Big Standard Lens comparison

[caspert79]

Camera used for test: Sony A7RII (on tripod, with self timer)
Contestants:
1) RE. Auto-Topcor 58mm f/1.8 (late model)
2) Mamiya Sekor EF 50mm f/1.7
3) Mamiya Sekor EF 50mm f/1.4
4) Auto Chinon MC 55mm f/1.4
5) SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.4
6) Auto Revuenon 50mm f/1.8 (Cosina?)
7) Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8
8 ) Auto Chinon 55mm f/1.7
9) Auto Takumar 55mm f/2
10) Auto Yashinon 5cm f/2
11) Nikkor Ai 50mm f/2
12) Schneider Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f/1.9

Unfortunately the Xenon doesn't close down past f/2.8 (it needs CLA), so no f/4 results here.

First, the faster lenses wide open compared:


Please check larger size here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/55691955@N05/50887492081/in/album-72157718082104733/

What can I say? The images look alike in general. Faster or longer lenses show bigger bokeh balls.
I have to be careful to draw conclusions. There will be a slight difference in focus and exposure between the pictures, but I think it is safe to say that the Mamiya Sekor EF 50/1.7 shows most detail wide open, quite remarkable actually.
Of the f/1.4 lenses, the Mamiya EF 50mm f/1.4 seems to show most detail. The Auto Revuenon 50/1.8 has a bit crazy bokeh balls. They look a bit 'pixelated'.

Then, @ around f/2 (some lenses @f/1.8 or @/1.9):


Check larger size here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/55691955@N05/50887606352/in/album-72157718082104733/

Also here, the Mamiya Sekor EF 50mm f/1.7 is king of detail. Focus of the Chinon 55/1.4 is a bit further than the Mamiya, but the lens looks very sharp as well.
A few lenses are still pretty soft.

Then, at f/2.8:


For larger size click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/55691955@N05/50887606277/in/album-72157718082104733/

The softer lenses, sharpened up quite a bit @f/2.8. Very hard to choose a winner here. Some lenses show softer bokeh balls than other. Auto Takumar 55/2 has most aperture blades, and it shows if you look closely.

Then, @F4:


For larger size click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/55691955@N05/50887492141/in/album-72157718082104733/

Draw your own conclusion here, I think you could take good pictures with any of these lenses.

[Ultrapix]

[Doc Sharptail]

[caspert79]

[visualopsins]

Actually with this constant lighting camera exposure settings should be identical for comparison, yes?

[caspert79]

[alex ph]

Thank you, Caspert79, for sharing your test. That's a very good illustration of the lenses' specialties with newer camera (sensor-processor combination). Good work!

[jamaeolus]

Excellent work and thank you. My take? Nearly any normal lens from the era (beginning when coatings became the norm) will do a fine job for most purposes. Some variability, some outliers in some areas which will allow some creativity if you use the flaw to your benefit.

[caspert79]