What third party “dreamy” lens to complement XCD lenses?

[peterm1]

I am interested in a more dreamy (but not soft in the center) lens I can adapt to my X2D that can give me a look closer to a Noctilux, that can complement my 28p, 55v and 90v. Love my XCD lenses but would like a different kind of option that’s a bit more “painterly” and less perfect. 80mm 1.9 was beautiful but it’s a beast. I was thinking about the Zeiss 50mm Sonnar C. Any other recommendations based on use on this sensor?
Thanks!

 

[MGrayson]

The Pentax 645 75/2.8 is inexpensive, neither large nor heavy, focuses quite close, and has a lovely, if not f/1.9 type bokeh.
X2D and Soup, of course.



Matt

 

[mristuccia]

I'm contemplating the idea of acquiring a TT Artisan 90mm f1.25 as a portrait lens. Now it is also sold in XCD mount.

 

[anyone]

How do you deal with electronic shutter only? My experience with the 907x and adapted lenses was that I won’t be able to hand hold it without risking warping of the images.

If you can master this challenge, there are good options out there: Mamiya 80/1.9, Minolta MD 85/1.7 (radioactive but renders beautifully and covers the sensor), Zeiss 110/2.

And: +1 for the Pentax 645 75/2.8, this lens is really nice and small.

 

[mristuccia]

Regarding the rolling shutter quirks, I've been able with some exercise to get undistorted shots with the CF 100.
Switching to 14 bits reduces the total readout time of the sensor from 0.38 sec to 0.16.
This may help, I'll try it myself using 14 bits, but a tripod is most probably needed for 100% reliability with adapted lenses.

 

[wattsy]

The HC 100/F2.2 is capable of a dreamyish look if used appropriately. That lens obviously benefits from leaf shutter operation and, if it's your thing, AF (assuming recent enough firmware).

 

[MGrayson]

The HC 100/F2.2 is capable of a dreamyish look if used appropriately. That lens obviously benefits from leaf shutter operation and, if it's your thing, AF (assuming recent enough firmware).

Oh, I forgot about the HC 100/2.2 ! I usually pick the 110/2 instead, despite the shutter. IBIS on the X2D makes the rolling shutter much more tolerable, as there's no noticeable wobble in straight lines. (Motion is a different issue!)

 

[drevil]

the contax 645 140mm is also a good option and quite cheap, and it wouldnt cut between your other FLs

 

[drevil]

C645 140 @2.8 on the gfx100

 

[f6cvalkyrie]

Maybe the Mamiya 145/4 SFC Soft Focus lens could be a candidate ?
Many available on the Evilbay, and really cheap ...
Not an easy lens to use, but if you get used to it, great pictures can be shot !

CU,
Rafael

 

[Kiwimac]

Try putting a Zeiss softar filter on one of the V lenses.

 

[bags27]

I don't know how much of the sensor it will cover, and it certainly is not inexpensive, but the classic "dreamy look" lens is the Leica 90mm f/2.2 Thumbar (both original and contemporary). I was once in a Leica store (Boston) just doing camera porn, when this guy walks in and we chat. He looks at a lens case and says: what's that? I say, it's a Thumbar and explain what it is. He whips out his credit card, turns to the salesman, and says: I'll take it. Must be nice....

 

[JeRuFo]

I personally quite like the Mitakon 65 1.4, because it is still reasonably sharp, even at a bit more distance. It definitely isn't clinical in its rendering, more like fast MF glass did 50 years ago.

 

[Steve Hendrix]

I don't usually have much to add to these type of threads - because all of you have way more fun than I ever get to have - but I do recall the Canon 85/1.2 II EF lens has a decent size image circle and might look nice on an X2D. There will be a bit of vignetting, but not too much. In the past I did experiment a bit with this lens on an Alpa FPS with various digital backs.


Steve Hendrix/CI

 

[algrove]

Why third party? How about old Hasselblad CF lenses.

As mentioned Mamiya 645 lenses can be loads of fun-even the 300 5.6

 

[peterm1]

Why third party? How about old Hasselblad CF lenses.

As mentioned Mamiya 645 lenses can be loads of fun-even the 300 5.6

CF lenses are fine too - as long as it fits the X2D with an adapter, I would be interested to hear about it if it provides a unique look not readily available with the XCD lenses...

Thanks all for the suggestions!

 

[mristuccia]

CF lenses are fine too - as long as it fits the X2D with an adapter, I would be interested to hear about it if it provides a unique look not readily available with the XCD lenses...

Thanks all for the suggestions!

I have many of them and the XV adapter.
Although they have their character, I wouldn't exactly describe them as dreamy, I'd rather use the attribute "smooth".
Maybe the 110 f2, which I don't have, can be "dreamy" at maximum aperture.

I'd rather go with even older and less optimized designs.
To me, "dreamy" and "buttery bokeh" are two different things IMHO.
I find a swirly bokeh, glowing highlights and a flare tendency to be "dreamy", for example.

Something like the Zeiss Biotar 58mm f2 or the clone Helios 44-2. But those are for 35mm full frame.

 

[jng]

Powernap by John Ngai, on Flickr
907x-CFV100C | Zeiss C 2.8/80 Planar | f/2.8​

This thread reminded me that I have an old (and I mean old, circa 1962) Zeiss/Hasselblad 80 Planar in my collection, one of the original "silver" lenses before multicoating was a thing. Last time I checked, these old Hasselblad C lenses were going for a song. I don't think it's as sharp as the 100 Planar but that's not the point here. While dreaminess is in the eye of the beholder, I think it renders quite nicely wide open and at close focus (in this example just under 1 meter, close to its minimum focus distance). And at 16+ years old, my old guy seems pretty happily dreaming so who am I to argue?

John

 

[Godfrey]

You piqued my curiosity as I have the Leica M and R adapters for my 907x/CFVII 50c. Pulled out the ancient Hektor 135mm f/4.5, set it wide open, and snapped a couple of still lifes with it.

Orchids On Table - Santa Clara 2024


Potted Plant - Santa Clara 2024​

Not the sharpest they can be, but hand-held at 1/20 and 1/45 sec with the E-shutter, ISO 400. I think they look nice, regardless.

G

 

[algrove]

CF lenses are fine too - as long as it fits the X2D with an adapter, I would be interested to hear about it if it provides a unique look not readily available with the XCD lenses...

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Hassy makes an adapter for old lenses on the current cameras called the XV Adapter $250.