Many years ago I asked an old camera trader to set me up with an inexpensive, yet reliable SLR system. He got me a Nikon EM with a 28mm f2.8 Cosina and a 135mm f2.8 Osawa, along with a Nikon 50mm lenses. That kit got me started as a photojournalist. When I retired 35 years later, I was using an F5 with AF lenses, including a 300mm f2.8 Nikon, and while I was certainly capable of working more quickly, any improvement in my photography over the years came from experience, not better gear. Thanks for this video.
The Canon 28mm is easily my favorite lens! -I'm fairly new to photography/video, and I was simply blown away when I graduated to this old prime from the Sony kit lens on my a6500. I bought a handful of 30 year-old lenses on eBay, and was so happy with the affordability and the feel of getting away from all the high-tech. It may sound silly, but I suddenly understood, "Oooooh! So THIS is what photographers feel!" Out of all my several lenses, the 28mm is hands down the most rewarding and satisfying. It takes my humdrum eye and sees something beautiful every time. The lens is smarter than me!
Thanks for this important review ! - For going out with a film camera i can recommend a Pentax ME/MEsuper/MX with this SMC-M 28mm f2.8. For wide-angle shooting this lens is a must-have. Both the camera and the lens are so small, you can put it in a pocket of a coat or jacket. - A few months ago i used the new FD 28mm f2.8 on a standard AE-1. Wonderful combination too. Stunning sharpness and contrast. The lens and the AE-1 are lightweight, portable in each situation.
Hello Nigel, thank you! 28 mm is a really nice focal length. Recently I purchased a Minolta MD Rokkor 3.5/28 mm in top mint condition. Also highly recommended! Best wishes, Ralf
Olympus also made a 28mm f/2.8, still with the 49mm filter thread that was common to most of their lens range. I've been an Olympus OM shooter since the 1970s and still use an OM1 with a range of Zuiko lenses from 24mm f/2.8 (my favourite) up to a beautiful 180mm f/2.8. Still one of the best SLR system cameras made.
I love your videos, because, on a daily basis, I get to play with just about every lens you mention. Though I've only added a few of them to my kit, a lot are on my "to get" list.
Over the years, I have used several 28mm lenses. Here are three inexpensive ones I have used: Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 lens with TX mount (58mm filter) (produced high quality images) Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 lens with M42 mount (67mm) Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 lens with TX mount (58mm) (produced the lowest quality images) Each used Vivitar lens cost less than $60. The Vivitar that produced high quality images produced images that were equal in quality to my higher priced Nikon, Zeiss, and Takumar 28mm lenses. The Vivitar that produced the lowest quality images was still usable. I used these Vivitars in situations when the lens could be lost, damaged, or stolen.
Very informative. I got the 28mm Zuiko awhile back at a flea market $10 US, picked up the M43 adapter and use it on my Olympus EM1 Mark ii. For a total of around $25. What a nice cheap addition. Also went for the M39 to M43 and use some Russian lens you recommended on the Olympus. Always fun to switch around and see happens.
I really love my FD 28mm F 2.8 The old FD lenses have such beautiful colour rendition. With the EF mount Canon really changed some of their lenses to be much flatter almost pastel colours. My guess is because they figured that would be more desirable for digital shooters who play around with colour in post. I also have a Vivitar 28mm F 2.5 which I think was actually made by Kiron which is rather nice and has a very large front element.
I own the Canon 28mm f/2.8 reviewed here, and also the 28mm FD f/3.5 non-silver-nose, which is consistently excellent, and I actually prefer to the f/2.8. It's on my EOS RP 90% of the time, only because I like it so much, despite its f/3.5 aperture. Give it a try if you come across one!
Thank you for producing and sharing your knowledge with a such a peaceful cadence and tone. You are really helping to free my mind and return me to the enjoyment that was once my favorite aspect of photography, the experimentation.
I really would love to have a combo of 5D and adapted Pentax m 28mm. It could be something like my favorite combo, the t3i along a 24mm STM, a wide angle pancake profile, light small, sharp and nicely fast.
There is a lot of great vintage glass in 28mm. Thanks for sharing some of yours with us. I believe in horses for courses and am trying to perfect my stable. I'm super keen on my Sigma Mini-Wide 28mm f/2.8. I have it in M42 and use a Helicoid M42 > NEX adapter to mount it. It's a closeup object macro monster. Great sharpness/contrast/color: reviews-wise it may be the highest rated bit of glass I own currently.
I'm having a delicate problem of choices... I have a Canon AE-1 Program (light cell ✅) with an M42-FD adapter, a Spotmatic (light cell ❌) with a 50/1.4 Super-Takumar and a 28/3.5 SMC-Takumar and a OM-1n with a 50/1.8 (light cell ✅). I'm quite attached to the Spotmatic, don't really like the Canon, love the OM and the built construction of the Takumar lenses however I can't adapt them on the OM-1n. I'm thinking of keeping the Spotmatic to use with the Takumar lenses and a TTartisan lightmeter (light weight and tiny) to shoot B&W and shooting color with the Oly but keeping too many cameras annoyes me. My question is : Is it worth selling everything to keep the Oly and an 28 or 35mm lens ?
Exakta 28/2.8 MC macro lens in M42 mount! I like the Canon 28/2.8 FD, too. Don't forget that all kind of SLR lenses work quite well on Sony FF MLC cameras due to the (D)SLR-like adjusted sensor stack thickness. So most SLR lenses will actually look good on Sony FF MLCs. It gets tricky when evaluating 28 mm rangefinder lenses on the same kind of MLC.
Just received my Cosina.. unusual diaphragm as vendor said some sparkly dust which is right... I cleaned numbers on barrel with a hygienic wipe a little grimy does look nice...but not used it with film yet and that means full frame of course... pleased so far....!
Another really nice 28mm lens option that's less expensive is the Nikon 28mm f/3.5 AI. It's less costly than other, namely f/2.8, versions offered by Nikon. I have this lens and really love the images it produces on both my FE2 and Nikkormat FT2. Sold listings on Ebay show most of these lenses sell for less than $40 USD, sometimes less than $30 USD. Additionally, I also own one of the Canon FD 28mm f/2.8 lenses. I have been very happy with this lens also. You can find the best bargain if you search for the slightly older S.C. breech-lock variants.
Certainly relaxing and enjoyable.... With super images... have learnt that at some point in time Cosina acquired Voightlander confirm or adjust thank you again for a very informed and entertaining channel.. see you next time....
Thanks Phil, glad you enjoyed it! You're right, Cosina did acquire Voigtlander and were responsible for producing the Bessa R and M models of the early 2000s, and some very fine lenses too! They're a company that never gained the kudos of the big brand manufacturers, and in the film days they sold budget cameras under the Cosina name. Nothing budget about their engineering abilities though - or indeed prices for the R and M models and their lenses!
@@zenography7923 The only Cosina cameras I have actually handled are the Nikon FM10 and FE10. They seemed quite nicely made, but when I looked at the FM10 on the Nikon American website I thought it was overpriced for what it was. I think the same about the new Pentax 17 by the way; I might buy one if it was cheaper.
Glad you posted this, I just realised I have my father in law’s old 28/3.5 Olympus lens here. I was thinking of buying an adapter to try it on my Fuji. Should make a lovely street photo lens.
Picked up a Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 lens for my Nikon D700 and it's been really good ! I recall the E Series 28mm f/2.8 is also pretty good, and both can be had for less than 50 bucks
Very nice lenses! I have the Canon. Very happy with that one. I would also recommend the Konica Hexanon 28mm F3.5. Cheap, but superb optics and build quality. Renders colours and contrast very nicely indeed!
I used a Pentax 28mm 'A' lens some years ago, I was happy with the results though I did get the impression it wasn't quite as sharp as the Pentax 35mm and 50 mm.
@@zenography7923 my film camera currently is an om2n. And been needing to get a 28mm lens for that, been using zuiko 50mm f1.4. Definitely wanna use 28mm for film instead.
Hi and thank you very much for this lovely video. Very nice images indeed! I would be curious to know which camera you used with these lenses assuming that you would need an adapter. Cheers!
Great comparison once again. I have the Olympus 28mm I use on my Fuji apsc. It’s a very nice lens but I think I would like it even more on a full frame camera.
please make video with testing different lenses on a same exact scene. i really want to see that drastic difference in color rendition you are talking about.
Hello, I bought a Minolta XG 1 with a (blue marking) Travenar (red marking ) MC 28mm 2.8 in very good condition. I can't find any information about this lens. must be late 70 ies or early 80 ies. (Before i spend money and search for a sony adapter) Is there any information about this brand? Or suggestions if i should keep or sell it?
Encouraged by your review, I just got a very good condition Pentax 28mm f2.8 from ebay for £30 - including a Hoya skylight filter and shipping. Just waiting for the adapter to try it out on my Canon Eos 200D - I'm hoping this will be a happy combination for lightweight photography - giving me equivalent of 42mm on the crop sensor.
Just an update on adapters as it may help someone - when my k mount to eos adapter arrived I found that the fitting to the Pentax lens was a little loose - but I was able to solve this with just two small pieces of black electricians tape on the adapter ring. This was enough to make the lens fit tightly to the adapter, so an easy fix!
I have the 7/7 version of the Minolta MD 28 f2.8. still trying to get a hang of it ...since i only usually do portraits is kind of hard. Im used to 35 or 50mm. Now i have the vivitar 24-48 and now im really lost, thing is sharp as hell but im not well versed on wide angle lol
Just keep shooting with it, you'll get it! Experimentation is the key, give yourself licence to think creatively; you'll most likely make some awful images, but some gems too - at least, that's been my experience.
I have the Pentax SMC 28mm 2.8 and really enjoy it. It's a bit more expensive than the one you show here. I'm also interested in trying out the Takumars.
@@zenography7923 Thank you for that recommendation. I think I will try to put together a set of Takumar primes soon and may start with the budget-friendly 55.
I have a Canon FD28mm f:2.0 but there is very little about this lens anywhere on line. It' s just a fine lens but I have nothing to test it gainst except for a very old Nikkor H f:3.5
I would need to look it up but an FD 28 F 2.0 is probably the L version of the same lens. The L or pro versions were usually a bit faster and at least some were weather sealed (not that I would trust 30 or 40 year old O rings).
@@certs743 it's an old breechlock version with SSC coating. L lenses came only at the end of the FD line with the 50mm F:1.2 as far as I know. Unfortunately the only Full Frame camera I own now is a Canon 5D mkII which cannot mount FD lenses even with an adapter, so I can't test the lens to the edges. On a crop sensor it works fine
I've been using the Pentax-K 28mm f3.5 on my a7rii. This lens is sharp and renders a lot of detail on a 42 megapixel sensor. I primarily use it for landscape.
I have Pentax 28mm2.8 M lens as well the Five Star 28mm 2.8 A lens which I can control the Apature with the camera both lenses inexpensive and I use both quite a lot .
I just purchased the cosina 28mm f 2.8...think it may need cleaning inside... My favourite channel I can binge watch with the best of them... btw..like to know your name... You are a seriously good presenter....
Another well done video. I confess to not being as skilled at using 28 as effectively as you. I guess copy variation must be a factor, as I have that very same Pentax lens and mine is not very good. I really regretted taking it along on vacation a few years ago.My best 28 is the Minolta MC 28/3.5, I was really shocked when I saw the pictures, and it was cheaper than dirt. I also like the Pentacon a lot, although it is 29mm and not as sharp anywhere in the frame. Wish I lived closer, we could have a pass along group.
I know that you don't have any Nikon lenses, but I wanted to cast a vote for the Nikkor 28mm f3.5 lens. There's something about the colour rendition and contrast of that lens that really stands out, somewhat akin to having a built-in polarizing filter. I still use it on DSLRs for real estate exteriors.
I have three of them, but I just wanted to ask you if you have tried the Meyer Optik Görlitz Lydith 30mm 3.5? It's just one of those lenses that have something special. As a bonus, it looks real good on the Sony A7r too.
Fantastic video! Could you specify the camera that you are using with these lenses? You said you only use dumb adapters. Could you post links to the exact adapters you used or equivalent? There is a lot of conflicting information out there and would be great to know what worked for you.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I shoot all the images on the channel with a Sony a7 mark 1. I can't link to specific adaptors I'm afraid as I bought all of mine some years ago! However, I've found adaptors such as this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-Nikkor-Lens-to-Sony-NEX-Alpha-E-Mount-Adapter-Converter-ring-UK/292613479871?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648 to be all I need. Hope that helps!
Both lenses are nice. This is a question of the camera. When you have a fully working OM1 or OM 2, take the zuiko, when you have a fully working ME, MEsuper, MX, Program A or Super A, take the Pentax SMC lens.
If the rather plastic feel of the Canon 28mm lens deters you, look for one of the earlier breech-lock FD equivalents. These were all metal and the lenses partly locked onto the body when first located, without having to fully twist them into place. The idea was to prevent people from dropping them when juggling two lenses at once.
Very useful and I think the main reason for them dropping it in favour of the more familiar FD mount was simply one of cost. It was concurrent with the FTql and FTBql but was dropped by the time of the AE1 etc
Great video as always! I’m new to vintage lenses so apologies for the silly question or improper terminology, but I recently acquired an Olympus Zuiko 28mm and an OM - NEX adapter for my Sony A7Riii, but when adapting the lens I can’t actually stop down the aperture unless a button is engaged on the side of the lens it’s. The adapter seems to have a stop down pin, but it doesn’t engage the lever. Is this just something I have to work around or is there a particular adapter that would be best? Thanks!!!
I never use fancy adaptors, just the cheap, so called 'dumb' adaptors and haven't encountered the problem you describe. It may be that your adaptor has a fault - once mounted on the adaptor the lens should stop down as you turn the aperture ring. Is it possible for you to try another adaptor?
I see you reviewed the cosina 28mm F2.8, I've just picked up a cosina 28mm F2, I can't find alot of info about it to be honest, have you ever used one of these yourself?
I'm not really a Nikon guy, but as I understand it, the Nikon F mount is quite difficult to adapt non Nikon lenses to. Having said that, a quick google brings up adaptors for Zuiko to Nikon F, and Pentax to Nikon F; it seems that these two are at least possible!
You can adapt to Nikon, but to get infinity focus, you'll have to get an adapter with glass in it, which can degrade the IQ. You're better off going with older Nikon glass, and simply paying a small premium.
There are a lot of variables to that question... What Camera mount vs what Lens mount vs what Adapter is available vs do you want a smart adapter (transmits lens data via contacts) or a dumb adapter. Start by checking flange focal distances. Find your camera's mount on the chart here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance and then anything significantly longer may be assumed as "can mount" provided you can find an adapter. M42 is a popular 35mm film era mount that can be adapted to most modern digital bodies via inexpensive dumb adapter.
why do you ask this ? of course it isn't radioaktive ! There are so many interesting questions concerning these 28mm lenses and you are asking for such a far-fetched question !
@@jensknappe2485 i personally use old pentax and canon fd lenses on an a7iii, and recently came to know that some of it have radioactive material in it's construction. So that concerned me and i am planning to avoid such particular models for future. But i am a person who enjoys using my vintage lenses so it's sad to know such a hazard.
Well, I use the word 'cartoonish' in a broad sense of course, meaning very high colour saturation. The Helios 40 kind of does this, but then again I really like what it does with colour!
Maybe a wide zoom? A lot depends on how much "vista" you want to capture as some landscapes are more open than others... On APS-C I started with a Rokinon 12mm T2 Cine which yields 18mm focal length. I traded sideways to a Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6. I gave up some low light capability to get an effective 12-24mm focal length. I just felt, after shooting through the 12mm and editing, that I needed more width in some situations and less in others. Although you can always crop in, you can never crop outwards. Everything is a personal calculation though. What mount vs what glass can be native or adapter mounted, preferred compositional style, prime advantages and deficits vs zoom advantages and deficits. Be sure to calculate in height and width of imagery as sweep panorama can only increase one dimension and a lens will increase both.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! There may well be an LTM mount 28mm, although I don't know of one. Russian LTM wides are the Jupiter 12 35mm, and the Orion, which - I think - is 15mm, but it's quite expensive...
Everything said in this video about the Canon new-FD 28 mm f/2.8 lens is essentially correct. I have owned and used one which I bought as new in the mid 1980s. In my own experience, it is a much better lens than many reviews would have you believe. Note: in common with several other popular, affordable Canon FD lenses, it uses 52-mm filters.
cdl0 I like this lens but unfortunately I can’t achieve infinity focus with it on my Sony a7iii. Tried two different adapters too. Perhaps an issue with my particular lens only?
Pentax K 28mm f3.5 (8 elements) , all the qualities of the M but even better, sharp corner to corner at full apperture. Better than my Zeiss distagon 28mm f2 (much better sharpness at f3.5 and much less chromatic aberration) that says it all ! Not really cheap, but not exactly expensive, also because much sought after. That's the only 28mm I need, and I'm selling the distagon that disapointed me.
Mat Fa ....love my Pentax K 28mm had it from new .... using it on a canon dslr although i think it gives a view more like 35mm ...but love what it does
Hi there! Iv'e been binge-watching your content for the past week or so, and in that time I've stumbled across a really cheap 28mm lens that isn't the sharpest, but I think has lots of character - please check out the Vivitar 28mm F2.5! It's has a robust build, and quite hefty at that, for a 28mm. My copy has an Olympus OM mount. I'd appreciate if you do a review on it. I picked mine up for the equivalent of only 10.54 pounds!
There has to be a certain Zen about using vintage lenses. These are typically at least 30 years old - which on one hand is a credit to their manufacturing standards at the time. But you have to contend with the challenges of buying used, sifting through ebay, some chance and some luck, and patience. Sometimes waiting over a month for lens I ordered from Japan - which is my current scenario, or a dud lens which I cannot return thankfully I paid no more than £10 for this - lessons learned, or the consistent issue with all vintage lenses - condition - haze, scratches, fungus, and having ideally to clean them to bring them to their peak condition which takes time, and skill and experience, and in most cases especially the Russian lenses, you also run into consistency issues from one example to another, of the same lens.. So on the one hand compared to buying a made for digital lens, you can strike a good bargain, but I wish the many reviewers would also highlight the risks. I have two zoom lenses (non interchangeable) on two mirrorless cameras - one bought in 2007 and the other bought in 2014 and I do not have any dust in them or have had any need or opportunity to think of cleaning them thoroughly - cos they are well sealed at least from dust and I do shoot with them in light rain with no issues. If I had bought a good condition used modern zoom for digital with a nifty 50 f/1,8, I think it these would be good enough for 90% of the photos I take - more expensive yes, several times more expensive than my current slowly growing motley crew of vintage lenses. in conclusion vintage lenses should be thought of - not as an alternative to, but as a relatively inexpensive complement to modern autofocus lenses. The total cost of getting a good vintage lens (including all the time spend on youtibe, ebay and forums searching and researching) makes them only cheaper not cheap. Ultimately the only reason to add vintage to your collection is to introduce that unpredictability and imperfection that makes your photos more analog less digital., so you have a choice between photographic accuracy and creative license. No matter how you cut it, photography is not a cheap hobby or profession. if done well. But certainly good photography is always Zen - the intention to capture, the process itself and the time spent reviewing the end result and sharing it with others. Zen. cannot be rushed, and it never ends. Zen. Certainly worth an hour or three invested in this pursuit, per week.
Zenography it’s funny because the Canon is often downplayed in online reviews as second rate. But my experience with film mirrors yours. Have you tried Minolta?
Now you've made the prices rise :) I'm not beeing mad or anything, but, beeing a poor cinema student with almost no money, you exposed my little secret :( Ayy joking, great video
This is common when somebody makes a youtube video about them. Only the rarest ones will diisappear pernamently. Unless you buy straight after the video appears, then wait. They reappear.
Every time you give your opinion on lenses, the bottom drops out of my camera repair hobby, there are loads of Spare and repair cameras around without lenses, what good bringing an old Camera back to life without a lens. Yes I may find one but at a hefty price later.. Stop waffling on about the lens talk about the who unit.. You are not the main problem the Digital cameras fiend nicks them for the modern digi cameras. All that will be left soon will be rotting bodies without lenses.
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Many years ago I asked an old camera trader to set me up with an inexpensive, yet reliable SLR system. He got me a Nikon EM with a 28mm f2.8 Cosina and a 135mm f2.8 Osawa, along with a Nikon 50mm lenses. That kit got me started as a photojournalist. When I retired 35 years later, I was using an F5 with AF lenses, including a 300mm f2.8 Nikon, and while I was certainly capable of working more quickly, any improvement in my photography over the years came from experience, not better gear. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for the tip - I can only agree, there's no substitute for experience!
The Canon 28mm is easily my favorite lens! -I'm fairly new to photography/video, and I was simply blown away when I graduated to this old prime from the Sony kit lens on my a6500.
I bought a handful of 30 year-old lenses on eBay, and was so happy with the affordability and the feel of getting away from all the high-tech. It may sound silly, but I suddenly understood, "Oooooh! So THIS is what photographers feel!" Out of all my several lenses, the 28mm is hands down the most rewarding and satisfying. It takes my humdrum eye and sees something beautiful every time. The lens is smarter than me!
Thanks for this important review !
- For going out with a film camera i can recommend a Pentax ME/MEsuper/MX with this SMC-M 28mm f2.8. For wide-angle shooting this lens is a must-have.
Both the camera and the lens are so small, you can put it in a pocket of a coat or jacket.
- A few months ago i used the new FD 28mm f2.8 on a standard AE-1. Wonderful combination too. Stunning sharpness and contrast.
The lens and the AE-1 are lightweight, portable in each situation.
Hello Nigel, thank you! 28 mm is a really nice focal length. Recently I purchased a Minolta MD Rokkor 3.5/28 mm in top mint condition. Also highly recommended! Best wishes, Ralf
Olympus also made a 28mm f/2.8, still with the 49mm filter thread that was common to most of their lens range. I've been an Olympus OM shooter since the 1970s and still use an OM1 with a range of Zuiko lenses from 24mm f/2.8 (my favourite) up to a beautiful 180mm f/2.8. Still one of the best SLR system cameras made.
I do love the OM cameras - beautiful little jewel-like things, fit into the hand perfectly - just lovely!
I love your videos, because, on a daily basis, I get to play with just about every lens you mention. Though I've only added a few of them to my kit, a lot are on my "to get" list.
Enjoy!
hi and which is your favourite
Over the years, I have used several 28mm lenses.
Here are three inexpensive ones I have used:
Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 lens with TX mount (58mm filter) (produced high quality images)
Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 lens with M42 mount (67mm)
Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 lens with TX mount (58mm) (produced the lowest quality images)
Each used Vivitar lens cost less than $60.
The Vivitar that produced high quality images produced images that were equal in quality to my higher priced Nikon, Zeiss, and Takumar 28mm lenses.
The Vivitar that produced the lowest quality images was still usable.
I used these Vivitars in situations when the lens could be lost, damaged, or stolen.
Very informative. I got the 28mm Zuiko awhile back at a flea market $10 US, picked up the M43 adapter and use it on my Olympus EM1 Mark ii. For a total of around $25. What a nice cheap addition. Also went for the M39 to M43 and use some Russian lens you recommended on the Olympus. Always fun to switch around and see happens.
Wow, ten dollars - a real bargain!
relaxing and informative, the perfect way to wind down Sunday night-
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
It's monday night now, and still very nice to watch
Bought the Pentax 28mm today, and now waiting for it to arrive. In the mean time I'm watching this video and can't wait for it to arrive :)
I really love my FD 28mm F 2.8 The old FD lenses have such beautiful colour rendition. With the EF mount Canon really changed some of their lenses to be much flatter almost pastel colours. My guess is because they figured that would be more desirable for digital shooters who play around with colour in post. I also have a Vivitar 28mm F 2.5 which I think was actually made by Kiron which is rather nice and has a very large front element.
I'm quite new to FD lenses, but I have to say I'm very impressed!
I own the Canon 28mm f/2.8 reviewed here, and also the 28mm FD f/3.5 non-silver-nose, which is consistently excellent, and I actually prefer to the f/2.8. It's on my EOS RP 90% of the time, only because I like it so much, despite its f/3.5 aperture. Give it a try if you come across one!
Thank you for producing and sharing your knowledge with a such a peaceful cadence and tone. You are really helping to free my mind and return me to the enjoyment that was once my favorite aspect of photography, the experimentation.
Many thanks, glad it's inspired you!
I really would love to have a combo of 5D and adapted Pentax m 28mm.
It could be something like my favorite combo, the t3i along a 24mm STM, a wide angle pancake profile, light small, sharp and nicely fast.
There is a lot of great vintage glass in 28mm. Thanks for sharing some of yours with us. I believe in horses for courses and am trying to perfect my stable. I'm super keen on my Sigma Mini-Wide 28mm f/2.8. I have it in M42 and use a Helicoid M42 > NEX adapter to mount it. It's a closeup object macro monster. Great sharpness/contrast/color: reviews-wise it may be the highest rated bit of glass I own currently.
I've heard really good things about that lens...
I'm having a delicate problem of choices... I have a Canon AE-1 Program (light cell ✅) with an M42-FD adapter, a Spotmatic (light cell ❌) with a 50/1.4 Super-Takumar and a 28/3.5 SMC-Takumar and a OM-1n with a 50/1.8 (light cell ✅). I'm quite attached to the Spotmatic, don't really like the Canon, love the OM and the built construction of the Takumar lenses however I can't adapt them on the OM-1n. I'm thinking of keeping the Spotmatic to use with the Takumar lenses and a TTartisan lightmeter (light weight and tiny) to shoot B&W and shooting color with the Oly but keeping too many cameras annoyes me.
My question is : Is it worth selling everything to keep the Oly and an 28 or 35mm lens ?
There is a Vivitar 28mm MC. I was a lucky user of the nikon iteration of that lens. Damn damn dang. Mindblowing in black and white.
Great video,I like Canon the most.It also available as FD SSC lens with more modern coating.
Exakta 28/2.8 MC macro lens in M42 mount! I like the Canon 28/2.8 FD, too. Don't forget that all kind of SLR lenses work quite well on Sony FF MLC cameras due to the (D)SLR-like adjusted sensor stack thickness. So most SLR lenses will actually look good on Sony FF MLCs. It gets tricky when evaluating 28 mm rangefinder lenses on the same kind of MLC.
All the images on my videos are shot on a Sony A7 - it seems to work well!
Just received my Cosina.. unusual diaphragm as vendor said some sparkly dust which is right...
I cleaned numbers on barrel with a hygienic wipe a little grimy does look nice...but not used it with film yet and that means full frame of course... pleased so far....!
It's a surprisingly nice little lens - enjoy!
Thank you and thank you again...
Another really nice 28mm lens option that's less expensive is the Nikon 28mm f/3.5 AI. It's less costly than other, namely f/2.8, versions offered by Nikon. I have this lens and really love the images it produces on both my FE2 and Nikkormat FT2. Sold listings on Ebay show most of these lenses sell for less than $40 USD, sometimes less than $30 USD.
Additionally, I also own one of the Canon FD 28mm f/2.8 lenses. I have been very happy with this lens also. You can find the best bargain if you search for the slightly older S.C. breech-lock variants.
Hmm, that Nikon sounds interesting!
Certainly relaxing and enjoyable.... With super images... have learnt that at some point in time Cosina acquired Voightlander confirm or adjust thank you again for a very informed and entertaining channel.. see you next time....
Thanks Phil, glad you enjoyed it! You're right, Cosina did acquire Voigtlander and were responsible for producing the Bessa R and M models of the early 2000s, and some very fine lenses too! They're a company that never gained the kudos of the big brand manufacturers, and in the film days they sold budget cameras under the Cosina name. Nothing budget about their engineering abilities though - or indeed prices for the R and M models and their lenses!
@@zenography7923
The only Cosina cameras I have actually handled are the Nikon FM10 and FE10. They seemed quite nicely made, but when I looked at the FM10 on the Nikon American website I thought it was overpriced for what it was. I think the same about the new Pentax 17 by the way; I might buy one if it was cheaper.
Glad you posted this, I just realised I have my father in law’s old 28/3.5 Olympus lens here. I was thinking of buying an adapter to try it on my Fuji. Should make a lovely street photo lens.
Indeed it would!
Picked up a Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 lens for my Nikon D700 and it's been really good ! I recall the E Series 28mm f/2.8 is also pretty good, and both can be had for less than 50 bucks
Thanks for the info - I've found both Vivitar and series e lenses to be very nice!
Very nice lenses! I have the Canon. Very happy with that one.
I would also recommend the Konica Hexanon 28mm F3.5. Cheap, but superb optics and build quality. Renders colours and contrast very nicely indeed!
Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!
I used a Pentax 28mm 'A' lens some years ago, I was happy with the results though I did get the impression it wasn't quite as sharp as the Pentax 35mm and 50 mm.
ty for the great content. I am in the market for 28mm, so this helps. 1:38 - I wonder what church it is?
Love the 28mm focal length. Reason why I went from the Ricoh GR iii and now using a Leica Q2. The focal length is amazing.
Isn't it?
@@zenography7923 my film camera currently is an om2n. And been needing to get a 28mm lens for that, been using zuiko 50mm f1.4.
Definitely wanna use 28mm for film instead.
Hi and thank you very much for this lovely video. Very nice images indeed! I would be curious to know which camera you used with these lenses assuming that you would need an adapter. Cheers!
what's your favourite ? I am looking for a nice 28mm , how about the sekor 28 sx or E
Great comparison once again. I have the Olympus 28mm I use on my Fuji apsc. It’s a very nice lens but I think I would like it even more on a full frame camera.
please make video with testing different lenses on a same exact scene. i really want to see that drastic difference in color rendition you are talking about.
Hey Uncle Zeno you ever tried the cosmicar 28 or 70-200 f4? Any opinions?
Hello, I bought a Minolta XG 1 with a (blue marking) Travenar (red marking ) MC 28mm 2.8 in very good condition. I can't find any information about this lens. must be late 70 ies or early 80 ies. (Before i spend money and search for a sony adapter) Is there any information about this brand? Or suggestions if i should keep or sell it?
Encouraged by your review, I just got a very good condition Pentax 28mm f2.8 from ebay for £30 - including a Hoya skylight filter and shipping. Just waiting for the adapter to try it out on my Canon Eos 200D - I'm hoping this will be a happy combination for lightweight photography - giving me equivalent of 42mm on the crop sensor.
Just an update on adapters as it may help someone - when my k mount to eos adapter arrived I found that the fitting to the Pentax lens was a little loose - but I was able to solve this with just two small pieces of black electricians tape on the adapter ring. This was enough to make the lens fit tightly to the adapter, so an easy fix!
I have the 7/7 version of the Minolta MD 28 f2.8. still trying to get a hang of it ...since i only usually do portraits is kind of hard. Im used to 35 or 50mm.
Now i have the vivitar 24-48 and now im really lost, thing is sharp as hell but im not well versed on wide angle lol
Just keep shooting with it, you'll get it! Experimentation is the key, give yourself licence to think creatively; you'll most likely make some awful images, but some gems too - at least, that's been my experience.
You deserve way more likes than u get. I especially like how u do the review with pictures.👍
Thanks, glad you're enjoying them!
I have the Pentax SMC 28mm 2.8 and really enjoy it. It's a bit more expensive than the one you show here. I'm also interested in trying out the Takumars.
The Takumars are lovely lenses - the surprise of the bunch being the 55mm f1.8 (or f2 - same lens) which is one of the nicest 50s I've used!
@@zenography7923 Thank you for that recommendation. I think I will try to put together a set of Takumar primes soon and may start with the budget-friendly 55.
I have a Canon FD28mm f:2.0 but there is very little about this lens anywhere on line. It' s just a fine lens but I have nothing to test it gainst except for a very old Nikkor H f:3.5
I would need to look it up but an FD 28 F 2.0 is probably the L version of the same lens. The L or pro versions were usually a bit faster and at least some were weather sealed (not that I would trust 30 or 40 year old O rings).
@@certs743 it's an old breechlock version with SSC coating. L lenses came only at the end of the FD line with the 50mm F:1.2 as far as I know. Unfortunately the only Full Frame camera I own now is a Canon 5D mkII which cannot mount FD lenses even with an adapter, so I can't test the lens to the edges. On a crop sensor it works fine
I've been using the Pentax-K 28mm f3.5 on my a7rii. This lens is sharp and renders a lot of detail on a 42 megapixel sensor. I primarily use it for landscape.
I haven't tried the 3.5, but I hear very good things about it!
Lee
I have the M version of this lens I also have a 28mm 2.8 A TOU/ FIVE STAR lens
A good 28 is hard to beat - enjoy!
Hello! What camera do you use to perform these tests? Thanks!
Almost all images on the channel are shot with a Sony A7, unless stated otherwise.
I have Pentax 28mm2.8 M lens as well the Five Star 28mm 2.8 A lens which I can control the Apature with the camera both lenses inexpensive and I use both quite a lot .
I just purchased the cosina 28mm f 2.8...think it may need cleaning inside...
My favourite channel I can binge watch with the best of them... btw..like to know your name...
You are a seriously good presenter....
Thanks Phil, that's very kind! Name is Nigel.
Another well done video. I confess to not being as skilled at using 28 as effectively as you. I guess copy variation must be a factor, as I have that very same Pentax lens and mine is not very good. I really regretted taking it along on vacation a few years ago.My best 28 is the Minolta MC 28/3.5, I was really shocked when I saw the pictures, and it was cheaper than dirt. I also like the Pentacon a lot, although it is 29mm and not as sharp anywhere in the frame. Wish I lived closer, we could have a pass along group.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! Are you in the UK?
Zenography I wish. In New England.☹️
I know that you don't have any Nikon lenses, but I wanted to cast a vote for the Nikkor 28mm f3.5 lens. There's something about the colour rendition and contrast of that lens that really stands out, somewhat akin to having a built-in polarizing filter. I still use it on DSLRs for real estate exteriors.
I think I've neglected Nikon lenses - currently on the lookout for some! That 28 does sound nice...
pentax m28 vs Minolta MD W.ROKKOR-X 28mm f/2.8?
My favorite focal length. :)
I have three of them, but I just wanted to ask you if you have tried the Meyer Optik Görlitz Lydith 30mm 3.5? It's just one of those lenses that have something special. As a bonus, it looks real good on the Sony A7r too.
I have indeed - a lovely lens!
Excellent as always.
Thanks.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Did you ever have the occasion to compare the Pentax 28mm vs the 24mm ? Another great video !
I haven't used the 24mm I'm afraid!
Nice photography
Fantastic video! Could you specify the camera that you are using with these lenses? You said you only use dumb adapters. Could you post links to the exact adapters you used or equivalent? There is a lot of conflicting information out there and would be great to know what worked for you.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I shoot all the images on the channel with a Sony a7 mark 1. I can't link to specific adaptors I'm afraid as I bought all of mine some years ago! However, I've found adaptors such as this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-Nikkor-Lens-to-Sony-NEX-Alpha-E-Mount-Adapter-Converter-ring-UK/292613479871?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
to be all I need. Hope that helps!
Thank you!
Hi! Could you help me with my choice? Pentax or zuiko?
Both lenses are nice. This is a question of the camera. When you have a fully working OM1 or OM 2, take the zuiko, when you have a fully working ME, MEsuper, MX, Program A or Super A, take the Pentax SMC lens.
If the rather plastic feel of the Canon 28mm lens deters you, look for one of the earlier breech-lock FD equivalents. These were all metal and the lenses partly locked onto the body when first located, without having to fully twist them into place. The idea was to prevent people from dropping them when juggling two lenses at once.
That sounds like a very useful feature!
Very useful and I think the main reason for them dropping it in favour of the more familiar FD mount was simply one of cost. It was concurrent with the FTql and FTBql but was dropped by the time of the AE1 etc
FD lenses have more metal than NewFD but there are plastic parts ,FC are the last one with only metal parts besides the glass.
Good! Lot of details! Grettings
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Great video as always! I’m new to vintage lenses so apologies for the silly question or improper terminology, but I recently acquired an Olympus Zuiko 28mm and an OM - NEX adapter for my Sony A7Riii, but when adapting the lens I can’t actually stop down the aperture unless a button is engaged on the side of the lens it’s. The adapter seems to have a stop down pin, but it doesn’t engage the lever. Is this just something I have to work around or is there a particular adapter that would be best? Thanks!!!
I never use fancy adaptors, just the cheap, so called 'dumb' adaptors and haven't encountered the problem you describe. It may be that your adaptor has a fault - once mounted on the adaptor the lens should stop down as you turn the aperture ring. Is it possible for you to try another adaptor?
I see you reviewed the cosina 28mm F2.8, I've just picked up a cosina 28mm F2, I can't find alot of info about it to be honest, have you ever used one of these yourself?
I'm afraid not - sounds like a nice lens though!
@@zenography7923 I'm waiting on my adapter arriving to test it out hopefully be a good one.
Can i use any of those lenses on a Nikon f bayonett with an adapter ?
I'm not really a Nikon guy, but as I understand it, the Nikon F mount is quite difficult to adapt non Nikon lenses to. Having said that, a quick google brings up adaptors for Zuiko to Nikon F, and Pentax to Nikon F; it seems that these two are at least possible!
You can adapt to Nikon, but to get infinity focus, you'll have to get an adapter with glass in it, which can degrade the IQ. You're better off going with older Nikon glass, and simply paying a small premium.
Can they be adapted to Nikon and have infinity focus?
There are a lot of variables to that question... What Camera mount vs what Lens mount vs what Adapter is available vs do you want a smart adapter (transmits lens data via contacts) or a dumb adapter. Start by checking flange focal distances. Find your camera's mount on the chart here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance and then anything significantly longer may be assumed as "can mount" provided you can find an adapter. M42 is a popular 35mm film era mount that can be adapted to most modern digital bodies via inexpensive dumb adapter.
Is pentax M 28mm f2.8 radioactive?
why do you ask this ?
of course it isn't radioaktive !
There are so many interesting questions concerning these 28mm lenses and you are asking for such a far-fetched question !
@@jensknappe2485 i personally use old pentax and canon fd lenses on an a7iii, and recently came to know that some of it have radioactive material in it's construction. So that concerned me and i am planning to avoid such particular models for future. But i am a person who enjoys using my vintage lenses so it's sad to know such a hazard.
*Are* there any lenses that have a cartoon like rendering of colours?
Well, I use the word 'cartoonish' in a broad sense of course, meaning very high colour saturation. The Helios 40 kind of does this, but then again I really like what it does with colour!
for landscape only, use fd 24mm or fd 28mm?
Maybe a wide zoom? A lot depends on how much "vista" you want to capture as some landscapes are more open than others... On APS-C I started with a Rokinon 12mm T2 Cine which yields 18mm focal length. I traded sideways to a Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6. I gave up some low light capability to get an effective 12-24mm focal length. I just felt, after shooting through the 12mm and editing, that I needed more width in some situations and less in others. Although you can always crop in, you can never crop outwards.
Everything is a personal calculation though. What mount vs what glass can be native or adapter mounted, preferred compositional style, prime advantages and deficits vs zoom advantages and deficits. Be sure to calculate in height and width of imagery as sweep panorama can only increase one dimension and a lens will increase both.
@@randysouse-git531 thank you thankyou thankyou, i see, i want to shoot it with my analog cam, im planning to take 24mm 😄
The Zuiko 28mm f2.8 is a really nice lens too, and at least here in the US they're not that much more expensive than the 3.5.
No russian lens or lte/m leica mount in 28mm? I had the fd28 but it didn't get my love. Good video as always!!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! There may well be an LTM mount 28mm, although I don't know of one. Russian LTM wides are the Jupiter 12 35mm, and the Orion, which - I think - is 15mm, but it's quite expensive...
Zenography what about the Industar one, I think it’s the 69. There were loads of them on EBay recently, I bought one but it hasn’t arrived yet.
Everything said in this video about the Canon new-FD 28 mm f/2.8 lens is essentially correct. I have owned and used one which I bought as new in the mid 1980s. In my own experience, it is a much better lens than many reviews would have you believe. Note: in common with several other popular, affordable Canon FD lenses, it uses 52-mm filters.
cdl0 I like this lens but unfortunately I can’t achieve infinity focus with it on my Sony a7iii. Tried two different adapters too. Perhaps an issue with my particular lens only?
Pentax K 28mm f3.5 (8 elements) , all the qualities of the M but even better, sharp corner to corner at full apperture. Better than my Zeiss distagon 28mm f2 (much better sharpness at f3.5 and much less chromatic aberration) that says it all !
Not really cheap, but not exactly expensive, also because much sought after. That's the only 28mm I need, and I'm selling the distagon that disapointed me.
i got one of these around 10 years ago for something like $35.. sharpest lens i own.
Now that sounds like an interesting lens...
Mat Fa ....love my Pentax K 28mm had it from new .... using it on a canon dslr although i think it gives a view more like 35mm ...but love what it does
Very interesting, as always. And I know that I'll see a nice Olympus lens.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Hi there! Iv'e been binge-watching your content for the past week or so, and in that time I've stumbled across a really cheap 28mm lens that isn't the sharpest, but I think has lots of character - please check out the Vivitar 28mm F2.5! It's has a robust build, and quite hefty at that, for a 28mm. My copy has an Olympus OM mount. I'd appreciate if you do a review on it. I picked mine up for the equivalent of only 10.54 pounds!
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out!
@@zenography7923 Hopefully we'll see a review soon, with your signature charm of course👌🏼
i just got my pentacon 29 2.8 :D
I've heard it's pretty nice - enjoy!
There has to be a certain Zen about using vintage lenses. These are typically at least 30 years old - which on one hand is a credit to their manufacturing standards at the time. But you have to contend with the challenges of buying used, sifting through ebay, some chance and some luck, and patience. Sometimes waiting over a month for lens I ordered from Japan - which is my current scenario, or a dud lens which I cannot return thankfully I paid no more than £10 for this - lessons learned, or the consistent issue with all vintage lenses - condition - haze, scratches, fungus, and having ideally to clean them to bring them to their peak condition which takes time, and skill and experience, and in most cases especially the Russian lenses, you also run into consistency issues from one example to another, of the same lens..
So on the one hand compared to buying a made for digital lens, you can strike a good bargain, but I wish the many reviewers would also highlight the risks. I have two zoom lenses (non interchangeable) on two mirrorless cameras - one bought in 2007 and the other bought in 2014 and I do not have any dust in them or have had any need or opportunity to think of cleaning them thoroughly - cos they are well sealed at least from dust and I do shoot with them in light rain with no issues.
If I had bought a good condition used modern zoom for digital with a nifty 50 f/1,8, I think it these would be good enough for 90% of the photos I take - more expensive yes, several times more expensive than my current slowly growing motley crew of vintage lenses.
in conclusion vintage lenses should be thought of - not as an alternative to, but as a relatively inexpensive complement to modern autofocus lenses.
The total cost of getting a good vintage lens (including all the time spend on youtibe, ebay and forums searching and researching) makes them only cheaper not cheap. Ultimately the only reason to add vintage to your collection is to introduce that unpredictability and imperfection that makes your photos more analog less digital., so you have a choice between photographic accuracy and creative license.
No matter how you cut it, photography is not a cheap hobby or profession. if done well. But certainly good photography is always Zen - the intention to capture, the process itself and the time spent reviewing the end result and sharing it with others. Zen. cannot be rushed, and it never ends. Zen. Certainly worth an hour or three invested in this pursuit, per week.
I see you have a true appreciation of the vintage lens - very zen!
Dude (or should I say "mate"?) -- the way you talk about the lenses makes me wanna live. :) Thanks for this great review, very helpful!
Oh man, that's really cool! Glad you're enjoying the channel!
So which one do I get?
It depends on the look you want I guess!
Zenography which is your favourite?
@@Frisenette It's a very difficult choice, but as I like saturated colours I think it might be the Canon.
Zenography it’s funny because the Canon is often downplayed in online reviews as second rate.
But my experience with film mirrors yours.
Have you tried Minolta?
Олимпус,определённо,самый лучший! Хороший обзор. Лайк.
Большое спасибо, рад, что вам понравилось!
Of cheaper lenses, there are also the Tokina 28mm.
2024 calling in: "for cheap" :D
My vivitar 28mm is soo damn good
Creamy and dreamy :)🎉
What!? no Nikkors!
Appreciate your colourful descriptive powers... think you are a poet in hiding??
Now you've made the prices rise :)
I'm not beeing mad or anything, but, beeing a poor cinema student with almost no money, you exposed my little secret :(
Ayy joking, great video
I'm sure they won't rise by too much! Glad you enjoyed the video!
This is common when somebody makes a youtube video about them. Only the rarest ones will diisappear pernamently. Unless you buy straight after the video appears, then wait. They reappear.
Most photographers I know use 35mm way more often than 50mm. And 24mm it's I also used very often. ☺️
I only have one 24mm just now, a Vivitar, which I haven't used as the rear cap is stuck fast! A bit of careful dremelling needed I think!
Every time you give your opinion on lenses, the bottom drops out of my camera repair hobby, there are loads of Spare and repair cameras around without lenses, what good bringing an old Camera back to life without a lens. Yes I may find one but at a hefty price later.. Stop waffling on about the lens talk about the who unit.. You are not the main problem the Digital cameras fiend nicks them for the modern digi cameras. All that will be left soon will be rotting bodies without lenses.
Too late, look at the prices of bodies without lenses... less than the lences. It's the market