Exploring the Science, Soul, and Swirl of Vintage Glass: How Coatings, Radioactive Quirks, and Optical Flaws Turn 50mm Lenses Into Unique Storytelling Tools
Single-coating/multi-coating treatment doesn't have a major impact on sharpness, only on color rendition and contrast.That's why we have very sharp, uncoated lenses like Tessars, Anastigmats, from the old days.
Sharpness directly depends on the optic design: the control of monochromatic aberrations (spherical, astigmatism, coma) and chromatic aberrations (longitudinal CA and lateral CA), and the polishing of the glass (know as "surface roughness", this is how the old "soft" filters work, uneven surface (at microns scale)).
I love the rendition of the old 105 2,5 Sonnar from Nikon, also the (almost)swirlish nature of the S Auto 5,8cms f1,4 (pre Ai). And of course, the huge "glow" from the famous Trioplan 100, it gives a special atmosphere to some portraits.
I am so drawn to the photos from the super multicoated takumar! What a beautiful lens!!!!!! I’m so jealous of your collection! You’ve got some incredible lenses
Was stumbling around looking for a format for my future photography "stack" and I ran across your blog and had to read this essay on normal lenses. Glad to know that I am not the only one who own several of them including the Tak, couple of Rokkonar's ( including the wonderful 58/1.2) and some old and new nikkors. Everytime I see some images from the Helios44 I am sorely tempted to buy one, but I never sure what model. Regardless, really enjoy paging through your substack - Dave Najewicz
Useful! Recently picked up a Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SCC in Stockholm………. And really noticed the difference this coating made in terms of anti flare and contrast…..
Love, love, love - all of it! Curious if you have a favorite lens that might pair well with my Zf. I've got a few, including a couple of 50mm, but always on the hunt!
Interesting comparison! Which one is your favorite / most commonly used? I have one modern and one vintage 50mm lens for each camera setup, so at least the choice is simpler.
Single-coating/multi-coating treatment doesn't have a major impact on sharpness, only on color rendition and contrast.That's why we have very sharp, uncoated lenses like Tessars, Anastigmats, from the old days.
Sharpness directly depends on the optic design: the control of monochromatic aberrations (spherical, astigmatism, coma) and chromatic aberrations (longitudinal CA and lateral CA), and the polishing of the glass (know as "surface roughness", this is how the old "soft" filters work, uneven surface (at microns scale)).
I love the rendition of the old 105 2,5 Sonnar from Nikon, also the (almost)swirlish nature of the S Auto 5,8cms f1,4 (pre Ai). And of course, the huge "glow" from the famous Trioplan 100, it gives a special atmosphere to some portraits.
Thanks for your comment - I'm learning so much (and know there's a lot more to learn) so I appreciate the time you took to share this.
I am so drawn to the photos from the super multicoated takumar! What a beautiful lens!!!!!! I’m so jealous of your collection! You’ve got some incredible lenses
It is a lovely lens and if I had to choose just one it would be in the mix!
Was stumbling around looking for a format for my future photography "stack" and I ran across your blog and had to read this essay on normal lenses. Glad to know that I am not the only one who own several of them including the Tak, couple of Rokkonar's ( including the wonderful 58/1.2) and some old and new nikkors. Everytime I see some images from the Helios44 I am sorely tempted to buy one, but I never sure what model. Regardless, really enjoy paging through your substack - Dave Najewicz
Useful! Recently picked up a Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SCC in Stockholm………. And really noticed the difference this coating made in terms of anti flare and contrast…..
ooh - I've heard that is a nice lens - enjoy!
Very interesting breakdown. I just picked up a Canon 7 with a 1.4 LTM lens which I’m really enjoying. The older lenses have so much character
Yes. They are amazing! Appreciate the comment Liam.
50mm is my go to focal length, I love the Leica Summilux 50mm f1.4!
Love, love, love - all of it! Curious if you have a favorite lens that might pair well with my Zf. I've got a few, including a couple of 50mm, but always on the hunt!
Ooh. What kind of photography do you like to do most?
Interesting comparison! Which one is your favorite / most commonly used? I have one modern and one vintage 50mm lens for each camera setup, so at least the choice is simpler.
It varies a bit from week to week but this week I shot the Helios most, then the SMC Takumar. Other weeks I tend to gravitate to the Carl Zeiss