Carl Zeiss Planar 50/1.4

iha · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 284

I bought from the seller in Swiss. Price: 100 CHF. This lens has very rough looking, but the optical element is original and the focus ring is smooth.

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Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I think to remember that you also have the 1.7 version.
If so you will notice immediately that the 1.4 is not as sharp wide open, but is has a very peculiar character of its own, that makes it ideal for portraits (especially on crop camera). And from f/4 onwards, it really sings.

iha · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 284

Yes, I have.
I heard that the 1.4 version is not better than the 1.7 in the same setup. But the first feeling of the 1.4 was more interesting and more breathless! Smile

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Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I have verified this. When I show people a picture taken with the 1.4/50, many are impressed, even if by inspecting the image, it's not as sharp as some other lenses may be. But if it won the prize for all-time best 50mm lens (Leica Summicron came second) there must be a reason why. I don't know how to call it differently but "organic quality". This lens makes the most boring things around us look alive. It is a very rare quality. Another lens that has it it's the Helios-40-2. Another, in my opinion, it's the MIR-24.
But these lenses are very rare cases, most lenses look like normal, maybe super sharp, but nothing special.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Great price for an excellent lens! Congrats!