Through the Lens: 50mm Lens Test

The nice thing about a digital camera with interchangeable lenses is the ability to test lenses for free. I have several 50mm lenses in LTM or M mount. I decided to compare them. This is round 1 (round 2, and round 3)

Test Setup

The camera (a Fuji X Pro-1) was mounted on a tabletop tripod with self timer and photos were at ISO 400. I used the Kipon M adapter. The objects were about 4 feet away from the camera and light was provided by a chandelier which was above and offset from the camera.

The Lenses

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Asph: Made by Cosina, this lens was introduced in 1999. With two aspherical elements, it is the most modern lens of the bunch.

Voigtlander Heliar Classic 50mm f/2: Also made by Cosina, this lens (introduced in 2006) is designed along the parameters in keeping with the spirit of Carl Harting's 1900 Heliar design, with 5 elements in three groups. It is not supposed to be the most clinically sharp lens, but is intended for portraits.

Leitz Summicron 50mm f/2 Dual Range: Introduced by Ernst Leitz (now Leica) in 1957, this lens has 7 elements in five groups. With a special adapter, this lens can focus down to 19 inches. The brand "Summicron" is still in use by Leica today, so you have to be sure to know which model is used.

Leitz Summitar 50mm f/2: Introduced by Leitz in 1939, this lens also has 7 elements in five groups. Post war versions are coated, which help reduce flare.

The Results

The Nokton is clearly the sharpest.

The Summicron is sharp, but it suffers from what appears to be flare. The black lens board doesn't look black. The first time I took some Summicron shots, I didn't have a lens hood, so I thought it was suffering from flare, but I don't see much of a difference