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Archive 2015 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Aaron D
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

I have the chance to buy this lens, with the MSX 1000 body for $20. But I see wide price variations in Feebay. Both are in ex+ condition. Im really only interested in the lens. Optics are spotless.

This lens any good, should I jump on it?

Or, I could a like new Super Tak (not smc) 150/4 for $40

Thing is, I have lenses similar to both of these. A Helios 58/2 and a Pentacon 135/2.8. Gut tells me to grab the Mamiya and finally get an adapter so I can use my bokeh monster.

Thanks
Aaron

Jun 20, 2015 at 05:30 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Should be a decent lens, at worst. I used to use a Mamiya-Sekor body, and it was good, really solid old body. The 150 sounds more interesting to me right now, though. Also, one of the 135mm Pentax is really good, for not much more. I had a Best 135mm thread a while back

Jun 21, 2015 at 03:00 PM

Jonas B
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

I was curious about that lens once, found a copy of it and it was then (2007) part of a big 50mm shootout on my Olympus E510. So, tested on a small sensor only, the center 25% of a FF camera really...:
Low global contrast, very accentuated bright rings around background out of focus highlights, nervous bokeh down to f/5.6 (!!), low micro contrast and subjectively not really sharp in the center until stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.
The lens was, simply put, a disappointment.

Jun 21, 2015 at 03:27 PM

Aaron D
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

AmbientMike wrote:
Should be a decent lens, at worst. I used to use a Mamiya-Sekor body, and it was good, really solid old body. The 150 sounds more interesting to me right now, though. Also, one of the 135mm Pentax is really good, for not much more. I had a Best 135mm thread a while back

I might just buy the 150 and flip it. Figure I can probably make 30 bucks off it. Dont really have a need for either, unless I like the Sekor better than my helios. Im gonna take my body and adapter in and get some test shots to compare it.

Jonas B wrote:
I was curious about that lens once, found a copy of it and it was then (2007) part of a big 50mm shootout on my Olympus E510. So, tested on a small sensor only, the center 25% of a FF camera really...:
Low global contrast, very accentuated bright rings around background out of focus highlights, nervous bokeh down to f/5.6 (!!), low micro contrast and subjectively not really sharp in the center until stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.
The lens was, simply put, a disappointment.

Really!? Is it possible you had a bad copy? The things I've read/seen have all been good. I especially like the colors the lens seems to produce and the bokeh seems to be quite pleasant in the samples I saw. Of course, both could be related to how the shots were processed.

Jun 21, 2015 at 03:40 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Here's another thread with some test shots of the 50/2, which is available in m42 mount. I'm not sure if all Mamiya-Sekor cameras had m42 or not. I had bad luck with ebay, so I mostly quit for camera gear.

FWIW, Has test shots:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/128199-mamiya-50mm-f-2-lens-decent.html

Jun 21, 2015 at 04:04 PM

Jonas B
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Aaron D wrote:
Really!? Is it possible you had a bad copy? The things I've read/seen have all been good. I especially like the colors the lens seems to produce and the bokeh seems to be quite pleasant in the samples I saw. Of course, both could be related to how the shots were processed.

There are no guarantees... I went back to the test images: All ten lenses were processed the same (ACR, curves to a straight line and all other values except for white balance and exposure compensation set to zero), targets and backgrounds at different distances but the same for all lenses and so on). A couple of the other lenses were sharper while still having smoother bokeh. The Mamyia performed at an average level (with regards to subjective sharpness) and below average (with regards to contrast and bokeh smoothness.) All lenses were briefly checked before the tedious work started (no point in "testing" a lemon). I can't say anything about the colours.

But, if you like what you have seen you should try it. In my experience personal preferences and ideas trumps test data every time.

Jun 21, 2015 at 05:42 PM

Aaron D
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Jonas B wrote:
There are no guarantees... I went back to the test images: All ten lenses were processed the same (ACR, curves to a straight line and all other values except for white balance and exposure compensation set to zero), targets and backgrounds at different distances but the same for all lenses and so on). A couple of the other lenses were sharper while still having smoother bokeh. The Mamyia performed at an average level (with regards to subjective sharpness) and below average (with regards to contrast and bokeh smoothness.) All lenses were briefly checked before the tedious work started (no...Show more →

Interesting. I'll have to look at more reviews/samples. Here's what I was initially going on -
http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/mamiya-auto-mamiya-sekor-55mm-f-1-8-m42.html

and

http://cannonfastreviews.com/mamiyasekor-55mm-f1-8-auto/

Prices on feebay seem to average around $40, while the 1.4 averages around $70. So $20 isnt bad... hopefully its still there in a day or two if I go back. If I dont like it, I can flip it for a quick $10 profit.

And I concur....personal preferrences and all that.

Jun 21, 2015 at 07:26 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Oh, ok, you found the same site. And the lens is local, so you can test.

I guess the reason I looked up the f/2 is that's what I had. I never used it, because the aperture was stuck open.

I remembered I had it, after reading and responding to this thread, and took it out. It seemed like an above average or better lens at f/2. I didn't test directly, but I think it was way better, wide open, than the Pentax 50/2 M I was playing with a month or two ago.

I got some nice photos with it and hopefully will be able to get into it & free the aperture. If the 55 is comparable to mine, might be a good one to get.

Jun 21, 2015 at 10:00 PM

Aaron D
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Here's two more regarding the MS 55/1.8. Including samples against a 50/1.4 SMC Tak. So far, seems nothing but praise. I haven't been able to find anything that supports what Jonas said about it. :/

http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=1284

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/50950-mamiya-sekor-55mm-f1-8-smc-takumar-55mm-f1-8-a.html

off I go to find out about the 50/2

Jun 21, 2015 at 10:28 PM

ZoneV
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

I think this lens is as some other 55mm/1.8 lenses useful when you like over corrected spherical aberration bokeh - like the Meyer Trioplan 100.
Likely it works not as good as the Trioplan, but for some images this will work still good.

Jun 22, 2015 at 01:13 AM

Jonas B
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Aaron D wrote:
Here's two more regarding the MS 55/1.8. Including samples against a 50/1.4 SMC Tak. So far, seems nothing but praise. I haven't been able to find anything that supports what Jonas said about it. :/

Hi again,
No, there is nothing supporting what I said... what you get though is subjective numbers (like the lens getting 9.3 points for sharpness and a aberrations and 8.8 points for the bokeh). It would be interesting to see how many points a lens with smooth bokeh and high contrast and micro contrast would get, no? You also get small artsy images probably proving somethingI don't see. When connected with statements like "Excellent - but not a Tak" and no more explanations I can only share the frustration with many readers about the usability of these reviews.

Now, the lens isn't bad. For 20 dollars it certainly is great value (I read 10.0 points....and now I agree). I have uploaded some images for you showing how the copy I owned worked together with my setup and my copy of ACR... here. There are also comparison images taken at the same time using the Summilux-R, SMC Takumar 50/1.4, Zuiko OM50/1.2 and the Zuiko ZD 50/2.0 Macro. What you see is one of several setups in the more or less meaningless 50mm shootout I did back in 2007. I recall being so happy for the LiveView.

Again - 20 dollars isn't much money. Shoot! Especially as I now noticed you asked about one lens and I discussed another one. Oh oh.

EDIT: not the SX...

Edited on Jun 22, 2015 at 01:26 PM · View previous versions

Jun 22, 2015 at 09:35 AM

Jonas B
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Embarrassing: I didn't notice you asked about the SX version. If the SX version is different optically from the non-SX one you can safely scrap everything I posted earlier.
Sorry for that.

Jun 22, 2015 at 01:24 PM

Aaron D
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Jonas B wrote:
Embarrassing: I didn't notice you asked about the SX version. If the SX version is different optically from the non-SX one you can safely scrap everything I posted earlier.
Sorry for that.

Hey, no problem. I wasnt aware there was non-SX, so that balances out.

Yes, it all really is subjective, and one needs to keep this in mind when looking at reviews. As they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". This is very true in regards to our photos and the lenses we choose to take them with.

Thank you for the link with comparisons! Actual pictures tell more about a lens than an individuals personal opinions. Both should be referenced together though.

Now I have to try and find the optical setup for both lenses. I do know the SX is single coated, but I forget how many elements / groups.

Thanks again Jonas!

Jun 22, 2015 at 08:56 PM

Aaron D
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

This is the only review I've found of the 55/1.8 SX -
http://blog.bkspicture.com/review_Mamiya-Sekor_SX_55mm_f1.8_M42.html

From what I can find, the SX are supposed to be better than earlier versions. However, a small ridge on the aperture ring seems to cause issues with adaptation. It prevents the aperture pin from being pushed down, as well as making rotation of the ring difficult.

I'll find out when I go back to look at the lens....

Jun 23, 2015 at 01:32 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Aaron D wrote:
... However, a small ridge on the aperture ring seems to cause issues with adaptation. It prevents the aperture pin from being pushed down, as well as making rotation of the ring difficult...

Got a Dremel tool?

Jun 23, 2015 at 06:28 AM

Jonas B
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

A good thing woth Bengt and his reviews is that he usually offers a bunch of images. Serious work!
However; he like most lenses. He even claims the Hexanon 40/1.8 has great image quality...
Cheers!

Jun 23, 2015 at 06:33 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Here's a good online resource that I don't think you've seen. Some of the comments include brief lens reviews.

Roland Stauber, The Unofficial Homepage for Mamiya NC Series Cameras (and some M42 stuff...)
- http://mamiya-nc-m42.mflenses.com/m42_lenses.htm

Here's what it says about the 55/1.8, "This lens is renown for its excellent optical performance. I have only heard good things about it, and I also did some tests myself which confirm that."

I own two Mamiya-Sekor M42 lenses; the "mamyia/sekor Auto 21/4 SX", and the "macro Sekor 60/2.8".

The 21/4 is noticeably better than contemporary, third-party ultra-wide angle lenses, like the Spiratone Pluracoat 20/4, but not quite as good as the SMC Pentax-M 20/4 and Oly 21/3.5.

The macro-Sekor 60/2.8 is very nice. I posted examples from it in an old thread,

Mamiya macro sekor 60/2.8 M42 (see new, last post for example photos),
- https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/863874

My daughter is currently using both of these lenses and getting great images from them. Including some from the macro that are published in scientific journal papers.

Here's what my m-s 20/4 looked like after a bit of "edge treatment" to deal with the "small ridge" that interferes with a good M42 mount fit. The second photo shows the same lens with an M42 to EF adapter. The last photo looks a lot more soothing than the first one, eh?

Mamiya mamyia/sekor Auto 21/4 SX

Modified Mamiya mamyia/sekor Auto 21/4 SX with M42 to EF adapter

Jun 23, 2015 at 06:40 AM

Jonas B
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

"This lens is renown for its excellent optical performance. I have only heard good things about it, and I also did some tests myself which confirm that."
Roland is, again, talking about the non-SX version though. Of course, if the SX lens is the same that doesn't matter. Unfortunately he shows no images and also doesn't say what's so excellent about the lens. (Please note his own table says 6 elements and 4 groups and 6 elements and 5 groups respectively for the two versions. There is also a significant difference with regards to weight.)
I think I just trust what I saw when trying the bunch of 50mm lenses.

Your 21mm lens does indeed look better with the adapter mounted...

Jun 23, 2015 at 08:11 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

Jonas B wrote:
Roland is, again, talking about the non-SX version though. Of course, if the SX lens is the same that doesn't matter. Unfortunately he shows no images and also doesn't say what's so excellent about the lens. (Please note his own table says 6 elements and 4 groups and 6 elements and 5 groups respectively for the two versions. There is also a significant difference with regards to weight.)...

Here's the rest of what Roland says about the 55/1.8,

"This lens was first available for the TL series (with chrome aperture ring), then for the DTL series (shown here) and also as a SX lens for the MSX/DSX series. The lens design (6 elements in 4 groups, symmetrical gaussian type lens) remained unchanged over the years, probably because there wasn´t really anything which could be further improved. This lens is supposedly superior to the 55 mm 1:1.4 version."

P.S. I'm not saying this is authoritative, I'm just sayin what it says.

Jonas B wrote:

Your 21mm lens does indeed look better with the adapter mounted...

It sure does.

Jun 23, 2015 at 08:22 AM

Aaron D
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · auto mamiya sekor sx 55 1.8...any good?

jcolwell wrote:
Got a Dremel tool?

I do indeed. I'm usually pretty good with things like that, having been a machinist a few years back. But....
---------------------------------------------

jcolwell wrote:
Here's a good online resource that I don't think you've seen. Some of the comments include brief lens reviews.

- http://mamiya-nc-m42.mflenses.com/m42_lenses.htm

Here's what it says about the 55/1.8,

I own two Mamiya-Sekor M42 lenses; the "mamyia/sekor Auto 21/4 SX", and the "macro Sekor 60/2.8".

The 21/4 is noticeably better than contemporary, third-party ultra-wide angle lenses, like the Spiratone Pluracoat 20/4, but not quite as good as the SMC Pentax-M 20/4 and Oly 21/3.5.

The macro-Sekor 60/2.8 is very nice. I posted examples from it in an old thread,

(see new, last post for example photos),
- https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/863874

My daughter is currently...Show more →

That looks pretty rough.

Good thing the adapter hides it well. If that body is steel, you may want to consider "touching up" those ground spots, with a little Rustoleum and a Q-tip, to prevent rust from eating it.
Excellent link BTW! Thank you very much! I'm bookmarking that one.

---------------------------------------------

Jonas B wrote:
Roland is, again, talking about the non-SX version though. Of course, if the SX lens is the same that doesn't matter. Unfortunately he shows no images and also doesn't say what's so excellent about the lens. (Please note his own table says 6 elements and 4 groups and 6 elements and 5 groups respectively for the two versions. There is also a significant difference with regards to weight.)
I think I just trust what I saw when trying the bunch of 50mm lenses.

Your 21mm lens does indeed look better with the adapter mounted...

Jonas B wrote:
A good thing woth Bengt and his reviews is that he usually offers a bunch of images. Serious work!
However; he like most lenses. He even claims the Hexanon 40/1.8 has great image quality...
Cheers!

I would suspect the two are indeed of different optical formulas. Over at the Pentax forums I linked earlier, the non-SX lenses page also states:
Elements: 6 (4 groups)
Note: This is not the later SX version (also M42) which have a different optical formula and improved coatings.

But I appear to have been mistaken. The non-SX is single coated (I stated the SX was single coated), while the Pentax page states the SX "has improved coatings", implying it's multi-coated.

Jun 23, 2015 at 03:02 PM


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