I have never heard so much passion and enjoyment about anything without four wheels. You added such poetry to your review. Personally I think it is an awesome lens that produces images no tinkering on a computer in post editing could ever achieve.
Glad someone is not so one sided that criticises lenses because of their "imperfections"! You appreciate this lens as it is :) I mean, most of the reviewers are like this. I hope they will never go to a museum, so many imperfect paintings and art everywhere!!!! :D
I've had my 55/1.2 for around ten years, and I will never sell it. I have taken some of the best, most atmospheric shots with it. Landscapes take on an ethereal haunting quality, and portraits become magical. You're right, it is unpredictable, but almost always in a beautiful and artistic way. So many times I have shot digital stills with this lens (on my Sony A7), and I have had practically nothing to do with them in post-editing - perhaps add a touch of contrast, but that's it.
It's quite an extraordinary lens - not technically as accomplished as the 50 1.2, but now being recognised for its own unique qualities. Definitely one to treasure!
@@zenography7923 I've been snapping quite a lot of shots with it - today (Easter Monday), in fact. I am continually reminded just what a fantastic tool it is. I will be posting some of them up on my channel (Old Tech Today), very shortly.
I watched your review of the Oly 55mm 1.2 again after four years. It was like eating a fine steak, and I savored every bite. Nothing compares to this great lens with a Metabones Speedbooster on my Olympus Pen-F.
This review made me smile all over for the length of the entire review. The lens is obviously a very pleasing artsy piece of tech, but you Sir are are poet. Well done
So, I have three of these now. There is something interesting going on here. They are not all radioactive. Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 103050 Radioactive 3549 CPM Front, 2862 CPM Rear Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 117492 Radioactive 3389 CPM Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 135479 NOT Radioactive or (lightly, maybe Lanthanum?) These are some of my most interesting lenses to shoot with.
You know, there is an adjustment for this lens which brings the in focus area into sharper focus. I saw it on another video. The adjusted the rear lens block. Apparently, the spec for the production of this lens was not very critical. So in production they just got it close-enough and let it go. If you want I can provide this video link. Your call.
Hey Zenography, your review is great! You nailed it, It is the only good review of this lens on TH-cam. I have this lens but with on an earlier chrome nose version. As far as I know that version is the only one radioactive, your "newer" version does not have rare earth elements in the glass. However the character of the lens is the same for both!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! As for radioactivity, I too thought that only the earlier silver nose version contained radioactive elements, but yellowing of the glass on this one suggests otherwise...
Your voice is a therapy! I have three Zuiko lenses (28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 100-200mm f5), the more I watch your videos the more I love them!! Thank you for your wonderful work!
What a review!!! Best I ever heard/watched! I just purchased an early copy of this lens through Catawiki, it has yet to arrive, can't wait to test it after this review!
A line in an old movie that I thought was very well said.. Regarding modern art.. but in a way may also apply to Zenography recommended lens results.. "It's form doesn't have to copy nature to please the senses." - 'The Second Womant' 1949. It is uploaded on here on TH-cam.. ." .
A great review as ever, I think that's the most animated I've ever heard you. Great lens, but bloody expensive. Hopefully I'll find one at a car boot, whenever those are back. Regards from sunny Stockport.
@@zenography7923 At first I think a little expensive... However when you see what a new lens costs.. and I guess while good they maybe a bit boring, this has to be a real bargain.. I am wondering if this is the one I should save up for to be my first 'expensive' lens... So far I think the best that I have are - Vivitar 28 - DX Nikon 35 1.8 - E series 50 - Takumar 55.- Tessar 50 - Tokina Special 135 - Industar 50 & 135 - and some really nice Vivitar zooms..so I am not exactly stuck : ) But those photos are fabulous..
You said it perfectly. This when used in it's favor, is an inspiring art lens. I am using it in a commercial art application now, but it can do it's magic in many modes. The smooth blur is the best part for framing a subject. When one feels it is necessary this baby delivers.
It's a unique lens, and I think it's best considered an art lens, at least when used fully open. Glad you're finding it useful in your commercial work!
I hope you were able to see my examples before taking them down. To be clear, I am not a professional commercial photographer. I do have a product which is a vacuum tube mic preamp/limiter which I designed for my studio and band back in the around 1997 or so. What I showed you was my photos that I use in videos of the band from 1997 to 2001 as well as what you saw on Audio websites. I think what I am doing is more focused than just random photography. Random photography is great, but my project now is more story telling through photos. It is creating awareness and interest. I think this lens hit the spot for what I showed. Other vintage lenses work good for a different less extreme look, like the FUJINON 55mm f2.2 or the Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 35mm f2 Radioactive 1850 CPM, however, this Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM is doing a great job with it's very nice unique blurred background look. I have other lenses that are good for this kind of thing in the f1.4 range. Auto Chinon MultiCoated 55mm f1.4 Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.4 M42 Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 The Canon FL 55mm f1.2 would probably work good if I had a mirrowless camera or a FL FD converter. Well, just thought I would check in.
Just picked up a fully refurbed, like new special edition version to use on my Sony and Panasonic cameras with an adapter. My version is polished in chrome by OM Labor ! i've purchased other OM lenses from them before and it's like buying jewellery. You pay a premium for the refurb / polished look but have a one off lens that not many people in the world have.
Lovely review ... again! I just picked up a 55/1.2 with a CLA'd OM-1 for less than the price of this amazing lens. I love your reviews and I may be headed for rehab, because your videos have inspired me recently to buy the Olympus gear, plus a nice Kiev II kit and Zorki 4k enroute from Ukraine. Please keep up your inspirational work and nice photos!
Great video. As a street and landscape photographer I rarely use superfast lenses because prefer to work with apertures in the f8-f16 range (for my pics I need the max depth of field). But if my main interest was portraiture, would like to try that lens.
Thanks, very interesting and such a change to the "resolution is all" pixel peeping brigade. Not for everyone obviously, but there's a lot of interest judging by prices on Ebay. I have the 50 f1.4 which, whilst not being as crazy as this, also gives good bokeh in the right conditions.
I have to say that the images did not reach me. But your description of them far surpassed what the lens produced itself. Love your channel. But happily sticking with my Canon 50 1.4. Though I have been itching to explore the Olympus line!
Best vintage lens review I've seen, thanks for sharing! You have a real talent for describing the characteristics of lenses in such a creative way! This lens looks so unique I may have to invest in one! I love lenses that glow and bloom the highlights, the Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 also does that and it's my current favourite!
The 55 1.2 is quite a lens - wide open I think it's best understood today as an art lens, a bit like the Helios 40, making technically imperfect but aesthetically interesting images. Technically speaking, the 50 1.2 is rather nicer, though a lot less wild!
Canon FL 55mm f1.2 vs G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 lenses. OK, I got my FL 55mm f1.2 up and running on my Sony A7Rii and took it out for a spin. It seems to me, so far, that there is no comparison between these two lenses. The G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 I can use with great results wide open. It is sharp and records great color. I have not found that sweet spot yet with the Canon. What do you think the reason is? Coatings maybe? I will keep trying.
👍🏻🤗 Sir, you are a perfect salesman! I ❤️ love your review and now i want to play with that 📸 lens as well. I am looking forward to your next review and would love to see that your videos would be longer as well.
I have an OM10 which I bought new years ago. I still have but the f1.50 mm lens sadly has fungas covering front and back elements. Even so it wasn't bad adapted on my Sony camera but could be much better if I could clean it off some how. Great pictures by the way.
Love your videos! I'm really curious as to how this lens compares to the Minolta MC Rokkor 58mm F/1.2, and the older Canon FL 55mm F/1.2. I've heard good things about the two latter ones. Keep up the great reviews. Thank you 🙂
It usually sells for around £300 - £350 or so, although one just sold on ebay for £200. They are fairly rare, but they do come up from time to time - just got to keep looking I suppose!
So I have this question: I really like this lens. I am glad I found one. I am looking for one more F1.2 magic vintage lens. I have been considering the Rokkor f1.2 however, i am not sure it would be much different from my Canon FL f1.2 lens. Maybe I should just wait. The Rokkor f1.2 lenses on eBay all seem to have a very bad fungus issues. So, if you could list a few "Magical" f1.2 lenses, I would be very happy.
Well, as I was saying on your other video. I bought a spanking clean Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 Radioactive 3389 CPM, SN 117492. Not only is the back lens hot. The front lens it super hot with alpha radiation. I think I am getting a tan from this one. The lens is beautiful to look at as well as to use. You should try to get your hands on one of the earlier versions of this lens, like what I have, and do a review of it. The images you are getting with the later not so radioactive version is a little different from the version I have here. Maybe compare the two. Question: I have a f1.4 which says H.Zuiko and the f1.2 which says G.Zuiko. What is the story on those names? Jim
Your videos are great and thanks for doing this. Thanks especially for putting up content in these weird times. Suggestion for the future is to mention what if any adapters you use to get mount (X) to mount (Y). Keep up the great work!
I really like this lens. I am glad I found one. I am looking for one more F1.2 magic vintage lens. I have been considering the Rokkor f1.2 however, i am not sure it would be much different from my Canon FL f1.2 lens. Maybe I should just wait. The Rokkor f1.2 lenses on eBay all seem to have a very bad fungus issues. So, if you could list a few "Magical" f1.2 lenses, I would be very happy.
I hear the Konica Hexanon 50mm f1.2 is very nice indeed, as is the Olympus 50 (not 55) f1.2. However, I doubt you'll find a lens as outright stark staring crazy as this one (shot wide open that is). Some consider it wonderful while others insist it's awful, but whatever the case it's certainly unique.
That is a little out of my budget. Also, "nice indeed" sounds too safe and is maybe not what I am looking for. Also, the Olympus 50mm f1.2 is too similar. I am a recording engineer. We use mics with special characteristics to give us flavor as we paint soundscapes. I had a Neumann U67 and hated it because it was too clear. I traded it for other vintage gear one of which was the Neumann U87 which had a texture to it that made my recordings sound great. Texture, Color, Personality. I design outboard gear with this in mind. What about the Rokkor f1.2 lenses or... something like that?
I negotiated a lower price of $300 for a like mint Minolta Hills and Valleys MC Rokkor-PG 58mm F1.2 lens. It is Fungus Free and the most costly vintage lens I bought so far, but I think it was a good deal. I will let you know more when I receive it. This completes my f1.2 collection. I need to take a rest on lens purchases for now. I am pretty sure it is radioactive.
Thanks so much - I wonder if you have any recommendations for other more wide-angle lenses (ex. 35mm, 40mm, etc) that are also quirky, full of foibles, but can also make unique and wonderful images?
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! As for performance at 2.8 - 4.0, well, I've been wondering that myself! These images were all shot wide open, just to see how it performed at its limit. I have heard it's much sharper and better behaved in this range though...
Hi, I have the Zuiko 50mm F1:1.2 the newer one to this, have you got this lens or any reviews of it, I love it, from wide open onwards and very cinematic, I use it on a EOS M with Magic lantern, also have the 1:1.4 and of course many f1:1.8 from silver nose to made in japan including the 50mm f1:3.5 macro super for everything
I've got the 50mm 1.2 on my X-T2 most of the time these days. I love it. Haven't even got around to using the 1.4 yet even though it's said that that is sharper than the 1.2
Great presentation! I have this lens and like it a lot. It is similar to the Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 when it comes to rendering but more extreme. For perfectionists it's one of the worst 1.2's, for you guys look for a Pentax 50mm 1.2 or Canon FD 50mm f/1.2. But some of us can appreciate the imperfections and beauty of the world seen through this lens.
@@kristen0009 Less corrections, more glow, yellow glass from radiation that also makes it slower than f/1.2. But that can be cleared with light. But some like that "flaw". And it's not unique to this lens. Early Hexanon , Rokkor and Tomioka f/1.2 lenses are also radioactive.
This lens produces some really crazily unusual images - great stuff, a good antidote to the forensic output of much modern glass that often can leave you a little cold. Was there also a 50mm 1.2 or was this 55mm the fastest Zuiko?
It's quite something, a lens with a real character. It reminds me a bit of the Helios 40 - another slightly mad lens, and another one of my favourites!
can you please explain the vignette a little more, at least help explain what is bad vignette? the only thing/part i dont quite understand. beautiful lens, though would you use this for portraits as well for that artistic field?
It's hard to say exactly - some lenses vignette and produce what is to me a very unpleasant look, with washed out colours and dark corners. Vignette on this lens doesn't seem so unpleasant, even though it's very pronounced. It seems to act more like a framing device for the shot, and colour remains strong. I think this would make an excellent portrait lens, although I haven't shot portraits with it so far.
Beautiful review as alway!! Question: on eBay I find it for €350 or even 500. Meaning it’s not so old. Did you find it for a price like that? Or is it a more vintage version (and cheaper) ??
Prices on ebay do vary a lot; I've found this lens usually goes for £250 - £300. There's no cheaper version I'm afraid! I was lucky with this one and got it with a bunch of other lenses and a camera. Glad you enjoyed the review!
What other vintage f1.2 lenses, 50 or 55 mm do you think are interesting. You can see what I am doing below. If I wanted to pick up another f1.2 lens. I already have a FL 55mm f1.2 however for my Canon 2000D it will need a converter which are not being made at this point. The images I can get are very different from the Olympus f1.2 55mm in light and clarity, but the FL lens on my Canon 2000D is maxed out at half the distance from my eye to my hand. Maybe I need to think about a Sony mirrorless.. or any mirrorless in the future.
I would like someone to clarify how this lens of glass with it's lens coatings can effect the coloring that hits the sensor. Has anyone tested this scientifically? Does this effect get around white balancing? We are white balancing, correct? If you are not in this video then I would like to know. I am not sure how this saturation of the colors works actually. Anyone?
It will be quite a bit less, as the sensor looks through a more central part of the lens, which is also the sharper part, so a double win for aps-c here!
It works fine on either. A full frame sensor will show the full image circle and thus the full character of the lens, giving a 55mm focal length, while a m43 sensor will look through the more central part of the lens and give (effectively) a 110mm focal length.
See, once upon a time, a few years back, all there was were full frame 35mm lenses. This was before sensor technology had come along or had become affordable. In 1983 I was an engineer on the first Fuji Optical CCD endoscope. That CCD cost $1700 each. You can see that CCD sensors were out of the price range of the average photographer. CMOS sensors came along later. So, any 35mm lens if adapted correctly, will be both Full Frame and ASP-C. ASP-C lenses are not compatible with Full Frame as you can find in S35 Video.
Here is what I am using this lens for at the moment. I hope you don't mind. I was going for a dream like look. This is not an accident. I worked to get this look. These are part of a series of photos that I shot to be added in segments of a TH-cam video. I took about 20 photos with the Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 lens. These captured the effect I was looking for. Notice the blur behind the front panel. Notice the sparkle effect from the use of light and the area just out side of the field of focus in the photo of the switches. images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--jmtiEoDk--/f_auto,t_supersize/v1656240236/ooadsx28gwognmm05lmm.jpg images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--NZ_9Gb8B--/f_auto,t_supersize/v1656240182/kozveo9y7n9cgjwkwv0g.jpg These links are currently on my Reverb . com webpage. I think they are safe. I think they are beautiful. I am using a Canon 2000D in portrait mode #2 at about 4 to 5 feet from the front panel.
Я думаю, что если вам нужно что-то немного особенное в изображении, объектив f1.2 может быть хорошим способом для этого - это могут быть художественные снимки или, возможно, некоторые довольно креативные портреты. Я определенно наслаждался этим!
It's sometimes difficult to photograph people if I'm not in central London (which I haven't been for some time due to lockdown)! In the suburbs I've found that people don't like to be photographed, whereas in the big city they seem to welcome it! Well, most of the time anyway...
@@zenography7923 For sure, and especially in these COVID times, it can be helpful to have a friend/partner/spouse who doesn't mind being photographed. I hope to see more photos of people in your future work!
Do you know if this lens came on a particular camera, or was it something that you had to buy separately? I regularly look online for OM-1 and OM-2s. 95% of the time they come with a 1.8. The rest with a 1.4. I never see this lens come with a camera.
I don't know if this lens was ever supplied with a camera, but I would think probably not - as you say, the most common was the 1.8, sometimes a 1.4. Probably not too common a choice, but I certainly enjoyed using this one!
Hello, Nigel! First of all, I want to say a big thanks to you for your reviews! It's a pleasure for me to watch your videos! Secondly, I would like to lend you an interesting and quite rare FSU SLR from KZM for review. How can I contact with you? Thank you in advance for your answer!
Hi Akira, glad you're enjoying the channel, and thanks for your kind offer - that sounds like an interesting lens! You can contact me at zenography11@gmail.com - I look forward to hearing from you!
I have one, it is pretty much modern lens in terms of sharpness and contrast but boke is something extraterrestrial indeed. Samples: flic.kr/s/aHsmN75mzo
The most poetic description of lens I've ever heard, beautiful.
Thank you, very glad you enjoyed it!
I have never heard so much passion and enjoyment about anything without four wheels. You added such poetry to your review. Personally I think it is an awesome lens that produces images no tinkering on a computer in post editing could ever achieve.
GPT can't take his job
Glad someone is not so one sided that criticises lenses because of their "imperfections"! You appreciate this lens as it is :)
I mean, most of the reviewers are like this. I hope they will never go to a museum, so many imperfect paintings and art everywhere!!!! :D
Imperfections reveal the perfection of the whole I guess!
I've had my 55/1.2 for around ten years, and I will never sell it. I have taken some of the best, most atmospheric shots with it. Landscapes take on an ethereal haunting quality, and portraits become magical. You're right, it is unpredictable, but almost always in a beautiful and artistic way. So many times I have shot digital stills with this lens (on my Sony A7), and I have had practically nothing to do with them in post-editing - perhaps add a touch of contrast, but that's it.
It's quite an extraordinary lens - not technically as accomplished as the 50 1.2, but now being recognised for its own unique qualities. Definitely one to treasure!
@@zenography7923 I've been snapping quite a lot of shots with it - today (Easter Monday), in fact. I am continually reminded just what a fantastic tool it is. I will be posting some of them up on my channel (Old Tech Today), very shortly.
what converter did u use? im searching one
I watched your review of the Oly 55mm 1.2 again after four years. It was like eating a fine steak, and I savored every bite. Nothing compares to this great lens with a Metabones Speedbooster on my Olympus Pen-F.
I found these videos only a day ago. They are addictive. I have enjoyed them tremendously.
I’ve just bought this lens after watching your videos… impulsive buying.. it’s crazy and wild… oh boy, what have i done…
This review made me smile all over for the length of the entire review. The lens is obviously a very pleasing artsy piece of tech, but you Sir are are poet. Well done
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
So, I have three of these now. There is something interesting going on here. They are not all radioactive.
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 103050 Radioactive 3549 CPM Front, 2862 CPM Rear
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 117492 Radioactive 3389 CPM
Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 SN 135479 NOT Radioactive or (lightly, maybe Lanthanum?)
These are some of my most interesting lenses to shoot with.
You know, there is an adjustment for this lens which brings the in focus area into sharper focus. I saw it on another video. The adjusted the rear lens block. Apparently, the spec for the production of this lens was not very critical. So in production they just got it close-enough and let it go. If you want I can provide this video link. Your call.
I'd like to see this
You need to respond quicker. My post was made 3 months ago.
I saw the TH-cam video and moved on. The whole video was about this.
Just go looking.
Hey Zenography, your review is great! You nailed it, It is the only good review of this lens on TH-cam.
I have this lens but with on an earlier chrome nose version.
As far as I know that version is the only one radioactive, your "newer" version does not have rare earth elements in the glass. However the character of the lens is the same for both!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! As for radioactivity, I too thought that only the earlier silver nose version contained radioactive elements, but yellowing of the glass on this one suggests otherwise...
I just love the way you describe these vintage lenses ❤️
You sir are a poet when it comes to describing chaos, bokeh, blur. And it's wonderful!
Your voice is a therapy!
I have three Zuiko lenses (28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 100-200mm f5), the more I watch your videos the more I love them!! Thank you for your wonderful work!
Thank you, I'm very glad you're enjoying the channel! Enjoy those lenses too!
After seeing this video I think I have my favorite lens from olympus
It's quite unique, with no real rivals!
Your best and most enthusiastic review to date, I have this lens, got it recently but haven't tried it yet
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the lens too...
What a review!!! Best I ever heard/watched! I just purchased an early copy of this lens through Catawiki, it has yet to arrive, can't wait to test it after this review!
You described the lens and make me start looking for one to buy. Sooooonnnn i'll have mine!
A line in an old movie that I thought was very well said.. Regarding modern art.. but in a way may also apply to Zenography recommended lens results.. "It's form doesn't have to copy nature to please the senses." - 'The Second Womant' 1949. It is uploaded on here on TH-cam.. ." .
Interesting, I'll check it out, thanks!
One great review. I'm an OM2n shooter. Sounds like you and this lens need a room.
:)
Yes, it is! Great to see a review on this lens.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Wow. The MOST passionate lens review I stumbled upon!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I just bought one and am going to try it out. Thanks for the review beyond a review.
A great review as ever, I think that's the most animated I've ever heard you. Great lens, but bloody expensive. Hopefully I'll find one at a car boot, whenever those are back. Regards from sunny Stockport.
It is a bit expensive, but great fun if you find one at a good price. Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@zenography7923 At first I think a little expensive... However when you see what a new lens costs.. and I guess while good they maybe a bit boring, this has to be a real bargain.. I am wondering if this is the one I should save up for to be my first 'expensive' lens... So far I think the best that I have are - Vivitar 28 - DX Nikon 35 1.8 - E series 50 - Takumar 55.- Tessar 50 - Tokina Special 135 - Industar 50 & 135 - and some really nice Vivitar zooms..so I am not exactly stuck : ) But those photos are fabulous..
You said it perfectly. This when used in it's favor, is an inspiring art lens. I am using it in a commercial art application now, but it can do it's magic in many modes. The smooth blur is the best part for framing a subject. When one feels it is necessary this baby delivers.
It's a unique lens, and I think it's best considered an art lens, at least when used fully open. Glad you're finding it useful in your commercial work!
Yeah, that is how i am using it too, wide open.
I hope you were able to see my examples before taking them down. To be clear, I am not a professional commercial photographer. I do have a product which is a vacuum tube mic preamp/limiter which I designed for my studio and band back in the around 1997 or so. What I showed you was my photos that I use in videos of the band from 1997 to 2001 as well as what you saw on Audio websites. I think what I am doing is more focused than just random photography. Random photography is great, but my project now is more story telling through photos. It is creating awareness and interest. I think this lens hit the spot for what I showed. Other vintage lenses work good for a different less extreme look, like the FUJINON 55mm f2.2 or the Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 35mm f2 Radioactive 1850 CPM, however, this Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 1974 Radioactive 3389 CPM is doing a great job with it's very nice unique blurred background look.
I have other lenses that are good for this kind of thing in the f1.4 range.
Auto Chinon MultiCoated 55mm f1.4
Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.4 M42
Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f1.4
The Canon FL 55mm f1.2 would probably work good if I had a mirrowless camera or a FL FD converter.
Well, just thought I would check in.
0:58 Amazing that a vintage F1.2 lens can focus as close as 0.45 meters.
Most SLR lenses of the time would focus to this distance, and some could go a little closer still!
@@zenography7923 Many of my vintage f1.2 50mm lens can only focus to 0.6 meters.
Just picked up a fully refurbed, like new special edition version to use on my Sony and Panasonic cameras with an adapter. My version is polished in chrome by OM Labor ! i've purchased other OM lenses from them before and it's like buying jewellery. You pay a premium for the refurb / polished look but have a one off lens that not many people in the world have.
Glad you have a new favorite! A 1.2 lens is a dream but unfortunately, I can't stand the rendering of this specific lens.
It's not to everyone's taste I know, but it certainly makes some interesting images!
Exellent video on a lens that has magical qualities.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely review ... again! I just picked up a 55/1.2 with a CLA'd OM-1 for less than the price of this amazing lens. I love your reviews and I may be headed for rehab, because your videos have inspired me recently to buy the Olympus gear, plus a nice Kiev II kit and Zorki 4k enroute from Ukraine. Please keep up your inspirational work and nice photos!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it, well done with the OM1 and 1.2 too!
Great video. As a street and landscape photographer I rarely use superfast lenses because prefer to work with apertures in the f8-f16 range (for my pics I need the max depth of field). But if my main interest was portraiture, would like to try that lens.
A beautiful lens and a beautiful object. And very nicely described. Quite poetic !
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, very interesting and such a change to the "resolution is all" pixel peeping brigade. Not for everyone obviously, but there's a lot of interest judging by prices on Ebay. I have the 50 f1.4 which, whilst not being as crazy as this, also gives good bokeh in the right conditions.
The 1.4 is lovely, one of my personal favourites!
Just purchased a minty fresh Om 55mm f1.2 from Cali. Can't wait to use it. Thanks for the video and recommendation Nigel. Fantastic video as always!
I think you'll enjoy it Brent! Glad you enjoyed the video.
I have to say that the images did not reach me. But your description of them far surpassed what the lens produced itself. Love your channel. But happily sticking with my Canon 50 1.4. Though I have been itching to explore the Olympus line!
Best vintage lens review I've seen, thanks for sharing! You have a real talent for describing the characteristics of lenses in such a creative way! This lens looks so unique I may have to invest in one! I love lenses that glow and bloom the highlights, the Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 also does that and it's my current favourite!
The 55 1.2 is quite a lens - wide open I think it's best understood today as an art lens, a bit like the Helios 40, making technically imperfect but aesthetically interesting images. Technically speaking, the 50 1.2 is rather nicer, though a lot less wild!
@@zenography7923 Hey, thanks for your reply! Looking forward to your next video!
Lovely review, beautifully delivered. :-)
Beautiful and poetic video. And some nice pictures also.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Beautifully described
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Legend lens ! 👏
Canon FL 55mm f1.2 vs G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 lenses.
OK, I got my FL 55mm f1.2 up and running on my Sony A7Rii and took it out for a spin. It seems to me, so far, that there is no comparison between these two lenses. The G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 I can use with great results wide open. It is sharp and records great color. I have not found that sweet spot yet with the Canon. What do you think the reason is? Coatings maybe? I will keep trying.
WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE COATINGS ON THESE TWO LENSES? Does anyone know if the Canon actually has a coating?
Great lens wonderful colors very informative thanks
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
just picked up the nikon 55mm f/1:2. i love nikon colors, im hoping for a perfect imperfect lens for that vintage look. i love the focal length also
The perfect imperfect look - that's it exactly! Good luck!
👍🏻🤗 Sir, you are a perfect salesman! I ❤️ love your review and now i want to play with that 📸 lens as well. I am looking forward to your next review and would love to see that your videos would be longer as well.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent, poetic narration, mate!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I have an OM10 which I bought new years ago. I still have but the f1.50 mm lens sadly has fungas covering front and back elements. Even so it wasn't bad adapted on my Sony camera but could be much better if I could clean it off some how. Great pictures by the way.
A good repair shop should be able to clean it at reasonable cost...
Love your videos! I'm really curious as to how this lens compares to the Minolta MC Rokkor 58mm F/1.2, and the older Canon FL 55mm
F/1.2. I've heard good things about the two latter ones. Keep up the great reviews. Thank you 🙂
I'd like to try those lenses too! I'll keep my eyes open for a bargain...
I think it s an expensive lens? And it’s difficult to find it? Thank you for yours vidéos.
It usually sells for around £300 - £350 or so, although one just sold on ebay for £200. They are fairly rare, but they do come up from time to time - just got to keep looking I suppose!
Thanks!
Hey, thanks man, appreciated!
So I have this question:
I really like this lens. I am glad I found one.
I am looking for one more F1.2 magic vintage lens.
I have been considering the Rokkor f1.2 however, i am not sure it would be much different from my Canon FL f1.2 lens.
Maybe I should just wait. The Rokkor f1.2 lenses on eBay all seem to have a very bad fungus issues.
So, if you could list a few "Magical" f1.2 lenses, I would be very happy.
Beautiful review! I wish you had shown some night shots with this lens.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Well, as I was saying on your other video. I bought a spanking clean Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 Radioactive 3389 CPM, SN 117492. Not only is the back lens hot. The front lens it super hot with alpha radiation. I think I am getting a tan from this one. The lens is beautiful to look at as well as to use.
You should try to get your hands on one of the earlier versions of this lens, like what I have, and do a review of it. The images you are getting with the later not so radioactive version is a little different from the version I have here. Maybe compare the two.
Question: I have a f1.4 which says H.Zuiko and the f1.2 which says G.Zuiko. What is the story on those names?
Jim
Your videos are great and thanks for doing this. Thanks especially for putting up content in these weird times. Suggestion for the future is to mention what if any adapters you use to get mount (X) to mount (Y). Keep up the great work!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Although English is not my native language, but I still enjoy your great and beautiful lens review.
Many thanks, glad you're enjoying the videos!
I really like this lens. I am glad I found one.
I am looking for one more F1.2 magic vintage lens.
I have been considering the Rokkor f1.2 however, i am not sure it would be much different from my Canon FL f1.2 lens.
Maybe I should just wait. The Rokkor f1.2 lenses on eBay all seem to have a very bad fungus issues.
So, if you could list a few "Magical" f1.2 lenses, I would be very happy.
I hear the Konica Hexanon 50mm f1.2 is very nice indeed, as is the Olympus 50 (not 55) f1.2. However, I doubt you'll find a lens as outright stark staring crazy as this one (shot wide open that is). Some consider it wonderful while others insist it's awful, but whatever the case it's certainly unique.
That is a little out of my budget. Also, "nice indeed" sounds too safe and is maybe not what I am looking for.
Also, the Olympus 50mm f1.2 is too similar.
I am a recording engineer. We use mics with special characteristics to give us flavor as we paint soundscapes.
I had a Neumann U67 and hated it because it was too clear. I traded it for other vintage gear one of which was the Neumann U87 which had a texture to it that made my recordings sound great. Texture, Color, Personality. I design outboard gear with this in mind.
What about the Rokkor f1.2 lenses or... something like that?
I negotiated a lower price of $300 for a like mint Minolta Hills and Valleys MC Rokkor-PG 58mm F1.2 lens. It is Fungus Free and the most costly vintage lens I bought so far, but I think it was a good deal. I will let you know more when I receive it. This completes my f1.2 collection. I need to take a rest on lens purchases for now. I am pretty sure it is radioactive.
Thanks so much - I wonder if you have any recommendations for other more wide-angle lenses (ex. 35mm, 40mm, etc) that are also quirky, full of foibles, but can also make unique and wonderful images?
I do indeed - here's a link to a recent one: th-cam.com/video/hUXo5GDRmpk/w-d-xo.html
Check out my videos page for more!
I'd love to see side by side shots with this and the Zuiko 50mm 1.4 MC
That would be an interesting comparison!
OK - I've now got to have a hunt to see if I have this lens somewhere ... lol
It's worth looking for!
Very nice review,thank you.Kind of dynamic bokeh,interesting.Just courious how this lens behave at 2.8-4.0?
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! As for performance at 2.8 - 4.0, well, I've been wondering that myself! These images were all shot wide open, just to see how it performed at its limit. I have heard it's much sharper and better behaved in this range though...
Hi, I have the Zuiko 50mm F1:1.2 the newer one to this, have you got this lens or any reviews of it, I love it, from wide open onwards and very cinematic, I use it on a EOS M with Magic lantern, also have the 1:1.4 and of course many f1:1.8 from silver nose to made in japan including the 50mm f1:3.5 macro super for everything
I don't have the later f1.2 lens - yet! I've heard it's technically better than this one, it would make an interesting comparison...
I've got the 50mm 1.2 on my X-T2 most of the time these days. I love it. Haven't even got around to using the 1.4 yet even though it's said that that is sharper than the 1.2
Magical photography! What body/sensor size were these taken on?
All shot on the full frame Sony A7 (mark 1).
@@zenography7923 Thanks so much for your reply. Good to know. Keep up the zen videos!
Great presentation!
I have this lens and like it a lot. It is similar to the Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 when it comes to rendering but more extreme. For perfectionists it's one of the worst 1.2's, for you guys look for a Pentax 50mm 1.2 or Canon FD 50mm f/1.2. But some of us can appreciate the imperfections and beauty of the world seen through this lens.
It certainly has plenty of character, that's for sure! Glad you enjoyed the video!
why is it one of the worst lenses?
@@kristen0009 Less corrections, more glow, yellow glass from radiation that also makes it slower than f/1.2. But that can be cleared with light. But some like that "flaw". And it's not unique to this lens.
Early Hexanon , Rokkor and Tomioka f/1.2 lenses are also radioactive.
@@blotafton thatnk you mate
This lens produces some really crazily unusual images - great stuff, a good antidote to the forensic output of much modern glass that often can leave you a little cold. Was there also a 50mm 1.2 or was this 55mm the fastest Zuiko?
There was indeed a 50mm 1.2; it's reputed to be rather better than this one - another one for the list!
I have a 50mm 1.2 which I am currently using quite a lot. I really like it.
Ancient Greek statues in the midst of Manhattan? Among the resolution power of modern optical stalks the beauty of antiquity.
:)
Very nice lens, I'll have to get one. :)
It's quite something, a lens with a real character. It reminds me a bit of the Helios 40 - another slightly mad lens, and another one of my favourites!
Please review the OM-4 if you can. Arguably the camera with the best metering system ever !
I've been looking for a good one for the right price for some time - the search continues!
I know two OM-4 owners. Both are complaining about the very high battery consumption. It seems that is a serious problem.
can you please explain the vignette a little more, at least help explain what is bad vignette?
the only thing/part i dont quite understand. beautiful lens, though would you use this for portraits as well for that artistic field?
It's hard to say exactly - some lenses vignette and produce what is to me a very unpleasant look, with washed out colours and dark corners. Vignette on this lens doesn't seem so unpleasant, even though it's very pronounced. It seems to act more like a framing device for the shot, and colour remains strong.
I think this would make an excellent portrait lens, although I haven't shot portraits with it so far.
@@zenography7923 thank you i appreciate it
Sounds like carl sagan describing his famous blue dot 😆
:)
Beautiful review as alway!!
Question: on eBay I find it for €350 or even 500.
Meaning it’s not so old.
Did you find it for a price like that? Or is it a more vintage version (and cheaper) ??
Prices on ebay do vary a lot; I've found this lens usually goes for £250 - £300. There's no cheaper version I'm afraid! I was lucky with this one and got it with a bunch of other lenses and a camera.
Glad you enjoyed the review!
Zenography thank you for your response.
I’ll keep watching those nice reviews.
I’m a fan of imperfection and swirly lenses!
You are superb in to describe the indescribable ..
Thank you!
What other vintage f1.2 lenses, 50 or 55 mm do you think are interesting. You can see what I am doing below. If I wanted to pick up another f1.2 lens. I already have a FL 55mm f1.2 however for my Canon 2000D it will need a converter which are not being made at this point. The images I can get are very different from the Olympus f1.2 55mm in light and clarity, but the FL lens on my Canon 2000D is maxed out at half the distance from my eye to my hand. Maybe I need to think about a Sony mirrorless.. or any mirrorless in the future.
Did you free style this or wrote this monologue
This one was scripted quite carefully
It's as if it's a pre digital "Art Filter" the beauty filter.
It really is, an incredible lens!
I would like someone to clarify how this lens of glass with it's lens coatings can effect the coloring that hits the sensor. Has anyone tested this scientifically? Does this effect get around white balancing? We are white balancing, correct? If you are not in this video then I would like to know. I am not sure how this saturation of the colors works actually. Anyone?
Vignette: Have you checked this out on a ASP-C sensor? I need to do this. I am thinking it won't Vignette here.
It will be quite a bit less, as the sensor looks through a more central part of the lens, which is also the sharper part, so a double win for aps-c here!
Ok I bought it.
I hope you're enjoying it - that lens is quite something!
I have the 1.2 50mm which creams it
The 50mm is technically a better lens, no doubt about it, but the 55 has more character.
@@zenography7923 They're both goodie.
this lens for full frame or apsc ?
It works fine on either. A full frame sensor will show the full image circle and thus the full character of the lens, giving a 55mm focal length, while a m43 sensor will look through the more central part of the lens and give (effectively) a 110mm focal length.
@@zenography7923 oh ok, thanks bro
See, once upon a time, a few years back, all there was were full frame 35mm lenses.
This was before sensor technology had come along or had become affordable.
In 1983 I was an engineer on the first Fuji Optical CCD endoscope. That CCD cost $1700 each.
You can see that CCD sensors were out of the price range of the average photographer.
CMOS sensors came along later.
So, any 35mm lens if adapted correctly, will be both Full Frame and ASP-C.
ASP-C lenses are not compatible with Full Frame as you can find in S35 Video.
Here is what I am using this lens for at the moment. I hope you don't mind. I was going for a dream like look.
This is not an accident. I worked to get this look.
These are part of a series of photos that I shot to be added in segments of a TH-cam video. I took about 20 photos with the Olympus OM-System G.Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f1.2 lens. These captured the effect I was looking for. Notice the blur behind the front panel. Notice the sparkle effect from the use of light and the area just out side of the field of focus in the photo of the switches.
images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--jmtiEoDk--/f_auto,t_supersize/v1656240236/ooadsx28gwognmm05lmm.jpg
images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--NZ_9Gb8B--/f_auto,t_supersize/v1656240182/kozveo9y7n9cgjwkwv0g.jpg
These links are currently on my Reverb . com webpage. I think they are safe.
I think they are beautiful. I am using a Canon 2000D in portrait mode #2 at about 4 to 5 feet from the front panel.
Estoy ya un poco harto de tanto desenfoque...
Чисто практически в каких случаях имеет смысл применять f/1.2 ?☝🤔
Я думаю, что если вам нужно что-то немного особенное в изображении, объектив f1.2 может быть хорошим способом для этого - это могут быть художественные снимки или, возможно, некоторые довольно креативные портреты. Я определенно наслаждался этим!
I had this lens and it was funny to play with. Nothing more than that.
In the end it was a crap lens at f1.2
I would have a better understanding of the lens if you also photographed people, including portraits in your samples.
It's sometimes difficult to photograph people if I'm not in central London (which I haven't been for some time due to lockdown)! In the suburbs I've found that people don't like to be photographed, whereas in the big city they seem to welcome it! Well, most of the time anyway...
@@zenography7923 For sure, and especially in these COVID times, it can be helpful to have a friend/partner/spouse who doesn't mind being photographed. I hope to see more photos of people in your future work!
Much less Vignette on the f 1.4
Do you know if this lens came on a particular camera, or was it something that you had to buy separately? I regularly look online for OM-1 and OM-2s. 95% of the time they come with a 1.8. The rest with a 1.4. I never see this lens come with a camera.
I don't know if this lens was ever supplied with a camera, but I would think probably not - as you say, the most common was the 1.8, sometimes a 1.4. Probably not too common a choice, but I certainly enjoyed using this one!
Hello, Nigel!
First of all, I want to say a big thanks to you for your reviews! It's a pleasure for me to watch your videos!
Secondly, I would like to lend you an interesting and quite rare FSU SLR from KZM for review. How can I contact with you?
Thank you in advance for your answer!
Hi Akira, glad you're enjoying the channel, and thanks for your kind offer - that sounds like an interesting lens! You can contact me at zenography11@gmail.com - I look forward to hearing from you!
I have one, it is pretty much modern lens in terms of sharpness and contrast but boke is something extraterrestrial indeed. Samples: flic.kr/s/aHsmN75mzo
You have some nice shots there! And you're right - extraterrestrial is the word!
@@zenography7923 actually mine is 50 1.2 that's a bit more tech advanced vs 55 1.2 but boke seems the same.
I might have to unsubscribe. My bank account is sobbing violently
Oh, please don't!