MS-Mode-S LTM 50/1.3

[dap]

Hi just wondering if anybody has any experience with this lens - I heard rumours of it a year or so ago but never saw one offered for sale. How does it rank regarding cost/performance/build? Are they even able to be obtained in the US (if not does anybody want to help me out?)

I really like the idea of a fast/modern ltm sonnar w/ the leica type focus tab.

[awilder]

This lens was available for sale only in Japan and was a low production item. Someone who owned one posted a nice review on RFF or photo.net not too long ago. I don't believe they are available for sale anymore.

[ferider]

Have a look here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54349

The most intriguing thing for me is the variable mount ...

Roland.

[Hacker]

Lens mounted on an M8:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2303329983_21aa6ef74a_o.jpg

[Hacker]

I really like the idea of a fast/modern ltm sonnar w/ the leica type focus tab.

Why not consider the Rollei 40mm f2.8 Sonnar? It is a very sweet lens also and 380 were sold compared to the MS Optical one where 180 were made. :o

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2354356022_3693421a2b_o.jpg

[dap]

The rollei is a bit slower than I would like (I also already have a nice 35mm - it is a bit close in focal length). I didn't know that they made that few of the MS-mode-s lenses (kind of silly actually - I imagine they could have sold many more had they made them available to the rest of the world). I might just have to go vintage even though I cringe at spending the kind of money that the 50mm sonnar nikons and canons are fetching today (not that the prices are totally out of line - but for me it is harder to spend $400+ on a 50year old lens that probably will need a CLA vs. spending $1000 give or take on a brand spanking new one). The most logical solution would probably be to just abandon the ltm requirement in favor of the m-mount and just get the new zeiss..

[Hacker]

The Zeiss 50mm f1.5 is another Sonnar.