This lens is sharp but still nicely muted and vintage feeling. Another gem is the Canon LTM 35mm f2 which is also called the "Japanese Summicron" for a good reason. Both lenses are very good performers even for today and I believe that they will hold onto their value or may even go up.
@@broomwagon448 I also have a VT deluxe, with the trigger winder. It's a lot of fun to use as well. Maybe I'll convince Max to add it to our next recorded photowalk ;-)
I own a copy of this lens and a Canon P rangefinder. It's one of my all time favourite lens and camera combos... and I own a Leica M6! I find the low contrast on this lens fits superbly well for push processing, since it naturally mellows out the increased contrast push processing gives you. Ektachrome pushed two stops with this setup is my current go to colour setup. The 35mm F2 and 100mm F2 are also wonderful lenses. The 35mm is remarkably similar to the "King of Bokeh" Leica Summicron v4, but a lot cheaper :-)
I've had one of these for many years, but wanted a "real Leica lens" so I got a v3 Summicron that I found for a nice price a few years ago. I thought i'd notice a big difference, but there wasn't much at all. Both are about equally sharp to my eyes (at f2 of course) The bokeh is slightly different, and the Summicron focuses closer, but there really was no benefit to buying the Leica lens other than weight and size, and maybe a very slight bit of distortion on the Canon (but it doesn't bother me). I ended up keeping the Canon on my M2 most of the time (because they're both silver and black) and the Summicron on my m6 (because they're both black). I don't think i'll ever sell the Canon. It's such a solid performer.
I’ve been using this lens for a long time. I think it may disappoint some film photography newcomers because its images DON'T have what they probably would think of as a strongly “vintage look”... it's not mushy or flarey, no weird ghost images, etc. It's just a really good-performing lens with a 1950s character: sharp but not harsh, moderate contrast, flares a bit in backlight but nothing drastic, etc. Fun fact: Leica and Nikon needed to use lens designs with seven glass elements to get good performance in their 50/1.4 lenses of the 1950s... Canon's lens performed at least as well but needed only six elements. I suspect this was a bit of “flex” to show the other guys who the technology leader was...
I use this lens on the Canon P, it's a great lens. I tested the 50 F1.4 against the the 50 F1.8 and found (on my copies at least) the F1.4 is just slightly sharper wide open. However, at F2 and above they are very similar. I prefer the 1.4 version though for the best experience shooting wide open. The LTM lens I really love though is the 35 F2 LTM. Both the 50 F1.4 and the 35 F2 are great for street shooting and low light photography. Good performers with that slightly vintage look. Thanks for this review!
There are a lot of them for sale but truly mint copies can be more difficult to find. Haze and dust are the most common issues I have personally encountered when scouring eBay for a good copy.
Thank you @Analog Insights for this amazing video:) i've been shooting with this lens on my Canon P for the past year and now and i'm using it on my Leica M6 and let me tell you it's a beautiful lens with amazing result!
There's a super simple workaround for the 1M minimum focus. just unscrew the lens, it'll keep coupled. Let me explain : On 50mm lenses (and 50mm only), the rangefinder cam movement rate is identical to the actual optical bloc movement rate. That's precisely how ltm (and M) lenses focus, the rangefinder cam always moves at a 50mm rate regardless of the real focal lenght, and the body's RF is set to follow this 50mm movement. So by simply unscrewing the lens, the focus cam will move at the right rate and stay RF coupled (and precise) until the body's RF follower decouples. Just be careful not to unscrew too much and drop the damn thing
I liked this video very much. I thing that simple things make for great results. The camera and your work is an example. Waiting for your next one. Luis
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the title. I recently bought a Leica iii and after researching lenses, decided on this lens for all the reasons you cite.
Hello AndyB, I too have a Leica IIIf and my Canon 50mm f1.4 is my favourite lens. You will need to add an external viewfinder into the cold shoe because the lens blocks the viewer significantly.
I recently got a black canon p with this lens! Excited to see the review here. Overall, i am certainly loving the outcome. I have used several film types, and my fav was lomography over fuji or kodak portra.
I purchased a Canon 50mm f1.4 some time ago, used it, loved it. Foolishly bought into the Leitz hype and bought a first-gen 50mm Summicron. The Summicron shortly thereafter went back up on eBay. The Canon was, far and away, a superior and more consistent performer. I always get the neg I want out of the Canon, I just couldn't get along with the Summicron. One of the few cases in life where the cheaper product really might be among the best...
I found this lens earlier this year when searching for a cheap fast lens for my Vöigtlander Bessa R and I bought it without expecting too much from it since it cost me like $120 dollars. I was really surprised with the quality of the lens and now it stays attached to my camera. I love it!
That is a excellent price. After watching this review, I went to EBay and found a beautiful copy of the f/1.4, for $220US, and have been shooting it on my Bessa R3A. What a joy.
Recently bought this lens and am stunned by the way it writes the light, though had a 1.4 50 from Leica , this one is calling me .. let's go out, shoot pictures all day, focus with me, and please never put a cap on me..
Ahhh this one. This is perhaps THE lens that I'd use for my Leica IIIf, considering it IS the lens I have in my Leica IIIf ever since.I think I was already owning my Canon LTM 50 when we met back in 2017 back in Gey (in Eifel).
Watching this while attempting to take the taking lens + shutter off of a YashimaFlex lens board. No data about any of this on the internet whatsoever, so this is quite an adventure lol. Thanks for making these great videos for us to watch! 😁
Superb work, as always. One small problem. The lens schematic at about 5:10 is of a Sonnar lens, not a Planar, so not the Canon 50 1.4 which is a Planar. It is not the earlier Canon 50/1.5 which was a coated clone of the prewar Zeiss Sonnar 1.5, maybe the schematic you show is the Nikkor 50/1.4, but not sure.
Yes, you're completely right. Someone else spotted the same mistake but commented only in German. Please excuse the mistake. I trusted the source instead of double-checking it properly. Sorry about that. Thanks for pointing it out!
Thanks for the nice review! The shots especially together with the music background brought me to my childhood and even earlier and definitely flooded with nostalgic feelings. Also I found it quite interesting that "lens hygene" (dust) were a lot more irrelevant back then compared to modern sensor systems.
Hello Max. There hasn’t been a video from you in some time. I hope you and Jules are well in these troubled times. I wish to say that I now own a Leica and I have the confidence to embark on film photography after seeing your videos. I have also recently bought a Zeiss Sonnar 50mm F1.5 which is much missed amongst your lens reviews in my opinion. Take care.
Thank you for your kind comment. All the best on your film adventure. The Zeiss Sonnar 50mm is an excellent choice. And yes, if I get my hands on one at some point I will certainly review it.
The perfect lens I'm actually looking for to use on that exact camera in the perfect time!!! Great review, along with great examples on what this lens is capable of
Another great episode. Wow that lens is amazing. If I didn't already have the Leica Summilux, I would definitely be happy with the Canon version. The bokeh is 👀👍🔥
I would love to see a review of the Nikkor-H 5cm F2 if possible (specifically the Old Leica mount but the F mount would be nice too). One of the cleanest and sharpest lens I used
been on the hunt for a 50mm lens for a while but couldn't really find the right one with both features and price but i think this is going to be the one. the example photos both from the colors and bw were fantastic. really the vibe i enjoy. thanks
This was a nice review of the lens, and nice photos too. The title of the video was a little too clickbaity for my tastes but, forgivable given the fact that you could tell you really enjoyed this lens and camera system.
Love this lens. As it has a quite long focus throw it is not everyone’s darling since it takes time to focus. But if I have and take my time the outcomes are marvellous, the haptics are great and I used it on mirrorless, the outcome was great as well. But I prefer it with my Leicas M2/5/6... especially with the M2 . Sold the mirrorless anyway 😉 I prefer the canon for people/ portrait as well - I like it more than Leica’s 50 2 but this is my very personal viewpoint 🙋🏼♂️it has a certain “character”...
I use this lens on a M6 and 100% agree with all said here. I, too, highly recommend this lens. The only thing I have a slightly different experience is the price you mentioned. One might be able to get this lens for about 200€ but for that you need also luck and time. A more realistic price tag these days is closer 300€. But by being prepared to pay this one indeed is able to get a really good copy from eg Japan and the import tax (Germany) and shipping is already included...
Prices do vary quite a bit indeed depending on the origin and overall condition of the lens. I got mine earlier this year with the hood for about $250, shipping+tax included (about 210 euros). I'd say that the condition that it came in was excellent, but not mint or even near mint (the focus ring is quite tight, some dust inside, etc, but no noticeable effect on the pictures). Mint copies will probably fetch a price of up to 400 euros. The good thing is that this model was produced in large quantities so the price is more likely to remain stable over time.
Many Canon LTM 50mm f1.4 lenses are prone to internal haze and that alone creates a wide variation of condition and prices. A lens for under $200 most likely could contain haze while good clean examples are around $300+.
@@DavRaw I don't own an M body, so I can't speak from experience. But this post explains everything you need to know: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com/2019/10/24/leica-ltm-to-m-adapters/. It looks like you'll need what the author refers to as a "type 1" adapter since this lens has an infinity lock.
@@DavRaw I took a random (=cheap) ltm- to m mount adapter from China via ebay. The only thing you need to look after is the correct version as there are 3 different kinds available - depending on the frame lines you need for your lens. so in this case you want the 50/75mm version.
You wouldn't be able to focus to infinity using it on a DSLR, not sure what the maximum focus distance would be but I'm guessing not much further than 4 or 5 meters. With an M mount adapter you'd be able to use it to its full potential on mirrorless because flange distance ceases to be an issue, so I bet you'd find plenty of pictures if you looked around :)
Yes, this is a drawback we've noticed as well. I got used to it by now but I still find it annoying every time I switch back from another lens with a shorter throw.
I have the 1.8 as well (it came with the Canon P) but my copy has some fungus inside and that's why I ended buying the 1.4 when I found a good copy of it. They're both very sharp indeed but the bokeh of the 1.4 is more pleasing in my opinion. Of course, if you shoot at f8 or more, this doesn't really matter.
I have both of those lenses, and while the 50/1.4 is certainly nice to have, I don't think you'll notice any drastic differences from your 50/1.8 other than the wider maximum aperture. Kitchingman's book says they were both designed by Itoh Hiroshi, so it's not surprising they would have a “family resemblance”! IMO both are much, much nicer than the inexplicably popular 50/1.2 (an earlier Hiroshi design) which I think is just mushy, mediocre, and uninteresting...
Great shots and your exposure levels are perfection, even photographing switched on lights in the frame which I always struggle with, any tips for that situation? (I have I guess a type 1 (#17487) on my Canon 7s along with the Voigtlander VC Meter II)
I don't remember exactly how I metered that picture of the spiderweb in the tunnel but I probably took a couple of light measurements for the shadows and highlights, averaged and let the dynamic range of Portra do the rest. Unless you're referring to another picture.
I’ve recently got this lens, and I have to say its performance is amazing. Sharp wide open with great contrast. However, I just have one question: the yellow casting on the glass makes me wonder if this lens is radioactive? I read that a lot of the lenses that are made in that era were made of radioactive material.
Thank you for your comment. I just double-checked with Simon and we are both pretty sure that none of the Canon LTM lenses are radioactive. It is know for some Pentax Takumar lenses (s. the respective review here on the channel) but not for this one.
Thx for this Lens. This was my second Lens I bought for my Leica. The bildquality I like, the handling in depending what you like top shoot I like. For Portrait there are better lenses. Still have it and surching for a better condition for a reasenable Price. Please more oder this, vintage lenses with character.
Thanks for your comment. Tough question. On an m-mount camera, I would personally prefer the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.5. I really love this lens and it’s special character.
Hi Max, I am thinking to buy either the Canon P or the one of the Fuji GS645 series. In your opinion with lense(s) will give me better overall quality? I have a Mamiya C330, I love the resolution and the sharpes I get with the sekor lenses. I was looking at a few review on both and I probably see some unique result/look (on the images) with the the canon lenses which come with the p. Would you confirm it?
Hey, also mit dem Linsen Schnitt stimmt was nicht auf dem Bild sieht man einen 8 linsigen Schnitt eines modifizierten Sonnar Types. Meines Wissens ist das Canon aber ein Planar, was du ja auch richtig sagst nur das sollte dann anderst aussehen. Vermutlich handelt es sich auf dem Bild um eine ganz andere Rechnung zu einem ganz anderen Objektiv evtl. ein Fujinon Ltm 50 1.2 das ist aber auch ein dolles Ding.
Danke für den Hinweis. Das ist mir offenbar durchgerutscht und habe es womöglich falsch übernommen. Ich sehe allerdings dennoch einen sechs-linsigen Schnitt. :)
@@AnalogInsights Okay, ja ich hab mir noch mal die Quelle von deinem Linsen Schnitt angesehen. Vermutlich ist da etwas durcheinander gekommen so wie das auf der Seite aussieht. Jedenfalls habe sonst auch keine alternativ Quelle gefunden. Definitiv kann man aber sagen ohne sich zu weit aus dem Fenster zu lehnen das der optische Schnitt im Video nicht zu einem Planar Design gehört.
Voigtlander VC Meter II. I have mixed feelings about it. It's expensive yet quite flimsy and I find myself stealing my partner's handheld meter from time to time because it feels more practical to use. On the other hand, it looks good on top of the camera :-)
Max I’m curious how you would compare this lens optically to say the newer CV 50 or 40mm 1.2 asph or even the older 50 1.1 or 1.5 as a viable alternative to the 50 Lux asph?
Puh, that's a really tricky question, especially as I haven't had the chance to test all of the mentioned lenses myself. So I'll give this one a pass. Sorry. :)
@@AnalogInsights No worries. if you do get a chance PLEASE give us your thoughts on either the 40 or 50mm 1.2 VM Nokton as they are both based on the same design. I might be buying one in which case Ill get in contact with you so I can send it over for a few weeks to review.
Good evening ! I'm very interested in buying a combo Canon P with the "Japanese Summilux" ; I'm with my 62 years old wearing glasses to correct presbytia ... Is the Canon P viewfinder usable for glasses wearers ? Your reply would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance ! Thank you for your channel ... I just bought a Fuji "BessaIII" because of your review and ... Yes ! It's really a great middle format foldable camera !
I just tried with my sunglasses and the 35 mm frame lines are impossible to see without moving your eye around. They are just too far tucked into the edges of the viewfinder. Even the 50 mm frame lines are a bit difficult to all see at once. I would instead recommend looking into earlier models of the V and L series. They all have an adjustable viewfinder for different focal lengths (35, 50, and 100 I believe). I tried with my VT deluxe and it's perfectly usable with glasses. You can check out which models have adjustable frame lines at: www.canonrangefinder.org/Canon_VT_Deluxe.htm.
Hello, I just got this lens along with the Canon P. I have shot two rolls so far and can't seem to get a frame in good focus. I thought I had calibrated the rangefinder correctly. It seems like all the shots from around 2 meters or so are back focused. It didn't make a difference if I stopped the lens down or not. I tried to Re Calibrate after the first roll. Half way through the second roll I switched lenses to a Industar 55mm f/2.8 and those shots are in focus. So weird???? Any ideas?
If the calibration is correct and you have no issue focusing with other lenses, my best guess is that your 1.4 is not properly adjusted (e.g., if someone took the lens apart to clean it and didn't reassemble it exactly right). For instance, check this thread for a similar issue with the 1.2 version: www.photo.net/discuss/threads/baffling-canon-7-focussing-problem.505460/. I don't know if that's an easy fix though.
@@SimonGarnier Thanks for your reply. I took part the lens and added another shim to it as I have heard you can remove or add depending on if it front or back focused. That did the trick! 😀
The optical design schematic in your video is inconsistent with the number of groups and elements. The diagram shows 8 elements in 4 groups where as the text states 4 groups 6 elements. The diagram implies a sonnar derivative whereas you state in the video that it's a planar design. The Canon 50MM F1.4 LTM is likely a Planar design (where as the Canon 50MM F1.5 LTM is a sonnar version) and the diagram which you included is likely incorrect. The source of your information (jasonhowe) appears to be unreliable as he has 2 separate diagrams one of which is crossed out. You can refer to the Fujinon 5CM F1.2 LTM optical design (sonnar type with 8 elements in 4 groups) which is very similar to the diagram you presented.
Thank you for your comment and please excuse this mistake. This had been pointed out before and I’m sorry for not properly double-checking it in this case.
Bokeh gets weird and unpleasant. Color rendition is just ok. Handling I hate. Overall an Ok lens if it’s cheap. I’d much sooner buy a Zeiss sonnar for an M camera. For LTM I guess you take what you can lol
Warum sprichst du deutsche Objektivnamen mit englischer Aussprache aus, die falsch ist? Sammilax, Baiogon... Das ist lächerlich. Die Tatsache, dass dieser Kanal im Englischen ist, stellt absolut keinen Grund dar, Namen falsch auszusprechen. Im Gegenteil: Du würdest deinen englischsprachigen Zuschauern einen viel besseren Dienst erweisen, wenn du als deutscher Muttersprachler die richtige Aussprache historischer Objektivnamen verbreiten würdest, anstatt sie in ihren verständlichen Aussprachefehlern zu bestätigen.
This lens is sharp but still nicely muted and vintage feeling. Another gem is the Canon LTM 35mm f2 which is also called the "Japanese Summicron" for a good reason. Both lenses are very good performers even for today and I believe that they will hold onto their value or may even go up.
Would love to see a review of Canon rangefinders. The Canon P is new to me. Everyone focuses on the Canonet.
Covid19 permitting (and Max being available), I can make that happen ;-)
The VL2 is also worth a look. I love mine with this lens combo
@@broomwagon448 I also have a VT deluxe, with the trigger winder. It's a lot of fun to use as well. Maybe I'll convince Max to add it to our next recorded photowalk ;-)
It's arguably one of the best LTM rangefinders made. Blows away any LTM Leica, even gives the M2/M3 a run for their money.
Don't review the 7 yet. I want to get one before the word gets out and they begin to fetch for fair prices like what happened to the canonets and p ;)
I own a copy of this lens and a Canon P rangefinder. It's one of my all time favourite lens and camera combos... and I own a Leica M6! I find the low contrast on this lens fits superbly well for push processing, since it naturally mellows out the increased contrast push processing gives you.
Ektachrome pushed two stops with this setup is my current go to colour setup. The 35mm F2 and 100mm F2 are also wonderful lenses. The 35mm is remarkably similar to the "King of Bokeh" Leica Summicron v4, but a lot cheaper :-)
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I've had one of these for many years, but wanted a "real Leica lens" so I got a v3 Summicron that I found for a nice price a few years ago. I thought i'd notice a big difference, but there wasn't much at all. Both are about equally sharp to my eyes (at f2 of course) The bokeh is slightly different, and the Summicron focuses closer, but there really was no benefit to buying the Leica lens other than weight and size, and maybe a very slight bit of distortion on the Canon (but it doesn't bother me). I ended up keeping the Canon on my M2 most of the time (because they're both silver and black) and the Summicron on my m6 (because they're both black). I don't think i'll ever sell the Canon. It's such a solid performer.
I’ve been using this lens for a long time. I think it may disappoint some film photography newcomers because its images DON'T have what they probably would think of as a strongly “vintage look”... it's not mushy or flarey, no weird ghost images, etc. It's just a really good-performing lens with a 1950s character: sharp but not harsh, moderate contrast, flares a bit in backlight but nothing drastic, etc. Fun fact: Leica and Nikon needed to use lens designs with seven glass elements to get good performance in their 50/1.4 lenses of the 1950s... Canon's lens performed at least as well but needed only six elements. I suspect this was a bit of “flex” to show the other guys who the technology leader was...
I use this lens on the Canon P, it's a great lens. I tested the 50 F1.4 against the the 50 F1.8 and found (on my copies at least) the F1.4 is just slightly sharper wide open. However, at F2 and above they are very similar. I prefer the 1.4 version though for the best experience shooting wide open. The LTM lens I really love though is the 35 F2 LTM. Both the 50 F1.4 and the 35 F2 are great for street shooting and low light photography. Good performers with that slightly vintage look. Thanks for this review!
The number of times that you review equipment that I have just bought is amazing. I got my Canon P last December and my 1.4 is in the post!
Haha, very interesting. Enjoy your Canon P and the f/1.4 lens. :)
@@AnalogInsights The 1.4 has arrived and it is beautiful! I have only used it so far on my X-E1 and love the wide open images.
Welcome back! Thanks for new video. I love watching your videos with a cup of coffee.
Yay! Thank you!
Great review, as always!
Thanks a lot.
I have just placed this lens on my "need to find" list. Thanks for another great video.
There are a lot of them for sale but truly mint copies can be more difficult to find. Haze and dust are the most common issues I have personally encountered when scouring eBay for a good copy.
Simons photos are fantastic, especially the ones of the finished coffee cups on the tables
Thank you very much! Having Max film my every move put a lot of pressure on me to deliver :-)
Thank you @Analog Insights for this amazing video:) i've been shooting with this lens on my Canon P for the past year and now and i'm using it on my Leica M6 and let me tell you it's a beautiful lens with amazing result!
Always look forward to your episodes!
Thanks, really appreciate your feedback. :)
There's a super simple workaround for the 1M minimum focus. just unscrew the lens, it'll keep coupled.
Let me explain : On 50mm lenses (and 50mm only), the rangefinder cam movement rate is identical to the actual optical bloc movement rate. That's precisely how ltm (and M) lenses focus, the rangefinder cam always moves at a 50mm rate regardless of the real focal lenght, and the body's RF is set to follow this 50mm movement.
So by simply unscrewing the lens, the focus cam will move at the right rate and stay RF coupled (and precise) until the body's RF follower decouples.
Just be careful not to unscrew too much and drop the damn thing
Interesting! How close can it focus by doing this?
@@kohala1815 until the rangefinder decouples, usually around 65cm for M mount cameras . And maybe 85cm for most ltm bodies ?
It was great to watch your video! Excellent picture quality! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! Really appreciate your feedback.
I liked this video very much. I thing that simple things make for great results. The camera and your work is an example. Waiting for your next one. Luis
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the title. I recently bought a Leica iii and after researching lenses, decided on this lens for all the reasons you cite.
Hello AndyB, I too have a Leica IIIf and my Canon 50mm f1.4 is my favourite lens. You will need to add an external viewfinder into the cold shoe because the lens blocks the viewer significantly.
@@davidmilton2956 I have one from a Yashica auxiliary lens set that works well.
I recently got a black canon p with this lens! Excited to see the review here. Overall, i am certainly loving the outcome. I have used several film types, and my fav was lomography over fuji or kodak portra.
I purchased a Canon 50mm f1.4 some time ago, used it, loved it. Foolishly bought into the Leitz hype and bought a first-gen 50mm Summicron. The Summicron shortly thereafter went back up on eBay. The Canon was, far and away, a superior and more consistent performer. I always get the neg I want out of the Canon, I just couldn't get along with the Summicron. One of the few cases in life where the cheaper product really might be among the best...
one of my favourite lenses , great character and fantastic value. truly a classic
Photograph at 6:45 is breathtaking . . well done mate
Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad to hear you like it.
YESSSSS THANKS MAX!!!!
I found this lens earlier this year when searching for a cheap fast lens for my Vöigtlander Bessa R and I bought it without expecting too much from it since it cost me like $120 dollars. I was really surprised with the quality of the lens and now it stays attached to my camera. I love it!
That is a excellent price. After watching this review, I went to EBay and found a beautiful copy of the f/1.4, for $220US, and have been shooting it on my Bessa R3A. What a joy.
Recently bought this lens and am stunned by the way it writes the light, though had a 1.4 50 from Leica , this one is calling me .. let's go out, shoot pictures all day, focus with me, and please never put a cap on me..
Beautiful review. If you ever get your hands on the other Japanese Summilux ie. the Canon 35mm 1.5 LTM, I would love to hear your opinions about it!
Love this channel. Just picked up this lens
Yeah, i have this Lens and yes it rocks... Beautiful rendering and color appearance..
Ahhh this one. This is perhaps THE lens that I'd use for my Leica IIIf, considering it IS the lens I have in my Leica IIIf ever since.I think I was already owning my Canon LTM 50 when we met back in 2017 back in Gey (in Eifel).
Great lens, I used it on Leica for years. Sold it to friend to buy Zeiss 50/2 Planar for which I lusted for years. But I kinda miss it now...
recently discovered your channel, really enjoyed the reviews so far!
thanks a lot!
Watching this while attempting to take the taking lens + shutter off of a YashimaFlex lens board. No data about any of this on the internet whatsoever, so this is quite an adventure lol. Thanks for making these great videos for us to watch! 😁
Did you try the wiki camera website- lots of information on esoteric equipment
For some reason your videos aren't showing up in my feed. So for the first time, I've actually clicked the bell, haha.
Thanks a lot for doing this. Interesting to hear. Seems like we're not relevant enough anymore. ;)
Na prima jetzt hab ich lust einen Canon P zu kaufen 😅Fantastisches Video wie immer.
I just got this lens for my M5 can't wait to test it out!
How did it go? This or the 7 Atisans?
Superb work, as always.
One small problem. The lens schematic at about 5:10 is of a Sonnar lens, not a Planar, so not the Canon 50 1.4 which is a Planar. It is not the earlier Canon 50/1.5 which was a coated clone of the prewar Zeiss Sonnar 1.5, maybe the schematic you show is the Nikkor 50/1.4, but not sure.
Yes, you're completely right. Someone else spotted the same mistake but commented only in German. Please excuse the mistake. I trusted the source instead of double-checking it properly. Sorry about that. Thanks for pointing it out!
As usually a very nice review and a very enjoyable video! 🙂👏👍
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind feedback.
Yet another wonderful video! I always look forward to your uploads. Have you ever thought about reviewing the Canon FTb?
Thanks for the nice review! The shots especially together with the music background brought me to my childhood and even earlier and definitely flooded with nostalgic feelings. Also I found it quite interesting that "lens hygene" (dust) were a lot more irrelevant back then compared to modern sensor systems.
Hello Max. There hasn’t been a video from you in some time. I hope you and Jules are well in these troubled times. I wish to say that I now own a Leica and I have the confidence to embark on film photography after seeing your videos. I have also recently bought a Zeiss Sonnar 50mm F1.5 which is much missed amongst your lens reviews in my opinion. Take care.
Thank you for your kind comment. All the best on your film adventure. The Zeiss Sonnar 50mm is an excellent choice. And yes, if I get my hands on one at some point I will certainly review it.
Thank you for this look into this lens. It helped me decide which would be my first lens to get with my Canon L1. Cheers!
The perfect lens I'm actually looking for to use on that exact camera in the perfect time!!!
Great review, along with great examples on what this lens is capable of
Thanks so much for your kind feedback. Glad to hear that. :)
Another great episode. Wow that lens is amazing. If I didn't already have the Leica Summilux, I would definitely be happy with the Canon version. The bokeh is 👀👍🔥
I would love to see a review of the Nikkor-H 5cm F2 if possible (specifically the Old Leica mount but the F mount would be nice too). One of the cleanest and sharpest lens I used
This is a great review. Thanks for sharing!
I missed your photo vlogs ☺️
been on the hunt for a 50mm lens for a while but couldn't really find the right one with both features and price but i think this is going to be the one. the example photos both from the colors and bw were fantastic. really the vibe i enjoy. thanks
Simon has an incredible eye, his photos remind me a bit of Kertesz
It is awfully nice of you to say that. Thanks!
The video quality is insane
I have this lens and really love it!
very nice and in deep review
This was a nice review of the lens, and nice photos too. The title of the video was a little too clickbaity for my tastes but, forgivable given the fact that you could tell you really enjoyed this lens and camera system.
Love this lens. As it has a quite long focus throw it is not everyone’s darling since it takes time to focus. But if I have and take my time the outcomes are marvellous, the haptics are great and I used it on mirrorless, the outcome was great as well. But I prefer it with my Leicas M2/5/6... especially with the M2 .
Sold the mirrorless anyway 😉 I prefer the canon for people/ portrait as well - I like it more than Leica’s 50 2 but this is my very personal viewpoint 🙋🏼♂️it has a certain “character”...
I use this lens on a M6 and 100% agree with all said here. I, too, highly recommend this lens. The only thing I have a slightly different experience is the price you mentioned. One might be able to get this lens for about 200€ but for that you need also luck and time. A more realistic price tag these days is closer 300€. But by being prepared to pay this one indeed is able to get a really good copy from eg Japan and the import tax (Germany) and shipping is already included...
Prices do vary quite a bit indeed depending on the origin and overall condition of the lens. I got mine earlier this year with the hood for about $250, shipping+tax included (about 210 euros). I'd say that the condition that it came in was excellent, but not mint or even near mint (the focus ring is quite tight, some dust inside, etc, but no noticeable effect on the pictures). Mint copies will probably fetch a price of up to 400 euros. The good thing is that this model was produced in large quantities so the price is more likely to remain stable over time.
Many Canon LTM 50mm f1.4 lenses are prone to internal haze and that alone creates a wide variation of condition and prices. A lens for under $200 most likely could contain haze while good clean examples are around $300+.
Which Adapter are you using for mounting this lens on a m-Mount ?
@@DavRaw I don't own an M body, so I can't speak from experience. But this post explains everything you need to know: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com/2019/10/24/leica-ltm-to-m-adapters/. It looks like you'll need what the author refers to as a "type 1" adapter since this lens has an infinity lock.
@@DavRaw I took a random (=cheap) ltm- to m mount adapter from China via ebay. The only thing you need to look after is the correct version as there are 3 different kinds available - depending on the frame lines you need for your lens. so in this case you want the 50/75mm version.
Nice work
Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the superb review as usual. Would you do a comparrison between Leica M, Canon P and Nikon S in terms of user experience.
Excellent review
Nice video, thank you. I was wondering why my 35mm summilux M pre-ASPH also has a invinity-lock,.. its a native bajonet.
Thank you for this excellent review
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for your feedback.
Great review, as always! )
Please, review Minolta CLE next...)
I like the subdued color rendition. It just might be my next L39 fifty.
That was fantastic. I wonder if anyone is using it on a DSLR or mirrorless? I am a film fan, too!
You wouldn't be able to focus to infinity using it on a DSLR, not sure what the maximum focus distance would be but I'm guessing not much further than 4 or 5 meters. With an M mount adapter you'd be able to use it to its full potential on mirrorless because flange distance ceases to be an issue, so I bet you'd find plenty of pictures if you looked around :)
Had this lens, beautiful rendering but I sold it in the end, the focus throw was too long for my liking.
Yes, this is a drawback we've noticed as well. I got used to it by now but I still find it annoying every time I switch back from another lens with a shorter throw.
If you use it enough you get used to it, but I can see it being a problem if you're used to other lenses.
In the 1960's Kodachrome came in 25 and 64 ISO versions - replacing an earlier 12 ISO version. 1970's "High Speed Ektachrome" was 160 ISO.
Great vid. What light meter were you using?. Thanks.
I have the Canon 50mm 1.8 on my Leica M3 and that’s a very sharp lens. Now I’m gonna have to get this one..
I have the 1.8 as well (it came with the Canon P) but my copy has some fungus inside and that's why I ended buying the 1.4 when I found a good copy of it. They're both very sharp indeed but the bokeh of the 1.4 is more pleasing in my opinion. Of course, if you shoot at f8 or more, this doesn't really matter.
I have both of those lenses, and while the 50/1.4 is certainly nice to have, I don't think you'll notice any drastic differences from your 50/1.8 other than the wider maximum aperture. Kitchingman's book says they were both designed by Itoh Hiroshi, so it's not surprising they would have a “family resemblance”! IMO both are much, much nicer than the inexplicably popular 50/1.2 (an earlier Hiroshi design) which I think is just mushy, mediocre, and uninteresting...
@@SimonGarnier This is my exact experience as well.
Great shots and your exposure levels are perfection, even photographing switched on lights in the frame which I always struggle with, any tips for that situation? (I have I guess a type 1 (#17487) on my Canon 7s along with the Voigtlander VC Meter II)
I don't remember exactly how I metered that picture of the spiderweb in the tunnel but I probably took a couple of light measurements for the shadows and highlights, averaged and let the dynamic range of Portra do the rest. Unless you're referring to another picture.
I’ve recently got this lens, and I have to say its performance is amazing. Sharp wide open with great contrast. However, I just have one question: the yellow casting on the glass makes me wonder if this lens is radioactive? I read that a lot of the lenses that are made in that era were made of radioactive material.
Thank you for your comment. I just double-checked with Simon and we are both pretty sure that none of the Canon LTM lenses are radioactive. It is know for some Pentax Takumar lenses (s. the respective review here on the channel) but not for this one.
@@AnalogInsights Thanks for verifying for me. That’s reassuring. Keep up the good work on this channel!
The one I have ON LOAN Serial Number is : 99016 so is that a 'Version II ' ??
Great video! Would you go for this or the 7 Artisans? 50mm 1,1…
Definitely this.
Hi, what was the light meter used in the video? Thanks.
Thx for this Lens. This was my second Lens I bought for my Leica. The bildquality I like, the handling in depending what you like top shoot I like. For Portrait there are better lenses. Still have it and surching for a better condition for a reasenable Price. Please more oder this, vintage lenses with character.
whats a better portrait lens you recommend
@@ndelacru hi Basti Films, Zeiss Planar, Summicron APO, etc. But it depends on your personal preferences
@@ginobartali9338 thank you ill try to research. thanks
@@ndelacru do you shoot portrait
Always the chic music.
Without considering the price difference, would you prefer the Japanese Summilux or the Voigtlander 50mm 1.5?
Thanks for your comment. Tough question. On an m-mount camera, I would personally prefer the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.5. I really love this lens and it’s special character.
Hello, I am thinking about getting a Canon P. What is your opinion about the f1.2 versus the f1.4?
Many thanks
How is this lens on modern mirrorless cameras? Anyone is using it? Sony, canon nikon?
what lens hood is that
Can't decide between 1.4 and 1.2 :( please help
Big regrets selling this one... some of my best pics were with this lens.
Hi Max,
I am thinking to buy either the Canon P or the one of the Fuji GS645 series. In your opinion with lense(s) will give me better overall quality? I have a Mamiya C330, I love the resolution and the sharpes I get with the sekor lenses.
I was looking at a few review on both and I probably see some unique result/look (on the images) with the the canon lenses which come with the p. Would you confirm it?
Hey, also mit dem Linsen Schnitt stimmt was nicht auf dem Bild sieht man einen 8 linsigen Schnitt eines modifizierten Sonnar Types. Meines Wissens ist das Canon aber ein Planar, was du ja auch richtig sagst nur das sollte dann anderst aussehen. Vermutlich handelt es sich auf dem Bild um eine ganz andere Rechnung zu einem ganz anderen Objektiv evtl. ein Fujinon Ltm 50 1.2 das ist aber auch ein dolles Ding.
Danke für den Hinweis. Das ist mir offenbar durchgerutscht und habe es womöglich falsch übernommen. Ich sehe allerdings dennoch einen sechs-linsigen Schnitt. :)
@@AnalogInsights Okay, ja ich hab mir noch mal die Quelle von deinem Linsen Schnitt angesehen. Vermutlich ist da etwas durcheinander gekommen so wie das auf der Seite aussieht. Jedenfalls habe sonst auch keine alternativ Quelle gefunden. Definitiv kann man aber sagen ohne sich zu weit aus dem Fenster zu lehnen das der optische Schnitt im Video nicht zu einem Planar Design gehört.
@@AnalogInsights jetzt habe ich doch noch etwas dazu gefunden. Grüße forum.mflenses.com/confused-about-a-canon-50mm-f-1-4-ltm-t72018.html
Great review, for some reason my copy gets really crazy Bokeh at 1.4. The 1.8 is also pretty good too.
The 1.8 flares pretty badly unfortunately
What is the light meter he is using on his camera?
Voigtlander VC Meter II. I have mixed feelings about it. It's expensive yet quite flimsy and I find myself stealing my partner's handheld meter from time to time because it feels more practical to use. On the other hand, it looks good on top of the camera :-)
too bad the prices are absolutely through the roof for some reason now. Paying almost 1000 AUD for one on ebay with a lens
Обожаю этот канал.
Max I’m curious how you would compare this lens optically to say the newer CV 50 or 40mm 1.2 asph or even the older 50 1.1 or 1.5 as a viable alternative to the 50 Lux asph?
Puh, that's a really tricky question, especially as I haven't had the chance to test all of the mentioned lenses myself. So I'll give this one a pass. Sorry. :)
@@AnalogInsights No worries. if you do get a chance PLEASE give us your thoughts on either the 40 or 50mm 1.2 VM Nokton as they are both based on the same design. I might be buying one in which case Ill get in contact with you so I can send it over for a few weeks to review.
Have the canon 50mm 1.2 ltm.... The 1.4 is probably a better lens but it's rendering is almost too modern for me
That's interesting to read, may I ask which 50mm LTM would you say is more...vintage, or, not as modern feeling?
@@hippo_hq well the canon 50 1.2 And 1.8 have a far more vintage image rendering as the Nikkor ltms.. The canon 1.4 Is a great lens though
@@simonkimber1152, well I'm sold! I'll order one today :)
Good evening ! I'm very interested in buying a combo Canon P with the "Japanese Summilux" ; I'm with my 62 years old wearing glasses to correct presbytia ... Is the Canon P viewfinder usable for glasses wearers ? Your reply would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance ! Thank you for your channel ... I just bought a Fuji "BessaIII" because of your review and ... Yes ! It's really a great middle format foldable camera !
I just tried with my sunglasses and the 35 mm frame lines are impossible to see without moving your eye around. They are just too far tucked into the edges of the viewfinder. Even the 50 mm frame lines are a bit difficult to all see at once. I would instead recommend looking into earlier models of the V and L series. They all have an adjustable viewfinder for different focal lengths (35, 50, and 100 I believe). I tried with my VT deluxe and it's perfectly usable with glasses. You can check out which models have adjustable frame lines at: www.canonrangefinder.org/Canon_VT_Deluxe.htm.
@@SimonGarnier Thank you very much for your quick reply !
Hello, I just got this lens along with the Canon P. I have shot two rolls so far and can't seem to get a frame in good focus. I thought I had calibrated the rangefinder correctly. It seems like all the shots from around 2 meters or so are back focused. It didn't make a difference if I stopped the lens down or not. I tried to Re Calibrate after the first roll. Half way through the second roll I switched lenses to a Industar 55mm f/2.8 and those shots are in focus. So weird???? Any ideas?
If the calibration is correct and you have no issue focusing with other lenses, my best guess is that your 1.4 is not properly adjusted (e.g., if someone took the lens apart to clean it and didn't reassemble it exactly right). For instance, check this thread for a similar issue with the 1.2 version: www.photo.net/discuss/threads/baffling-canon-7-focussing-problem.505460/. I don't know if that's an easy fix though.
@@SimonGarnier Thanks for your reply. I took part the lens and added another shim to it as I have heard you can remove or add depending on if it front or back focused. That did the trick! 😀
The optical design schematic in your video is inconsistent with the number of groups and elements. The diagram shows 8 elements in 4 groups where as the text states 4 groups 6 elements. The diagram implies a sonnar derivative whereas you state in the video that it's a planar design. The Canon 50MM F1.4 LTM is likely a Planar design (where as the Canon 50MM F1.5 LTM is a sonnar version) and the diagram which you included is likely incorrect. The source of your information (jasonhowe) appears to be unreliable as he has 2 separate diagrams one of which is crossed out. You can refer to the Fujinon 5CM F1.2 LTM optical design (sonnar type with 8 elements in 4 groups) which is very similar to the diagram you presented.
Thank you for your comment and please excuse this mistake. This had been pointed out before and I’m sorry for not properly double-checking it in this case.
What is the manuel mode module over the camera?!
Looks like a light meter to me.
@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood That's correct. A Voigtlander VC Meter II.
Bought one after watching this review 🤣
Bokeh gets weird and unpleasant. Color rendition is just ok. Handling I hate. Overall an Ok lens if it’s cheap. I’d much sooner buy a Zeiss sonnar for an M camera. For LTM I guess you take what you can lol
Warum sprichst du deutsche Objektivnamen mit englischer Aussprache aus, die falsch ist? Sammilax, Baiogon... Das ist lächerlich. Die Tatsache, dass dieser Kanal im Englischen ist, stellt absolut keinen Grund dar, Namen falsch auszusprechen. Im Gegenteil: Du würdest deinen englischsprachigen Zuschauern einen viel besseren Dienst erweisen, wenn du als deutscher Muttersprachler die richtige Aussprache historischer Objektivnamen verbreiten würdest, anstatt sie in ihren verständlichen Aussprachefehlern zu bestätigen.
These old lenses are no good. Well not really, but stop driving the damn prices up by making these things trendy.
Use this lens on the M9 and it’s rather lovely. Focus is just a tad stiff on my copy, but that’s okay. @myleicaodyssey