This episode is sponsored by Into the AM. Black Friday is just around the corner, and there are deals up to 60% off, plus use the code DUSTIN10 for an additional 10% off at intotheam.com/DUSTIN10.
This is a great lens for special tasks. In fact, this is one of the best things that Chinese companies like TTartisian can do. Because when Lomo and other Kickstarter bros try to make special retro lenses, the result is even more expensive than the original collectible lenses from ebay and it doesn't solve the affordability problem at all.
I have the version 2 biotar and the TT, did a comparison on digital and film, basically no difference at all. Not possible to tell them apart (different color cast on film that is corrected by awb in digital). IMPORTANT to note, lenshood was part of the lens calculation back in the day and without the biotar will flare like crazy as it was not corrected for side light. So in good lighting conditions or with hood you wont see a difference, in strong light and without you will. Biotar does rainbow flare, tt a bit red if at all. I do assume the TT has to be used with a hood and will show better IQ as the original lens as well
@Munichvintagelens Subbed looking forward to it. My only gripe with the TT is that it has a bit of a cooler tone to the colors. I was expecting a bit of warmthness. Other than that, I'm happy with it. I really hope TT can make a copy of the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 55mm F/1.4.
@ i have that as well 😂 i doubt they will, except if there is now a glass with the same properties as the „SSK11“ glass of zeiss, which was used in 4/7 elements. Same used in radioactive 50 1.8 pancolar and first prakticar 50 1.4. the problem is the glass turns exceptionally yellow to the point where even my gfx and sony can’t do awb anymore and really struggle with the lens. It is not like the standard thorium glass. I hope they can replicate it without thorium and yellowing. I know the tt artisan chef is a vintage lens collector and nerd as well as the light lens lab chief and others. I am hoping for the 75mm 1.4 pancolar which is elusive and >10.000$
@Munichvintagelens The early Zebra Pancolars used lanthanum in their glass. The yellowing is correctable with either UV light or simply using a gray card from my personal experience with the early Carl Zeiss Pancolar Jena 50mm F/1.8. The 75mm Pancolar would also be a welcome remake. Personally, I don't mind the yellowing it adds a bit of warmth to the photos which I like for the golden hour look or enhancing the autumn photos. But taste in color varies for everyone. Luckily it's a simple fix. I'd also like to seem them remake the CZ Jena Flektagon 35mm F/2.4 and one of the legendary 58mm F/1.2's.
I was waiting for your review of this lens! I bought the Voigtlander 75mm F1.5 following your review of it and it's a delight. It's interesting how lens manufacturers are falling back to the roots. It feels lkke something has been missing some time from most modern lenses, which is some character to make images ultimately more artistic. And people are craving this artistic and not necessarily technically perfect touch.
I agree completely. The more optically corrected lenses get, the more of a market there will be for lenses like this that have some charm...even if that charm comes with flaws.
absolutely love this lens. I can adapt it to any system with m42. In camera focus aids work. Subject just pops. Very inspiring to use and the focus ring is so smooth. Fringes like crazy though.
Great to see you reviewing a lens like this Dustin. It certainly is a fun lens to shoot with as long as you can appreciate the character. Just in case if you haven't already. I would place that Helios lens that's infected with fungus in a zip lock bag and keep it away from your other lenses as not to risk the spread of contamination. They aren't too difficult to open up and clean the optics or you could always have someone service it for you if you don't feel comfortable. Stay well Dustin and may God's grace continue to shine upon you.
I have one, and have been using it for the past couple of weeks. I absolutely love it. Some lenses just seem to fight you and some seem to work with you - and by that completely personal and subjective metric, this one just fits me. The ergonomics work for me, though it is on the heavy side - but to be fair, that's a log of big elements, so I shouldn't complain. The thing I would point out is that it's very rare to have sharp corners in a composition at f/1.5 or even f/2, even if the lens is capable of it. There just isn't usually anything at precisely the right distance in the corners to BE sharp. I've used this one some portraits and some walk-around shots, and I've loved being able to dial in that dreamy look or dial it back out and still have a reasonably fast lens. I do pair this with an ND filter on a bright day for obvious reasons.
@ Thank you much, Dustin. I watched few reviews about this lens, they got me curious. But to buy it I like to have review from my all time favorite and trusted source. No rush, take as much time as you need. I think GM will still be better, but how about Sony 1.8, if you have it to compare. It is in same price range.
Hello Dustin, from Germany. I am following you for many years now Flickr, youtube. Thank you so much for your valuable content. My camera is the Nikon Z 8. Now I want to buy either the Voigtländer 50mm f1 or the Voigtländer 75mm f1.5. I am Photographing anything but people, very often landscapes. I know both lenses are not really dedicated to Landscape, but I am looking for that special look from time to time. Right now I am using for this purpose the wonderful Voigtländer 58mm Nocton f 1.4. But the problem with that lens is, that it only performing well from f4 on and above. Since you tested both lenses could you please tell me which one you would prefer? The Voigtländer 50mm f1 or the Voigtländer 75mm f1.5? Thank you so much.
I’m actually really surprised by how good the center sharpness on this lens is. Granted, that’s considering it as a manual focus lens with a vintage-style optic, and in that case wide open it’s reasonably sharp. Not modern-sharp, but a usable level of detail. My only gripe is a body issue: my Pentax K-1 won’t use catch-in focus with it. I can with my K-mount manual focus lenses, but not the M42, even with the genuine Pentax adapter.
3:43 "You're going to have to have an adapter" Nah I'm just gonna dust off my Fujica ST801 ;) Love chinese manufacturers going wild with the affordable absolute niche lenses, a 'new make' Biotar definitely wasn't on my 2024 camera bingo card.
Got one as well, really like it at f1.7 and beyond. It's crazy how sharp and nice it can get if you stop it down. Tested on Z and GFX and actually prefer it on GFX! My thoughts here: ua-cam.com/video/N1tHABLLlos/v-deo.html
This episode is sponsored by Into the AM. Black Friday is just around the corner, and there are deals up to 60% off, plus use the code DUSTIN10 for an additional 10% off at intotheam.com/DUSTIN10.
This is a great lens for special tasks.
In fact, this is one of the best things that Chinese companies like TTartisian can do. Because when Lomo and other Kickstarter bros try to make special retro lenses, the result is even more expensive than the original collectible lenses from ebay and it doesn't solve the affordability problem at all.
Agreed. This really beats trying to find a vintage lens.
I’ve had good results with this lens, but only for a very specific look, not always easy to achieve.
That's fair. It's definitely a niche lens.
I have the version 2 biotar and the TT, did a comparison on digital and film, basically no difference at all. Not possible to tell them apart (different color cast on film that is corrected by awb in digital). IMPORTANT to note, lenshood was part of the lens calculation back in the day and without the biotar will flare like crazy as it was not corrected for side light. So in good lighting conditions or with hood you wont see a difference, in strong light and without you will.
Biotar does rainbow flare, tt a bit red if at all. I do assume the TT has to be used with a hood and will show better IQ as the original lens as well
That's pretty cool. Thanks for the feedback.
@ want to do a vintage lens comparison channel some day soon and will feature this test 😃
@Munichvintagelens Subbed looking forward to it. My only gripe with the TT is that it has a bit of a cooler tone to the colors. I was expecting a bit of warmthness. Other than that, I'm happy with it. I really hope TT can make a copy of the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 55mm F/1.4.
@ i have that as well 😂 i doubt they will, except if there is now a glass with the same properties as the „SSK11“ glass of zeiss, which was used in 4/7 elements. Same used in radioactive 50 1.8 pancolar and first prakticar 50 1.4. the problem is the glass turns exceptionally yellow to the point where even my gfx and sony can’t do awb anymore and really struggle with the lens. It is not like the standard thorium glass. I hope they can replicate it without thorium and yellowing. I know the tt artisan chef is a vintage lens collector and nerd as well as the light lens lab chief and others. I am hoping for the 75mm 1.4 pancolar which is elusive and >10.000$
@Munichvintagelens The early Zebra Pancolars used lanthanum in their glass. The yellowing is correctable with either UV light or simply using a gray card from my personal experience with the early Carl Zeiss Pancolar Jena 50mm F/1.8. The 75mm Pancolar would also be a welcome remake. Personally, I don't mind the yellowing it adds a bit of warmth to the photos which I like for the golden hour look or enhancing the autumn photos. But taste in color varies for everyone. Luckily it's a simple fix. I'd also like to seem them remake the CZ Jena Flektagon 35mm F/2.4 and one of the legendary 58mm F/1.2's.
I was waiting for your review of this lens! I bought the Voigtlander 75mm F1.5 following your review of it and it's a delight. It's interesting how lens manufacturers are falling back to the roots. It feels lkke something has been missing some time from most modern lenses, which is some character to make images ultimately more artistic. And people are craving this artistic and not necessarily technically perfect touch.
I agree completely. The more optically corrected lenses get, the more of a market there will be for lenses like this that have some charm...even if that charm comes with flaws.
absolutely love this lens. I can adapt it to any system with m42. In camera focus aids work. Subject just pops. Very inspiring to use and the focus ring is so smooth. Fringes like crazy though.
It's a fun optic
Great review, as always - Dustin!
I appreciate that
Great to see you reviewing a lens like this Dustin. It certainly is a fun lens to shoot with as long as you can appreciate the character. Just in case if you haven't already. I would place that Helios lens that's infected with fungus in a zip lock bag and keep it away from your other lenses as not to risk the spread of contamination. They aren't too difficult to open up and clean the optics or you could always have someone service it for you if you don't feel comfortable. Stay well Dustin and may God's grace continue to shine upon you.
The Helios does typically live on its own. I also keep little silica packets in with lenses like that to keep moisture down.
I have one, and have been using it for the past couple of weeks. I absolutely love it. Some lenses just seem to fight you and some seem to work with you - and by that completely personal and subjective metric, this one just fits me.
The ergonomics work for me, though it is on the heavy side - but to be fair, that's a log of big elements, so I shouldn't complain.
The thing I would point out is that it's very rare to have sharp corners in a composition at f/1.5 or even f/2, even if the lens is capable of it. There just isn't usually anything at precisely the right distance in the corners to BE sharp.
I've used this one some portraits and some walk-around shots, and I've loved being able to dial in that dreamy look or dial it back out and still have a reasonably fast lens. I do pair this with an ND filter on a bright day for obvious reasons.
It's great to hear your experience with it!
Nice review again Dustin, there are also nice tilt adapters for M42 to Sony which work nicely for extra creative options
That's true. This could produce some very weird and wacky results with a tilt adapter!
Thanks for the very detailed video. Do you think using an extension tube with this lens for close up will be a good idea? Thanks in advance
It's wouldn't be my top choice. It isn't really great up close.
The first new lens I want to get in a while!
That's pretty cool.
Hi! Id like to know if these lenses are still worth to buy for APSC users considering how much of the swirl can be cropped out?
I would say far less so if your desire is for the swirly look.
Sirui released new 85 1.4 Aurora, i wonder if you have it on your list
I'm waiting on it to arrive, but I do believe that Sirui has shipped me a review copy.
@ Thank you much, Dustin. I watched few reviews about this lens, they got me curious. But to buy it I like to have review from my all time favorite and trusted source. No rush, take as much time as you need. I think GM will still be better, but how about Sony 1.8, if you have it to compare. It is in same price range.
@@petezenith For sure. It won't be until December that I can fit a review in.
@ Great. Thank you
can i adapt this to the z mount using m42 to z adapter?
Exactly.
Hello Dustin, from Germany.
I am following you for many years now Flickr, youtube.
Thank you so much for your valuable content.
My camera is the Nikon Z 8.
Now I want to buy either the Voigtländer 50mm f1 or the Voigtländer 75mm f1.5.
I am Photographing anything but people, very often landscapes.
I know both lenses are not really dedicated to Landscape, but I am looking for that special look from time to time.
Right now I am using for this purpose the wonderful Voigtländer 58mm Nocton f 1.4. But the problem with that lens is, that it only performing well from f4 on and above.
Since you tested both lenses could you please tell me which one you would prefer?
The Voigtländer 50mm f1 or the Voigtländer 75mm f1.5?
Thank you so much.
I personally prefer the 75mm.
Thank you.
Perfect for my m42 spot o matic film camera.
Absolutely.
I’m actually really surprised by how good the center sharpness on this lens is. Granted, that’s considering it as a manual focus lens with a vintage-style optic, and in that case wide open it’s reasonably sharp. Not modern-sharp, but a usable level of detail.
My only gripe is a body issue: my Pentax K-1 won’t use catch-in focus with it. I can with my K-mount manual focus lenses, but not the M42, even with the genuine Pentax adapter.
@ they’re also a PITA for walk around with a chunky DSLR. I’d be willing to get close enough, if I could use the viewfinder.
Fair enough.
3:43 "You're going to have to have an adapter" Nah I'm just gonna dust off my Fujica ST801 ;) Love chinese manufacturers going wild with the affordable absolute niche lenses, a 'new make' Biotar definitely wasn't on my 2024 camera bingo card.
Yes - going old school M42 is always an option.
Got one as well, really like it at f1.7 and beyond. It's crazy how sharp and nice it can get if you stop it down. Tested on Z and GFX and actually prefer it on GFX! My thoughts here: ua-cam.com/video/N1tHABLLlos/v-deo.html
GFX is probably best case scenario if you want maximum swirl.
Nice review, but this one is not for me. I know that’s a rare thing, lol 😅
That is a rare thing!
Swirly Bokeh is to photography as watermelons are to Mozart operas.
???? That's an interesting take
I
don't
like
it
LOL
Then
don't
buy
it