Cosina 55mm f1.2 arrived!

Miserere · 12-10-2008, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Class A

You can use Av, even when not shooting wide open. Just dial in the appropriate exposure compensation.

That would be nice, but it doesn't work. When shooting a non-A lens in Av the camera will not stop the lens down when it takes a shot; it always shoots the lens wide open, independently of what you have set on the aperture ring.

Gooshin · 12-10-2008, 01:38 PM

thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin!

the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well.

Miserere · 12-10-2008, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by Gooshin

thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin!

the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well.

Tell me again why you're using this lens at f/5.6...?

Maybe I'll non-destructively remove the aperture lever from the lens and give it a test run to see how it handles. I've not had issues using M42 lenses, and in some ways I prefer them to M lenses.

Class A · 12-10-2008, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

When shooting a non-A lens in Av the camera will not stop the lens down when it takes a shot; it always shoots the lens wide open,

Depends on the lens, doesn't it? I believe it works with Takumar preset lenses where you can set the aperture manually without the camera keeping it open. I agree that this isn't terribly relevant for this particular thread.

thePiRaTE!! · 12-10-2008, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by Gooshin

thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin!

the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well.

Agreed.

1) Remove the screws holding the bayonet mount on, lift away.

2) Underneath you'll see a stack of two metal rings, one of which is attached to the aperture lever, remove this ring.

3) Replace the bayonet housing.

It can add a tiny extra bit of play in the aperture ring on the Porst, but now you have a fully manual lens. The ring can be replaced if you wish to reverse the procedure.

Regarding Av mode, I find I use it a lot with manual lenses such as this, but always M mode for my 'A' lenses. I've learned to enjoy shooting both ways, as long as I have full control of the lens.

K.

Miserere · 12-10-2008, 08:21 PM

Wait, Kelly, so you're saying that you shoot your modified M lenses in Av, but your A lenses in manual...?

jgredline · 12-10-2008, 09:36 PM

Is it not easier to simply put the camera in Manual mode and use the green button. Choose tha aperture you want and let the camera choose the shutter speed and fine tune from their? Works for me.

Gooshin · 12-11-2008, 06:09 AM

Originally posted by jgredline

Is it not easier to simply put the camera in Manual mode and use the green button. Choose tha aperture you want and let the camera choose the shutter speed and fine tune from their? Works for me.

the green button method doesnt adjust on the fly, its just an extra step thats in the way of photo taking, plus AFAIK its spot metering only.

keeing the lens in Av you adjust on the fly, and you have your choice of metering modes.

KjetilH · 12-11-2008, 04:03 PM

As far as I know, the green button follows the metering mode, center-weighted or spot, selected. Works fine with center-weighted (which anyway is my default), but a better challenge is picking readings off surfaces you consider suitable (e.g. grass or concrete). Quite fun, at least when shooting randomly.

thePiRaTE!! · 12-11-2008, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by Miserere

Wait, Kelly, so you're saying that you shoot your modified M lenses in Av, but your A lenses in manual...?

Yes. When the camera is accurately compensating the meter for aperture changes (A lenses), I've come to rely on my ability interpret what the meter is telling me in a given circumstance to get the exposure I want. This is my preferred method of working.

With the modded Porst and other M42 lenses, the meter isn't giving out the same feedback to work with. The green button can give a snap shot of a specific instance of subject, but if I'm shooting dynamically, Av mode is like a constantly updated version of hitting the green button, so I let the camera decide the base shutter speed and adjust the EV either predictively based on experience, or on the fly. I regard this method of chasing ideal exposure a little less confidantly, but as my predictive sense of what the camera is doing grow, my results are improving.

kaipa · 11-12-2011, 11:26 AM

The thread is old, but I think it worths this picture. I was lucky to collect and compare few f1.2 lens including 3 different kinds of Cosina clones. Optically all Cosina's have no difference. Cosina and Revue -- no exterior difference, just a name one. Vivitar -- slightly different as you can see. Vivitar is quite rare, maybe limited production in 74-75.

I also have Pentax 50/1.2. Pentax lens is slightly sharper, but it is sometimes too 'right'.

I also had Porst 55/1.2 before, and while Porst is slightly softer, there are two notable pros:
- minimum focusing distance is about 40-45cm (Cosina -- 60)
- the construction is more solid, and it feels more reliable.

blende8 · 11-12-2011, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by kaipa

- the construction is more solid, and it feels more reliable.

This may feel so, but is not true.
I already saw several Porsts that had problems with the focussing ring, including mine. After some time it didn't move at all anymore.

I now have the Revuenon, which is excellent.

kaipa · 11-12-2011, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by blende8

This may feel so, but is not true.
I already saw several Porsts that had problems with the focussing ring, including mine. After some time it didn't move at all anymore.

Maybe internals are not so good. But it 'feels' solid. It's genuine lens cap is much better than Cosina's. And it is much easier to mount/dismount than Cosina/Revue.

Btw, have you fixed the focusing? It should not be difficult to disassemble. I am considering to buy one more Porst that has exactly this problem for the cheap price. But not sure if it is easy to fix or not.

Laurentiu Cristofor · 11-12-2011, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by kaipa

The thread is old, but I think it worths this picture. I was lucky to collect and compare few f1.2 lens including 3 different kinds of Cosina clones. Optically all Cosina's have no difference. Cosina and Revue -- no exterior difference, just a name one. Vivitar -- slightly different as you can see. Vivitar is quite rare, maybe limited production in 74-75.

Wow! Nice collection. I didn't even know that a Vivitar Series 1 version of the 55/1.2 existed. I am wondering why they stopped production of this lens - does anyone know what was its cost when it was released? Would it cost too much to make today? I hope Samyang will make a 50mm faster than 1.4 some day.

blende8 · 11-13-2011, 01:57 AM

Originally posted by kaipa

Btw, have you fixed the focusing? It should not be difficult to disassemble. I am considering to buy one more Porst that has exactly this problem for the cheap price. But not sure if it is easy to fix or not.

No, I didn't try that.
The two I have seen myself felt the same, as if sand was in there, a very bad creaking, grating sound. Probably something was broken.

12-10-2008, 08:21 PM	#111
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Huh? Wait, Kelly, so you're saying that you shoot your modified M lenses in Av, but your A lenses in manual...?

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12-10-2008, 01:34 PM	#106
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by Class A You can use Av, even when not shooting wide open. Just dial in the appropriate exposure compensation. That would be nice, but it doesn't work. When shooting a non-A lens in Av the camera will not stop the lens down when it takes a shot; it always shoots the lens wide open, independently of what you have set on the aperture ring.

12-10-2008, 01:38 PM	#107
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin! the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well.

12-10-2008, 02:43 PM	#108
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Originally posted by Gooshin thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin! the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well. Tell me again why you're using this lens at f/5.6...? Maybe I'll non-destructively remove the aperture lever from the lens and give it a test run to see how it handles. I've not had issues using M42 lenses, and in some ways I prefer them to M lenses.

12-10-2008, 04:02 PM	#109
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Miserere When shooting a non-A lens in Av the camera will not stop the lens down when it takes a shot; it always shoots the lens wide open, Depends on the lens, doesn't it? I believe it works with Takumar preset lenses where you can set the aperture manually without the camera keeping it open. I agree that this isn't terribly relevant for this particular thread.

12-10-2008, 05:52 PM	#110
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	Originally posted by Gooshin thats why you can perform a simple operation and remove the aperture pin! the downside of which is a dark viewfinder at F5.6 and above, but ohh well. Agreed. 1) Remove the screws holding the bayonet mount on, lift away. 2) Underneath you'll see a stack of two metal rings, one of which is attached to the aperture lever, remove this ring. 3) Replace the bayonet housing. It can add a tiny extra bit of play in the aperture ring on the Porst, but now you have a fully manual lens. The ring can be replaced if you wish to reverse the procedure. Regarding Av mode, I find I use it a lot with manual lenses such as this, but always M mode for my 'A' lenses. I've learned to enjoy shooting both ways, as long as I have full control of the lens. K.

12-10-2008, 09:36 PM	#112
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Is it not easier to simply put the camera in Manual mode and use the green button. Choose tha aperture you want and let the camera choose the shutter speed and fine tune from their? Works for me.

12-11-2008, 06:09 AM	#113
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by jgredline Is it not easier to simply put the camera in Manual mode and use the green button. Choose tha aperture you want and let the camera choose the shutter speed and fine tune from their? Works for me. the green button method doesnt adjust on the fly, its just an extra step thats in the way of photo taking, plus AFAIK its spot metering only. keeing the lens in Av you adjust on the fly, and you have your choice of metering modes.

12-11-2008, 04:03 PM	#114
KjetilH Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oslo Photos: Gallery Posts: 309	As far as I know, the green button follows the metering mode, center-weighted or spot, selected. Works fine with center-weighted (which anyway is my default), but a better challenge is picking readings off surfaces you consider suitable (e.g. grass or concrete). Quite fun, at least when shooting randomly.

12-11-2008, 07:38 PM	#115
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	Originally posted by Miserere Wait, Kelly, so you're saying that you shoot your modified M lenses in Av, but your A lenses in manual...? Yes. When the camera is accurately compensating the meter for aperture changes (A lenses), I've come to rely on my ability interpret what the meter is telling me in a given circumstance to get the exposure I want. This is my preferred method of working. With the modded Porst and other M42 lenses, the meter isn't giving out the same feedback to work with. The green button can give a snap shot of a specific instance of subject, but if I'm shooting dynamically, Av mode is like a constantly updated version of hitting the green button, so I let the camera decide the base shutter speed and adjust the EV either predictively based on experience, or on the fly. I regard this method of chasing ideal exposure a little less confidantly, but as my predictive sense of what the camera is doing grow, my results are improving.

11-12-2011, 11:26 AM	#116
kaipa Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Zhukovsky,Russia / SF Bay Area Posts: 249	The thread is old, but I think it worths this picture. I was lucky to collect and compare few f1.2 lens including 3 different kinds of Cosina clones. Optically all Cosina's have no difference. Cosina and Revue -- no exterior difference, just a name one. Vivitar -- slightly different as you can see. Vivitar is quite rare, maybe limited production in 74-75. I also have Pentax 50/1.2. Pentax lens is slightly sharper, but it is sometimes too 'right'. I also had Porst 55/1.2 before, and while Porst is slightly softer, there are two notable pros: - minimum focusing distance is about 40-45cm (Cosina -- 60) - the construction is more solid, and it feels more reliable.

11-12-2011, 11:50 AM	#117
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	Originally posted by kaipa - the construction is more solid, and it feels more reliable. This may feel so, but is not true. I already saw several Porsts that had problems with the focussing ring, including mine. After some time it didn't move at all anymore. I now have the Revuenon, which is excellent.

11-12-2011, 02:47 PM	#118
kaipa Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Zhukovsky,Russia / SF Bay Area Posts: 249	Originally posted by blende8 This may feel so, but is not true. I already saw several Porsts that had problems with the focussing ring, including mine. After some time it didn't move at all anymore. Maybe internals are not so good. But it 'feels' solid. It's genuine lens cap is much better than Cosina's. And it is much easier to mount/dismount than Cosina/Revue. Btw, have you fixed the focusing? It should not be difficult to disassemble. I am considering to buy one more Porst that has exactly this problem for the cheap price. But not sure if it is easy to fix or not.

11-12-2011, 11:03 PM	#119
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by kaipa The thread is old, but I think it worths this picture. I was lucky to collect and compare few f1.2 lens including 3 different kinds of Cosina clones. Optically all Cosina's have no difference. Cosina and Revue -- no exterior difference, just a name one. Vivitar -- slightly different as you can see. Vivitar is quite rare, maybe limited production in 74-75. Wow! Nice collection. I didn't even know that a Vivitar Series 1 version of the 55/1.2 existed. I am wondering why they stopped production of this lens - does anyone know what was its cost when it was released? Would it cost too much to make today? I hope Samyang will make a 50mm faster than 1.4 some day.

11-13-2011, 01:57 AM	#120
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	Originally posted by kaipa Btw, have you fixed the focusing? It should not be difficult to disassemble. I am considering to buy one more Porst that has exactly this problem for the cheap price. But not sure if it is easy to fix or not. No, I didn't try that. The two I have seen myself felt the same, as if sand was in there, a very bad creaking, grating sound. Probably something was broken.