50mm mf source?

[joe_zammarelli]

I've put together an EM kit, the way folks like to drive MGs. Why?

Because we like them. My 50mm lens is loose. Works fine, but it

rattles a bit. While I would prefer it, I'm not married to the

Series E, so if there is another 50mm, manual focus, I'm open. I

know I've asked this before, but I can't find the thread. Lo siento.

 

Nothing on ebay that look promising, and nothing from B&H, any other

sources?

 

Thanks, and have a goooooood day!

 

Joe Z

[lee hamiel]

Joe:

 

Simply go for an AI/ais 50 f/1.8 - they are tack sharp - snug & rate as good as any Nikkor prime & they are cheap - get one on ebay & ask questions

 

Good Luck

[Matthew Currie]

Try KEH.com. They usually have a bunch of 50's in all grades from perfect to "bargain." Last year I got a bargain grade 50/2.0 AI that was nearly perfect for about $35. Very sharp, robust, flare-free.

[calvin_lee]

50mm f/1.8 Series E lenses in mint condition typically go for about $25-$45 on ebay.

[albert_smith]

<a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00ALfM"> Here </a> is a thread about the various 50mm Nikkor lenses with an aperture of f/1.8. I personally experienced quite a bit of difference between the f/1.8 Series E and the true AIS Nikkor, with the Nikkor coming out on top at the widest apertures. If I were going to get a single 50mm lens for an EM, I'd seek out a AI / AIS f/1.8. No one will be able to tell if the shots were made with a simple EM or an F5, they will just be sharp, contrasty photos.

[lex_jenkins]

There are probably about an equal number of fans of the 50/1.8 and the older 50/2. The 50/1.8 is usually considered a bit sharper; the 50/2 is usually considered to have better flat field capabilities for close focusing.

 

That just translates to less of a particular type of distortion up close. It's similar to a dedicated macro lens in that respect. That's one reason why I like my 50/2 AI. It's also very useful reversed for makeshift macro work. Flatter field and better edge sharpness with less falloff than other 50mm lenses I've tried.

 

It's very slightly soft wide open, which I find useful for certain photos. Some folks prefer a sharper lens wide open.

[ebogaerts]

Avoid "Bargain" grade KEH equipment if you want to aviod the possibility of getting another 50mm that has looseness/stifness or other imperfections in the focus ring movement.

[._._z]

I disagree. I've had nothing but great luck (and deals) with KEH 'bargain'-grade gear.

[graham_line]

As long as you have the 50/1.8E available and the looseness doesn't affect the pictures, why not look at a 50/1.4 Ai/s or even a 35/2 to expend your potential a bit? Neither is big enough to unbalance the EM and both can deliver excellent results.

[joe_zammarelli]

Thanks for all the info!

 

I have a series E 28mm, 50mm, 100mm and the 50mm is the only one a bit loose. It's disquieting, kind of like driving that MG over rough pavement and getting a bit of a rattle. You wonder what's wrong. Nothing serious, surely, but...

 

As for the sources mentioned, must be a bad time, but I see a lot of high-priced junk out there.

 

One angle I'm following is for cheap "camerea for parts" that include a lens.

 

Again, thanks for the advice.

 

Have a goooooood day!