Want to Buy WTB olympus om 50mm f1.4 #>1.100.000

riverie · Jun 3, 2015

Hi folks, I recently got my first olympus om body. I'm looking for olympus lens 50mm f1.4 with the serial number above 1.100.000. Please let me know if there's any of you want to sell this lens in a reasonable price.....considering it as helping first time owner of OM system

Thanks in advance,
Rio

EdSawyer · Jun 4, 2015

I may have one. To make your search more accurate, you are really looking for one with a serial # later than 1.075m, which is where the "latest" version commenced. The differences between 1.075M+ and the earlier ones is not all that huge though, mostly minor differences in coatings.

Rick A · Jun 4, 2015

Meh, folk lore and interweb mythology. I have both pre and post 1.1 million SN, no difference in use.

jjphoto · Jun 4, 2015

I agree with Rick. Rio, you are wasting your time. There is no proof that there is any optical difference between >1.1M and lower serial number Zuikos. I have one around 8xxxxx and also one above 1.1. They are the same optically and to me are interchangeable.

As an aside. I bought the 8xxxxx Zuiko 1.4/50 brand new in the 1980's when I was around 15 years old, I am closer to 50 now. I've sought better 50's for many decades and there certainly are better fast 50's to be had, depending on your taste, requirements or the depth of your pockets. But I've come to appreciate the Zuiko 1.4/50 now more than ever as I seem to keep reaching for it when I have many supposedly 'better' 50's to choose from (with some Leica and Zeiss included). It is a great lens IMHO if you like it's look (sharp, with a funky bokeh and a rather soft contrast or muted colour palette).

riverie · Jun 4, 2015

Thanks for the advice guys. This is interesting since when I google this om 50mm lens, everybody seems bragging about sn > 1.100.000. This would be great if it's the case since <1.1M is cheap and easy to get.
Now do all of 50mm f1.4 have the same coating (mc)?

Thank you in advance,
Rio

Rick A · Jun 4, 2015

I think the only real difference between the earlier vs the later units is build quality, with the nod for better going to the earlier ones. As with any ongoing model, companies figure out how to make them easier and shave cost. If you want to spend extra on a hyped model, go ahead. My not so humble opinion, someone either had a Monday morning hangover lens, or a damaged one, and bad mouthed it, compared it to a newer unit and decried all early models to be crap. Isn't that how all myths are started?

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 4, 2015

What do you want to shoot and what are you after? I have an early 300xxx Zuiko 50/1.4 I use on my OM2n that I just love. But I prefer a more moderate contrast for my B&W work and that could be why I like it so much. People knee-jerk react that a lens that is sharper (even if barely so) and multi-coated (doesn't everyone want high contrast?) and smoother bokeh (very subjective) is automatically "better". It's not the case.

Xmas · Jun 5, 2015

The /1.8s are lighter and more compact than /1.4s, a lot cheaper and screen brightness good.
The five group /1.8 serial below 1000000 are single coated with a nicer signature. They tend to be more expensive.
Whatever you buy I'd inspect first or get a return option lotta fungus and cleaning marks.

EdSawyer · Jun 5, 2015

Well, it's settled and proven knowledge there were at least 5 versions of the 50/1.4, differences being number of elements/groups (7/5 vs 7/6 I believe, or something along those lines). There were differences in coatings, as well (at least 3 different versions there - single coated, MC (marked MC) and later MC, called "new MC" by Olympus). This is all well documented and proven, via multiple sources, not the least of which are the actual parts diagrams and service info from Olympus themselves. Mechanically they are all about the same, with a nod going to later ones for more well-sealed groups.

In practice, there will be differences optically, but they may be too subtle for some users to notice. I've had multiple versions, and given the reasonably low difference in cost, it makes sense to go for the best (>1.075m serial #). The difference between the latest ones and earlier ones is usually < $100 so no sense fooling around, go for the latest and greatest version.

-Ed

Xmas · Jun 5, 2015

EdSawyer said:
Well, it's settled and proven knowledge there were at least 5 versions of the 50/1.4, differences being number of elements/groups (7/5 vs 7/6 I believe, or something along those lines). There were differences in coatings, as well (at least 3 different versions there - single coated, MC (marked MC) and later MC, called "new MC" by Olympus). This is all well documented and proven, via multiple sources, not the least of which are the actual parts diagrams and service info from Olympus themselves. Mechanically they are all about the same, with a nod going to later ones for more well-sealed groups.

In practice, there will be differences optically, but they may be too subtle for some users to notice. I've had multiple versions, and given the reasonably low difference in cost, it makes sense to go for the best (>1.075m serial #). The difference between the latest ones and earlier ones is usually < $100 so no sense fooling around, go for the latest and greatest version.

-Ed

HiEd
Six different versions if you count the M version.
All 7 element in 6 groups.
Types 2, 3 and 4 only different in glass part numbers (for coating).
The type 1 was probably available as a silver nose initially, but no part call out for this.
The single coated (SC) will have a different signature from the multi coated, otherwise no detectable difference.
The digital people might prefer the SC lens so the best buy is a difficult call.
Noel

EdSawyer · Jun 5, 2015

Good thoughts. It was the 50/1.8 and 85/2 that changed number of groups, not the 50/1.4, thanks for the clarification on that.

Rick A · Jun 5, 2015

What it boils down to is, there isn't any difference between any version in practical photography. The difference will show if you buy a bunged lens that someone else wants to be rid of, or you plan on shooting test patterns all day.

Xmas · Jun 5, 2015

EdSawyer said:
Good thoughts. It was the 50/1.8 and 85/2 that changed number of groups, not the 50/1.4, thanks for the clarification on that.

Yes the 50/1.8 changed from 6 el in 5 gp to 6 in 4, somewhere after #1000000.
Mandler the Leitz designer got his PhD for the innovation, in the type IV Summicron.
I prefer my 6/5... and early /1.4.

Xmas · Jun 5, 2015

Rick A said:
What it boils down to is, there isn't ant difference between any version in practical photography. The difference will show if you buy a bunged lens that someone else wants to be rid of, or you plan on shooting test patterns all day.

You need a solid tripod, test chart and slow film to characterise the differences apart from the single v multi coating...

kpembo · Jun 5, 2015

It could just be my copies but I find my >1.1m to be much sharper wide open. It is not even close in comparison. The old silver nose lens is equal or better at f/2 or smaller aperture. If I know there's enough light, I use the silver nose. It is also much smoother focusing than the newer lens.

DannL. · Jun 6, 2015

I've used the Olympus 50mm f1.4 as the primary lens on my DSLR for quite some time. Having been a Takumar 50mm f1.4 user, I much prefer the Olympus. Besides great glass and silky smooth focusing, the location of the aperture ring is what makes this lens a winner for me. Sn 1142599.

Xmas · Jun 6, 2015

DannL. said:
I've used the Olympus 50mm f1.4 as the primary lens on my DSLR for quite some time. Having been a Takumar 50mm f1.4 user, I much prefer the Olympus. Besides great glass and silky smooth focusing, the location of the aperture ring is what makes this lens a winner for me. Sn 1142599.

You need to borrow a low number single coated /1.4... You can get a good price for a high #.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 6, 2015

Xmas said:
You need a solid tripod, test chart and slow film to characterise the differences apart from the single v multi coating...

Perhaps. I know overall in my shooting, mostly in B&W, and most often in moderate light (pursuing a broad and wide tonal range while trying to avoid overly contrasty circumstances) I can see differences from single-coated and multi-coated lenses. It's subtle but there.

Xmas · Jun 6, 2015

Hi Richard

I would not characterise the difference as subtle.
The only subjective thing is do you like the difference or hate the difference and which do you prefer...

Cosina offered their 40mm /1.4 lens as single coated or multi and many people bought the single coated.

Most of my shooting is with a set of single coated lenses...

Noel

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 6, 2015

WTB olympus om 50mm f1.4 #>1.100.000

Hi Noel, I had the CV 40/1.4 SC and it was a decent performer. A little clinical in my opinion with little unique character at least in my subjective viewpoint vs my 50/2 Summicron DR and older Leica lenses like my Summitar and Summarit. Plus I used the 40/1.4 MC version a friend had and really saw little difference from the SC. I eventually sold it.

Want to Buy WTB olympus om 50mm f1.4 #>1.100.000

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