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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.
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Helios-40 and Cyclop 85mm 1.5 ; Nikkor S.C 50mm 1.4 and 1.2
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:14 pm
Post subject: Helios-40 and Cyclop 85mm 1.5 ; Nikkor S.C 50mm 1.4 and 1.2
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:14 pm
Post subject: Helios-40 and Cyclop 85mm 1.5 ; Nikkor S.C 50mm 1.4 and 1.2
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I made a little comparison between my fast lenses < f:2
I forgot to include the Samyang 1.5/85 but it gives a comparison between old MF lenses.

I took pictures of a Tulip from the same point of view, at closest focusing distance with each lens, and each time wide open and then stopped down at f:2 (except for the Cyclop which doesn't have a diaphragm).

Here are the results (click to open in new window with better IQ) :

1- Helios-40 85mm alu preset version M42 ; closest focusing range = 0,70m ; 10 blades
at f1.5


at f2



2- Cyclop 85mm ; closest focusing range = 0,75m ; No diaph
at 1.5


One more at f1.5 for the pleasure



3- Nikkor S.C 50mm ; closest focusing range = 0,60m ; 7 blades
at f1.4


at f2



4- Nikkor S.C 55mm ; closest focusing range = 0,60m ; 7 blades
at f1.2


at f2



Under sunshine there's more or less glow wide open. The better on this point is the Nikkor S/C 50mm 1.4.
Just stop down to f2 and the image improves a lot on this point.

But glows is a bery inetresting feature when you want to do portraits or water paintings like photos.

Last edited by Olivier on Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:22 pm; edited 1 time in total


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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:17 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:17 pm
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these are great just like oil paintings under a true light.
i am wishiiing for this lens for a longs time... but the economical issue seems to halt me every time i think i can make it.


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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:23 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:23 pm
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Which lens in particular Smoli4 ?


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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:58 am
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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:58 am
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The S.C 50/1.4 is not that expensive, and there are others that can do the job depending on what bodies you shoot.


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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:07 am
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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:07 am
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The tulip flower has an aura about it in your Helios and Cyclop images. It's very nice.


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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:16 pm
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Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:16 pm
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Thank you Joseph.
I like a lot the word you use.
Aura : that's exactly the good word and express the magic of the Helios-40.
Very Happy
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