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Auto Pentacon 50mm f1.8

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Lens mount:

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Close Focus:

Macro Ratio

Year Introduced:

Tested with...

49mm

m42

f1.8-f16

.33 meters

n/a

1971

Eos 6D - Full Frame

Auto Pentacon 50mm f1.8

     My copy of this lens has a remnant of cleaned and killed fungus on the rear element.  I do not think it causes a loss of image quality though.   The pics below were taken on a Eos 6D with an M42 to Eos adapter.   The lens handles well and it easy to focus on the 6D.
     Let me start by saying this is a special lens.   It has a very long focus throw and is strongly dampened.   It focuses closer and more precisely than any other standard lens I have ever used.     Add an extension tube to this beauty and you'll have an exceptional macro lens.   Aperture clicks at half stops thru the entire range.
     At f1.8 it is very sharp.   

     Vignetiing is noticeable at f1.8 and gone by f3.5

     Distortion is noticeable when shooting straight lines.  It can be easily corrected. 

     Color rendition and contrast are excellent.   

     Flare is very well controlled because of the Zeiss inspired coating on this lens.  I was only able to force it to produce one small ghost in several direct shots of the sun.   That was at f11.  Contrast remians usable across the frame and sharpness is slightly reduced.

     Bokeh at f1.8 is smooth with a bit of swirl.  Bokeh fringing has a slight color shift and the bokeh is a bit busy.

     Fringing is essentially non existent.    I simply couldn't get it to fringe and blown out highlights have very little color shift.   I bet bokeh fringing will be non-detectable.  I will know soon.

     Overall, this is a great lens.   It's also fun to shoot with.    Pick one up if you have the opportunity.

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f4

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f2.8 - 10" Focus Distance

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f1.8 - 10" Focal Distance - Tight Crop

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f1.8

r2-_MG_1319.jpg

f2.8 - 100% Crop

r2-_MG_1317.jpg

f1.8 - basic grayscale - 10" Focal Distance

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f1.8 - notice the swirl

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f1.8

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f4

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f1.8, f2.8 & f4

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f4

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f1.8

r2_MG_1303.JPG

f4 - 100% Crop - Yep, it's sharp.

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f11

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f2.8

Bokeh Fringing Test
Eos 6D

bf-18-2-4_MG_5326.jpg

f1.8 - busy shift

bf-18-2-4_MG_5327.jpg

f2.8 - busy shift

bf-18-2-4_MG_5328.jpg

f4 - cleaner / still busy

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