Legacy Thrifty Fifty Opinions. Which 50mm 1.7/1.8/2.0?

If you already have an OM 50 1.8 then I recommend getting the cheap adapter from the bay or amazon and getting used to using that lens before you buy another 50. Just my 2 cents.

BK

 

A set of OM lenses will be a more expensive option because they are sought after by collectors and both digital and film users. Olympus OM film cameras are seemingly still quite popular which drives up demand. For a consumer-grade lens the OMs are also beautifully built and make a lot of other lenses feel cheap. I think they're worth the price of admission, but there's many other good lenses out there as well.

You also don't need to stick to just one mount as adapters are not particularly expensive.

 

I agree, I would roll with what you got.

I don't have enough experience to really recommend any brand over another, but I really like my Konica 50 1.7. I pulled it out today after not using it for a while and was shocked by the images. I would put them up against my Canon with the 50 1.8 II.

 

Some people decide they do not like the extra work that goes with legacy lenses. I would use the one you have and see.

 

i have tested a couple of them :
Pentacon 50 1.8 , FDn 50 1.8 , Cosina 50 1.8 , Helios 44 , Revuenon 55 1.7, Fujinon 55 1.8

Now it all depends what this lens is for :

Sharpness hands down the FDn 50 1.8 on M4/3

Bokeh:
I would say the pentacon or Fuji

A lens that disapointed me a bit helios 44 it is a legendary lens that does perform ok but nothing exceptional.

here are some tests

Ilia Koltsov - Micro 4/3 and legacy lenses

 

I paid $16 total for a Rikenon 50mm f/2 (Pentax bayonet mount), it does all I ask although coatings will allow for flare in strong light. I had a Pentax 50/2 at the time, I found the Rikenon to be sharper overall but the Pentax' bokeh was a tad smoother.. I let the Pentax go. I won a $36 bid a couple months later on a 50/1.7 Rikenon which shows very similar IQ. The Rikenons both take 52mm filters just like my Lumix lenses, which is quite handy!

 

Best cheap 50? depends on what you're looking for. For sharpness I'd say the Konica 50/1.7. The Pentax Super Takumar 55/1.8 is another good option as it's sharp, plentiful and cheap. If you're willing to step up a bit in focal length I think the Helios 44 58/2 is in a class by itself (given that it can be had for around $60).

https://www.mu-43.com/f81/helios-44m-58mm-f2-6575/