I bought this lens in a set of three lenses and old film body for 50€. After some rough calculus the lens cost 12,50€.
I was first going to sell this forward because the focus ring is really stiff. By stiff I mean You have to actually twist, with force! It may have dropped at some point, as evident from a bonk on the lens barrel.
Strangely, internet forums came up with other copies with similar trademarks. That’s weird. Stiff focus of course eliminates a lot of fast moments. Then I looked at my test images and thought I’d give it a try. See, the images came out beautiful!
I also noticed that due to small increase in work required for a shot, I started to think ahead. It is surprisingly relaxing to pre-set the focus, say to 2 meters, and find a frame given by the criteria. You have to physically move Yourself for focus, You have to make the image with Your body. I find it strangely satisfying and anything that makes You create in a new way is a plus in my books.
The size and weight is practically same as any vintage 50 mm 🙂 Really, they’re the same!
This lens is sharp, really sharp from f2.8.
Landscapes are drawn crisp and look rich in color.
Portraits do work, aps-c size benefits composition with close to perfect focal length.
Close up is quite close. At 23 cm You get a lot of fine detail.
Houses are difficult. That white one is a big house. Almost in picture. For full frame You better run, far.
Still life is a charm. I’m starting to notice a pattern on my reviews, still life works on all lenses, hahaa! So here are just some samples for You.
Bokeh is smooth, almost silky smooth. Extremely pleasing. I’d say it is closest to “perfect” background bokeh so far as it does not steal from the subject but elevates it. Some would say “busy” in some cases, I would not.
Shooting against the sun, the best I could on a cloudy day, reveals nothing in the way of shortcomings.
All these characteristics transfer to video as well. First time for me. You can find a video review here.
Despite it’s disfigured appearance this lens has proved itself a keeper. Do not judge a lens by it’s cover. From excellent image quality to, in my case, a new take on shooting, I have grown quite fond of the Pentacon.
Hill & Spruce Photography 