barrel is wider, yet all of them are 1.4/50's...how can that be? Please explain. thanks,
I have the Nikkor and Zuiko, plus a Takumar SMC and Rikenon 50/1.4. I haven’t done a “shoot out”- that would be fun and I’ve intended to do so. FWIW, there is one more iteration of the Zuiko. Samples starting at serial number 1,100,000 are considered the “best”. I have one of those, and 2 or 3 of the MC (2nd generation) - again I’ve not compared them … yet! i’m a Zuikoholic!
I looked up a list of Rokkor Lenses online. I noticed that the only two lenses in the 50-58mm range that had the designation PF are the 58mm and a 50mm f1/7. Was I looking at an incomplete list of lenses (quite possible) or was the lens you review actually the 58mm. I also tried to find a 1.4 PF lens on EBAY. Again, some were advertised as 50mm; but when you looked at the pictures, they were actually the 58. I only mention this because I have the 58mm 1.4 PF and love it.
Erich Brunner
Hey Erich, yes, the lens in the video is the 58mm PF f1.4.
I think the CanonFD is usually slightly cheaper, despite the SSC version being a bit more costly, because the FD system does not adapt to any DSL except the native ones. The focal distance from the film plane is shorter then even the newer Canon system, and EOS allows you to adapt pretty much every other vintage lenses out there (except the FD).
This is much less important today as the Mirrorless systems are taking over but it was back in the DSLR days.
I like Olympus lenses, but I must say I prefer the 50 1.8 to the 1.4
Hi Nigel, many thanks, wonderful lenses! It's a pity that Minolta as a camera manufacturer exists no more :'-( Best, Ralf
Was Minolta not sold to Sony? And many of the Leica SLR's contain Minolta components or are "rebranded" Minoltas. That is although right for some of the Leica lenses, which were designed in Solms, but manufactured by Minolta...
Hi, Nigel, I love your videos! So, I need a very fast lens for a documentary in super low light conditions and after seeing some of your videos I was on the market for an Olympus 50 1.4. But I've just happened to see a comparison with a Nikon Ai stating the Nikon was way brighter than the Olympus at f 1.4 and showing some images from the Zuiko with same settings which seemed pretty darker indeed (aside from showing strong vignetting). In fact it seemed like an f2 or even more. Anybody could enlight me about this behavior?
Hi Matt, I have a Nikon AI 50 1.4 and I love the colours it makes, however in my experience it isn't quite as sharp as the Olympus, with quite a bit of CA wide open too, which the Oly doesn't have. Plus, I'd be surprised if there were any vintage 50 1.4s that don't show some heavy vignetting wide open - in my experience they all do it, no matter the name on the front. It might be that the Nikon is better in this regard though. I'm not sure you'd go too far wrong with either of these, however the Canon FD might be a better choice than either of these. It's a more modern design and a lovely clean, bright image, but retains plenty of vintage character. One of my favourite vintage 50s.
@@zenography7923 thank you for your quick and useful response Nigel, I've tried the Canon fd, but found the focus ring not smooth enough for video work, maybe it was the copy I tried, Idk. I even bought a 50 1.4 smc Pentax which is wonderful BTW, but the focus ring turns the opposite way I'm used to (clockwise it focuses to infinity), still usable for photography, but it drives me crazy for video work. Something worth noting about the pentax for us videographers.
I agree with the value proposition. I think I only have one f/1.2 lens, a Nikkor and I’ve only used it a few times. It makes me feel like I’m shouting “Hey, look at me with this f/1.2 lens!”. It’s a bit much really.
I know exactly what you mean!
Hey :) you got my old T70 from the mid 80ies
Have you ever tried the Tomioka, auto rikenon 55mm f1.4? I don't know if it's just my copy but that is the best vintage f1.4 that I've ever used - cheap too.
Nigel.. thanks for the review, however, when you refer to the Nikon lens, please tell us whether the one you are holding is a pre-AI version (looks like it.. the rubberized focusing ring.. may even be a "K-version" .. meaning it is one just before Nikon introduced the AI lenses; it may very well even be an AI lens you are holding. Showing us the aperture ring would clarify all of my questions: i.e. a Nikon is not just a Nikon. Cheers
The Minolta Auto rokkor PF is a 58 mm lens I think. The MC Rokkor PF 58 1.4 (mk2) is a better one and the MC 50 1.4 PG is sharper at F1.4 than all others Minoltas 50 mm. but at 1.7-2.0 and beyond the plain MD 50mm 1.4 is the best.(center sharpness and contrast) The most allround 50 mm in the SR mount (Minolta) is the MD f2.0 (sharpness across the frame)
Would you know if there is a AR Adaptor with a focal reducer for a FujivCamera. I'd luv one.
I've had a look online and can't find any - unfortunately!
Should we commission someone?
I have been looking for ar to fx reducer but I think it doesn't exist because the relative short flange distance of AR lens.
i have 2 lenses, one is 55mm f1.4 chinon - looks good, i like middle sharpness but thats it, adn other one is sigma xq 135mm f2.8 what i dont know nothign about
the konica 50 1.4 and minolta 50 1.4 are better optical wide open and less heavy and looks better on sony a7 cameraes than the 57 and 58 versions, in my opion..this minolta 58 are very soft and pale wide open. all your praises to konica for been unique in all ways. but mine are quite warm in colours. are you using auto white balance?, it will surely make wrong colours balance, when the camera try to calculate the wb itself...about konica, i have ended up only using the 50 1.8,, its handles flaires and direct sunlight very impressing than the above mentioned.
I love my Rikenon 50mm f2 on my K mount Petri gx1
I have one of those - a great little lens for sure!
I like the FD, feels heavy even with the plastic, it’s a good lens but the bookeh is meh, I prefer the macro FD 50. But the colours are quite good.
I have 6 57mm 1.4 konica ..why ..there good..I prefer the the all black EE's
have you compared it with Sony 50mm 1,8 or 2 , for APSC , , as i see from the samples , it cant even compare with 16-50 PZ OIS sony nex kit lens . Far as sharpness goes aind its a prime
Vintage 1.4 lenses shot wide open won't compete with a modern lens in terms of sharpness and it wouldn't really be a fair comparison - a bit like comparing a '60s car with a modern one. Instead, use each in situations where they excel! Thanks for tuning in.
@@zenography7923 not wide open at same aperture :) modern one would be wide open , vintage would be stopped down A LOT .
@@dedskin1 I wouldn't buy any vintage lens to compare directly with a modern lens. Buy them because they give a different aesthetic (character), because you enjoy using them and it helps if you appreciate the design/mechanics/history of the lens. Many old lenses will give images that are far nicer to look at than those from the kit lens IMO, but if you value sharpness above all else then you're better off with a modern prime made for your camera.
@@spectralcav i wouldn't either , but if you listen to zenography you will buy 15 lenses and never use them , you will also buy 15 analog film cameras and never use them as well .
The value of Vintage lens is their Bodies , they are good for film , they are completely disassembled and their bodies modified such that they can be used in film production.
These modifications cost 100x more then the lens it self .
But you dont have a focus pull guy , you dont have a film studio , you dont have actors and camera guys .
So value of them is very low for you and me .Because we need not such lenses , we can use modern lenses , put filter on them to soften them up if needed .
Use your IS and AF , and if you want flare its easily added to modern lenses ,
In still pictures you can do whatever you want also without need for older lens .
I have few vintage lenses and find them to be exactly what they are sub par even compared to zooms of today .
So i see no reason to go for one , i rarely shoot video , and when i do i need IS none of the old lenses have it so its out of the question for me .
I am wondering how do you do without IS filming today , you must have some pretty large and expensive gear to stabilize your DSLR ?
@@dedskin1 That's all very rational and logical, two qualities that probably don't apply to people who enjoy using these 'outdated & obsolete' lenses. I think most vintage lens users are just having a bit of fun and enjoying the varied results that they achieve from them, faults and all.
If you're a commercial photographer or videographer, you'd be unlikely to be afforded the freedom to take such an approach to your work, but most camera owners are not professionals. Hobbyists have the freedom to be able to do whatever they like to get the results that they want. You may not like those results but that's besides the point - maybe they simply got more enjoyment from creating those imperfect images than they would have by using the latest gear.
It may not be rational or logical but it doesn't need to be.
Hi! When I watch your reviews (apart the fact, I even want to buy more lenses...) I am curious, if there is any lens in the world, that its color palette you DONT like.... ;-)
Well, I try to appreciate all things for what they are, and in the reviews I try to find likeable qualities in lenses that might not be my first choice (my personal preference is for saturated, slightly cool colours). I guess that way the good qualities in the lenses become clear to viewers! Thanks for looking in.
@@zenography7923 Short: I love your work!!!
I own a Konica 40mm f2.8, I like it but I find it blueish in color rendition
I've found Konica lenses to be a little on the cool side, with a unique colour palette - my 40 1.8 is one of my favourite lenses.
@@zenography7923 i think it's mine too ☺️
Sorry to tell you that your Nikon lens is not an early model. It actually dates from the late 70's. The clues are that it has the small aperture ring with numbers all in white - indicates an AI version, backed up by the serial number. The focusing ring is the main giveaway. The early pre ai lenses had the deep scallop effect. These were produced from the early 60's.
I miss the takumar 1.4!
I'm sure we'll see it again sometime!
@@zenography7923 I'm sure! I don't know why, but I own two of them :-D. I'm very curious about the canon fd 1.4, but I feel like all the canon and nikon vintage lenses are overpriced, so usually I don't even bother. Anyway, excellent content as always!!
Your Nikon appears to be an AI rather than AI-S and therefore a smidge cheaper on average. I used the AI-S version for many years through the 1990s and well into the 2000s. The 105mm 2.5 (yes, 2.5 not 2.8!) and 135mm f2.8 are also very nice.
Jupiter 3, 50 mil 1.5
Being a street/landscape photographer, I prefer the Canon. Like very much the sturdyness and the finish of the Konica but not its rendition and use it rarely. Sold the Pentax (A version) some years ago, a lens I was never confident.
Hello. No plastic on om lenses of that era. All metal.
Thanks for the correction, appreciated!