Canon 50mm f1.2

[elmarfudd]

I just ordered the 50mm f/1.2 for LSM. Anybody here use this lens? I love my

Nikkor 1.2 and can't wait see how the Canon compares with it.

[Troll]

I didn't know there was a Nikkor 1.2 LTM.

[john_shriver]

It's going to be rather different from the LTM Nikkor 50/1.4. No idea how it would compare to the Nikon SLR 1.2, if that's what you're comparing it to. Nikon and Canon took different design tradeoffs in those days.

 

It's too big to be practical on a bottom-loading LTM camera, but is a fine match in size with the Canon 7 or 7s or an M mount Leica.

 

It won't take much archive searching here to find comments about the Canon 50/1.2, or pictures taken with it.

 

You may find it necessary to have a full focus calibration done on the lens and camera body, there's not much tolerance for error. My Canon 7s is at DAG (with the 50/1.2) because it's flange-to-film distance is clearly too large.

[Aoresteen]

I think James was refering to the SLR Nikkor 1.2

 

I have and use the Canon 50mm f/1.2. I like it. Many don't. I had one in the early 80's and sold it (regrets!). About 3 years ago I bought another one and had Dog Goldberg (DAG Camera Repair)check it out. It's one of the reasons I bought an M3 body.

 

Many do not like the lens. Either you love it or hate it. I think you should send yours to a good repair shop to makes sure the back focus is set correctly. If the focus is off, you will get soft pictures at wider apertures.

 

The correct Canon vented lens shade is hard to find. Recently one was sold on ebay for $180, some dealers ask $450 for one. While I have the correct vented shade, I use the Olympus 55mm f/1.2 metal shade (slip on for 55mm threads) that fits perfectly and is easier to find.

 

It's a big lens, unuseable IMHO on a screw mount Leica such as the Leica IIIf as it cuts out a huge amount of the viewfinder. Works well on an M3.

[elmarfudd]

Should've clarified (or you all should learn to read minds) - Nikkor 1.2 is F-mount and I intend to use the Canon on an M3, which should be plenty accurate and rigid enough.

[Troll]

Is that the NOCT Nikkor?

[vivek iyer]

No, it is a fast "normal" 50mm f/1.2 AI or AIS Nikkor.

 

The Noct-Nikkor is the 58mm f/1.2 lens.

[elmarfudd]

55mm F/1.2 Non AI.

[frederick_muller]

I use this lens a lot and like it. People say it's soft, just like they say the pre-aspherical lux is soft, and they're right - it is. But while it is not razor sharp like a 50 cron, or 50 lux aspherical, or 50 Nokton, it is sharp enough. It has nice glow and a pleasing color rendition. It's bigger 'round than a Nokton, though stubbier. Heavier than a Nokton, but it balances well on the M2 and Bessa R2 I use it on.<div></div>

[Rob F.]

I had the 50mm f/1.2 AI. I found it to be very low in contrast wide open, making it somewhat hard to focus in low light. I felt I could do better with the 50mm Summilux, even though 1/2 stop slower, you can get away with a little lower shutter spedd because of the absence of mirror shake.

[al_kaplan1]

I recall that Nikon made an f/1.1 for rangefinder cameras.

[elmarfudd]

Yeah, the 55 Nikkor is low contrast, and sharp as an apple while wide open. I still love the effect it gives. I purchased it for $50 before I had any Leica equipment, when my lowlight camera was still an F2.

[Rob F.]

"Yeah, the 55 Nikkor is low contrast, and sharp as an apple while wide open."

 

I'm not sure how to interpret "sharp as an apple." Is this an expression I'm not familiar with, meaning "very sharp," or does it mean "not very sharp."

[al_kaplan1]

50mm f/1.1 Nikkor:

 

http://fotomuveszet.elender.hu/9734/nagykepek/jpg_kepek_973412/nagykep_97341206_eng.html

[Aoresteen]

James,

 

Here's my M3 with the 50mm f/1.2 Canon.;<div></div>

[elmarfudd]

It's a simile I suppose. Apples aren't sharp, neither is the Nikkor 55 1.2 wide open.

[elmarfudd]

We seem to share a taste in equipment, Anthony. Thanks for the pictures (everyone), I'll post a shot when the lens comes.

[johnmarkpainter]

"Sharp as a Bowling Ball" is my favorite version of that quote. (I also have a Nikkor 55/1.2

pre AI)

 

I had a Canon 50/1.2 and mine was GREAT. Focus was perfect on my M3. I did sell it

though. I had too many specialty lenses. I didn't see a point in using it as my main 50

because it is big and heavy and for me it didn't have anything special to offer as soon as it

was at F2 or higher (though it was still quite good).

 

jmp<div></div>

[joop]

Let's show some real pictures taken with the lens!

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<img src="http://static.flickr.com/50/135919034_56131bcd87.jpg?v=0" ></a> <p> <i> Kicki in Barcelona</i><p>

</center><p>

I think it's a great lens. I like using it on my M3.

Mine seems soft at f/1.2 better at f/1.4 quite good at f/2.

But in many cases soft can look nice. The focus throw is a bit too long for my taste, slowing the focussing process down.

It would be nice if it could focus closer than 1 mtr / 3.5 ft.

<p>

<center>

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/52/126353320_66ad8068dc.jpg?v=0"></a><p>

<i> the Double-Bass players of my Orchestra </i></center>