Legacy lenses on digital cameras

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Asahi Pentax SMC M 50 f/1.7

Part 1

 

At f/1.7:

 

At f/8:

 

A bright glow and a low contrast can be noticed when the lens is full open on a dark background. Closed at f/2 the glow vanished and once at f/2.8 it fully disappears giving a sharp and contasty image.

I don’t know from where that comes. My copy is clear and in perfect condition/order: no haze, no dust, nothing. I suspect (but don’t really know!) some internal reflections happen when the blades are full open (?)…

 

More about this lens in the following post...

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Asahi Pentax SMC M 50 f/1.7

Part 2

 

I love my copy of this lens for its character especially for portraits when full open. It’s a dream lens: it gives a glow that smoothens and enlightens skin and traits when on a dark background. This characteristic doesn’t show so strongly when the background is clearer.

And from f/2.8 and over sharpness and contrast are amazing…

Yes, I love it for B&W film pics and digital color pics now as well…

Look!

 

Portrait of my favorite model  at f/1.7:

 

Same portrait at f/2.8:

 

Crop at f/1.7:

 

Crop at f/2.8:

 

You see?

While “charming” at f/1.7, this same lens is darn “descriptive” from f/2.8 and beyond.

Not a modern “today” lens, isn’t it?

 

PS: thanks a lot to my favorite model for her patience and kindness...

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Leitz Summicron Rigid M 50 f/2

 

At f/2:

 

At f/8:

 

Casual pic at f/2:

 

A great, great lens at all apertures for those who like THE "vintage" look. In B&W grays are somptuous but with moderate contrast. Digital colors as well are a bit "toned down".

This lens shows some softness and glow when full open, but OOF backgrounds are superb.

In my opinion, one of the best legacy lens for vintage B&W or color rendition…

I get the same feeling in digital color as in B&W film: smooth and precise lens. I do love this 60 year old glass. One of my “best” lenses with its old companion (60 year old too!) my Elmar 90 f/4.

 

IMHO a bit pricey though if just to play with around on a digital body...

[rhythmworx]

Just thought I'd add this here, you know already, but it's interesting.