I am happy enough to own the CZJ Biotar 75 f/1.5 as well as the Pancolar 55 f/1.4... (Being German, I had some advantage buying them when they were still affordable.) After many years of shooting with both lenses, I can confirm that the Biotar is a workhorse, delivering so many unique shots, but also everyday photos. The Pancolar is more of a unicorn, delivering magical atmosphere in the right conditions, but probably less suited for everyday photography, also limited by its yellow tint. By the way, consider the “little brother” of the 75mm Biotar, the CZJ Biotar 58 f/2. It is a truly beautiful lens.
Lucky you! And many thanks for your comments on what its like to use these two lenses, especially the Pancolar. I have an early 17 bladed version of the CZJ Biotar T 58mm f2 from around 1950, and it is indeed a wonderful lens - a small jewel of a lens. My only wish is that my early version had a shorter minimum focusing distance....
@@Simonsutak Why not employ an helicoid mount ? This will allow much closer focusing distance without the need of additionnal rings and "on the fly" mount changes. So practical that i can't use a normal adapter now
I'm a proud owner of the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 SSC, it's a fantastic lens with good contrast and rendering. I previously had the FL 55mm f/1.2 and I enjoy the body design of that version more than the FD version. If I hadn't come across a good deal for the FD SSC I would still own the FL version. The FD SSC has a touch more contrast SOOC but both draw a very similar rendering.
The Topcor is so sharp with a very long focus throw for precision and the blur is just brilliant, going from Takumars, is like getting an assault rifle after using an airgun.
Make sure you get the "RE" Auto-Topcor not the Auto-Topcor. 2 different lenses from Tokyo Kogaku. The entire line of RE lenses is their pro line. They can get expensive quick. The wide lenses are pricey, especially to 20mm. The 35 not so much, the 58-1.4 is up there a bit, the 100mm is really nice too. They have a 85mm in black only but it is crazy expensive, since they only made a small amount. As far as my wish list, I have been slowly acquiring the older nikon 9 aperture blade nikkors. Well just the 2 I want , the 105 and I'm still hesitant on pulling the trigger on the 50.
Auto-Topcor 58mm is made by Cosina in very small batch. 800 in m42 and 800 for Nikon F. More as homage to Tokyo Kogaku than to reincarnate lens. From what I red and found it is closer to Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 than to Tokyo Kogaku RE, Auto-Topcor. All RE lenses are made only in Topcon exacta mount. They are all very fine lenses. Some are legendary and ground breaking come big Berta 300mm f2.8, for long time fastest 300mm.
@@joekubina5897 35mm is probably the one I use more often and compared to 58 f1.4 and 100mm it is not that expensive. Waiting for Santa to bring me Macro Topcor 30mm. I had 20mm but was not impressed. Maybe bad unit. Hinting for 25mm. Also have some UV Topcors. Good and cheap but difficult to adapt but not as goog as RE.
Kilfitt zoomitar 250mm 1.2 !!! I've read about this lens but have never spotted one for sale. It was made in very small numbers for Pentax 6x7. By today's standards, it's probably terrible wide open (or even stopped down?), but it would be amazing to at least try out. Supposedly it's front element measured 8 inches across and was probably heavy as hell! I'm glad you got to try out the Pentax 85mm super achromat. That was another of my dream lenses that I could never hope to afford. I have picked up a full spectrum modified camera - they seem to be able to detect UV to no shorter than about 365nm which is about the wavelength limit for a number of old (and cheap) screw mount lenses that I use instead. Great fun. It's ok to dream!
My last Vintage purchase was a mint Topcor RE AUTO 58MM 1.4, it has not left my Canon R6. I just love shooting with it, and it looks so good, such a beautiful lens!
Thanks so much for all the great videos this year. I love these wide open topics where viewers comment on the favourite (or least favourite) vintage lens. Now it’s my turn. I would like Santa to bring me a Contax Distagon 35mm f1.4 MMJ and if that’s not possible, I would like to be sent back in time (about 10 years) when lenses were much cheaper and then I’d snap up all my favourites for a song.
I had to indulge myself Simon after seeing this video, and purchase a Isco Westrogon 24mm, f4 lens. I had wanted one for a long time to use on my Exakta after reading lots of information about it, but your video finally pushed me over the edge!. I have purchased a beautiful example at a very keen price that has barely been used, and because of that, has a lazy auto aperture mechanism. However, the man that carries out any servicing work on my Exaktas, and CZJ lenses, if they ever need it, will soon sort that out. I can't wait to put it through its paces during a forthcoming trip to London that my wife and I have planned. The lens is coming from the USA, so I have to be patient, difficult though it is!!.
Congratulations - good for you! I know the Exakta mount Flektogon 25mm is a worthy alternative, but the Westrogon seems to me to be in a different class (like you, from what I've read). If you ever have any free time in London, it would be great to meet up - and see you and the lens!
@@Simonsutak Hi Simon, Thank you for the reply. I would be delighted to meet you in London. You could then inspect the Westrogon lens first hand. Bring your Exakta/digital adaptor with you, and you can fit it to your own camera, and fire off a few frames!. As I mentioned, it is coming from the USA, so I am not sure that I will see it this side of Christmas, then it has to go off, along with an Exakta, to Tom, for repair. Hopefully, the postal, and rail problems will soon be behind us, so sometime early in the new year should see it done. All the best for Christmas and the new year. Kind regards Peter
I didn't know the Auto Topcor 58 1.4 came in M42 mount. I bought the Exakta mount version and an m42 mount adapter kit. I used to use it on both my 5D mk ii and NEX 6 with wonderful results. Sharp focus and great bokeh, but the thing that stands out is the sense of illumination from the lack of vignetting making bold images.
I would LOVE to try that 135mm f 3.5 from Meyer Optik. I have their 100mm f2.8 Trioplan, it is referred to as the bubble machine. The 35mm and 50mm bubble really nice but the 100 is something REALLY special adding that extra ring around the bubble, wet grass and dew drops can get crazy looking results.
Was at the top of my wish list after the Canon 50mm f/1.8, the Cooke Amotal 2" f/2.0. Superb in sharpness and glow, the "Cooke Look." Give it a try. Rule Britannia!
Thank you so much for your videos. Sometimes I wonder, why do I have expensive lenses when I can be creating? Wow. These little lenses are incredible. I have a Yashica 50mm f1.4 and I shout black and white with it. I just love how this lens renders a great look for my taste. Thank you for sharing this information 🎉
Mine would be the Biotar 75mm, The Revuenon 55/1.2, The Bokina (Vivitar 90mm/2.5 by Tokina, or the Tokina ATX version) and when I switch to mirrorless the Minolta Rokkor 58mm 1.2
I have a number of vintage lenses, but sadly only one German made and that would be on my list. I do have the Tokyo Kogaku RE.Auto-Topcor 58mm f/1.4, that made your top 5 Santa list and I do like mine. The iris does stick at times, but is a good performer. I do enjoy your videos on the vintage lenses. Have a good Christmas and the following new year.
The Mamiya 80/1.9 and the 7artisans 50/1.1 are lens heaven for me. I love the soft cool look of Mamiya glass. They are shooting up in price since you could pick them up for £200 or less not long ago.
I like the lenses of Meyer Görlitz . Yesterday I've got the New 'Trioplan 50 II - K-mount, made by OPC (OPTICAL PRECISION COMPENENTS EUROPE). After a few shots I must say: love it! The next lens I'd like from Santa is a Biotar II,58 f1.5 , also New-made by OPC .
Ive bought over100 lenses in 2022 all vintage- my fav so far is the pancolar, not had time to use them all yet- i do also have a zeiss biometar 80 shift
I just bought a Tamron Adaptall 2 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 SP lens. I have Adaptall mounts for M42, Nikon F, Canon FD, and Minolta SR mount. I've heard good things about this lens, like it's the best short zoom Tamron ever made, and that it's got remarkably little distortion. Being Adaptall-2, I can use it on lots of different cameras. Plus, the 35-80mm focal range, and fast max aperture makes this vintage zoom incredibly useful. If I had one lens to ask Santa for, it would be the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM OIS WR. It's not a vintage lens, but it's one component of my Fuji mirrorless kit I'd love to obtain.
Santa conducted an early reconanance a few weeks ago and delivered a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 135mm f3.5 M42. Apparently he had watched your review. Hopefully Santa will return on the big day with a Helios 40. Results from this lens are quite unique. I have a number of f1.4 fast fifties and are wondering if an f1.2 lens is really worth the upgrade.
So it works! Very interested to see what you make of the Primotar 135mm. It's not an easy decision F1.4 vs f1.2, but the longer one waits the more chance that more low-cost ultra-fast new lenses become available. Personally, I'm happy to own a f1.2, it can do things a f1.4 can't (if you get one with unique bokeh - my Tomioka has a unusual tunnel-like effect), and I was very lucky to pick one up at a "reasonable" price.
Santa also dropped off a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 135mm f3.5 M42 after watching your previous video!! It came from Ukraine, but the adapter is taking another month!
Interesting thing is that all of those 55 to 58mm "normal" film lenses are equivalent to 82 to 87mm on APSC digital cameras. I have a 58mm f1.4 Nikkor that was, I think, supposed to be the worst of all Nikkor normal lenses, but it's absolutely my favorite digital portrait lens.
I feel blessed to have the very small collection I do. So, I’d really like Santa to bring me more time to shoot with what I have already including a recently inherited CZ Ultron 50 f1.8. I haven’t shot it yet because I’m not sure about the adapter options. I have the Icarex Bayonet mount and haven’t heard many good things about the adapters currently available to mount it on a Sony. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!
With my Sony e - mounts, I use a Fotodiox adapter for my M42 lenses, and a K&F Concept adapter for my Exakta mount lenses. Both are well made, work well and my lenses focus to/beyond infinity.
I wouldn’t mind a Leica Elmer 35mm f3.5 L39 from Santa. They’re pretty expensive and slow lenses so not really my go to but it is very small almost like a body cap lens which is very cool.
Have you ever tried using a Steinheil Munchen Quinron 55mm f1.9? I consider it one of my OMG lenses. In most situations, the bokeh is a smooth, creamy blur. And it's extremely sharp for an old lens.
No, but I would like to. I've very nearly bought one - what's stopped me is that I own too many 55mm and 58mm lenses already. (Maybe time to start selling and then buying again!)
you mean radioactive version? i have this radioactive version but don’t have non radioactive version M42 mount one, so i can’t compare if these two version is identical in color rendering performance.
@pierrat No. I don't have the radioactive version. And I probably should make it clear that I don't have the macro version either. I have the old style silver version. I'm amazed at how super sharp it is with a creamy bokeh wide open. My guess is that no matter what version you have, you can't go wrong.
The Canon FL 55 1.2 is a fun lens. Not the sharpest, but oh such lovely colors! Especially with night street shooting. But the Biotar Bokeh is far better for specular lighting at night. Still can’t afford the 75mm Biotar, but hope to score a Helios 85mm as it has many of the same strengths.
Dear Simon, I watch all your videos on vintage lenses and love the work you do. I would like to ask you if you could do a review on the Pancolar 55mm 1.4 which is a truly magical lens and there is almost nothing on TH-cam on it… Thank you very much, Gerard
I just wish to find again a cheap (yet very rare) Cosinon-s 50 f/1.7 MC (which was a petri design). I used to have one which was very sharp, compact and with great bokeh balls but sold it for a digital era 50mm lens. I still regret it to this day
I've got one, and yes, it's sharp with a very interesting combination wide open of soap bubble bokeh balls and swirly bokeh. But mine has one major flaw (!). When it arrived the focus was completely locked, just beyond the minimum focus distance. I was going to send it back to the seller, but when I took some test shots, the results were so good, I thought why not keep it and try and repair it. Well, I haven't been able to repair but even as a locked lens, it's still a lot of fun!
My top 5 vintage lenses that I own: Helios 40 (ahhhh, what a lens, one of the all-time greats!!) Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (8 element, amazing piece of glass) Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5 (my main street photography lens now) Super Multi Coated MACRO Takumar 50mm f4 (also a good street lens and does super duty as a portrait lens and of course macro, albeit it's just an ok macro lens) Auto-Takumar 35mm f2.3 (maybe the prettiest lens of the Takumar line of all time, IMO) Honorable mention the Helios 44-2 All mounted on Fuji XPro's and XH's
I have the Triotar in M42, purchased cheap when no one knew what they were. For certain uses, I prefer a similar but slower lens, the Isco-Göttingen Westar 100mm f4.5, which I also have. I also have the Canon FL 55mm f1.2 and 58mm f1.2, but have only used them on Canon FL mount film cameras. I do like them. I also have a converted Kodak Aero 172mm f2.5 lens that I use on M42 cameras. Gigantic and heavy, but lovely output.
An interesting video as ever. I have a couple on my list but I am really interested in trying the Pentax-M 28mm Shift lens, which is apparently designed to counter the natural effect of converging lines when taking pictures of buildings and can also be used (apparantly) with great effect artistically. I don't know if you have ever used this?
Thank you! No I've not tried that lens. I was invited to review a new (Chinese) shift lens a few months ago and declined. I'm still wondering whether I made a mistake or not!!
The SMC Pentax Shift 28mm is a beautiful lens, with great build quality, but it shows its age. Among other things, it is affected by pronounced vignetting. I believe the Samyang 24mm tilt shift would be a better option, for practical photographic use. It's available new, in many mounts, including Pentax PK. It should cost the same (or very little more) as the old Pentax shift. The 24mm focal would give a huge advantage taking architecture shots in close quarters, and the tilt movement would open a lot of creative possibilities... As a general rule, I would suggest to go for vintage lenses mainly for three reasons: fast speed (especially for full frame cameras), great bokeh, beautiful rendering for portrait use. There could be other uses, but in my experience they are pretty much niche stuff.
Mine Takumar 50mm1.4 and my Pentax 100mm2.8 M lens both great lenses . The lens on my wish list which I recently purchased used a Pentax 150-450 The lens is extremly sharp but heavy lenses one the sharpest lenses I have ever used You just need your own sherpa to carry it
Since this is a wish list, anything goes! I want 16 aperture blades in my Konica 57 f1,4 😇 If Santa only can deliver exixting lenses, I guess a Konica 57mm f1,2 will do. But I would also like a Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8 And a Sankyo Kohki KOMURA 85mm f/1.4 Interesting video concept, will pop in here again for the comments.
Am a happy owner of Konica 57mm f1.2 latest version Zeiss Pancolar 55mm f1.4 Zeiss Otus 100mm f1.4 These 3 lenses satisfy all my bokeh needs. If you don’t or can’t find a pancolar 55mm, get the konica 57mm f1.2. It’s the best substitute. I love it. It’s true that the pancolar is 10 dream lenses combined in one. That lens made me return my Leica Noctilux 0.95 and the Voigtlander 50mm f1, cuz they are just too perfect for me and can’t transform the background like the pancolar does. It’s that good. BTW I also prefer the konica to the Noctilux.
Ha! I know that feeling so well! I missed a really cheap copy three years ago, and still regret it. I can still remember looking at the lens on ebay, thinking should I, shouldn't I (and I collect Takumars), and the next morning, poof it was gone.
The Topcor 58mm is a fantastic lens. It's the precursor to the modern Voigtlander 58 nokton. I don't know if it's the best of all time (and mine's not even in m42 mount), but it is a very good lens. Another of my favorite 50-ish m42 lenses is the Mamia/Sekor 55 1.4 by Tomioka (has several other rebranded versions).
I like my Mamiys/Sekor 55mm f1.4 too. So much so I'm still questioning whether to splash out on a Topcor 58mm f1.4. Maybe I'll go for the f1.8 some day....
@@Simonsutak When I first got into photography, I bought up tons of m42 mount lenses because they were cheap. Most of them are very good, especially in the 50mm range, but I don't use many of them anymore. When I moved over to mirrorless, I started getting more into rangefinder lenses. My favorite 50mm lenses (of any mount) are the 1950s Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5 (prominent mount), Contax Zeiss Planar 50mm 1.4, 1950s Contax Sonnar 50 1.4, 1950s Leica Summarit 50 1.5, 1950s Cooke Ivotal 2" (50mm) 1.4 (covers APS-C), and the old, trusty Leica Summicron. If I shoot M42 mount, I'm going for that vintage look, so I'll typically go with the Biotar 58 or Primoplan 58. I actually prefer the Primoplan. It more old school.
@@KingGameReview Regarding rangefinder lenses, let's not forget about a few cheaper options that are as good as those you mentioned, in my humble opinion. Four examples: the Jupiter-3 1.5/50mm and Jupiter-8 2/50mm (both great Sonnars with outstanding bokeh - the old silver versions are preferable), and the two 105mm Komura (one f/2.5 Ernostar and the other f/2.8 Sonnar). There are faster portrait Komuras in M39 but they cost plenty of money these days...
@@PaoloServadei the Jupiters are good. Also the Helios-103 53mm f/1.8 is pretty good. I have an actual Contax Sonnar 50mm f/1.5, though, so I rarely use any of the Soviet ones anymore.
Which Tokyo Kogaku? The original was never a m42 lens. It was exakta mount. It can, however, be converted to m42. There was also a Tokyo Kogaku tribute lens made my cosina in limited numbers. Half of them were m42 and half Nikon F. This is different than the original lens and later became the Voigtlander Nokton 58 f/1.4.
@@Simonsutak There have not been that many comparisons done. However, the original is sharper starting at f/2.8. The cosina version is either sharper or has better contrast wide open. The original is also better color corrected with less CA, while the cosina version has very nasty CA sometimes even at f/4. The Tokyo Kogaku lenses were not APO lenses, but Tokyo Kogaku put in great effort to control the CA as best as possible considering the lens were made around the 1960s. This is for all the lenses they made. Color correction was a priority for them. Bokeh wide open may also be different. The original is a 7/5 optic arrangement, while the cosina is 7/6. When it comes to bokeh the original is very similar to the famous Minolta 58 f/1.2 lens. A bit wild bokeh wide open and then it becomes smooth and creamy starting from f/2. As for why it's famous. Tokyo Kogaku was a bit like Leica. Best wide-open performance in the center even at the expensive of curvature and priority on saturated colors with great contrast. However, from f/8-f/11 all their lenses were sharp corner to corner for landscape and actually maintained excellent performance there. For their age they render very modern. The 58 is famous as a portrait lens. I have some sample images in my flickr if you are interested. Let me know.
@@Simonsutak Just to add to my previous comment. I don't think the cosina Tokyo Kogaku is worth the asking price. If you want the optical performance the optics have moved to the Nokton 58 1.4 at a much cheaper price. If you want the original, then it sells for much less than the limited-edition tribute lens. Both are money better spent than on the tribute, which sells for a premium.
I would love a Tokina f2.8 80-200mm for EF - not expensive, but I would love it for nature photography! Also the Laowa 100mm 2x f2.8 Macro, and the TTArtisans 50mm f0.95 for obvious reasons. That should cover all bases!
my personal top five favourite vintage lens is among som berthiot anastigmat 50/2.8, 75/4.5, som berthiot flor 50/3.5, 75/3.5, Demaria Lapierre Anastigmat Manar 110/4.5, although i have numerous german, french and english made vintage lenses such as steinheil, rodenstock, schneider, leitz, carl zeiss, carl zeiss jena, meyer optik, kilfitt, angenieux, kodak london anaston, boyer, h.roussel, ross london, wray london etc. if i have to choose top five lens in term of impressive color rendering and grey shade transition rendering for b/w photography, i would have no regret to choose above five after carefully comparing each other for thousand times in full frame digital sensor with 99% sRGB gamut monitor.
I have a huge collection of large format vintage lenses. Stopped buying them about 10 years ago, but I still have all of them. I remember I tried a few times to buy a Flor, but it never materialised. I'd be curious to see how it renders. Now I swear at myself cause 90% of those lenses have very long focals (because I wanted 5x7" or 8x10" coverage), so they have no practical use on digital. A pity because if I had bought shorter focals I would have plenty of bokeh monsters at hand. The only Berthiot I have used on small film/sensors is a 1.9/25mm in C mount that proved to be a good micro lens (used reversed). I have to free the helicoid to try it the way it's supposed to work, fitted on a m4/3 camera.
@@PaoloServadei flickr has lot of sample photos of vintage lens on digital sensors including all lenses above mentioned. i have c mount som berthiot 25/1.5 but its color rendition is noticeable different from above mentioned other som berthiot lens while it’s in fact similar to som berthiot cinor 15/1.5 which is also a c mount lens. each non c mount som berthiot lens has its own characteristic color rendition which is quite noticeable from each other, even if it’s same model but with different serial number. that’s amazing part of the story.
I'd love to try a Fed 10 50mm f3.5, not because it's fast or extremely sharp, but because it seems like a lens with a lot of vintage character- I think it was only made in M39. One I know I'd love is the Helios 40 85mm f1.5; I love the much cheaper and more common Helios 44-2 I have, and would love to try a similar optic in 85mm. Beyond that, I will forever hope that Santa (or someone else) gives me an old Canon 50mm F0.95 L... I'm not sure if that's old enough to be considered "vintage", but holy moly does that seem like an amazing lens to use but WAY to costly to buy.
Ha! The lens in my ‘banner’ image - the Jupiter-9 - can do this on the right conditions. www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/50958680057/in/album-72157717487384091/
@@Simonsutak like that, at 10sec. - th-cam.com/video/w-e5sFmbyHo/w-d-xo.html actually there are two big circular rainbow flares with a pretty good contrast
If it's any consolation, I owned the K mount version of the S-M-C Takumar 85mm f1.8 and ended up selling it. (Having found a much cheaper Takumar 85mm f1.9). I just couldn't find enough reasons to use it regularly, and it didn't create magic out of thin air. But I'm glad I had the chance to try it for a while; it was my "dream" Takumar/Pentax lens. The reality just didn't match my dreams!
@@Simonsutak I tend to consider the 85mm and 100/105mm lenses as portrait optics. Of course the use could be different, but in the end I tend to stick to the old rule that defines that focal range as best suited for portraits. Speaking of Pentax lenses, PK or M42, I have two favourites: for sharp portraits the Pentax-A Star 1.4/85mm and for softer portraits the Auto Takumar 1.8/85mm. It should be noted that all the various Takumar 85mm's have a different optical design, as far as I remember. For sure the Auto differs from the Super-Multi-Coated, which differs from the SMC. The Pentax holy grail for portraits should be the FA (vintage autofocus), but i can't confirm cause I never had it.
Well it may not be rare but Santa is bringing me a Konica Hexanon 135mm f3.2. For a 50 year old lens it is in fine shape and reviews give me hope to produce some rich portraits.
Why not try a Carl Zeiss Jena Prakticar 50mm f1.4 lens, as a cheaper option. It is of high quality construction, all metal, with a ball bearing aperture mechanism. Version one is also radioactive. Personally, I think a CZJ 25mm, f4 Flektogon will do just a good a job as the Isco, looks good, and is much cheaper.
Yes I'd like to have a Primolpan 58mm f1.9 again, if only for nostalgic reasons. My eyesight has gotten bad to the point where using classic glass is problematic, to say the least. Thus my actual one Santa Claus lens is a a new lens, the Sigma 150-600mm, to supplant the telephoto shots currently made with a failing Nikon P610. Alas it's over $1,000 and in this age of 300% inflation money needs to go elsewhere first. I wouldn't mind borrowing the Zeiss Biotar my neighbour has sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Perhaps I can talk him into the loan and pick up an Exacta adaptor for the Canon or the Sony.
I'd like Santa's workshop to help me modify the Ricoh F Rikenon 55mm 1.4 mount to Nikon F body flange ! I have the Mamiya design F mount made for Nikon and sold to Ricoh on the (film ) Ricoh Singlex. This one isn't the M43 Ricoh Singlex . Any Nikon F mount I have will fit the Ricoh , but I'd like Santa's workshop to help me modify the Ricoh F mount to Nikon F body flange .Ricoh F mount design has one flange lug that is longer than the Nikon F in the 10 o'clock position . Clever Nikon - Nikon F will fit the Singlex, but Rikenon F mount will not fit my digital or film Nikons without modification; it has been done but I can't find any process documentation.
I've always wanted an humble super-multi coated takumar 55 f 1.4, the radioactive version. I almost had one 2 years ago but the ebay seller sent me a copy with mold. I was so disappointed and sad (it was supposed to be my self-gift for christmas) that when i got my refound i didn't even try to buy another again :(
Nice video. Mine would be Tomioka 55mm 1.2. Takumar 35mm f2.3. Curriusly, I would not by Takumar for same reasons you will not buy Flektogon. Right now Flek is cheaper than Tak. About Ultron. In most situations bokeh will be okay but somehow something is is missing. Sometimes it is just plainly ugly. But in right conditions it will give swirl that is as crazy and satisfactory as Helioses or Xenons (Schneider Kreutznach 50mm f1.9). Ultron has other qualities that makes them hard to depart with. It is beautifull. Separation of subject is great. Trioplan: I agree with you, it is unreasonably expensive. But, once you have it it's so much fun. Mine is exacta mount and had haze. So the price was acceptable. After cleaning more than acceptable.
Love the Trioplan! I like them so much that I have more than half a dozen, from 45mm to 360mm! I concur with your choice of "Santa lenses". The Tomioka 1.2/55mm in particular is a great lens, one of the very few that surprised me over and over with beautiful images. My suggestion: don't buy an M42 version. Given the small size of the "mouth" of the M42 mount, it was not possible to design an auto lens with a standard 7 elements double gauss layout, so they had to cut the side of the back element. The PK versions don't have the same handicap. I have the Revuenon MC 1.2/55mm that works really great, better than the SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm and much better than the Porst 1.2/55mm (which is Cosina design, not Tomioka). The Tomioka/Revuenon is so good that it matches the "WOW effect" of the Leitz Canada Summicron 2/90mm (which also gives a surprising number of keepers).
Santa Claus sent me the ones I wanted yet… in fact to complete my collection of 24-35-50-85 mm lenses, I still need to find a Leica tri elmarit 24-35-50 mm
Have you been naughty or nice? I was probably naught my self, and am unemployed and broke. Looking forward for your next video named "Santa is giving five great vintage lenses away", or probably not...😪
Santa is briging me a Super-Multi-Coated FISH-EYE-TAKUMAR 1:4/17. And i wish Santa help me find an adapter for my Telemegor 1:5.5 / 400, it has a Praktina mount, and I want to try it on my Canon EF
I am happy enough to own the CZJ Biotar 75 f/1.5 as well as the Pancolar 55 f/1.4... (Being German, I had some advantage buying them when they were still affordable.) After many years of shooting with both lenses, I can confirm that the Biotar is a workhorse, delivering so many unique shots, but also everyday photos. The Pancolar is more of a unicorn, delivering magical atmosphere in the right conditions, but probably less suited for everyday photography, also limited by its yellow tint. By the way, consider the “little brother” of the 75mm Biotar, the CZJ Biotar 58 f/2. It is a truly beautiful lens.
Lucky you! And many thanks for your comments on what its like to use these two lenses, especially the Pancolar. I have an early 17 bladed version of the CZJ Biotar T 58mm f2 from around 1950, and it is indeed a wonderful lens - a small jewel of a lens. My only wish is that my early version had a shorter minimum focusing distance....
Lucky u, Biotar 75 mm costs around 2k in very good conditions
@@Simonsutak Why not employ an helicoid mount ? This will allow much closer focusing distance without the need of additionnal rings and "on the fly" mount changes. So practical that i can't use a normal adapter now
I'm a proud owner of the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 SSC, it's a fantastic lens with good contrast and rendering. I previously had the FL 55mm f/1.2 and I enjoy the body design of that version more than the FD version. If I hadn't come across a good deal for the FD SSC I would still own the FL version. The FD SSC has a touch more contrast SOOC but both draw a very similar rendering.
👍 I got mine for $300 and I love it.
The Topcor is so sharp with a very long focus throw for precision and the blur is just brilliant, going from Takumars, is like getting an assault rifle after using an airgun.
Make sure you get the "RE" Auto-Topcor not the Auto-Topcor. 2 different lenses from Tokyo Kogaku.
The entire line of RE lenses is their pro line.
They can get expensive quick. The wide lenses are pricey, especially to 20mm.
The 35 not so much, the 58-1.4 is up there a bit, the 100mm is really nice too.
They have a 85mm in black only but it is crazy expensive, since they only made a small amount.
As far as my wish list, I have been slowly acquiring the older nikon 9 aperture blade nikkors. Well just the 2 I want , the 105 and I'm still hesitant on pulling the trigger on the 50.
Auto-Topcor 58mm is made by Cosina in very small batch. 800 in m42 and 800 for Nikon F. More as homage to Tokyo Kogaku than to reincarnate lens. From what I red and found it is closer to Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 than to Tokyo Kogaku RE, Auto-Topcor.
All RE lenses are made only in Topcon exacta mount. They are all very fine lenses. Some are legendary and ground breaking come big Berta 300mm f2.8, for long time fastest 300mm.
@@cvijax I have the 58, 100 and 135 re auto topcor, still fishing for the 35, so hard to find a quality lens at a decent price.
@@joekubina5897 35mm is probably the one I use more often and compared to 58 f1.4 and 100mm it is not that expensive. Waiting for Santa to bring me Macro Topcor 30mm. I had 20mm but was not impressed. Maybe bad unit. Hinting for 25mm. Also have some UV Topcors. Good and cheap but difficult to adapt but not as goog as RE.
Japanese Santa visited early this week with a mint Pentax SMC 50mm f1.2, but the Helios 85mm is still on my wish list...
Have fun with your new lens :-)
Kilfitt zoomitar 250mm 1.2 !!! I've read about this lens but have never spotted one for sale. It was made in very small numbers for Pentax 6x7. By today's standards, it's probably terrible wide open (or even stopped down?), but it would be amazing to at least try out. Supposedly it's front element measured 8 inches across and was probably heavy as hell!
I'm glad you got to try out the Pentax 85mm super achromat. That was another of my dream lenses that I could never hope to afford. I have picked up a full spectrum modified camera - they seem to be able to detect UV to no shorter than about 365nm which is about the wavelength limit for a number of old (and cheap) screw mount lenses that I use instead. Great fun. It's ok to dream!
My last Vintage purchase was a mint Topcor RE AUTO 58MM 1.4, it has not left my Canon R6. I just love shooting with it, and it looks so good, such a beautiful lens!
Thanks so much for all the great videos this year. I love these wide open topics where viewers comment on the favourite (or least favourite) vintage lens. Now it’s my turn. I would like Santa to bring me a Contax Distagon 35mm f1.4 MMJ and if that’s not possible, I would like to be sent back in time (about 10 years) when lenses were much cheaper and then I’d snap up all my favourites for a song.
I had to indulge myself Simon after seeing this video, and purchase a Isco Westrogon 24mm, f4 lens. I had wanted one for a long time to use on my Exakta after reading lots of information about it, but your video finally pushed me over the edge!. I have purchased a beautiful example at a very keen price that has barely been used, and because of that, has a lazy auto aperture mechanism. However, the man that carries out any servicing work on my Exaktas, and CZJ lenses, if they ever need it, will soon sort that out.
I can't wait to put it through its paces during a forthcoming trip to London that my wife and I have planned. The lens is coming from the USA, so I have to be patient, difficult though it is!!.
Congratulations - good for you! I know the Exakta mount Flektogon 25mm is a worthy alternative, but the Westrogon seems to me to be in a different class (like you, from what I've read). If you ever have any free time in London, it would be great to meet up - and see you and the lens!
@@Simonsutak Hi Simon,
Thank you for the reply. I would be delighted to meet you in London. You could then inspect the Westrogon lens first hand. Bring your Exakta/digital adaptor with you, and you can fit it to your own camera, and fire off a few frames!. As I mentioned, it is coming from the USA, so I am not sure that I will see it this side of Christmas, then it has to go off, along with an Exakta, to Tom, for repair. Hopefully, the postal, and rail problems will soon be behind us, so sometime early in the new year should see it done. All the best for Christmas and the new year. Kind regards Peter
I didn't know the Auto Topcor 58 1.4 came in M42 mount. I bought the Exakta mount version and an m42 mount adapter kit. I used to use it on both my 5D mk ii and NEX 6 with wonderful results. Sharp focus and great bokeh, but the thing that stands out is the sense of illumination from the lack of vignetting making bold images.
I learn so much!!! Thanks for all your work in this channel.
Happy holidays!
I would LOVE to try that 135mm f 3.5 from Meyer Optik. I have their 100mm f2.8 Trioplan, it is referred to as the bubble machine. The 35mm and 50mm bubble really nice but the 100 is something REALLY special adding that extra ring around the bubble, wet grass and dew drops can get crazy looking results.
Was at the top of my wish list after the Canon 50mm f/1.8, the Cooke Amotal 2" f/2.0. Superb in sharpness and glow, the "Cooke Look." Give it a try. Rule Britannia!
Always watch your videos, they are very informative.
Thank you so much for your videos. Sometimes I wonder, why do I have expensive lenses when I can be creating? Wow. These little lenses are incredible. I have a Yashica 50mm f1.4 and I shout black and white with it. I just love how this lens renders a great look for my taste. Thank you for sharing this information 🎉
Mine would be the Biotar 75mm, The Revuenon 55/1.2, The Bokina (Vivitar 90mm/2.5 by Tokina, or the Tokina ATX version) and when I switch to mirrorless the Minolta Rokkor 58mm 1.2
I have a number of vintage lenses, but sadly only one German made and that would be on my list. I do have the Tokyo Kogaku RE.Auto-Topcor 58mm f/1.4, that made your top 5 Santa list and I do like mine. The iris does stick at times, but is a good performer. I do enjoy your videos on the vintage lenses. Have a good Christmas and the following new year.
Leitz Wetzlar Colorplan 1:2.5/90 mm with special adapter M42 made with 3D printer
Yes! And it can focus to infinity......with a 20 blade aperture built in.
another interesting video, its videos like these that keep fueling my vintage lens obsession
The Mamiya 80/1.9 and the 7artisans 50/1.1 are lens heaven for me. I love the soft cool look of Mamiya glass. They are shooting up in price since you could pick them up for £200 or less not long ago.
I like the lenses of Meyer Görlitz . Yesterday I've got the New 'Trioplan 50 II - K-mount, made by OPC (OPTICAL PRECISION COMPENENTS EUROPE). After a few shots I must say: love it!
The next lens I'd like from Santa is a Biotar II,58 f1.5 , also New-made by OPC .
Ive bought over100 lenses in 2022 all vintage- my fav so far is the pancolar, not had time to use them all yet- i do also have a zeiss biometar 80 shift
I will pay more attention to Meyer-Optik lenses after seeing these results, thanks for openning my eyes and mind.
I just bought a Tamron Adaptall 2 35-80mm f/2.8-3.8 SP lens. I have Adaptall mounts for M42, Nikon F, Canon FD, and Minolta SR mount. I've heard good things about this lens, like it's the best short zoom Tamron ever made, and that it's got remarkably little distortion. Being Adaptall-2, I can use it on lots of different cameras. Plus, the 35-80mm focal range, and fast max aperture makes this vintage zoom incredibly useful.
If I had one lens to ask Santa for, it would be the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM OIS WR. It's not a vintage lens, but it's one component of my Fuji mirrorless kit I'd love to obtain.
Santa conducted an early reconanance a few weeks ago and delivered a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 135mm f3.5 M42. Apparently he had watched your review.
Hopefully Santa will return on the big day with a Helios 40. Results from this lens are quite unique. I have a number of f1.4 fast fifties and are wondering if an f1.2 lens is really worth the upgrade.
So it works! Very interested to see what you make of the Primotar 135mm. It's not an easy decision F1.4 vs f1.2, but the longer one waits the more chance that more low-cost ultra-fast new lenses become available. Personally, I'm happy to own a f1.2, it can do things a f1.4 can't (if you get one with unique bokeh - my Tomioka has a unusual tunnel-like effect), and I was very lucky to pick one up at a "reasonable" price.
Santa also dropped off a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 135mm f3.5 M42 after watching your previous video!!
It came from Ukraine, but the adapter is taking another month!
Interesting thing is that all of those 55 to 58mm "normal" film lenses are equivalent to 82 to 87mm on APSC digital cameras.
I have a 58mm f1.4 Nikkor that was, I think, supposed to be the worst of all Nikkor normal lenses, but it's absolutely my favorite digital portrait lens.
ive heard great things about the rendering of that old lens. i have the 55 1.2 nikkor which also has a great render
Interesting and informative. A very enjoyable vid. Thanks.
I feel blessed to have the very small collection I do. So, I’d really like Santa to bring me more time to shoot with what I have already including a recently inherited CZ Ultron 50 f1.8. I haven’t shot it yet because I’m not sure about the adapter options. I have the Icarex Bayonet mount and haven’t heard many good things about the adapters currently available to mount it on a Sony. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!
With my Sony e - mounts, I use a Fotodiox adapter for my M42 lenses, and a K&F Concept adapter for my Exakta mount lenses. Both are well made, work well and my lenses focus to/beyond infinity.
I wouldn’t mind a Leica Elmer 35mm f3.5 L39 from Santa. They’re pretty expensive and slow lenses so not really my go to but it is very small almost like a body cap lens which is very cool.
I just scored the carl zeiss ultron 50 mm 1.8 thread mount aka m42 mount , its so sharp wide open and has my favorite bokeh and rainbow flares
Lucky you to find and own such a classic lens!
Have you ever tried using a Steinheil Munchen Quinron 55mm f1.9? I consider it one of my OMG lenses. In most situations, the bokeh is a smooth, creamy blur. And it's extremely sharp for an old lens.
No, but I would like to. I've very nearly bought one - what's stopped me is that I own too many 55mm and 58mm lenses already. (Maybe time to start selling and then buying again!)
you mean radioactive version? i have this radioactive version but don’t have non radioactive version M42 mount one, so i can’t compare if these two version is identical in color rendering performance.
@pierrat No. I don't have the radioactive version. And I probably should make it clear that I don't have the macro version either. I have the old style silver version. I'm amazed at how super sharp it is with a creamy bokeh wide open. My guess is that no matter what version you have, you can't go wrong.
The Canon FL 55 1.2 is a fun lens. Not the sharpest, but oh such lovely colors! Especially with night street shooting. But the Biotar Bokeh is far better for specular lighting at night. Still can’t afford the 75mm Biotar, but hope to score a Helios 85mm as it has many of the same strengths.
My Canon FL 55 1.2 is sharper than my Nikkor 55 1.2, Zuiko 55 1.2 and my Minolta 58mm 1.2, but by f2 it would be hard to pick which is sharpest.
@@0action847 I've long wanted to try some of those others, just to compare.
really great stuff! i am so statisfied and happy that I found your amazing channel!
Dear Simon, I watch all your videos on vintage lenses and love the work you do. I would like to ask you if you could do a review on the Pancolar 55mm 1.4 which is a truly magical lens and there is almost nothing on TH-cam on it…
Thank you very much,
Gerard
The Man With The Bag. Ok, Santa, how about that Contax 85mm 1.4? However your primotar shots were the best!
I just bought a Contax 85mm 2.8 an I love it. I decided to get the Sonnar over the Planar but would love to try them both. Happy hunting.
Canon dream lens, summilux. Just those two. I don't want to give Santa too many options.
I have been wanting a Kilfitt Makro Kilar 90mm f2.8 for many years. The double ring bokeh fascinates me.
The nikon 58 1.2 is the dream lens honestly
I have a Topcor RE AUTO 58MM 1.4, it is incredible. Honestly, get one.
I just wish to find again a cheap (yet very rare) Cosinon-s 50 f/1.7 MC (which was a petri design). I used to have one which was very sharp, compact and with great bokeh balls but sold it for a digital era 50mm lens. I still regret it to this day
I've got one, and yes, it's sharp with a very interesting combination wide open of soap bubble bokeh balls and swirly bokeh. But mine has one major flaw (!). When it arrived the focus was completely locked, just beyond the minimum focus distance. I was going to send it back to the seller, but when I took some test shots, the results were so good, I thought why not keep it and try and repair it. Well, I haven't been able to repair but even as a locked lens, it's still a lot of fun!
My top 5 vintage lenses that I own:
Helios 40 (ahhhh, what a lens, one of the all-time greats!!)
Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (8 element, amazing piece of glass)
Super Multi Coated Takumar 24mm f3.5 (my main street photography lens now)
Super Multi Coated MACRO Takumar 50mm f4 (also a good street lens and does super duty as a portrait lens and of course macro, albeit it's just an ok macro lens)
Auto-Takumar 35mm f2.3 (maybe the prettiest lens of the Takumar line of all time, IMO)
Honorable mention the Helios 44-2
All mounted on Fuji XPro's and XH's
the Biotar 75 has been on my Santa list for over a decade. In that time I've seen the price more than double....
I have the Triotar in M42, purchased cheap when no one knew what they were. For certain uses, I prefer a similar but slower lens, the Isco-Göttingen Westar 100mm f4.5, which I also have. I also have the Canon FL 55mm f1.2 and 58mm f1.2, but have only used them on Canon FL mount film cameras. I do like them. I also have a converted Kodak Aero 172mm f2.5 lens that I use on M42 cameras. Gigantic and heavy, but lovely output.
An interesting video as ever. I have a couple on my list but I am really interested in trying the Pentax-M 28mm Shift lens, which is apparently designed to counter the natural effect of converging lines when taking pictures of buildings and can also be used (apparantly) with great effect artistically. I don't know if you have ever used this?
Thank you! No I've not tried that lens. I was invited to review a new (Chinese) shift lens a few months ago and declined. I'm still wondering whether I made a mistake or not!!
The SMC Pentax Shift 28mm is a beautiful lens, with great build quality, but it shows its age. Among other things, it is affected by pronounced vignetting. I believe the Samyang 24mm tilt shift would be a better option, for practical photographic use. It's available new, in many mounts, including Pentax PK. It should cost the same (or very little more) as the old Pentax shift. The 24mm focal would give a huge advantage taking architecture shots in close quarters, and the tilt movement would open a lot of creative possibilities... As a general rule, I would suggest to go for vintage lenses mainly for three reasons: fast speed (especially for full frame cameras), great bokeh, beautiful rendering for portrait use. There could be other uses, but in my experience they are pretty much niche stuff.
Leitz 40mm f2 😮📷
Try a Konica 40mm f1.8 for $40 while you’re waiting. When you finally get the Leitz you can use the Konica in the rain:)
@@kmcsmart oh I already have one of those, don't worry.
Good job. My favourite recently is Primoplan 58 f1.9
I like my Jupiter 9 silver early model 85mm f2 lens m39 for the Zenit.
Mine Takumar 50mm1.4 and my Pentax 100mm2.8 M lens both great lenses . The lens on my wish list which I recently purchased used a Pentax 150-450 The lens is extremly sharp but heavy lenses one the sharpest lenses I have ever used You just need your own sherpa to carry it
Since this is a wish list, anything goes! I want 16 aperture blades in my Konica 57 f1,4 😇
If Santa only can deliver exixting lenses, I guess a Konica 57mm f1,2 will do.
But I would also like a Konica UC Hexanon AR 28mm F1.8
And a Sankyo Kohki KOMURA 85mm f/1.4
Interesting video concept, will pop in here again for the comments.
Yes I’d go for 16 blades in my Konica 57/1.4! It’s certainly an unsung hero of a lens. They are so easy to find everyone should own one.
i have a topcon re super - and if it wasn't already hard enough finding that lens..... 😄
I would like back my MIR-I 2.8/37A (B version is good, but A is far more interesting)
Pentacon AV f/2.8/80 mm with special adapter M42 made with 3D printer
Am a happy owner of
Konica 57mm f1.2 latest version
Zeiss Pancolar 55mm f1.4
Zeiss Otus 100mm f1.4
These 3 lenses satisfy all my bokeh needs.
If you don’t or can’t find a pancolar 55mm, get the konica 57mm f1.2. It’s the best substitute. I love it.
It’s true that the pancolar is 10 dream lenses combined in one. That lens made me return my Leica Noctilux 0.95 and the Voigtlander 50mm f1, cuz they are just too perfect for me and can’t transform the background like the pancolar does. It’s that good.
BTW I also prefer the konica to the Noctilux.
Takumar 35 F4, but not sure what for. Guess for the collection :)
Ha! I know that feeling so well! I missed a really cheap copy three years ago, and still regret it. I can still remember looking at the lens on ebay, thinking should I, shouldn't I (and I collect Takumars), and the next morning, poof it was gone.
@@Simonsutak Oh, what a pity :(
The Topcor 58mm is a fantastic lens. It's the precursor to the modern Voigtlander 58 nokton. I don't know if it's the best of all time (and mine's not even in m42 mount), but it is a very good lens. Another of my favorite 50-ish m42 lenses is the Mamia/Sekor 55 1.4 by Tomioka (has several other rebranded versions).
I like my Mamiys/Sekor 55mm f1.4 too. So much so I'm still questioning whether to splash out on a Topcor 58mm f1.4. Maybe I'll go for the f1.8 some day....
@@Simonsutak When I first got into photography, I bought up tons of m42 mount lenses because they were cheap. Most of them are very good, especially in the 50mm range, but I don't use many of them anymore. When I moved over to mirrorless, I started getting more into rangefinder lenses. My favorite 50mm lenses (of any mount) are the 1950s Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5 (prominent mount), Contax Zeiss Planar 50mm 1.4, 1950s Contax Sonnar 50 1.4, 1950s Leica Summarit 50 1.5, 1950s Cooke Ivotal 2" (50mm) 1.4 (covers APS-C), and the old, trusty Leica Summicron.
If I shoot M42 mount, I'm going for that vintage look, so I'll typically go with the Biotar 58 or Primoplan 58. I actually prefer the Primoplan. It more old school.
@@KingGameReview Regarding rangefinder lenses, let's not forget about a few cheaper options that are as good as those you mentioned, in my humble opinion. Four examples: the Jupiter-3 1.5/50mm and Jupiter-8 2/50mm (both great Sonnars with outstanding bokeh - the old silver versions are preferable), and the two 105mm Komura (one f/2.5 Ernostar and the other f/2.8 Sonnar). There are faster portrait Komuras in M39 but they cost plenty of money these days...
@@PaoloServadei the Jupiters are good. Also the Helios-103 53mm f/1.8 is pretty good. I have an actual Contax Sonnar 50mm f/1.5, though, so I rarely use any of the Soviet ones anymore.
Which Tokyo Kogaku? The original was never a m42 lens. It was exakta mount. It can, however, be converted to m42. There was also a Tokyo Kogaku tribute lens made my cosina in limited numbers. Half of them were m42 and half Nikon F. This is different than the original lens and later became the Voigtlander Nokton 58 f/1.4.
Good question - which version is better? I showed a photo of the M42 tribute lens, but I also use Exakta mount lenses.....
@@Simonsutak There have not been that many comparisons done. However, the original is sharper starting at f/2.8. The cosina version is either sharper or has better contrast wide open. The original is also better color corrected with less CA, while the cosina version has very nasty CA sometimes even at f/4. The Tokyo Kogaku lenses were not APO lenses, but Tokyo Kogaku put in great effort to control the CA as best as possible considering the lens were made around the 1960s. This is for all the lenses they made. Color correction was a priority for them. Bokeh wide open may also be different. The original is a 7/5 optic arrangement, while the cosina is 7/6. When it comes to bokeh the original is very similar to the famous Minolta 58 f/1.2 lens. A bit wild bokeh wide open and then it becomes smooth and creamy starting from f/2. As for why it's famous. Tokyo Kogaku was a bit like Leica. Best wide-open performance in the center even at the expensive of curvature and priority on saturated colors with great contrast. However, from f/8-f/11 all their lenses were sharp corner to corner for landscape and actually maintained excellent performance there. For their age they render very modern. The 58 is famous as a portrait lens. I have some sample images in my flickr if you are interested. Let me know.
@@Simonsutak Just to add to my previous comment. I don't think the cosina Tokyo Kogaku is worth the asking price. If you want the optical performance the optics have moved to the Nokton 58 1.4 at a much cheaper price. If you want the original, then it sells for much less than the limited-edition tribute lens. Both are money better spent than on the tribute, which sells for a premium.
@@sebastiang7183 Thank you so much for these responses - really very helpful and interesting. Cheers, Simon
I would love a Tokina f2.8 80-200mm for EF - not expensive, but I would love it for nature photography! Also the Laowa 100mm 2x f2.8 Macro, and the TTArtisans 50mm f0.95 for obvious reasons. That should cover all bases!
I would add the MOG primoplan 58mm f1.9. It is a special lens.
I would like the Nikkor 28mm f2,8 Ais, unfortunately Santa is deaf.
I have that Ultron 50 1.8. It's a great lens, but not my all-time favorite
I wouldn't hate it if Santa brought me an Ai or Ai-s Noct, but I don't think Santa has that budget to spare on me :)
I'd like to get my hands on a Canon 50mm F0.95 Dream lens. Also been eyeing the Konica Hexanon 57mm f1.2
Yes, I would like that Konica too!
I would like Santa to bring me a Konica 57mm f1.2 also, and a Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.2.
my personal top five favourite vintage lens is among som berthiot anastigmat 50/2.8, 75/4.5, som berthiot flor 50/3.5, 75/3.5, Demaria Lapierre Anastigmat Manar 110/4.5, although i have numerous german, french and english made vintage lenses such as steinheil, rodenstock, schneider, leitz, carl zeiss, carl zeiss jena, meyer optik, kilfitt, angenieux, kodak london anaston, boyer, h.roussel, ross london, wray london etc. if i have to choose top five lens in term of impressive color rendering and grey shade transition rendering for b/w photography, i would have no regret to choose above five after carefully comparing each other for thousand times in full frame digital sensor with 99% sRGB gamut monitor.
I have a huge collection of large format vintage lenses. Stopped buying them about 10 years ago, but I still have all of them. I remember I tried a few times to buy a Flor, but it never materialised. I'd be curious to see how it renders.
Now I swear at myself cause 90% of those lenses have very long focals (because I wanted 5x7" or 8x10" coverage), so they have no practical use on digital. A pity because if I had bought shorter focals I would have plenty of bokeh monsters at hand. The only Berthiot I have used on small film/sensors is a 1.9/25mm in C mount that proved to be a good micro lens (used reversed). I have to free the helicoid to try it the way it's supposed to work, fitted on a m4/3 camera.
@@PaoloServadei flickr has lot of sample photos of vintage lens on digital sensors including all lenses above mentioned. i have c mount som berthiot 25/1.5 but its color rendition is noticeable different from above mentioned other som berthiot lens while it’s in fact similar to som berthiot cinor 15/1.5 which is also a c mount lens. each non c mount som berthiot lens has its own characteristic color rendition which is quite noticeable from each other, even if it’s same model but with different serial number. that’s amazing part of the story.
I'd love to try a Fed 10 50mm f3.5, not because it's fast or extremely sharp, but because it seems like a lens with a lot of vintage character- I think it was only made in M39. One I know I'd love is the Helios 40 85mm f1.5; I love the much cheaper and more common Helios 44-2 I have, and would love to try a similar optic in 85mm. Beyond that, I will forever hope that Santa (or someone else) gives me an old Canon 50mm F0.95 L... I'm not sure if that's old enough to be considered "vintage", but holy moly does that seem like an amazing lens to use but WAY to costly to buy.
Tokyo Kogaku Topcon rE is a great lens. I didn’t know it came in an M42. I have it in exacta mount. Hope Santa delivers something aus NordPole 🎅📸🎁
would love to get anything with a big pronounced rainbow flare
Ha! The lens in my ‘banner’ image - the Jupiter-9 - can do this on the right conditions. www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/50958680057/in/album-72157717487384091/
@@Simonsutak like that, at 10sec. - th-cam.com/video/w-e5sFmbyHo/w-d-xo.html actually there are two big circular rainbow flares with a pretty good contrast
I get nice rainbow flare on my Contax 85mm f2.8.
TOP of my list for m42 is Super MultiCoated Takumar 85mm f1.8 Been holding off for years and I REALLY wish santa would drop that in my stocking lol
If it's any consolation, I owned the K mount version of the S-M-C Takumar 85mm f1.8 and ended up selling it. (Having found a much cheaper Takumar 85mm f1.9). I just couldn't find enough reasons to use it regularly, and it didn't create magic out of thin air. But I'm glad I had the chance to try it for a while; it was my "dream" Takumar/Pentax lens. The reality just didn't match my dreams!
@@Simonsutak I tend to consider the 85mm and 100/105mm lenses as portrait optics. Of course the use could be different, but in the end I tend to stick to the old rule that defines that focal range as best suited for portraits. Speaking of Pentax lenses, PK or M42, I have two favourites: for sharp portraits the Pentax-A Star 1.4/85mm and for softer portraits the Auto Takumar 1.8/85mm. It should be noted that all the various Takumar 85mm's have a different optical design, as far as I remember. For sure the Auto differs from the Super-Multi-Coated, which differs from the SMC. The Pentax holy grail for portraits should be the FA (vintage autofocus), but i can't confirm cause I never had it.
Well it may not be rare but Santa is bringing me a Konica Hexanon 135mm f3.2. For a 50 year old lens it is in fine shape and reviews give me hope to produce some rich portraits.
I love mine. You won’t be disappointed. I only wish it had a longer focus throw.
voightlander 58 1.4 is the exact optic formula, and not that expensive(relatively)
Would like to buy soviet Эра-6М 1,5/50 (Era-6M), but it's very rare and expensive
Why not try a Carl Zeiss Jena Prakticar 50mm f1.4 lens, as a cheaper option. It is of high quality construction, all metal, with a ball bearing aperture mechanism. Version one is also radioactive. Personally, I think a CZJ 25mm, f4 Flektogon will do just a good a job as the Isco, looks good, and is much cheaper.
Many thanks. Good advice on both lenses as more reasonable alternatives.
Yes I'd like to have a Primolpan 58mm f1.9 again, if only for nostalgic reasons. My eyesight has gotten bad to the point where using classic glass is problematic, to say the least. Thus my actual one Santa Claus lens is a a new lens, the Sigma 150-600mm, to supplant the telephoto shots currently made with a failing Nikon P610. Alas it's over $1,000 and in this age of 300% inflation money needs to go elsewhere first. I wouldn't mind borrowing the Zeiss Biotar my neighbour has sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Perhaps I can talk him into the loan and pick up an Exacta adaptor for the Canon or the Sony.
I've recently started using an Exakta adapter on my Sony, and it works perfectly! Go for it!
I'd like Santa's workshop to help me modify the Ricoh F Rikenon 55mm 1.4 mount to Nikon F body flange !
I have the Mamiya design F mount made for Nikon and sold to Ricoh on the (film ) Ricoh Singlex. This one isn't the M43 Ricoh Singlex .
Any Nikon F mount I have will fit the Ricoh , but I'd like Santa's workshop to help me modify the Ricoh F mount to Nikon F body flange .Ricoh F mount design has one flange lug that is longer than the Nikon F in the 10 o'clock position . Clever Nikon - Nikon F will fit the Singlex, but Rikenon F mount will not fit my digital or film Nikons without modification; it has been done but I can't find any process documentation.
Danke
Ich habe viel gelernt.
My Santa wish list are Pentax 50mm f1.2 Tokina 300mm f2.8, Pentax 200mm f2.5, Pentax 600mm f4 and Pentax 6x7 with Takumar 800mm f4
I've always wanted an humble super-multi coated takumar 55 f 1.4, the radioactive version. I almost had one 2 years ago but the ebay seller sent me a copy with mold. I was so disappointed and sad (it was supposed to be my self-gift for christmas) that when i got my refound i didn't even try to buy another again :(
Do you mean the 55mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.4? Either way, I hope one comes up that suits you soon...they are both worth the wait.
i want the helios 40 early silver M39 version
Nice video. Mine would be Tomioka 55mm 1.2. Takumar 35mm f2.3. Curriusly, I would not by Takumar for same reasons you will not buy Flektogon. Right now Flek is cheaper than Tak.
About Ultron. In most situations bokeh will be okay but somehow something is is missing. Sometimes it is just plainly ugly. But in right conditions it will give swirl that is as crazy and satisfactory as Helioses or Xenons (Schneider Kreutznach 50mm f1.9). Ultron has other qualities that makes them hard to depart with. It is beautifull. Separation of subject is great.
Trioplan: I agree with you, it is unreasonably expensive. But, once you have it it's so much fun. Mine is exacta mount and had haze. So the price was acceptable. After cleaning more than acceptable.
Love the Trioplan! I like them so much that I have more than half a dozen, from 45mm to 360mm!
I concur with your choice of "Santa lenses". The Tomioka 1.2/55mm in particular is a great lens, one of the very few that surprised me over and over with beautiful images. My suggestion: don't buy an M42 version. Given the small size of the "mouth" of the M42 mount, it was not possible to design an auto lens with a standard 7 elements double gauss layout, so they had to cut the side of the back element. The PK versions don't have the same handicap. I have the Revuenon MC 1.2/55mm that works really great, better than the SMC Pentax 1.2/50mm and much better than the Porst 1.2/55mm (which is Cosina design, not Tomioka). The Tomioka/Revuenon is so good that it matches the "WOW effect" of the Leitz Canada Summicron 2/90mm (which also gives a surprising number of keepers).
there is indeed a big difference between 50mm and 55/58mm. thanks for pointing that out
I have a CZJ 35mm 2.4 a catastrophe, it cannot be focused. No problem with all other used glass.
Santa Claus sent me the ones I wanted yet… in fact to complete my collection of 24-35-50-85 mm lenses, I still need to find a Leica tri elmarit 24-35-50 mm
Biotar 58 1.5 II for me
How about a loan of one of the fast Nikkors? I can offer ya one
That would be great - I've emailed you via Flickr!
@@Simonsutak I just messaged you on there also
Have you been naughty or nice? I was probably naught my self, and am unemployed and broke. Looking forward for your next video named "Santa is giving five great vintage lenses away", or probably not...😪
Nikon 50mm f1.2 F mount. Please…
Santa is briging me a Super-Multi-Coated FISH-EYE-TAKUMAR 1:4/17. And i wish Santa help me find an adapter for my Telemegor 1:5.5 / 400, it has a Praktina mount, and I want to try it on my Canon EF
Il Topcor 58mm f.1,4 are exacta bayonet mount. Fantastic lens.
You can get an Auto-Topcor in M42 mount as well.
@@SimonsutakIs not usual. From original market wi are exacta only manufacturing.