Super Takumar 55MM 1.8 vs 50MM 1.4. Dumb Question?

Hi, new guy here.

I'm just over from the SLR forum where I've received help with another problem with my 1.4.

Now, I'd love to hear your views on which of these lenses you prefer (low light aside). I generally shoot Fuji Superia 200 ASA or 100 ASA Realla outdoors (nature and wildlife). Oh, and I'm using an SP and an SPII.

Thank's in advance for your indulgence.

There is a difference in characteristics between different lenses like these. I know for sure I wasn't very fond of the SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.4 which gave very high contrast (presumably for reportage) at the expense of pictorial gradation. I much preferred the balance of properties of the f1.7 version.

I know you have asked about different lenses, but I just mention the above as an example. I have tried both the lenses you actually mention and I liked them both, so it may well be that the design objectives were similar in this case.

All you can do is try them and see which you prefer.

Mac,

I suspect you may not know about these two excellent sites:

http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/

http://stans-photography.info/

George

There is a wealth of information and opinion on both those sites - very interesting and useful.

IMHO there is no substitute for trying things out for ourselves, because lenses are complex and make many compromise choices and each photographer's requirements may well be different.

So we all ens up with our favourite lenses!

Thank's for the link's - excellent information on both!

I'm very glad I culled through all my photo clutter a while ago and decided to concentrate on the M42 Spotmatics and their wonderful lenses. My recently acquired Spotmatic II is immaculate and I can already see the light meter is improved over my SP (my dear old stand-by who never fails me). I'm so used to metering through a stopped-down lens and automatically reviewing depth of field that I wonder if I'd ever really use the SMC open metering when and if I acquire an F. Maybe that's why Asahi left the preview switch on the F exactly where it was on the older versions - I know I'll be hitting it just from force of habit.

Well, I have a lens to sun-cure (maybe I'll buy it a ticket to the Bahamas),
and more excellent sites to explore - thank's to you both.

Cheers