Old/alternate lenses, adapters, and lens mount conversions.

[ManWearPants]

Absolute Favourite Landscape Lens again, Mamiya 35mm f3.5/Mirex/5D2 Shifted Stitched Pano.

Ryan

Ryan,

Does the Mirex work with M645 AFD lenses? And which 80mm is a better option - f1.9 or 2.8?

And since M645 lenses have larger image circle. There should be no vignetting or weak corners when not doing any T/S. Please confirm.

Also the distance scale will not be applicable when adapted to DSLR so you cannot use hyperfocal distance to estimate focusing?

[update] I just sniped the M150/2.8 A. I read it is near APO quality with improved MC. Which version is yours that flares easily?

[update2] The quote that I got for the Mamiya - EOS Mirex adapter - EU383 including shipping.

 

[ManWearPants]

Sigma 20-40/2.8. Not sure if this can be considered an alternate lens but since it is no longer on the market, it is considered old lens.

This lens can be quite a cheap versatile landscape/walkabout lens. Note that this lens has serious vignetting, autofocusing can be off, lacking in contrast, a bit too warm and pin cushion distortion. But post processing can fix the vignetting, up the contrast and adjust the white balance. The manual focusing ring is well damed and very nice to use. As for the pin cushion distortion, don't use it for architecture or straight line, you won't notice it. FWIW, is one of those lens you can bring for travel, lost also won't feel the pain. Yet can get some good keepers.

20mm f8. Can be a competent landscape lens.

20mm f2.8. Closed up to 0.3m

20mm f8. Cannot see the hozizon is suffering from distortion

40mm f2.8. Bokeh not too bad

20mm f11. I wonder why Sigma mae a lens with such beautiful hoshi but poor flare control.

 

[newghost]

The canon 35mm f1.8 ltm is an old leica thread mount m39 lens that i've adapted onto my EP-2... the bokeh is quite awesome! :lovegrin:

 

[derekk]

Hi guys, just wanna let you know this is a wonderful resource. I'm shooting quite a bit of video on the 5dmk2 and hence have acquired an unquenchable thirst for manual lenses.

I currently own the Nikkor 35mm f1.4 AIS and the 105mm f2.5 AIS. Am waiting for my M42-EOS adapter for Helios 44M-4 to arrive.

Here's a snap from the Nikkor 35mm f1.4 AIS on the 7D:


And here're two shots from the Nikkor 105mm f2.5 AIS on the 7D:




Does anyone have any experience with the Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 version? I've read that it is one of the few lenses that is comparable to CZ's in terms of image and bokeh quality. Anybody can put in a few good words for it?

I had the chance to test it on my 5dmk2 yesterday and there was a curious anomaly about it. I've read that people who have converted their Rokkors have problems achieving infinity focus, and a way to get by is to shoot in live-view mode. The curious thing was that in live-view mode, I was unable to achieve infinity, because the rear element still impeded the already tucked up mirror. The Rokkor was converted to an EOS mount, not an excellent job done I believe.

Also, I've just dabbled in shooting with anamorphic adapters. I won't go too much into detail about anamorphic adapters yet until I've gotten more experience with them. But in a nutshell, you get images like these: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ifleeter/sets/72157626077257270/
People crave the anamorphic flare, which is a horizontal streak across the entire screen, much like in sci-fi movies.

Going back to the point about anamorphic adapters, it so happens that I require a longer lens since I'm shooting on a fx now. A 80-200 f4 FD lens happens to be in my possession and I'm wondering if anyone could point me in the direction as to where/who to go to for conversions to EF mounts. I'm also thinking of picking up the Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 and have it tweaked to achieve infinity on EF mounts.

Best,
derek

 

[ManWearPants]

Does anyone have any experience with the Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 version? I've read that it is one of the few lenses that is comparable to CZ's in terms of image and bokeh quality. Anybody can put in a few good words for it?

I had the chance to test it on my 5dmk2 yesterday and there was a curious anomaly about it. I've read that people who have converted their Rokkors have problems achieving infinity focus, and a way to get by is to shoot in live-view mode. The curious thing was that in live-view mode, I was unable to achieve infinity, because the rear element still impeded the already tucked up mirror. The Rokkor was converted to an EOS mount, not an excellent job done I believe.

I have had a brief ownership of Rokkor MD 58 f1.2. There is no way you can reach infinity with 5D without liveview but should be fine on your 7D. I am able to focus without liveview for up to 5m with Jim Buchanan's mount.
http://www.jimbuchananspace.com/Camera_Services.html

IMO, the bokeh is amazing outdoors but the light falloff when used indoor is tremendous when wide open. There is no aperture setting between f1.2 and f2. FWIW, unable to focus to infinity and the mediocre results indoor prompted me to sell it off. It may have better results in more competent hands.

There are also some on the Internet who claimed the MC version with metal barrel with serial # starting with 200xxx are the better performing Rokkor. These are rare and few. I have not seen any of these for sale for the past 2-3 years.

 

[Ben Ang]

Hi guys, just wanna let you know this is a wonderful resource. I'm shooting quite a bit of video on the 5dmk2 and hence have acquired an unquenchable thirst for manual lenses.

Going back to the point about anamorphic adapters, it so happens that I require a longer lens since I'm shooting on a fx now. A 80-200 f4 FD lens happens to be in my possession and I'm wondering if anyone could point me in the direction as to where/who to go to for conversions to EF mounts. I'm also thinking of picking up the Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.2 and have it tweaked to achieve infinity on EF mounts.

Best,
derek

hi,

i ve not personally tried the rokkor 58 1.2, so cant say much about it. but i have converted the canon fl and fd 55 1.2 SSC to canon EOS mount. you will get infinity focus on the 5D! they got for between 400-500 and the SSC version is fantastic.

may i suggest the nikkor 5.8cm f/1.4. its a very very early lens with a really unique character. should do videos beautifully..

as for the 80-200 f4, i can help you with the conversion, but since its quite time consuming, i would suggest a quality prime instead ( eg 135 2.5). i can't guarantee the conversion though, some of the aperture mechanisms for the new fd lenses are too complicated and i'd have to look inside to confirm whether or not it can be done.

on a side note, if the lens you're looking for is not 'special', i would just get a lens of the same spec from nikon/pentax/olympus instead of doing a conversion.

 

[derekk]

hi,

i ve not personally tried the rokkor 58 1.2, so cant say much about it. but i have converted the canon fl and fd 55 1.2 SSC to canon EOS mount. you will get infinity focus on the 5D! they got for between 400-500 and the SSC version is fantastic.

may i suggest the nikkor 5.8cm f/1.4. its a very very early lens with a really unique character. should do videos beautifully..

as for the 80-200 f4, i can help you with the conversion, but since its quite time consuming, i would suggest a quality prime instead ( eg 135 2.5). i can't guarantee the conversion though, some of the aperture mechanisms for the new fd lenses are too complicated and i'd have to look inside to confirm whether or not it can be done.

on a side note, if the lens you're looking for is not 'special', i would just get a lens of the same spec from nikon/pentax/olympus instead of doing a conversion.

hi ben,

thanks for taking time for your response. i'm currently thinking of offloading the 35mm f1.4 AIS - it's a solid piece of glass but wide open, it doesnt perform that amazingly - highlights tend to show some light fall off. they say that the bokeh is harsh too. anyone would like to take some time to convince me otherwise? http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/643692

one of the reasons that i'm asking about conversion for the 80-200 f4 SSC FD lens is because i am an owner of one and with an adapter (with silly glass element), the images produced are reasonably strong. i havent done in depth analysis of that lens with the adapter but initial shots show that it is quite a keeper. couple that with the fact that it is a good taking lens for my anamorphic lens, it would certainly be a worthwhile endeavor for me to attempt to convert it. (ben do pm me to discuss a possibility of getting your help in the conversion).

i also have the 50mm f1.4 FD lens, and am wondering if it's worthwhile to do a conversion. this is one of the reasons i'm offloading the 35mm f1.4 AIS. i'd like to hear opinions about this if anyone has any!

cheers,
derek

 

[derekk]

I have had a brief ownership of Rokkor MD 58 f1.2. There is no way you can reach infinity with 5D without liveview but should be fine on your 7D. I am able to focus without liveview for up to 5m with Jim Buchanan's mount.
http://www.jimbuchananspace.com/Camera_Services.html

IMO, the bokeh is amazing outdoors but the light falloff when used indoor is tremendous when wide open. There is no aperture setting between f1.2 and f2. FWIW, unable to focus to infinity and the mediocre results indoor prompted me to sell it off. It may have better results in more competent hands.

There are also some on the Internet who claimed the MC version with metal barrel with serial # starting with 200xxx are the better performing Rokkor. These are rare and few. I have not seen any of these for sale for the past 2-3 years.

thanks mwp for the awesome advice. the brief moments i tried the rokkor 58 f1.2 on the 5D, it was disconcerting, couple that with the fact of not being able to achieve infinity focus even on live view mode was enough to put me off the deal. it might have already been on the Jim Buchanan's mount, i was curiously able to twist the ring all the way to infinity. having said that, i now have a difficulty in recalling whether i even tried to trip the shutter at infinity.

am looking for a fast prime, and i'm still wondering if i prefer a 35mm or a 50mm or a 58mm. it's between the 35mm f1.4 ais, the 50mm f1.2 (or f1.4) ais, or the cheapo 50mm f1.4 FD (i have yet to see any viable 50mm f1.2s on clubsnap - might have to resort to evilbay again but definitely not before i make a decision to offload the 35mm f1.4ais).

best,
derek

 

[ManWearPants]

am looking for a fast prime, and i'm still wondering if i prefer a 35mm or a 50mm or a 58mm. it's between the 35mm f1.4 ais, the 50mm f1.2 (or f1.4) ais, or the cheapo 50mm f1.4 FD (i have yet to see any viable 50mm f1.2s on clubsnap - might have to resort to evilbay again but definitely not before i make a decision to offload the 35mm f1.4ais).

best,
derek

There are many lenses in the 35-58mm range. What is your primary application - making movie? How about the Sigma 20-40/2.8 as shown above While not exactly the FL you are looking at, the Hollywood 28 (Contax 28/2) seems to have come down a bit on the price.

On Anamorphic flare, the EF 70-200 f2.8 IS Mk I has plenty of it. I'll digout an old photo later. I would think the earlier single coated lenses will flare up easily too. Else you may want to try the approach adopted by this man for his UV tryst, which is to rub off the multi-coating.
http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html
- click on "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Digital UV and IR Photography, But Could Not Afford to Ask"
- select "7. Which Lenses?" from the dropdown menu.

 

[derekk]

There are many lenses in the 35-58mm range. What is your primary application - making movie? How about the Sigma 20-40/2.8 as shown above While not exactly the FL you are looking at, the Hollywood 28 (Contax 28/2) seems to have come down a bit on the price.

On Anamorphic flare, the EF 70-200 f2.8 IS Mk I has plenty of it. I'll digout an old photo later. I would think the earlier single coated lenses will flare up easily too. Else you may want to try the approach adopted by this man for his UV tryst, which is to rub off the multi-coating.
http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html
- click on "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Digital UV and IR Photography, But Could Not Afford to Ask"
- select "7. Which Lenses?" from the dropdown menu.

I actually have the 24-70 L lens from canon, so I'm looking at primes for their wider apertures, to shoot in low light, amongst other applications maybe might require an ultra wide zoom to cover tight spaces. Yup primarily filmmaking, stills - I can still manage with the zooms and cheaper primes.

Wow, I've not known the EF 70-200 f2.8 IS Mk I to have anamorphic flares. I just got out to test flares on my anamorphic adapter and while focus is a bitch to achieve, the flares create the effect although they might need getting used to.

Here's one example when the anamorphic adapter was coupled with the Nikkor 105mm f2.5 ais lens:

 

[ManWearPants]

Wow, I've not known the EF 70-200 f2.8 IS Mk I to have anamorphic flares.

Can this be considered as anamorphic flare?

 

[derekk]

Can this be considered as anamorphic flare?

Wow that is some gorgeous flaring. Must be due to the length of the 70-200, and all the amazing glass inside!

For anamorphic glass, however, the flare appears as a horizontal streak across the screen, a little bit like what you see in the film, Bladerunner.

Of course, after effects can be used to add in these horizontal flares and ultimately such flares are subjective - ultimately you gotta think whether it suits the mood. They say that anamorphic lenses (1.5x - 2x) give an aspect ratio that is more "natural" to the eye. But I only speak of filmmaking. I would need to see many more photos in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio before I can finally get used to them. :x

 

[giantcanopy]

Ryan,

Does the Mirex work with M645 AFD lenses? And which 80mm is a better option - f1.9 or 2.8?
And since M645 lenses have larger image circle. There should be no vignetting or weak corners when not doing any T/S. Please confirm.
Also the distance scale will not be applicable when adapted to DSLR so you cannot use hyperfocal distance to estimate focusing?
[update] I just sniped the M150/2.8 A. I read it is near APO quality with improved MC. Which version is yours that flares easily?
[update2] The quote that I got for the Mamiya - EOS Mirex adapter - EU383 including shipping.

Apologies bro, did not check back thread for a while.
From what I heard, Mamiya AFDs are like Nikon G lenses, so there will be no aperture control even if it fits on the Mirex adapter, rendering it pretty useless in a way.

I tried the 80mm f1.9 before ( lkkang had a copy for me to try ), and the dof was too thin for t/s stuffs and hard to focus for me, and i dropped the idea. But I guess there is no wrong getting it a copy

The vignetting comes at the extremes of shift, since the image circle for some are hit at the corners. It is lens dependent. My 24 FE cannot cover that wide at the ends, but the 35mm f3.5 has a bigger coverage somehow but with slight drop off at the sides.

** however if u experience any other vignetting in tilt, it is probably some complex mechanical thing which i cannot figure. Since the optics of the lenses were never meant for tilt in the first place. I get it infrequently, and flares especially can be pretty complicated depending on incident light, and I have found them to be too difficult to salvage on PP. ( having said that, I have seen some funky light flares on the Nikkor 24 PCE before as well in shift and tilt, but far less frequent and far less noticeable )

I dun have the 150mmf2.8 with me, but I was told it was the latest copy, heavy like a tank.

383 Euro is definitely more ex than what i got last time
I am not sure if they revised their design. While the old copy I got was structurally sound, the nit was always the feeble tightening knob that most Mirex users lament ( quietly )

Ryan

 

[ManWearPants]

Wow that is some gorgeous flaring. Must be due to the length of the 70-200, and all the amazing glass inside!

For anamorphic glass, however, the flare appears as a horizontal streak across the screen, a little bit like what you see in the film, Bladerunner.

Ok. So that is just lens flare.

 

[ManWearPants]

Apologies bro, did not check back thread for a while.

I dun have the 150mmf2.8 with me, but I was told it was the latest copy, heavy like a tank.

383 Euro is definitely more ex than what i got last time
I am not sure if they revised their design. While the old copy I got was structurally sound, the nit was always the feeble tightening knob that most Mirex users lament ( quietly )

Ryan

Thanks for the info. I am still hesitant on spending so much on an adapter and I am more interested in the APO lenses which the Mirex might not be strong enough to hold (up to 120mm without tripod). I will just get a normal adapter to check up the lens first.

 

[ManWearPants]

M150/2.8 A - "The fastest of the Mamiya 150′s and another new design near-APO A lens. Excellent performer, the best of the 150′s"

A couple of quick test shots indoors after getting M645-EOS adapter. This lens is excellent. The built is superb, the focusing is smooth and the built-in hood slides in and out silky smooth. The IQ wide open is sharp and smooth. It appears to be an excellent portrait lens with nice skin tone. Will bring it out this weekend for some proper shots.

bokeh is smooth and vignetting is neligible

very desirable for night shooting as all OoF highlights are almost round

 

[sinned79]

I just ordered a minolta MC 50mm f1.4 from here.

going to ask Ben to help me convert to EOS mount to be using on my 5DMKII... can't wait to try it!

I happen to found this lens after seeing this person converting to the lens to EOS mount, I am impressed!

By the way from this site, it says MD version produces better bokeh... while MC version more contrasty... anyone used both before? which one you preferred?

Actually I am quite torn between these two version but after seeing some photos taken by both from flickr, preferred the MC version more.

 

[ManWearPants]

I just ordered a minolta MC 50mm f1.4 from here.

By the way from this site, it says MD version produces better bokeh... while MC version more contrasty... anyone used both before? which one you preferred?

Actually I am quite torn between these two version but after seeing some photos taken by both from flickr, preferred the MC version more.

I once bought the MC version but it never arrive so I have written it off. There is a site that claims the MC to be sharper, has more contrast and better center to edge performance. The metal barrel is also more attractive than the plastic MD version. Definitely the version to get. The other MC to look out for is the 85/1.7.

 

[Ben Ang]

the 85 1.7 is the next one im looking out for! thought of getting the 105 2.8, but the konica is pretty fantastic already. maybe when i have the extra cash.. the mc 200 3.5 is another superb lens.

 

[sinned79]

I once bought the MC version but it never arrive so I have written it off. There is a site that claims the MC to be sharper, has more contrast and better center to edge performance. The metal barrel is also more attractive than the plastic MD version. Definitely the version to get. The other MC to look out for is the 85/1.7.

thanks for the info!

i read that not all MC lens are able to convert to EOS mount... for example the 50mm f1.7