Once again the unsurpassed venerable master of Zenography brings us lashings of creamy swirls and bubbles floating over a background blur of colours sharp enough to slice though the toughest of old boot leather. Love it!
What a wonderful video blog! You should never give up your love of photography, your depth of understanding and the true art shows no bounds. This particular video shows the lenses we can all afford + demonstrated by you with aplomb! I must now seek out one of those Carl Zeiss 50mm f2.8 lenses for it's affordability + outstanding colour rendition! Always enjoy your videos- please carry on!
The Pentacon 1.8 50mm is based on the Meyer-Optik Görlitz 50mm 1.8 Oreston and was produced in the millions and is still widely available today. And was the standard lens on the Praktica camera's.
Thank you much for this video. I have had the CZJ Tessar for about a year and I love it. Based on your info I just ordered a Pentacon on ebay and can't wait for it to arrive. I have a weak spot for that soap bubble bokeh. Thank you much for your efforts.
Wow, the fun that I've missed out on at those garage sales putting aside those lenses full of fungus for my pasta. Next time I'll not pass them by. Thanks again for your efforts 👍
Thank you for bringing to my eyes this wonderful lenses. I must say I love the way you describe the quality of the lenses and what they can do, you are truly passionate, well spoken and are able to put in words the qualities of them.
I have the industar 61 l/z 50mm f2.8, which is a copy of the zeiss tessar 50mm f2.8 and im still tempted to grab the zeiss. Same thing with the helios, i have the 44m-6 and im sometimes tempted to pick up a 44.2
Very well done and passionate video as always. I would add the Meyer Gorlitz trioplan f2.9 to that list. Have those 3 and are among my favorites. Not to self - need to use the pentacon more.
Spence Miller wait for a Pentacon, you will get one for £10-£15 all in. I’ve bought two and neither cost me over £15 , also an easy lens to adapt the aperture to stop down and make Triangular Bokeh !
I own the Helios 44 silver, and it is really very special. I must say that never loved other Helioses (44-2, 44-3, 44-m4, 44-m6) although they have the same optical formula. The 44 silver is ideal for portraits and skin texture; it is unique. The only thing that disturbs me is the swirl, which is quite distracting (for me) in portraiture. What to say about the Tessar? I have the Pentax-M 50mm f4 Macro (a Tessar lens design) which is the sharpest lens I have.
I have that Pentax too - it's incredibly sharp, in fact, for a time it was considered the sharpest lens in the world! The early Helios 44 is a fantastic lens, subtly different I think to those that came later. Thanks for watching!
Whole heartedly agree. I own all 3 and they’re great, I should use them more really.. when I reach for the Tessar my hand usually wanders to the Industar 61 L/Z instead though.. ha
Zenography ahh so cool ! I’m playing with new lenses for now though, Jupiter 3 on my Newly Acquired Zorki C whilst my other new Zorki 1 is currently stripped down as I try to source some new curtains :) finally got my hands on a Jupiter 12 though. Can’t use it on my Fuji so will have to see how the Kiev shots develop. Ever shot with one ? be intrigued to know your opinion on them :) keep up the great videos man :)
Have a Pentacon one which in my case is branded as Revuenon, but it's exactly the same. Bought it with stuck diaphragm and had to disassemble and clean every part. It's easy, there is a UA-cam video that shows how to do it. Works fine now.
So many great 50ish vintage lenses out there. These may be some of the best bang for the the price vintage lenses. But would they make the cut if you could only own one or two 50ish vintage lenses? I have desk covered with them but which one I would pick. Anyone else? 😅
I can tell you from my own experience that the CZJ 50mm f/2.8 Tessar lens is very very sharp and lovely to use. I can also tell you however that your 10-20 GBP price estimates, at least for customers in the USA are low. I was able to buy an AUS Jena DDR 50mm f/2.8 Tessar zebra model (the export version of the CZJ lens) for $30 USD plus $18 USD for shipping. This is not the typical price however. On sites like Ebay, you are lucky to find a decent copy for under $50 USD, and most recently sold copies tended to sell for between $60-100 USD before shipping. I definitely think my copy for $48 USD total is worth it, but for nearly double the cost, I highly doubt it.
Hello, I just stumbled on your channel and must say that it is very interesting. Could you eventually do a segment on which lens can go on which camera with which adaptor. I think that some cameras are more compatible than others (like Nikon) and that the adapter ring is actually more important that one may think. Thanks, George
@@zenography7923 Anymore vidoes that comprehensively talk about entry level late 70s SLRs, kind of like a buying guide, would be fantastic. Im getting people into film photography right now and all I can suggest from my own experience is Zenit.
Have you ever taken an in-depth look at a Mir-1 37mm/f2.8 ? I have one that arrives next week together with a Jupiter-9 and would like to know a bit more about it
I have it and it's not that great tbh. If your subject is centered it's fine but otherwise image quality isn't amazing and rendering is pretty cool but not the best I've seen. The magic I feel on some other lenses seems to be absent on that one.
Wherever I can! Sometimes ebay, although I look for lenses at a good price rather than paying the often high asking prices. Sometimes I buy lenses advertised as needing a clean - many are easy to clean and to put back into good order. Then there are car boot sales, and sometimes people are kind enough to lend me lenses to review.
I was very lucky to find one for £30 - even when this video was made they usually sold for £100 or more. This one was sitting on ebay for a week or two before I bought it!
Can I have your home address so I can steal that "Zebra" Tessar? :-) Would go great in my collection! I have a 1996 Black Plastic-y Jena Tessar, and also a mint 1963 Aluminium model. They had an amazingly long production run.
@@zenography7923 Yes, quite similar. The only real difference being the later 1990s model has way fewer aperture blades. A whoppping five of them! . The early 1960s model has 12 or 13 of them so bokeh stays circular. No doubt a cost cutting measure in the later ones.
You can nail the Swirley stuff with, as you proved here, trees with plenty of foliage. The Early Leitz F2 types were good at it. I was given a Zenit XP with the lens you reviewed and it's a very decent piece of glass..........I also have a Meyer Optik Oreston which I believe is the forerunner of your Pentacon. I would avoid the Meyer Optik Domiplan, unless mine has been dropped from a considerable height!!
Once again the unsurpassed venerable master of Zenography brings us lashings of creamy swirls and bubbles floating over a background blur of colours sharp enough to slice though the toughest of old boot leather. Love it!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
What a wonderful video blog!
You should never give up your love of photography, your depth of understanding and the true art shows no bounds.
This particular video shows the lenses we can all afford + demonstrated by you with aplomb!
I must now seek out one of those
Carl Zeiss 50mm f2.8 lenses for it's affordability + outstanding colour rendition!
Always enjoy your videos- please carry on!
Thanks Derek, glad you enjoyed it!
Your descriptions of these lens are so poetic and delicious, i think i should buy them to eat!
Bon apetit!
The Pentacon 1.8 50mm is based on the Meyer-Optik Görlitz 50mm 1.8 Oreston and was produced in the millions and is still widely available today. And was the standard lens on the Praktica camera's.
Thanks for the info Leendert!
Your prosing on the vintage lens beauty really stirs up the market.
Not by too much, I hope!
I don't think I would ever get rid of my Helios 44/2. I hardly use it, but when I do it is always a great experience and yields fantastic results.
You sold me on the jena with the shaving ad! Love your channel, can't get enough!
Really enjoy your videos. Great voice and pace. Someone I can understand. Thanks.
Many thanks, glad you're enjoying them!
Great suggestions. I have a Helios 44, and it can render some beautiful photos.
You're so inspired !!! thank you to share so much passion. It's a pleasure to hear and watch !
Great lenses! (Got on out of three as my first vintage) Great presentation and great Goodfellas reference with that Tessar.
Thanks for the narrative on this one! Had me laughing out loud. We’ll done…
This was the best presentation of a UA-cam video I've ever watched!! Impressive! I'll be looking for that Carl Zeiss lens.
Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I think you'll enjoy the Zeiss too...
Thank you much for this video. I have had the CZJ Tessar for about a year and I love it. Based on your info I just ordered a Pentacon on ebay and can't wait for it to arrive. I have a weak spot for that soap bubble bokeh. Thank you much for your efforts.
Glad you enjoyed the video, I think you'll like that Pentacon too!
Wow, the fun that I've missed out on at those garage sales putting aside those lenses full of fungus for my pasta. Next time I'll not pass them by. Thanks again for your efforts 👍
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Bought the Meyer Optik 50 1.8 today for less than 5 quid. Needless to say I'm very happy with my purchase.
Now that was a bargain - enjoy!
I own all 3 of these lenses and would never part with them. All 3 are underrated .
Agreed!
Thank you for bringing to my eyes this wonderful lenses. I must say I love the way you describe the quality of the lenses and what they can do, you are truly passionate, well spoken and are able to put in words the qualities of them.
This channel is the ultimate for vintage lens love...
Many thanks, glad you're enjoying the videos!
I love the way you can describe a lens with such passion. "If you're out of razorblades, you could have a shave with this lens"
"
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Entertaining and informative!Inspired and inspiring!...I own the Helios,well,two,actually...
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I have the industar 61 l/z 50mm f2.8, which is a copy of the zeiss tessar 50mm f2.8 and im still tempted to grab the zeiss. Same thing with the helios, i have the 44m-6 and im sometimes tempted to pick up a 44.2
You won't go far wrong if you do!
I love your channel and insight on great vintage lens! 👍👍 I’ve learned a lot through your videos!
Many thanks, glad you're finding them useful!
Pizza and vintage lenses, definitely I'm in.
Welcome!
Very well done and passionate video as always.
I would add the Meyer Gorlitz trioplan f2.9 to that list.
Have those 3 and are among my favorites.
Not to self - need to use the pentacon more.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the education & inspiration to continue photography.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I have the Helios 58 mm and love it, definitely will have to look into these other lenses, thanks!!!
Spence Miller wait for a Pentacon, you will get one for £10-£15 all in. I’ve bought two and neither cost me over £15 , also an easy lens to adapt the aperture to stop down and make Triangular Bokeh !
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I own two of the three.... need to visit ebay - always a pleasure watching one of your presentations
The bay never fails to beckon...!
I own the Helios 44 silver, and it is really very special. I must say that never loved other Helioses (44-2, 44-3, 44-m4, 44-m6) although they have the same optical formula. The 44 silver is ideal for portraits and skin texture; it is unique. The only thing that disturbs me is the swirl, which is quite distracting (for me) in portraiture. What to say about the Tessar? I have the Pentax-M 50mm f4 Macro (a Tessar lens design) which is the sharpest lens I have.
I have that Pentax too - it's incredibly sharp, in fact, for a time it was considered the sharpest lens in the world! The early Helios 44 is a fantastic lens, subtly different I think to those that came later. Thanks for watching!
Don't you think Helios44 images lack little contrast an color?
@@Ali.lensman, my sample, delivers brilliant and vivid colors. The contrast is not excessive, but ideal for portraiture.
Whole heartedly agree. I own all 3 and they’re great, I should use them more really.. when I reach for the Tessar my hand usually wanders to the Industar 61 L/Z instead though.. ha
The Industar is great too - the lens I learned photography with!
Zenography ahh so cool ! I’m playing with new lenses for now though, Jupiter 3 on my Newly Acquired Zorki C whilst my other new Zorki 1 is currently stripped down as I try to source some new curtains :) finally got my hands on a Jupiter 12 though. Can’t use it on my Fuji so will have to see how the Kiev shots develop. Ever shot with one ? be intrigued to know your opinion on them :) keep up the great videos man :)
Another great video from you, thank you, i love your channel!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Goes to eBay, prices have doubled, because of this video 😂
Fun video and informative 👍
Oh, I do hope not...
This is remarkably true.
Have a Pentacon one which in my case is branded as Revuenon, but it's exactly the same. Bought it with stuck diaphragm and had to disassemble and clean every part. It's easy, there is a UA-cam video that shows how to do it. Works fine now.
It's a very nice little lens!
@@zenography7923 If you're interested, here is my album which I took here in Lviv, Ukraine with this lens - photos.app.goo.gl/mStxKf38NqouYiQs8
Thank you for the great video. Loved your compassion. I miss my Praktica :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would love to see your take on best vintage glass for videos. Particularly for product shots or b-roll.
It's something I've been thinking of for a while; it will come soon!
Was very lucky to finally buy another version - aluminium Tessar 50 in pieces.. Finally after 3 distanced attempts I managed to assemble it...
Wow, well done - the CZJ lenses are not the easiest to repair!
Absolute fun added to our a great video.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
So many great 50ish vintage lenses out there. These may be some of the best bang for the the price vintage lenses. But would they make the cut if you could only own one or two 50ish vintage lenses? I have desk covered with them but which one I would pick. Anyone else? 😅
I'd keep a Helios 44 and a Zuiko f1.4
I can tell you from my own experience that the CZJ 50mm f/2.8 Tessar lens is very very sharp and lovely to use. I can also tell you however that your 10-20 GBP price estimates, at least for customers in the USA are low. I was able to buy an AUS Jena DDR 50mm f/2.8 Tessar zebra model (the export version of the CZJ lens) for $30 USD plus $18 USD for shipping. This is not the typical price however. On sites like Ebay, you are lucky to find a decent copy for under $50 USD, and most recently sold copies tended to sell for between $60-100 USD before shipping. I definitely think my copy for $48 USD total is worth it, but for nearly double the cost, I highly doubt it.
I've heard that prices can be high in Australia - perhaps not too much FSU kit was sold there back in the day?
Hello, I just stumbled on your channel and must say that it is very interesting. Could you eventually do a segment on which lens can go on which camera with which adaptor. I think that some cameras are more compatible than others (like Nikon) and that the adapter ring is actually more important that one may think. Thanks, George
An interesting suggestion, thanks!
Thank you so much for the advice
You are so welcome!
I’m out of space for vintage glass. Nice collection
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I finally got around to ordering a late CZJ Tessar, fingers crossed.
An excellent choice - enjoy!
Nice review again. They are lovely lenses.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Did you take these photos? Lovely.
Thanks, glad you like them!
@@zenography7923 Anymore vidoes that comprehensively talk about entry level late 70s SLRs, kind of like a buying guide, would be fantastic. Im getting people into film photography right now and all I can suggest from my own experience is Zenit.
Have you ever taken an in-depth look at a Mir-1 37mm/f2.8 ? I have one that arrives next week together with a Jupiter-9 and would like to know a bit more about it
I have it and it's not that great tbh. If your subject is centered it's fine but otherwise image quality isn't amazing and rendering is pretty cool but not the best I've seen. The magic I feel on some other lenses seems to be absent on that one.
@@williamg.6283 What exactly isn't so great about the image quality ? Is there any affordable alternative to the MiR-1 ?
There's a brief review with video footage on this channel!
Thanks fellow film enthusiast!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
as someone who is getting into photography and only has 20-30 pounds to spare, thanks my dude
No worries, enjoy!
6:54 swirlier than a centrifuge? Oh wow
Oh yes, swirlier than that...
You said it Brother. Sharpness is really overrated.
I am curious.
What lens do you use for your study of Jupiter?
Ah, well that would be zenography squared! Is the Jupiter 9 too obvious?
It was my first guess, but I decided to shoot for the stars.
Now I have to go look at your Jupiter 9 video and refresh my memory.
Try out some kiron made vivitars
I've heard they're pretty good...
Is there a particular place you like to get your lenses from?
Wherever I can! Sometimes ebay, although I look for lenses at a good price rather than paying the often high asking prices. Sometimes I buy lenses advertised as needing a clean - many are easy to clean and to put back into good order. Then there are car boot sales, and sometimes people are kind enough to lend me lenses to review.
My Tessar was fine until the focusing ring binded, tried to fix it but ultimately rendering it as junk.
If it can't be fixed, at least they're cheap to buy...
Which DSLR model did you use?
All these images were shot on my Sony a7 mark 1.
@@zenography7923 Thank you!
5:17 ok ok calm down Jeremy clarkson... :-)
:)
The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8 not easy to find and they are at a much higher price unfortunately.
The Carl Zeiss are going for $33 +8 for shipping... 🤔 it still seems like a good deal.
Yes, it's a great little lens!
A typo here, on the title: "Zeongraphy"...
LOL. Good catch! Proofread, proofread, and proofread again. So many UA-camrs miss this step.
And I just noticed he got it wrong twice on that same frame! Look at the bottom line. LOL! Not good.
Whoops!
not 30 punds for the helios 44 silver anymore.......
I was very lucky to find one for £30 - even when this video was made they usually sold for £100 or more. This one was sitting on ebay for a week or two before I bought it!
Can I have your home address so I can steal that "Zebra" Tessar? :-) Would go great in my collection! I have a 1996 Black Plastic-y Jena Tessar, and also a mint 1963 Aluminium model. They had an amazingly long production run.
How do the images from each compare? Broadly similar?
@@zenography7923 Yes, quite similar. The only real difference being the later 1990s model has way fewer aperture blades. A whoppping five of them! . The early 1960s model has 12 or 13 of them so bokeh stays circular. No doubt a cost cutting measure in the later ones.
You can nail the Swirley stuff with, as you proved here, trees with plenty of foliage. The Early Leitz F2 types were good at it. I was given a Zenit XP with the lens you reviewed and it's a very decent piece of glass..........I also have a Meyer Optik Oreston which I believe is the forerunner of your Pentacon. I would avoid the Meyer Optik Domiplan, unless mine has been dropped from a considerable height!!
I've heard the Domiplan's not that great...
Helios no longer so cheap, especially older versions
44-2 versions often go for around £30 on ebay, and they can often be found on Zenit cameras for less than the cost of the lens on its own.
ridiculous poetry......
:)