p.27 #1 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
brla-brla wrote:
Try carefully to start from a different position. When a thread catches, try to note where it caught so that if it doesn't work you know to try elsewhere if the thread catches there again. Yeah, when the front part unscrews, screwing it back on properly is quite a pain.
So far this is the closest I can get with the dot lining up with the 2 when fully closed but now setting 6 seems to be lining up with the rangefinder with some shots in my office. Will have to check infinity a little later.
Does your lens have the dot in a similar position when fully closed or is it right at the 2?
p.27 #2 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
endergemini wrote:
So far this is the closest I can get with the dot lining up with the 2 when fully closed but now setting 6 seems to be lining up with the rangefinder with some shots in my office. Will have to check infinity a little later.
Does your lens have the dot in a similar position when fully closed or is it right at the 2?
Yes I consider that hard-stop as an unmarked 1, then 2, and my optimal setting is 3, though each lens is a little different. On my spare the optimal setting is 2. Seems like you corrected it 👍
p.27 #3 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
brla-brla wrote:
Yes I consider that hard-stop as an unmarked 1, then 2, and my optimal setting is 3, though each lens is a little different. On my spare the optimal setting is 2. Seems like you corrected it 👍
Appreciate you giving me the confidence to try again haha. The sweet spot for this threading was pretty small and that front piece really wants to go in diagonally making it a pain. I looked up some pics of others for sale on ebay and other sites and there are ones with the dot way past 2 where mine was as well as all over the place so difficult to tell what's right or wrong. Hopefully my next outing with this leads to some better results haha
p.27 #4 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
@fred I didn't realize I was replying to you earlier. Wanted to ask if adjusting the rf coupling is difficult to do. I've never had to do it because all of my lenses except the 35 apoqualia were perfectly calibrated. I came pretty late to the MS Optics party though, I take it they've gotten better about rangefinder calibration in recent years as compared to their earlier lenses. That said, I'm very interested in changing the rangefinder calibration for my varioprasma. I'd really love for rangefinder calibration to be at SA3 rather than 6. I don't know the first thing about doing it, though. Is it a simple diy process or does it require expert hands?
p.27 #5 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
brla-brla wrote:
@fred@ I didn't realize I was replying to you earlier. Wanted to ask if adjusting the rf coupling is difficult to do. I've never had to do it because all of my lenses except the 35 apoqualia were perfectly calibrated. I came pretty late to the MS Optics party though, I take it they've gotten better about rangefinder calibration in recent years as compared to their earlier lenses. That said, I'm very interested in changing the rangefinder calibration for my varioprasma. I'd really love for rangefinder calibration to be at SA3 rather than 6. I don't know the first thing about doing it, though. Is it a simple diy process or does it require expert hands?...Show more →
With most MS Optics lenses it isn't very difficult, but it really depends on the specific model. For example, the 28mm f/2 Apoqualia is easy to adjust even without disassembling the lens. You can simply rotate the rangefinder cam ring at the rear.
I would need to get my Vario Prasma first to see how it is designed mechanically, since all of these lenses are a bit different due to their various optical designs and sizes. The goal is to test with a camera with a perfectly aligned RF and check whether the lens is aligned with the rangefinder at setting "6". If it is not, it would need to be adjusted, or at least determine which setting gives perfect focus and then use that setting for rangefinder focusing.
p.27 #6 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
Got to take the Varioprasma 50/1.5 out yesterday. Still getting used to it but I had a good time shooting with it, but I'll admit it makes me want a Visoflex more and more just to check focus.
Here's some samples, all should be wide open (aside from the dog pic which is at 5.6 IIRC) and (I believe) all are at setting 6.
p.27 #7 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
endergemini wrote:
Got to take the Varioprasma 50/1.5 out yesterday. Still getting used to it but I had a good time shooting with it, but I'll admit it makes me want a Visoflex more and more just to check focus.
Here's some samples, all should be wide open (aside from the dog pic which is at 5.6 IIRC) and (I believe) all are at setting 6.
Beautiful samples! I can't wait to get my copy. From what I've been able to find about the MS Optics 50/1.5 Vario-Prasma, the P6 setting seems to be the closest to the original Kino-Plasmat, and your second image really show that well.
According to MS Optics, P6 has a similar SA bulge to the Kino but improved by about 30% due to the use of special glass, and contrast is also improved with modern multi-coating. The other settings, from P5 down to P2, move the SA curve to the other side of the axis, making it positive but increasing the overall SA (so more under-correction), which leads to a more hazy, glowy rendering.
Would you be able to post a sequence showing the bokeh balls, specular highlights, from P6 down to P2 while focusing with the LCD or EVF? I’d be curious to see which setting shows more outlining in the bokeh balls.
p.27 #9 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
If anyone is interested there are a half dozen new Varioprasma 50/1.5 on eBay with discount through March 13- comes from Japan tariff part of price. There were 7 but one is now mine. This vender seems from time to time to have a handful of new presumably NOS ms-optics lenses. I got a Petz from them some time ago without issue so I expect this lens too will land in my hands w/o issue.
Many MS-Optics lenses can also be found on their site. They've also sold many MS-Optics lenses as new in Yahoo Auctions etc. They also sell various collectible legacy lenses and other types of products.
I think they are fully reliable, but I've never bought from them because their prices are always noticeably higher (50% or so) than the original prices when the lenses were available to buy directly or from local Japanese stores or prices that can sometimes be found in Japanese stores selling MS-Optics lenses 2nd hand. However they could be a better option than many eBay-resellers and such.
p.27 #11 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
hudsonCAD wrote:
Hi everyone. I really like these lenses and use them almost exclusively. Some a lot more than others, but haven't tried a lens I don't like yet.
The ones I'm missing (shorter list). 19mm Hipolion, Sonnetar 50mm 1.1, MS Mode 50mm 1.3, Lumitar 50mm 3.5, and 135mm. Those are the ones off the top of my head. I have a few rebodied ones, including a Nikon 28mm from a point and shoot which I will be testing shortly. I have the 28/1.7, but not any of the /2 versions. I also have the Vario version if there's a Vario and Non available.
I shoot them only on film and hence don't have the colour shift or heavy vignetting problems. Generally focus is not an issue in my use, but I do have a 50mm 1.3 Slim that needs calibration.
I'm quite interested in using a 19mm. I've actually never seen an example picture taken on film with this lens.
The 135 with rangefinder linkage that would also be hard to pass up. I have heard conflicting reports on whether or not they exist. There's mention of them, have not seen a picture of one, have been told they were discontinued because of heavy vignetting and focus accuracy issues, and also that they've never been made.
I'm told there's a chance of a new fast wide lens coming in the next while. That would be extremely interesting.
Obviously, I'm very happy to chat about these lenses....Show more →
I will see if I can find some. I have some taken with the 19mm hipolion on some velvia 50. Sadly I choose the worse film to test a wide angle lens like the hipolion, and I didnt like the vignetting. I sold it shortly after. I found this thread well looking for info on the Vario-Prasma. As it is similar to the Petz that I use all the time.
p.27 #12 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
KeeganS wrote:
I will see if I can find some. I have some taken with the 19mm hipolion on some velvia 50. Sadly I choose the worse film to test a wide angle lens like the hipolion, and I didnt like the vignetting. I sold it shortly after. I found this thread well looking for info on the Vario-Prasma. As it is similar to the Petz that I use all the time.
Ah ya, you'd want black and white or a more forgiving colour negative stock to really test that lens. It would still be interesting to see. The results on digital all look pretty dismal.
Too bad you don't still have it. I regret not grabbing one when there were a few available. The Perar series of lenses are really a sweet spot for me.
I have both the Vario-Prasma and the Petz. I haven't used the Petz much. I did a lens test including it last year, but will do some more comprehensive ones when the weather stops trying to kill me.
p.27 #13 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
I use the 28mm f2 Apoqualia quite a bit on film and rangefinder focusing is accurate. I love that lens as it's so tiny, it makes my M2 almost pocketable. I also have the 73/1.5 Sonnetar and haven't been able to use it on film at all; I took 20 test shots with it at various apertures and distances and not one was in focus; I'd have to fiddle with the "coma adjustment" ring on the bottom but for now I avoid shooting it on film.
p.27 #15 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
bjhurley wrote:
I use the 28mm f2 Apoqualia quite a bit on film and rangefinder focusing is accurate. I love that lens as it's so tiny, it makes my M2 almost pocketable. I also have the 73/1.5 Sonnetar and haven't been able to use it on film at all; I took 20 test shots with it at various apertures and distances and not one was in focus; I'd have to fiddle with the "coma adjustment" ring on the bottom but for now I avoid shooting it on film.
I use mine on coma adjustment "3" and from 3 - 12 feet I can use it at f2.8 or slower apertures with accuracy. Not sure if that helps. Here is an F4 shot. What is your coma adjustment on?
I don't trust mine at 1.5 - 2.8 at any distance though.
p.27 #16 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I use mine on coma adjustment "3" and from 3 - 12 feet I can use it at f2.8 slower apertures with accuracy. Not sure if that helps. Here is an F4 shot. What is your coma adjustment on?
I don't trust mine at 1.5 - 2.8 at any distance though.
My coma adjustment is set at 3 as well but I can never get anything in focus on my film Leica (no issues with my Sony of course), even at f/8 unless it's a landscape shot. Something must be way off; all my other rangefinder lenses focus fine on my film Leica.
p.27 #17 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I use mine on coma adjustment "3" and from 3 - 12 feet I can use it at f2.8 slower apertures with accuracy. Not sure if that helps. Here is an F4 shot. What is your coma adjustment on?
I don't trust mine at 1.5 - 2.8 at any distance though.
bjhurley wrote:
My coma adjustment is set at 3 as well but I can never get anything in focus on my film Leica (no issues with my Sony of course), even at f/8 unless it's a landscape shot. Something must be way off; all my other rangefinder lenses focus fine on my film Leica.
Yeah, I think yours is off. I can shoot mine at 2.8 at landscape/infinite without issue. Might want to bring yours in…
p.27 #18 · MS-Optics lenses Image and Discussion Thread
This morning the light was glowing just after Sunrise, in Tucson it is spring and Ocotillo are blooming red flowers that pick up the morning light, trying different lenses each morning, this morning it was my new MS Optics 73 mm sonnetar that should in theory be good for this- this is just out on my driveway with a cup of coffee to see what the morning light will allow.
Yeah, I think yours is off. I can shoot mine at 2.8 at landscape/infinite without issue. Might want to bring yours in…
The 73/1.5 Sonnetar is a lens many people have had issues with when it comes to RF focusing. Even if it's accurate at certain distances, it often isn't consistent across the range. Mine had the RF cam adjusted so it stays consistent from close focus to infinity.
