Canon S 50mm LTM (Leica) which one to get ?

asterinex · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 311

Dear members,

I want to buy an old Canon S 50mm mm with Leica Thread Mount.
I have the option to buy following
50/1.8 version Type I, all metal brass 200$
50/1.8 Type II, aka the Black One. 210$
50/1.4 Black 290$

All in equal condition. I have read alot good things about the 1.4, but others say that the 1.8 is sharper.

Which one is is the one to get ?
Important for me is quality of bokeh, sharpness,....

Regards,Gert

calvin83 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7581 Location: Hong Kong

Get the 1.4, you will love it. Wink

newst · Joined: 21 Oct 2014 Posts: 617 Location: Troy, MI USA

You can't lose with any of these lenses. All three are optically and mechanically excellent. Good looking too. The 1.8 might be slightly sharper but I never noticed a difference while the 1.4 bokeh was fractionally better than the 1.8. My choices would be:

1. 1.4/50 for the added speed.

2. 1.8/50 II fantastic, small, light, do anything lens.

3. 1.8/50 I optically identical to 1.8/50 II but heavier due to solid chromed brass housing.

If you are interested in a Sonnar design the 1.5 is an excellent choice also.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

I own the type I, a 1.8 Serenar, and it is an amazingly sharp lens. But you know if I had a choice, I'd be leaning more toward the 1.4. I've seen a lot of fantastic photos taken with that lens and I would want to exploit its smoother bokeh. But whichever way you choose to go, you won't regret it. They're all great lenses.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Of those listed, the 50/1.4 would be my choice, and just to add more options to confuse you, the 50/1.2 is also well worth looking at, and can be had for $400.

asterinex · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 311

thx guys. I just ordered the 1.4 Smile

, will post a review in a few weeks with some pics. thx!