Thankyou for doing this review. I have decided to purchase Zeiss lenses after watching this, as well as, other street and travel photography in your channel. The 50mm is a magical lens despite all its quirkiness and the clarity of images produced by the 35mm f2.8 is in my eye superior to Summicron which my friends have been urging me to buy since I acquired my MP a few months ago. Love your style of shooting! Thanks again.
Something about this and all Zeiss lens are beautifully designed and the colors they produce! I’m convinced that regardless of the body that they attached to... they render beautiful colors that are just recognizable to the eyes and quality lens that just keeps it name on top of the food chain when it comes to lenses!
That was a great first lens review! I appreciated the variety in image samples, both in subject matter and film stock to get a good sense of what the lens is like.
I thought long about this lens but could never pull the trigger because of the fear of the focus shift. Glad it doesn’t seem to affect your day to day usage! I ended up getting the 50 Planar and I absolutely love it. Yes it’s sharp but I still find it has plenty of character for me.
Very nice Hash. Actually I was one of the ones to ask you to make this review previously. So a big thanks for your review. Actually though I decided to go with the 50f2 Plannar instead. Mainly because it's more sharp and clinical rendering. I decided this because previously I got the Voigtlander 35 f1.4 Nokoton MC Mk2 for my Leica M2, which we all know that lens is more of a character lens. So I wanted something else to balance out my options. Also I knew I would be getting an M10 as I did later, so now I have the Plannar to do the digital sensor more justice. Additionally though because I did like the ZM so much, I finally got the 28 f2.8 Biogon. Which is also fantastic. I will make videos on these in the future maybe end of the year after I have used them more extensively. Anyways man cheers for the good work.
I went with a Planar also, but if I mainly shot with a 35, then I’d probably want a Sonnar to change it up. I really like my Planar, but it’s rendering and focal length gets a little boring as a primary lens at time.
Hey thanks again! Nice, it makes sense to balance out your lens options. Part of the reason I went with this one is that it would be different enough from the 35 2.8. I recently got the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f2 as well, and have been pretty impressed with that. Looking forward to seeing your videos 🙂
Love this lens on my Konica Hexar RF & Leica M9. I use this in combination with 28mm f2.8 Biogon and 35mm f2 Biogon, wich i also love. No focus shift on my copy, neither on digital or film. Nice review!
Wonderful review. That’s the way to go by showing actual photos. Specs can be so boring but I’m as guilty as anyone else over nerding out on specs. I’ve always been a fan of Carl Zeiss glass. You can’t really go wrong with it. So much character.
Great video! Seriously considering picking one of these up to compliment my voigtlander 35mm f2... Torn between this and the newer voigtlander 50mm 1.2... feel like this would be the better choice for portraits but the focus shift dilemma has been keeping me from pulling the trigger... Keep up the great content. Stay safe!
Thanks! haha yeah that might be difficult choice. I remember going back and forth on all the options until settling on this. In the end, there's also no harm trying something and then reselling if you really want to change it.
Great video Hashem! I've always loved the output provided by this lens but heard so much about the focus shift issue. You addressed it well. I always have wondered if it would be such an issue on film. As it seems it isn't, make me really interested in this. Thank you!
They're both great! and have a similar rendering with portraits and such. Overall, the Zeiss shows less fringing and aberration and is a bit sharper at wider apertures. The Nokton is a Sonnar lens design as far as I know, so it's a great option for the Nikon or other mounts if you like that look.
good stuff .... nice vlog .... good review ... well scripted and put together ... your spoke well very , shows your really know and understood the lens and subject ...
it is lovely small lens that does what it does. I think best way to enjoy this lens is don't worry about focus shift too much and just accept what the lens does. (Or just stay in f2.8)
I was not too thrilled by it when testing it a few years ago and comparing it to the Leica 50/2 pre-ASPH Summicron-M lens. The Zeiss Sonnar was much softer in the center even when stopped down to f/2.0. It strikes me as the better portrait lens since it delivers a softer skin quality. The Leica Summicron is much sharper and IMO the better all-rounder. Since I am not a portrait shooter, I sold the Sonnar. The built style of the lens was very good though.
Sonnar lens are made and designed for portraiture! My Nikon Nikkor 105mm f2.5 is a portrait lens! As is 150mm Sonnar for Hasselblad 500 series. Soft at first few f-stops. Stopped down razor sharp.
Hi I bought for my Leica monochrome 246 the new voigtlander nokton 50 mm F/1,5 SC vm mkII why well it cost less and no focus shift. And min focus distance is 0.7. It its not a typical voigtlander you know super soft. But a bit between a Zeiss and Voigtlander very much summicron. And to about Zeiss focus knob I love that instead a finger tab. Many times I use for street photos I like I can use it as a focus tab or knob. I know I am weird. 😂😂😂😂 I do have to mention when I bought my Voigtlander I did not buy it for film. Because I use a Nikon F3 love it ! But bought it for my digital rangefinder ! So different purpose but I just dust my leica off 😂😂😂
I did not! As for choosing the M-A, I would have been happy with either, but had a slight preference for the M-A due to matt finish, and the fact that I wouldn't use the meter anyway. A good deal came up on a used M-A so I snagged it!
Great job hashem!!! It also helps that you’re an amazing photographer I think you’d get awesome shots with any lens!!! I think we saw the same reviews and this is definitely my fave lens and i shoot it at f2 mainly. It has focus shifted on my digital leica but it’s an old m8 so hard to know if it’s due to the lens or calibration. Great work!!!!!
When did you get the M-A? I missed that video (was there one?). I’d love to get one too but I am concerned about regretting the lack of the meter. Do you ever miss it? Can you manage indoor? I really like the appeal of having no meter, but never actually tried it.
Last year! I don't miss it since the M4 I got so used to before this didn't have one either :-) I replied to your comment on my other video with more detail.
@@pushingfilm thanks! It’s funny and slightly crazy how the price of a Leica is justified once it’s being used. There is really nothing like it. I don’t know about you but I just want to keep using it on and on and on. They say gear don’t make you a better photographer, but I think a Leica definitely improves things.
Great video! Been thinking of this lens for a while. Love my Zeiss planar 35mm F2 and was trying to decide between this, the Zeiss 50mm planar f2, and a 50mm summicron. Ultimately wanna go with the summicron cause of the focus shift issue
The focus shift isn’t as big of a deal, as long as you know which distance the lens is calibrated to. Some people prefer it calibrated to close focus, others prefer it medium focus. Also, the shift only happens at or near wide open aperture.... should be a non issue around middle apertures. I also like my 50/2 Planar and Summicron lenses though.
Nice review! I have to admit that you are the reason I bought my Leica and I was looking for Zeiss lenses at first. That said, I am living in Canada and these Zeiss seems to be a bit more expensive here and very rarely seen used. The 35 2.8 for example was 100-200 $ more than a used Leica 35 2.5 summarit and that sonnar was almost 300-400$ more than a good copy of a 50 cron type 3 I found. I would still love to try that Sonnar eventually. Also, Voigtlander release a new 50mm 1.5 Nokton Asph v2 and it seems to have a lot of character like swirly bokeh, but again 300-500$ more than a used cron as you can only find it new for now.
Hey thanks man, thats awesome! Interesting how there can be significant price differences regionally. That could be a good a excuse to try out the summicron though? But yes, the new Nokton would be a pretty close performer in terms of having a strong character.. definitely another good option to look further into.
So, if there are problems at f1.5 and you prefer using f2, why not just get an f2 lens? I have a Summicron 5cm f2 from the 60s and it's excellent. Thanks for the video. 👌
I love the look of this lens but went with Voigtlander Nokton instead as it left me with enough money to afford the 28mm Ultron too and now I have all the lenses that I wanted for my M6.
i am considering buying a leica m4-p. my budget is currently limited to buy a lens of this price. do you think skopar voigtlander is decent? 35 or 50mm. thank you
@@Stesalti to be honest I haven't personally experienced the differences, so I can't say 🙂 Either way, it'll be worth looking at reviews and seeing which suits you best.
I have a Leica D-lux 7 so far. Thanks for the review. I just found you today as want to scan my 35mm and 120 film so I watched your video on the Essential film holder and followed your link and purchased the holder. I also linked to the viltrox L116T light source. I see it is not flat on the back side. How do you make it flat for scanning the film?
Great video, I have always loved the look of this lens, but since I already have four 50mm lenses for my Leica M film cameras, I cannot justify it unless I sell some other stuff to pay for it; and my Canon LTM 50/1.2 gives me a similar look to the ZM Sonnar anyway. But... one day. ;-)
Nice review. I 've got this lens to adapt on my Sony A7 Rii. Its rendering is indeed lovely and there is no focus shift issue at all on a digital mirrorless body since the focusing is TTL and at the same aperture of which the image is captured. I was curious about its original 70-year old, Contax RF mount Sonnar. By chance, I was able to snap up a Contax IIa that came with the Sonnar for a very good price. I was surprised how the 70-year old lens could keep up with its ZM offspring in terms of performance and yet it's even smaller and has more aperture blades! Now I am itchy to get a Leica film rangefinder. Would you recommend the M4-2 or M5 as a starter? I don't want to spend too much on a M body since the only thing matters is the body handling. Voigtlander bodies are getting too close to Leica pricing in the used market. M3 in perfect condition is hard to find. I am a 50mm guy.
Softer than a Summicron, good for portraits I guess as slightly more people friendly? Zeiss lens coatings and Leica M9 not a great match as both exhibit a lot of blue. IMHO you don't get the borderline medium format look you get with Leica glass and digital. Still a good lens though.
Good review. But somehow a technical review of a lens, showing sharpness etc, should have been uploaded en better video quality. 720p is just not good for showing a lens or camera quality.
Refreshing to see a review that understands every lens has its own purpose and application. Very useful. Thanks for posting.
Thankyou for doing this review. I have decided to purchase Zeiss lenses after watching this, as well as, other street and travel photography in your channel. The 50mm is a magical lens despite all its quirkiness and the clarity of images produced by the 35mm f2.8 is in my eye superior to Summicron which my friends have been urging me to buy since I acquired my MP a few months ago. Love your style of shooting! Thanks again.
Hey thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the Zeiss lenses as much as I do 🙂
Always love this gem, it's been my favourite ever since reading about it from hamish Gills review of it. Awesome video, Hashem!
Much appreciated!
Something about this and all Zeiss lens are beautifully designed and the colors they produce! I’m convinced that regardless of the body that they attached to... they render beautiful colors that are just recognizable to the eyes and quality lens that just keeps it name on top of the food chain when it comes to lenses!
That was a great first lens review! I appreciated the variety in image samples, both in subject matter and film stock to get a good sense of what the lens is like.
Hey, thanks for the kind feedback!
I thought long about this lens but could never pull the trigger because of the fear of the focus shift. Glad it doesn’t seem to affect your day to day usage! I ended up getting the 50 Planar and I absolutely love it. Yes it’s sharp but I still find it has plenty of character for me.
That's true! I think I remember having a chat about it with you on IG. The Planar is a great choice too, you really cant go wrong with Zeiss :-D
i notice similar characteristics in my nikon 105 sonnar, distinctively 3D lower contrast glowy beautiful. my favorite lens for portraits.
Very nice Hash. Actually I was one of the ones to ask you to make this review previously. So a big thanks for your review. Actually though I decided to go with the 50f2 Plannar instead. Mainly because it's more sharp and clinical rendering. I decided this because previously I got the Voigtlander 35 f1.4 Nokoton MC Mk2 for my Leica M2, which we all know that lens is more of a character lens. So I wanted something else to balance out my options. Also I knew I would be getting an M10 as I did later, so now I have the Plannar to do the digital sensor more justice. Additionally though because I did like the ZM so much, I finally got the 28 f2.8 Biogon. Which is also fantastic. I will make videos on these in the future maybe end of the year after I have used them more extensively. Anyways man cheers for the good work.
I went with a Planar also, but if I mainly shot with a 35, then I’d probably want a Sonnar to change it up. I really like my Planar, but it’s rendering and focal length gets a little boring as a primary lens at time.
Hey thanks again! Nice, it makes sense to balance out your lens options. Part of the reason I went with this one is that it would be different enough from the 35 2.8. I recently got the Voigtlander Ultron 28 f2 as well, and have been pretty impressed with that. Looking forward to seeing your videos 🙂
Shoot it at f2 and change and you get something you can't get from outer lenses.
Shoot it on a 50's Zeiss rangefinder and you get the goods.
Love this lens on my Konica Hexar RF & Leica M9. I use this in combination with 28mm f2.8 Biogon and 35mm f2 Biogon, wich i also love. No focus shift on my copy, neither on digital or film. Nice review!
That's great! A good combination of options you have there. And thanks!
Wonderful review. That’s the way to go by showing actual photos. Specs can be so boring but I’m as guilty as anyone else over nerding out on specs. I’ve always been a fan of Carl Zeiss glass. You can’t really go wrong with it. So much character.
Thanks! Yeah you definitely can't go wrong with Zeiss :-)
Nice video as usual. The separation achieved reminds me of another "character" lens - the Pentax 105mm 2.4.
Thank you! Love that lens too 😀
Great video! Seriously considering picking one of these up to compliment my voigtlander 35mm f2... Torn between this and the newer voigtlander 50mm 1.2... feel like this would be the better choice for portraits but the focus shift dilemma has been keeping me from pulling the trigger... Keep up the great content. Stay safe!
Thanks! haha yeah that might be difficult choice. I remember going back and forth on all the options until settling on this. In the end, there's also no harm trying something and then reselling if you really want to change it.
Great video Hashem! I've always loved the output provided by this lens but heard so much about the focus shift issue. You addressed it well. I always have wondered if it would be such an issue on film. As it seems it isn't, make me really interested in this. Thank you!
Thank you! Yeah it's definitely worth a try IMO :-)
I opted for the Zeiss 50mm f/2 Planar ZM for my LeicaMD 262. It performs wonderfully and would not replace it with a Leica...!
A great choice :-)
What is your opinion of the this lens compared to the Voightlander 58 1.4 that you use on the FE?
They're both great! and have a similar rendering with portraits and such. Overall, the Zeiss shows less fringing and aberration and is a bit sharper at wider apertures. The Nokton is a Sonnar lens design as far as I know, so it's a great option for the Nikon or other mounts if you like that look.
good stuff .... nice vlog .... good review ... well scripted and put together ... your spoke well very , shows your really know and understood the lens and subject ...
Much appreciated!
it is lovely small lens that does what it does. I think best way to enjoy this lens is don't worry about focus shift too much and just accept what the lens does. (Or just stay in f2.8)
I was not too thrilled by it when testing it a few years ago and comparing it to the Leica 50/2 pre-ASPH Summicron-M lens. The Zeiss Sonnar was much softer in the center even when stopped down to f/2.0. It strikes me as the better portrait lens since it delivers a softer skin quality. The Leica Summicron is much sharper and IMO the better all-rounder. Since I am not a portrait shooter, I sold the Sonnar. The built style of the lens was very good though.
Sonnar lens are made and designed for portraiture! My Nikon Nikkor 105mm f2.5 is a portrait lens! As is 150mm Sonnar for Hasselblad 500 series. Soft at first few f-stops. Stopped down razor sharp.
The sonnar is its own thing. The planar is the non apo summicron equivalent, but the bokeh is not as good.
Hi I bought for my Leica monochrome 246 the new voigtlander nokton 50 mm F/1,5 SC vm mkII why well it cost less and no focus shift. And min focus distance is 0.7. It its not a typical voigtlander you know super soft. But a bit between a Zeiss and Voigtlander very much summicron. And to about Zeiss focus knob I love that instead a finger tab. Many times I use for street photos I like I can use it as a focus tab or knob. I know I am weird. 😂😂😂😂 I do have to mention when I bought my Voigtlander I did not buy it for film. Because I use a Nikon F3 love it ! But bought it for my digital rangefinder ! So different purpose but I just dust my leica off 😂😂😂
Great review! Was just thinking about picking up one of these, really a fan of the classic rendering. Thanks for this!
No problem!
Did you ever consider using the 50mm f1.5 Sonnar mad in 1950s?.Also why did you choose MA over MP? Really good video. Thank you.
I did not! As for choosing the M-A, I would have been happy with either, but had a slight preference for the M-A due to matt finish, and the fact that I wouldn't use the meter anyway. A good deal came up on a used M-A so I snagged it!
Great job hashem!!! It also helps that you’re an amazing photographer I think you’d get awesome shots with any lens!!! I think we saw the same reviews and this is definitely my fave lens and i shoot it at f2 mainly. It has focus shifted on my digital leica but it’s an old m8 so hard to know if it’s due to the lens or calibration. Great work!!!!!
Thanks Alan! Seeing your shots on it last year helped seal the deal too :-D
That's the video that I need !! Considering more and more to buy this lens for my Leica M5.
Hope you enjoy it if you get one!
When did you get the M-A? I missed that video (was there one?). I’d love to get one too but I am concerned about regretting the lack of the meter. Do you ever miss it? Can you manage indoor? I really like the appeal of having no meter, but never actually tried it.
Last year! I don't miss it since the M4 I got so used to before this didn't have one either :-) I replied to your comment on my other video with more detail.
@@pushingfilm thanks! It’s funny and slightly crazy how the price of a Leica is justified once it’s being used. There is really nothing like it. I don’t know about you but I just want to keep using it on and on and on. They say gear don’t make you a better photographer, but I think a Leica definitely improves things.
Great video! Been thinking of this lens for a while. Love my Zeiss planar 35mm F2 and was trying to decide between this, the Zeiss 50mm planar f2, and a 50mm summicron. Ultimately wanna go with the summicron cause of the focus shift issue
The focus shift isn’t as big of a deal, as long as you know which distance the lens is calibrated to. Some people prefer it calibrated to close focus, others prefer it medium focus. Also, the shift only happens at or near wide open aperture.... should be a non issue around middle apertures. I also like my 50/2 Planar and Summicron lenses though.
Nice, I'm sure you can't be disappointed with the Summicron 😀
Great video 🔥... that MA though! 🔥 🔥 🔥
Nice review! I have to admit that you are the reason I bought my Leica and I was looking for Zeiss lenses at first. That said, I am living in Canada and these Zeiss seems to be a bit more expensive here and very rarely seen used. The 35 2.8 for example was 100-200 $ more than a used Leica 35 2.5 summarit and that sonnar was almost 300-400$ more than a good copy of a 50 cron type 3 I found. I would still love to try that Sonnar eventually. Also, Voigtlander release a new 50mm 1.5 Nokton Asph v2 and it seems to have a lot of character like swirly bokeh, but again 300-500$ more than a used cron as you can only find it new for now.
Hey thanks man, thats awesome! Interesting how there can be significant price differences regionally. That could be a good a excuse to try out the summicron though? But yes, the new Nokton would be a pretty close performer in terms of having a strong character.. definitely another good option to look further into.
This was good but wished you would have discussed the more widely used f stops like 5.6, 8, 11
As much as I love to own Zeiss glass, the Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 is just more practical, modern, but with excellent classic interesting rendering.
So, if there are problems at f1.5 and you prefer using f2, why not just get an f2 lens? I have a Summicron 5cm f2 from the 60s and it's excellent.
Thanks for the video. 👌
Because I often liken using it at 1.5 as well. I wouldn't say it's a problem.
I love the look of this lens but went with Voigtlander Nokton instead as it left me with enough money to afford the 28mm Ultron too and now I have all the lenses that I wanted for my M6.
That's great!
i am considering buying a leica m4-p. my budget is currently limited to buy a lens of this price. do you think skopar voigtlander is decent? 35 or 50mm. thank you
The Color Skopar 2.5 are definitely decent lens options!
@@pushingfilm decent is little ... 35 f1.7 nokton is better? I search lens used in any cases
@@Stesalti to be honest I haven't personally experienced the differences, so I can't say 🙂 Either way, it'll be worth looking at reviews and seeing which suits you best.
I have a Leica D-lux 7 so far. Thanks for the review. I just found you today as want to scan my 35mm and 120 film so I watched your video on the Essential film holder and followed your link and purchased the holder. I also linked to the viltrox L116T light source. I see it is not flat on the back side. How do you make it flat for scanning the film?
Sounds great! Thanks for the support 🙂 with the viltrox I just clip a battery on and it lies flat on that
Please tell us more about the Leica M-A and your decision to sell the M4. Thank you for the nice video btw.
A video on the M-A will come! Thanks for the kind words :-)
I have the 50mm Planar with me here in Mexico and just me made want to shoot it asap. Great review!
Nice man! Loving what you've shown with the Q2 Monochrom from over there :-D
Nice work! Thanks for the mention too!!
Hey thanks man! Of course 🙂
How's it's compared to the jupiter-3, old soviet knock-off from the zeiss sonnar?
Not too sure! I haven't used one of those :-)
Fantastically helpful. Just picked up an M3 so I’m looking for a good 50mm at a good price to have in addition to my 90mm Elmarit.
Nice! This would be great on an M3 :-) Glad it helped
Great video, I have always loved the look of this lens, but since I already have four 50mm lenses for my Leica M film cameras, I cannot justify it unless I sell some other stuff to pay for it; and my Canon LTM 50/1.2 gives me a similar look to the ZM Sonnar anyway. But... one day. ;-)
Nice review. I 've got this lens to adapt on my Sony A7 Rii. Its rendering is indeed lovely and there is no focus shift issue at all on a digital mirrorless body since the focusing is TTL and at the same aperture of which the image is captured. I was curious about its original 70-year old, Contax RF mount Sonnar. By chance, I was able to snap up a Contax IIa that came with the Sonnar for a very good price. I was surprised how the 70-year old lens could keep up with its ZM offspring in terms of performance and yet it's even smaller and has more aperture blades! Now I am itchy to get a Leica film rangefinder. Would you recommend the M4-2 or M5 as a starter? I don't want to spend too much on a M body since the only thing matters is the body handling. Voigtlander bodies are getting too close to Leica pricing in the used market. M3 in perfect condition is hard to find. I am a 50mm guy.
Buy a Contax 11A with a 50mm F1.5 Sonnar and send both to.Mark Hansen for a cla.
Great images!
I think that I would be Zeiss classical lens for my nikon camera.
Thanks! If you like the look of this, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm 1.4 for Nikon gives a similar look 🙂
@@pushingfilm I would like to buy 40 f2 and 58 f1.4 Voightlander lenses, also want to try classical Zeiss lenses 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.4 for Nikon f-mount
Very thorough review. Thanks! Is this lens made in Japan or Germany? Thanks
Thanks! Made in Japan
Softer than a Summicron, good for portraits I guess as slightly more people friendly? Zeiss lens coatings and Leica M9 not a great match as both exhibit a lot of blue. IMHO you don't get the borderline medium format look you get with Leica glass and digital. Still a good lens though.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (slightly belated) good sir!! :-D
Thank you kindly! 😁
Great review, thanks
Hash, I bought this for my new old M3.
Nice! Great choice 😁
Congratulations on getting your MA. Isn’t it better than the M4? I love my MA!
Thank you!
did you buy m-a new?
Bought mine second hand 🙂
Review excellent!
Since when do you have an M-A?!! Sorry, it has been a while since I watched your last video.
Since late last year! Haha yeah I spoke about it in a couple of livestreams, but a proper video will come eventually
Good review. But somehow a technical review of a lens, showing sharpness etc, should have been uploaded en better video quality. 720p is just not good for showing a lens or camera quality.
4:09 i dun think its very 3d pop here
"clinical" is so way out scope for Leica. lol