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PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:50 pm    Post subject: Personal lens top list Reply with quote
My favourite lenses are time to time changing when I have more knowledge, experience about them.

So let me share current one, please do same with yours.

~ 20mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f2.8 MC
2) Olympus OM 21mm f3.5
3) Olympus OM 18mm f3.5

Yes I rate currently above than Olympus Smile

24mm

1) Nikkor 24mm f2.8 AIS
2) Olympus OM 24mm f2
3) Yashica ML 24mm f2.8

28mm

I not use much even if I have many nice copies.

1) Yashica ML 28mm f2.8
2) Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS 20cm close focus

35mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4 MC
2) Nikkor 35mm f1,4 AIS

50mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.4
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 MC
1) Nikkor 50mm f2 AI
2) Nikkor 50mm f1.2 AIS
3) Pentax K 50mm f1.2 AIS

~75mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 80mm f1.8
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 75mm f1.5
3) Jupiter-9 silver version

~100mm
1) Nikkor 105mm f2.5 AIS
2) Nikkor 105mm f1.8 AIS
3) Minolta MD 100mm f2

~135mm

1) Carl Zeiss 135mm f2.8 Contax
2) Olympus OM 135mm f2.8 MC
3) Spiratone 135mm f1.8

~180mm
1) Carl Zeiss 180mm f2.8 MM Contax

etc,etc I am tired Smile


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
wide
1) Sigma 15-30/3.5-4.5 EX DG (equivalent 25,5 - 51mm KB)
2) Sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6 DC (equivalent 30,6-85mm KB)
3) Vivitar Auto Wide-Angle 28/2.5 (equivalent 47,6 mm KB)

normal
1) Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50/1.8 (black version) - (equivalent 85mm KB)
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.8 (aluminium version) - (equivalent 59,5mm KB)
3) Sigma 28-70/2.8 EX DG (equivalent 47,6 - 119mm KB)


tele
1) Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58/2.0 (black version) (equivalent 98,6mm KB)
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar 135/4 (aluminium version) - (equivalent 229,5mm KB)
3) Sigma 70-300/4.0-5.6 DG Macro Super II (equivalent 119 - 510mm KB)

Note, that the "real" focal length of the lenses (in the brackets) with my Sigma SD9 and Sigma SD10 depends of their extension-factor of 1.7.

Last edited by Retro on Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:36 pm; edited 2 times in total


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Biotar and Pancolar my all time favourite lenses...
Black Biotar is very rare you are really lucky!


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
Biotar and Pancolar my all time favourite lenses...
Black Biotar is very rare you are really lucky!

By experience in the field of practice I got the same appraisal than you, Attila.

The Pancolar is most versatile. It is tack sharp even wide open, allows perfect available-light photography (1.8 ) and has a pleasant narrow minimum focus distance (35cm).

The black biotar looks great, is perfectly built, tack sharp and has a wonderful bokeh. Compared with the Pancolar with its focal lenght of 58mm it has a little to narrow view angle.

As a "real" normal lens, the aluminium flektogon (equivalent 59,5mm KB) is perfect too (very sharp, wonderful bokeh and very narrow minimum focal distance). Compared with the Pancolar with its intensity of light of 2.8 it is a little bit lesser usable for available light.

The Sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6 DC (equivalent 30,6-85mm KB) is a very versatile zoom, has a remarkable image quality and so an extremly underrated lens.
I honestly can say, that the Sigma 28-70/2.8 EX DG (equivalent 47,6 - 119mm KB) has the image quality of a prime.

Last edited by Retro on Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:45 pm; edited 8 times in total


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
My first aluminium Flektogon covered with haze in this condition is not good at all, based on your very good opinion I will find my second copy that is in perfect condition and I will test again. Thanks to pointed me!


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
One of my first EBay-acquirements was also a hazy Flektogon. With old lenses the adhesive between the lenses can get rotten. Nevertheless I could compensate the loss of contrast with photoshop.

But my second alu-Flektogon is perfect. I would absolutly encourage to try a second one...

By the way, here is a photo with the alu-Flektogon:



Last edited by Retro on Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:58 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Alu lenses are beautiful I really, really love to see them on my cameras.


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
Alu lenses are beautiful I really, really love to see them on my cameras.

The are nostalgic.
My most beautiful alu is the "Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 50/2.8".



P.S.:
Be careful with the alu-Flektogon. Going to infinity, the lens intrudes a little bit into the camera case. I use a very thin ring of paper to hold the distance between the back-lens and the dust-protection of the Sigma-camera. With other DSLR´s its the mirror, which is to be protected.
This thin ring between the thread of the lens and the adaptor nevertheless allows the fully infinity function and does not act like a macro-intermediate ring.


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/german/schneider-kreuznach-Xenon_50mm_f1_9_exa/
My Scheneider I had to sold to finance my purchases. I really think I will buy again.


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Here is a photo with my Schneider-Kreuznach Edixa-Xenar 50/2.8:



It was able to catch this wonderful winter-afternoon-light. And the scene is so three-dimensional...
I never would sell a Schneider-Kreuznach...


PostPosted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Beautiful!


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 4:50 am    Post subject: Personal Top 10 list Reply with quote
My personal MF favorites:
(that I presently own or have owned in the past)

21mm & under:
7.5 MD Rokkor-X
16mm f2.8 AIS Nikkor
16mm f2.8 MC Rokkor-X
17mm f4 MC Rokkor-X
20mm f3.5 AIS Nikkor
21mm f2.8 MC Rokkor-X

24-28mm
24mm f2 AIS Nikkor
24mm f2.8 MD Rokkor-X
28mm f2.8 Elmarit-R
28mm f2.8 AIS Nikkor
28mm f3.5 SMC Takumar
28mm f3.5 MC Rokkor-SG

35mm- 40mm
35mm f1.8 MC Rokkor-X HH
35mm f2 AIS Nikkor
35mm f2.8 Olympus Zukio
40mm f4 Bronica Zenzanon PS

50-58mm
50mm f1.2 MD Rokkor-X
50mm f1.4 MC Rokkor-X
50mm f1.4 Canon SSC
50mm f1.4 Auto Miranda
50mm f1.4 SMC Takumar
50mm f1.4 Olympus Zukio
50mm f1.8 Zeiss Planar
50mm f2 Zeiss Pancolor
50mm f2 Summircon-R
50mm f2 Nikkor HC
50mm f3.5 Zenzanon S
50mm f4.5 Zenzanon PG
55mm f1.8 SMC Takumar
55mm f3.5 AIS Micro Nikkor
57mm f1.4 Hexanon AR
58mm f1.4 MC Rokkor

65-90mm
65mm f4 Zenzanon PS
85mm f1.7 MC Rokkor-X
85mm f2 AIS Nikkor
90mm f2.8 Elmarit-R

100-135mm
100mm f2.5 MC Rokkor-X
100mm f2.8 Canon SSC
100mm f3.5 Zenzanon PG
105mm f2.5 AIS Nikkor
105mm f2.8 Auto Miranda
135mm f2 AIS Nikkor
135mm f2.8 Olympus Zukio
135mm f2.8 MC Rokkor
135mm f2.8 Auto Miranda
135mm f2.8 Elmarit-R

150-200mm
150mm f3.5 Zenzanon S
150mm f4 SMC Takumar
180mm f2.8 AIS ED Nikkor

200-300mm
200mm f4 AIS Nikkor
200mm f3.5 MC Rokkor-X
200mm f4.5 Zenzanon PG
250mm f4 Leitz-R
250mm f5.6 Zenzanon S
300mm f4.5 AIS Nikkor

500mm - up
500mm f8n AIS Reflex Nikkor
500mm f8 Reflex Rokkor-X
600mm f5.6 AIS EDIF Nikkor
600mm f8 Tokina PS
800mm f8 Vivitar PS

I will be happy to discuss the performance or show sample photos taken with these lenses. (I still have hundreds of slides to scan)


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Uhh........... That's more than 10 Wink

Welcome to the forum:)


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 6:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Retro

I agree on the sigma 15-30 - mine is tack sharp and fairly reasonable distorion at the ends

Richard Jack

Welcome. That's a neat list. Some nice nikkors in there. Any samples of the rokkors and what do you mount them on?


patrickh


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm afraid my list is quite boring and almost never changing

~ 20mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 20mm f4
2) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 18mm f4
3) Nikkor UD Auto 20mm f3.5

24mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 25mm f2.8
2) Yashica ML 24mm f2.8
3) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 25mm f4

28mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 28mm f2
2) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 28mm f2.8
3) Yashica ML 28mm f2.8

35mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 35mm f1.4
2) MC MIR-24N 35mm f/2
3) Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon 35mm f2.8

50mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Planar 50mm f1.4
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f3.5
3) Nikkor AI(S?) 50mm f1.4

~75mm

1) Helios-40-2 85mm f1.5
2) Carl Zeiss Contax Planar 85mm f1.4
3) MC MIR-38B 65mm f3.5

~100mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Sonnar 100mm f3.5
2) Carl Zeiss Contax Planar 100mm f2
3) Leica Summicron-R 90mm f/2

~135mm

1) Carl Zeiss Contax Planar 135mm f2
2) Carl Zeiss Contax Sonnar 135mm f2.8
3) Leica Elmarit-R 135mm f/2.8

~180mm
1) Carl Zeiss Contax Sonnar 180mm f2.8
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f2.8
3) MC Jupiter-21M 200mm f4


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Orio wrote:
I'm afraid my list is quite boring and almost never changing
...

Not at all boring, Orio. First, such a list of great lenses is never boring to read for us and second the fact that it doesn't really change just means that you have found "your gear" and thus can really try to get to know these lenses character completely - this is something I would like to do as well (but I am close to that point, really.)

OK, here is my list of favourite MF lenses: (I added the "motivation" requested by fotal.)

<21mm (incl. fisheyes)
- Vivitar 3.5/17 (A great compromise between price and performance, other 17mm are really expensive.)
- Zenitar 2.8/16 (IMHO a "must-have", renders nicely and is wide.)
- Peleng 3.5/8 (The most affordable "real" fisheye.)

~24mm
- Nikkor-N.C 2.8/24 (As far as character is concerned, this is one of my fav lenses. Don't need to pp the pics.)
- Tamron 2.5/24 (Can do everything almost as well as the Nikkor, but is only "almost" as good.)

~28mm
- Olympus Zuiko 3.5/28 (Very small, great micro-contrast, fantastic feeling.)
- Vivitar 2.5/28 (by Kiron. All in all a very good performer, as good as the Komine-model 2.8/28, but the 2.5/28 has a more pleasant handling.)
- Pentax-M SMC 2.8/28 (Used to like that, then it was pushed away by other lenses, but now it had a kind of come-back...)

~35mm
- Leica Elmarit-R 2.8/35 (Simply fantastic in all regards.)
- Nikkor-O 2.0/35 (Very close to the Elmarit, a little warmer and also faster - so virtually on the same level.)
- MIR-1B 2.8/37 or Asahi SMC Takumar 3.5/35 (I really cannot decide between these two, both are very nice lenses.)

~50mm (The hardest choice by far!)
- Nikkor-S.C 1.2/55 (Fast from f2.8 on but what a "hulk", feels great!)
- Olympus Zuiko MC 1.4/50 (Fast and usable wide open, small and still great handling.)
- Now, that's really difficult: Asahi Super-Takumar 1.4/50, Pentax-M SMC 1.7/50, Rollei Planar SL 1.8/50, MC Volna-9 2.8/50 Macro, Mamiya Auto Sekor 1.8/55 or Nikkor 2.0/50 (AI). (And I am leaving out lenses like Nikkor-H 2.0/50, Yashica ML 1.7/50, Helios-44-2 2/58, CZJ Tessar 2.8/50, Industar-50 3.5/5cm and some others each of which is a fantastic piece of glass!)


~85-105mm
- Nikkor-H 1.8/85 (I just love the character of this lens!)
- Asahi Super-Takumar 2.8/105 (Very nice, no real draw-backs.)
- Jupiter-9 2.0/85 (I like this lens' personality.)
(Again two very nice lenses did not make it into this short list: Meyer Optik Trioplan 2.8/100 V and MC Kaleinar-5N 2.8/100, although they are great.)

~135mm
- Nikkor-Q.C Auto 3.5/135 (Sharp, great colours, nice to use.)
- Olympus Zuiko Auto-T 3.5/135 (Similar to the Nikkor but smaller, so I often take this lens because it will not be any kind of additional burden.)
- TAIR-11 2.8/135 or Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 4/135 1Q or Jupiter 37-A 3.5/135 (I just can't decide for No.3)

~200mm (Haven't used those for quite a while now...)
- Telear-N 3.5/200 (Sharp, very neutral rendering, fine tele.)
- Jupiter-21 M 4/200 (Impressive piece of glass, very nice pictures.)
- Pentacon 4/200 (A little weaker than the J21 in every respect, but still a good lens.)

>200mm
- Tair 3-S 4.5/300 (An enormously huge lens, but it produces very good pictures.)

Zoom lenses
- Soligor C/D Zoom+Macro 3.8-5.3/35-200 MC (Versatile, eps. on a film cam, and surprisingly good results.)
- Sigma Zoom-0 II 3.5-4.5/28-85 MC (s.a.)
- Hoya HMC 3.5/25-42 Zoom&Macro (The only still wide zoom lens on my crop cams.)
(And my Soligor C/D 3.5-4.5/28-105 MC Zoom+Macro also is nice, but I only can use it on my Canon FTb QL.)

Tele zoom lenses
- Soligor MC 3.5/70-220 Macro (Also a huge lens, but a great performer and almost a real macro lens with a 1:1.8 macro functionality.)
- Tamron SP 3.8-5.4/60-300 MC 23A (A classic, sharp and useable wide open.)
- Tamron SP 3.5/70-210 CF Macro MC 19AH (Very fast for a tele zoom lens and sharp.)
(And I think the Kiron 4.5/70-210 Macro 1:4 MC gets pretty close, but I have to test it a little more. The Tokina RMC II 4/80-200 is also nice.)

RF lenses:
- Jupiter-12 2.8/35 P
- Industar-61 L/D 2.8/53
(Well, these are the only ones I've got. Wink The others are fixed lenses. Of these the Solagon 2.0/50, the Voigtländer Color-Lanthar 2.8/42, the Rokkor 2.7/38, the E.Zuiko 2.8/42 and the Yashinon 3.5/80 are quite impressive!)

Last edited by LucisPictor on Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:05 am; edited 7 times in total


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Guys, isn't it amazing how lucky we are?

I mean, hello? "What are your favourite lenses?"
Most people would say: "The three ones I've got." (If at all...)

We can decide which of the huge number of lenses we have (had) we would call "favourite". I guess that's the right moment to thank someone who ever we believe in. Very Happy


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
LucisPictor wrote:
Guys, isn't it amazing how lucky we are?
I mean, hello? "What are your favourite lenses?"
Most people would say: "The three ones I've got." (If at all...)
We can decide which of the huge number of lenses we have (had) we would call "favourite". I guess that's the right moment to thank someone who ever we believe in. Very Happy


I'd rather put it that the lens sellers should thank us instead Laughing Rolling Eyes


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Orio wrote:
LucisPictor wrote:
Guys, isn't it amazing how lucky we are?
I mean, hello? "What are your favourite lenses?"
Most people would say: "The three ones I've got." (If at all...)
We can decide which of the huge number of lenses we have (had) we would call "favourite". I guess that's the right moment to thank someone who ever we believe in. Very Happy


I'd rather put it that the lens sellers should thank us instead Laughing Rolling Eyes

Laughing


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
~ 20mm

1) Nikkor 20/4 AI
2) Tokina 17/3.5

All I have this wide

24mm

1) Nikkor 24mm f2 AIS
2) Nikkor 24/2.8

28mm

1) Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS 20cm close focus
2) Nikkor 28/2 AIS
2) Yashica ML 28mm f2.8
3) Kiron 28/2.8

35mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4 MC
2) Schneider Curtagon 35/4
2) Nikkor 35mm f1,4 AIS
3) Nikkor 35/2 AIS

50mm

1) Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AIS
2) Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 MC
3) Nikkor 45/2.8P
4) Nikkor 50mm f2 AI
5) Yashica 50/1.7 ML
3) Volna-9 50/2.8 macro

~75mm

1) Voigtlander 90/3.5
2) Vivitar Ser1 90/2.5 macro
2) Nikkor 85/1.8
3) Jupiter-9 silver version

~100mm
1) Nikkor 105mm f2.5 AIS
2) Nikkor 105mm f1.8 AIS
3) Nikkor 100/2.8E

~135mm

1) Nikkor 135/2
2) Tair 11 135/2.8
3) Vivitar Ser1 135/2.8CF

~180mm
1) Nikkor 180/2.8
2) CZJ Sonnar 180/2.8
3) Nikkor 200/4 AI

~200mm
1) Nikkor 300/4.5 ED

Zoom

1) Kiron 28 - 85/2.8
2) Nikkor 50-135/2.8 AIS


patrickh


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 6:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Seems we have many common lens Patrick and same taste Smile


PostPosted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
patrickh wrote:
...
35mm

1) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.4 MC
2) Schneider Curtagon 35/4
2) Nikkor 35mm f1,4 AIS
3) Nikkor 35/2 AIS
...


Patrick, you prefer the CZJ 2.4/35 to the Nikkor 1.4/35?
Do you want me to buy you another CZJ 2.4/35 and you give me your Nikkor? Wink


PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Everyone: Thanks for the welcome!

Patrickh : My favorite Minolta body is my XD11 which sees the most use.
Which lenses are you looking for samples from? If I don't already have one online I'll scan one and post it. It's a shame my Rokkors won't mount on my Nikon and Canon DSLR's.
Richard


PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Richard_Jack
It was the inability to mount the rokkors on alien bodies that prompted my question.

Carsten
I am actually in two minds over the 35's - they should really be equal 1, but very different lenses and different uses. I must admit that when I first started buying nikkors some eight years ago, I was not really aware of how they stood in comparison to other makes such as the Zeiss and Leicas. I now understand much better what I am looking at. Embarassed Embarassed Embarassed Embarassed


patrickh


PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
PatrickH,
There is a kit that allows you to mount Minolta SR (MC/MD) mount lenses on a Canon XT/XTi (maybe others). It requires removal of the lens mounting ring on the body and replacing it with a thinner one made for Rokkors. I beleive the kit is sold on Ebay, and I've seen posts about it in Minolta groups. I think there is another brand DSLR that will accept MF Minolta lenses. Sony or Olympus???
regards,
Richard
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