Best Bokeh Lenses - 55mm to 58mm - M42
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2020
- This video takes a look at the best vintage 55mm to 58mm lenses for producing great bokeh, including:
- Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar T 58mm f2 (17 blades version)
- Helios 44
- Helios 44-2
- Helios 44-3
- Helios 44M
- Helios 44M-4
- Takumar 58mm f2
- Auto-Takumar 55mm f1.8 and f2
- Takumar 55m f1.8 (Auto, Super, Super-Multi-Coated and SMC versions)
- Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.2
- Fujinon 55mm f1.8
- Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4
The lenses are all M42 mount - excellent and good value film era lenses that are easy use on today's digital cameras.
The video starts with a description of the characteristics of great bokeh, which is a lot more than just smooth blur. It then goes on to consider a range of highly rated 55mm to 58mm lenses from Japan, Germany and Russia.
It is part of a series of videos covering under 50mm lenses, 50mm lenses, 55-58mm lenses and over 58mm lenses.
My photos with all these (and other) lenses can be seen in albums here:
www.flickr.com/photos/9585957...
This is a great video but why is it only in 480p, we can't see the qualities of the image at this low of resolution?=, it's all pixelated blur not bokeh. This needs to be in 4k
Excellent review, clear and to the point.
These videos are very well done. Simple, concise and to the point. I love how you group similar versions from each brand and move the winner up the chain. I have several versions of the Helios. My favorite is a 16 bladed 44-2 - absolutely dreamy water color effects in the bokeh. I recently purchased a Voightlander 56mm f/1.4 also- this is also a fantastic lens that would do well in this competition as the bokeh fall-off is seamless and has legendary micro-contrast. Though it shares a similar focal length with the Helios, it has a somewhat different character. - Subscribed!
Fantastic video with your insight of this fantastic collection!!! I'm glad I have my helios 44-2. But the tomioka 1.2 is sooo beautiful and I tell you what, it looks like they made the K1 silver for the tomioka... Such marvelous combination! Just keep going on with your videos! 👍
Fantastic series of videos, Has convinced me to try a Helios.
Case well made and a wonderful journey to get there with such a nice collection of lenses!
Fantastic video!
Very interesting video, not going to go out and buy any of them but more interested in seeing your work. Being a fellow "Daily" I am always impressed by your photos.
Great video. The sample shots are outstanding. Can you review some yashica ml lenses. I picked up a 50mm f2. I was astonished at the sharpness and contrast wide open. I rarely see reviews for Yashica. I’m now on the hunt for that tomioka the rendering and effects look amazing. Watched your recent video on the evolution of bokeh. I started with a Pentax film camera back in the mid 80’s and like yourself bokeh and blur was not even something I thought about. It was about composition for me back then. Now I’m addicted .... you’re not helping me at all. Your content and commentary is top notch. Really enjoy your work.
0:40 This is going to be the subject of one of the most valuable YT clips, if anyone dare to go through the labor and difficulty of comparison and a thorough review right with this subject. A million thumbs ups in anticipation.
one of the best review i have seen on you tube
Thank you so much!!
ridiculously useful video. thank you!
Thank you!!!
You produced a fantastic video, with so many photographic examples!!! A delight to the brain. I wish that you could make a similar video about vintage 28mm m42 primes, specially sharp and fast for street photography. Thank you very much.
Best videos on vintage lenses!
Thank you!!
Very interesting video! Thank you for a dive)
Fantastic video! I got the Tomioka for 30$ at a garage sale, not even realising what a special lens it was at the time. I just got it because the aperture seemed huge, and I was even thinking that the rear element was broken because of the piece that was cut out of it. I was shocked to find out what it is worth!
Fantastic review and comparison! Subscribed right away and going through all your videos! Exactly what I'm doing as well - searching for bokeh gems back in history. Kind of hate the entire G-master series but love Sony body to be able to put anything on top of it :) Back to the subject of this video - went through quite a few lenses in the 50-58 range. A couple of Voigtländers, Nikkor 55 1.2, several Carl Zeiss; all were sold despite interesting bokeh. The main subject (portrait) and volume weren't there. My current favorite is the Minolta 58mm f/1.2. Bokeh-wise, volume, and portraits at 1.2-2.0 are fabulous. The only thing that is a keeper besides it is the Helios 44-4, but just for super-artistic and nostalgic moments. After your videos gonna order Carl Zeiss jena pancolar 1.8/50mm though - thank you for it!
Hi and thanks for this video. I really enjoyed your approach and the information. Your images added lovely visual cues and some of them put me in mind of pastel paintings. An interesting idea for my photo studies.
Cheers.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video, i have the super takumar 55f1.8, and i love it, i will be happy to found a Biotar...
Thank you.. very interesting video
Amazing, thanks.
Just saw some images taken with the 8 element 50mm F1.4 Super Takumar lens and HP5 film. I loved them now i really want that lens. Well and the Pentax 35mm camera to shoot it with as well
Well done again Simon
Thank you!
I'd love to see your take on the Minolta Rokkor lenses with test photos!
ROKKOR PG 58mm f/1.2 the softness you get when you pull your subject out of focus is like a fine impressionist painting
Дорогой друг, это лучшее видео по теме! Спасибо!
I love the Meyer Gorlitz 50mm f/1.8 as well as the Sears Auto 55mm f/1.4...
The Auto Sears/Auto Rikenon is legendary
There's also the Revuenon 55/1.7, super cheap, very nice rendering
😲 wow!
Helios 44-2 is cheapest lens in Russia, it's great!)))
I have most of the lenses you have and in addition to those I have many Canon FD lenses and Olympus Zuiko first generation lenses as well, been collecting for 50 years now, the best ever bokeh lens is the Rikenon or Sears (Tomioka ) 55mm f1.4 and of course any and all the Helios lenses, simply the best, I do a lot of cinematic video to get that vintage Hollywood look, the first 30 years of the 50 was in and out darkrooms, but now it is Photoshop and Davinci Resolve, what a fun way to spend one's life : )
Yes, definitely a fun way to spend one's life!!! That Sears has always been a bug to me. I had the chance to buy a Sears or a Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 (also Tomioka made I believe) a few years ago, and went for the M/S, primarily because I liked the look of the chrome nose. I do like the lens, but it doesn't create the same positive reaction for me as the Sears clearly does for others. So when-ever someone mentions the Sears in glowing terms, I get pangs of regret/guilt!
Fantastic collection; I have the 44-2, I only occasionally get a chance to use it, when going to a park with lots of foliage and have time to do slow photography. In that regard, I also enjoy the Canon 50mm f1.4 ltm, since it is designed for a rangefinder camera and so does ltm need a large adapter for my Fuji camera, and I really like how it renders. Same with the Jupiter-3, I like shooting it in Acros B&W film simulation. Of the longer lenses, I love what the Jupiter-9 and Tair-11 can do. And that’s about as far as I have got, It takes a lot of time to research lenses and most are becoming too expensive for casual collecting and shooting. Much as I’d love to try the Helios-40, it’s too expensive for what it is and the use I’d get out of it.
You're very well covered with the Canon, Helios, Jupiters and Tair. I agree about the Helios-40 - in terms of the value for money/use. I have to "force" myself to use it, but when I do it's never a disappointment, and I'd rather own the lens than a brand new lens at around the same length that's much more expensive. (Plus I have a slight antipathy towards the 85mm focal length!).
Your star burst effect photo remonds me of the new photos from the James Webb Telescope! Which I'm waiting for someone to explain in detail...
i quite like the review. i'm interested in "most sharp" and "most sharpness for value comparisons and then maybe most contrast as well.
Of course a large apperture lens wins hands down for creamy bokeh. But I don't think that's an appropriate way of comparing two lenses. I'd go for a portrait test case with all lenses opened at f2, comparing what's in focus on the subject and the quality of the blurr in the background also helping for the 3D pop effect.
That's a more true to common photography life than just the pure bokeh.
Oh yes, I agree. This video was about pure bokeh. In my more recent video on fast fifties, I've covered the subject of portrait photography in a less bokeh-centric way, hopefully. And my favourite portrait lens is a f1.8, stopped down a bit.
also thank you no one shows the Tomioka very often. kinda like the Helios 40T cinema lens 85mm F1.5 40-T
On the tomioka - I see, upon looking that their are ones specified as late model.. are their ones that you should focus on and others to avoid?
Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 needs to be on this list and I believe it's the very best bokeh ever...
Yes, it's a great lens. Not too dissimilar from the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 or other branded Tomioka made 55mm f1.4s.
I just love vintage lenses because they are cheap and can produce great results.
You are single handedly increasing the prices on M42 lenses on ebay! I love your videos except, I suspect you could take amazing pictures with a disposable Camera. Could you do a video where you take the same picture with different lenses at the same aperture so the difference is visually apparent?
Curious to know - picked up an Exaktar 55mm f1.4 and am struggling to get its origin story…….some say made by Cosina, others say Sekor, and others Tomioka……
By chance, would you happen to know what the deal is on the guy is please?
Thanks!
oh and another fantastic lens Konica Hexanon 57mm f1.2
Hi, thank you for the video, it was very informative. I was wondering if you have any experience with the Auto Rikenon 55m 1.4
Cheers!
Thank you. I've not tried the Auto Rikenon, but it has a good reputation. I own a Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 that is similar and it's good too, but I've read the Rikenon is better.
What about the Tamioka 1.4? Is there a great difference.
Excellent review! How would the Tomioka 55mm f1.4 stand compared to the Tomioka 1.2 , and the helios 44-2? Got the 44-2 and love it. I don't know if the 1.4 gives me more if the same juices?
I've got the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 (Tomioka made), and it's not in the same class as the f1.2. That extra speed really does some magical things to the images. Between the Helios 44/2 and the Mamiya/Sekor, I really prefer the Helios. My version is sharper at the centre wide open and bokeh is more interesting....but not as smooth. So if you'd like extra smoothness then a f1.4 will be better.
@@Simonsutak Thank you very much for the reply Simon! I'm really satisfied with the 44-2, so I guess there's no point in the Tomioka 1.4. I'll rather save up some more and try to get the 1.2.
This was a very good and informative video. Lately I've been thinking about buying a Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 and was hoping to see it in your comparisons. Is it in another group of lenses? Still interested in hearing your thoughts on it.
Does the helios produce swirly bokeh all the time or can you adjust how you want the bokeh to look please? I'm a bit new to this. I'm learning all I can from this type of photography and video. Its really interesting and unique compared to the majority of work photographers concentrate on these days. I am using the Canon m50 ( ef-m) which is all I can afford for now. What adaptor or Mount could I use with the Helios 44-2 ? Would the same adaptor work with the Tokina also?
I'm afraid I can't advise you on adapting lenses to Canon. On the swirls...you can adjust the bokeh by stopping down the lens of course, but you'll still see swirls if conditions are right. It's just the light/shapes will look different. The Helios 44 series lenses don't always produce swirly bokeh - it depends on the background/light. So you can choose what type of background you want!
Tomioka 55mm f1.2
Canon fd 55mm f1.2 SSC 👍
I have a Helios 44-3 with 16 blades M42. It has been adapted by Retro Foto House to fit Nikon F mount. It will focus to infinity. It has the adapter screwed into the adapted lens, with the M42 reattached, then adapter to Nikon F screwed on. Don't need a mirrorless body.
How much did it cost you?
I saw A Porst 55 1.2 go in an auction for €135 recently. I guess I should have pounced (not on eBay)
Hi,
In the video you are talking about a Tomioka 50/1.2 and a 55/1.2. Which one is it please?
The Tomioka Auto-Revuenon 55mm f1.2 (This is the early, named Tomioka M42, not the later, K-mount Auto-Revuenon 55mm f1.2) As I'm sure you know, Tomioka made these M42 lenses for a variety of different brands. Apologies for any confusion!
What are the absolute sharpest vintage film lenses? stopped down? in the sharpest focal lengths?
Very hard to quantify. Some people say that the slightly slower fast fifties (the f1.7 and f2) are the sharpest....but then others claim f1.2s stopped down are the sharpest. My sharpest film era lenses are probably the specialist Macro lenses, stopped down to around f8. Of these, my 50mms are slightly sharper than the 100mm.
Also any reason the auto tak 55 2.2 was not included in the review? I have the f2 and it is an exquisite lens. Someone is selling me a 2.2 so not sure if I should get it or is to just really a slower version of the f2?
I have both the f2 and f2.2. I started with the f2.2 and liked it so much I thought I'd try the the f2 too. I really can't tell the difference between the images, although I've never done a straight head to head. It's great just owning both lenses, and neither were/are expensive, so get both!!! I like to alternate them.
Purely in terms of value for money, they are wonderful lenses (and with 10 blades as well). I would have spent more time highlighting the lenses in the video, but there are so many great lenses in this category. Perhaps I should do a separate video.
If you're interested then look out for the very similar Yashica Yashinon 5cm f2...it seems to be almost identical to the Taks...but has fewer blades and a different rendering.
@@Simonsutak yes ive seen the yashinon 5cm f2 and find it overpriced in ebay haha i have the 5.5cm 1.8 and wonder if it is rendered the same. Re the similarity to the taks could it be another tomioka template? or could yashinon have subcontracted that particular 50 f2 to pentax? Looks alone it is more similar to the taks than the 5.5cm 1.8!!!
@@MrSoloflite Yes, it is over-priced - its been hyped up too much. Fortunately I found one in terrible condition, blades rusted together, for very little. A risk but it turned out to be easy to take apart and repair, except for getting the blades back in the right order. The links between the Yashica 5cm and the Taks are interesting to debate....having seen both sets of lenses stripped down it seems some of the small components come from the same source, but perhaps assembled by different makers. But as a whole they are clearly different lenses with different renderings. I much prefer the Taks (the 55/1.8 zebra, and the f2 and f2.2). I've got a later Tomioka made Yashinon DS 50mm f1.7...and that is a really good lens IMO.
Which helios 44-2 are u using? I watched a video about three types of lenses and image quility they perform.
I have two MMZ's, a JOV and a MMZ Zebra 44-2. I don't see any significant image quality difference, but then I use them almost exclusively wide open, and do quite a lot of PP. But I've never tested them head to head. All but one of the MMZ's were cheap car boot sale finds.
It's criminal to watch this kind on video in 480p
Apologies. This was an early effort by mean. I need to up-date it....
Just found your channel, do collectors use these with mirrorless evem it it means using an adapter?
Yes, in fact using an adapter on mirrorless is even better than using an adapter on DSLRs, as some lenses can hit the mirror on some DSLRs. With nearly all old manual film lenses, they work perfectly well as manual lenses, retaining their minimum to infinity focus ranges, and little or no vignetting.
Thank you!
Hello,Simon...what about Exaktar 55 mm 1.4 made by Tomioka?
I'm afraid I haven't tried any 55mm Exaktar mount lenses, but maybe I should as there are some good ones out there.
Are these older takumars "zebras" 55mm 1.8 and 2 radioactive as well? What their serial numbers?Many Thanks!
Hi, no they are not radioactive. 55mm f1.8 = 188178 and the f2 = 253759. Hope this helps.
@@Simonsutak Thank you. Very good chanel you have. Would be nice to watch about vintage Olympus Zuiko's lenses🙂
Do you know if there is a difference between the Revuenon and the Yashinon or Chinon 55mm 1.2 lenses (all labelled as Tamioka? If there is a difference, do you know what it is? I see a lot of Auto Yashinons available on eBay, but not the Auto Revuenon. Thanks!
Hi, I can't give you a 100% guarantee that all the Tomioka branded 55mm f1.2 lenses are optically identical. Clearly, if you look through on-line sales, there are some cosmetic differences to the body/focus ring etc.
But this was my thought process when I got the Revuenon. I'd noticed that all the Tomioka branded lenses appeared to be the same: the same yellowed radio-active glass; same aperture design; same rather strange "cut off" rear element design. So I decided to buy the cheapest M42 lens with the Tomioka name on it that I could find in good condition... and that happened to be the Auto Revuenon. I would have been just as happy with a Yashinon or Chinon etc name. And then there were some other Tomioka + names that were rarer and now more expensive, but I believe they are the same.
What I did not want to buy was a PK mount Cosina or Porst or Revuenon, without the Tomioka name on the lens - even if people say they were made by Tomioka. As far as I could ascertain, they are a different design, and the images are not so interesting to my eyes.
Hope this helps!
Simon's utak Thanks. I love your vintage lens videos and Flickr photos. I’ve already picked up at least half a dozen vintage lenses to start experimenting with.
@@Simonsutak What adapter do you use for this lens. I just received the Yashinon version, but I can't focus to infinity since my adapter has a flange (or lip) that prevents the rear element from extending inwards past the end of the M42 threading. If you have a link to the adapter you use, that would be extremely helpful. Thank you so much!
Great videos but can I suggest in uploading in better quality 480p is extremely low. 1440 or 4k is great even if your video sections are unscaled from 480 because we can atheist see the photos at 12 megapixels which is still not as high detail is they no doubt are taken in
Many thanks for the feedback. I'm looking at how to post better quality resolution. If you have the time, please could you look at this re-posted video and tell me if it's any better. That would be very helpful. If it isn't then I guess I'm going to have to increase the size of the actual video template...and yes, my photos are mostly very large full frame shots so that's not the issue.
czcams.com/video/-zSycc_1eq4/video.html
simon,
I am having problems mounting my Cosinon auto Tomioka 55mm f1.2 on my Nikon Z7
It's an m42 lens like yours Tomioka Auto Revuenon 55mm f1.2.
The rear lens touches the adapter on the inside at infinity.
The cheap adapers do not press the diaframa pin.
How did you solve this?
I'm afraid I don't know the answer - maybe someone else does? You could try contacting "Matt's Crazy Lens Adventures" on Flickr because he uses a number of different M42 and other mount lenses on Nikon and is very good at adapting these lenses.. I'd message him...
I guess one option would be to find a way to press the pin in, and then use the cheap adapters. I've used a variety of ways to do this - taking the lens apart and using a tiny part of a plastic cotton bud to keep the pin pressed in...or super glue....or a strong sticky tape on the the pin.
Thank you for your response. I had also thought of such a cheap adapter.
But I don't know how deep the lens will then enter the camera and hit the sensor.
@@MrArn0ldus I'd try Matt, he's very helpful...if he knows...
thank you.
I saw a comment once that the tomioka 55 1.4 was essentially a clone of the pancolar 55 1.4. Your thoughts? Is it that different with an auto sears 55 1.4?
I'm not sure about the tomioka-pancolar similaries. Nice if it's true as the Pancolar is very rare and very expensive (and very radioactive!). But my Tomioka made Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 is meant to be similar to the Sears. I was going to buy the Sears, but instead got the chrome nosed Mamiya/Sekor because it's prettier!
@@Simonsutak yes supposedly 55 1.4 pancolar was the template for a zeiss 55 1.4 (ultron?) and thus for the tomiokas. I am not sure how true it is but it would be nice right? the mamiya/auto sears are just 10% of the cost of the pancolar 55 1.4 haha
www.donaldmfallsphotography.com/blog/carl-zeiss-pancolar
www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-156630.html
Found it. Someone made a side by side comparison
Also checked. Same Biotar Back extension. Trivia seems my nikkor sc 55 1.2 is also the same!
@@MrSoloflite Many thanks for these links! Very interesting.
@@Simonsutak thanks! Pls post more stuff haha
I dearly wished you had Tomioka (Rikenon) 55mm F1.4 in this comparison as I think the result could be different even at less merit F!
Any words on this subject? And I'm sure I'm not the only one curious here.
Hi, thanks for your question. I do have a Tomioka made Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 (at least others say it's Tomioka made). I'm not sure about the similarities with the Rikenon. But I do find there's a significant enough difference wide open, with the f1.2 producing extra-ordinary results, which I wouldn't say for the f1.4. The M/S has lovely rendering, yes, but the f1.2 is special, in my eyes. Stopped down both are excellent M42 lenses. Knowing what I know now, I would still spend the considerable extra money on the 55mm f1.2 and not buy the M/S 55mm f1.4....
@@Simonsutak Thanks for the input. I already placed my order for 1.4 and can't wait to get it for a trial. Yes and I'm a bokeh guy so totally understand what you say about that extra opening or 1.2 and well may be one day. Especially that these days the price of these lenses are sky rocketing so I should have no problem to sell mine, when I find a good deal on 1.2
Well thank a lot and keep up the good work.
Nice video... But you missed fujinon 55 2.2...
Thank you! Rather than the 2.2., I've got the Fujinon 55 1.8, and like it a lot....but I know the 2.2 produces better defined bubble bokeh! (It's on my radar).
I'll go with Fujinon, my poor man's Tomioka😆
really wish this video was better than 420p. Hard to see the photos
Apologies, this was one of my early videos. You can see my photos in larger definitions here: www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/albums
You said the 55 1.2 was the winner, then it says 50 1.2 in the end, wich is it?
Wich is it? Sorry it was a slip - it’s the 55mm.
@@Simonsutak thank you! I really look forward to delving into vintage lenses.
I would say that the Mamiya 55mm f1.4/1.8's outperform both the Helios and the Takumars, you should give them a try.
Thank you! I actually talk about my chrome nosed Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.4 at 8 minutes. Although it has lovely wide open bokeh and is very sharp stopped down, for some reason I've never warmed to the lens as I have the Takumars and Helios - as a bokeh lens. Probably because my own version seems too soft f1.4. (Guess the f1.8 is sharper wide open.) I'll try to track down a f1.8.
@@Simonsutak the 1.8 is very sharp wide open. The 50mm f2 isn't a slouch either.
Is it an obsession? 😉
Yes... but healthy obsession...thankfully.
I was with you all the way... until you chose the Helios over the Biotar.
Yes, I understand. The Biotar is an excellent lens. However, the early 17 bladed version has quite a long minimum focus distance, especially compared to the Helios. Later ones, it's shorter. Personally, I find MFD makes a difference to how and what one can shoot in terms of bokeh.
@@Simonsutak I'm looking through flickr as I write. And if we could use pictures and have a proper chat... think would make a good case in why the Biotar's poised bokeh is better than Helio's busy mush.
First search result on ebay says 1222 Euro. Ooooooooohhh
£1050...Maybe another time.
Not a bad video at all but there a two things....... First I guess you should tell people that there are 8 versions of the 44-2 produced by 3 different production plants. More than 70% of those 44-2 lenses are pure crap so if you do not know which version from which plant you should buy you'll most likely get a horrible lens, just saying. The second thing is: YOU DID NOT EVEN TEST THE BEST BOKEH LENS 55mm-58mm..... in fact it's the Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4 (Tomioka)!
Many thanks for your observations. I actually posted video on some of the different 44 versions and factories and yes, perhaps I should have mentioned all the different versions in this video here. I must have been very lucky with my Helios 44 lenses because all of them are OK....but I know others have got some bad ones. Thanks for flagging this here.
In terms of the Auto Rikenon...thank you for pointing this lens out to me. I have a few Tomioka made lenses (Mamiya/Sekor, Yashica, Auto Revuenon...), but not this one. I've just checked the Auto Rikenon, and it seems to be a very similar lens to my Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4...both probably made by Tomioka. I do like the Tomoika bokeh...and the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 lens has wonderful bokeh. However, my version of the lens is not razor sharp wide open on the in-focus subjects, and IMO it ghosts the in-focus subjects/outlines as little too much. To me, the faster Tomioka - the Auto Revenon 55mm f1.2 - is a more extra-ordinary bokeh lens, but it's fun to debate this!
@@Simonsutak Let me tell you a short story about the Auto Rikenon and why I bought one. There is a guy called Theoria Apophasis here on youTube. This guy is the worst bukeholic you can imagine. He owns every single bokeh lens on the planet I think and most of them he even owns 4-8 times. He did countless videos on the Meyer Görlitz lenses (the old ones and the new ones) and I always wanted to buy one of those too but I'm kind of always broke because I have way to many hobbies. ^^ Then he made a video about cheap bokeh lenses and that was when I bought my first SuperTakumar 55mm and I was blown away by the quality of that lens. I wasn't even thinking about buying another bokeh lens for some times until he published a video called: "😍#1 Best of the Best! 😜😳BEST #1 BUBBLE BOKEH LENS IS...." and he said it is the Auto Rikenon from Tamioka. To backup his words he posted a few shots taken with the Auto Rikenon below his Video and I was like WTF? Is this real? I bought my Auto Rikenon the same day I saw his video and till today if I had to choose a single lens for the rest of my life it would be that piece of art from Tomioka. Check out his crazy video, take a look at the pictures below the video and I'm pretty sure you will almost feel forced to buy one. ^^
@@AchimTheEagle Thank you so much for a most enjoyable reply to read! I'll definitely be looking at this lens. I've watched and enjoyed quite a lot of that guy's videos and actually purchased a Yashica 5cm f2 based on his recommendations.
In the meantime...here's a snap from what I think is the same lens (design) made by Tomioka but different branding - the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4.... www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/49943657488/in/album-72157678255513446/
@@Simonsutak This is a very beautiful photo no doubt but I'm somewhat unable to compare it to the Rikenon shots because it's almost abstrakt and it is black and white too but in the end I really think the differences between those lenses are most likely miniscule. For me the biggest difference between the Auto Rikenon and most other 55-58 lenses that I know is it's sharpness. And if you close the aperture just a little it even becomes modern day crisp. The Auto Rikenon was sold as Auto Sears too - 100% the same lens just a different name.
Btw. I really enjoyed watching all your videos from the "Best Bokeh Lenses" series. And yes, I'm a little jealous seeing your great collection of all those lenses! ;)
@@AchimTheEagle I wonder about version 1.2 because on the review was version 1.4
Tomioka = an automatic divorce. :)
My wife married me just after I had spent double that money... let's not paint all women that way.
Whjatever, if I can help save families here is my advice. I suggest the Revuenon 1.2/55mm in Pentax K mount. The back element is not cut (better T/stop value), the MC is likely better, and it's one of the very few lenses (among the few hundreds I own) that is blessed by the gods of photography. It has surprised me over and over. Kind of magical. For sure not inferior to any other Tomioka-made 1.2/55mm.
Simply gorgeous bokeh and beautiful all-around optical signature!