I was so happy with the 58/1.2 that I'm exploring more of the knuckle-scalloped metal focus ring'd early MC lenses. I just got in the 21/2.8 and she's a beauty - couldn't resist a quick test. This shot of my eldest daughter was taken by holding the lens in place on the body via 10x live view with the focus set near MFD on my 1Ds3, wide open, 1/40th, ISO800 - no processing, AWB, neutral, no sharpening, resized for web. The 100pct crop is of course untouched.
This lens will be heading over for the full service treatment by Mr. Buchanan himself. Just when I thought zuiko fever had subsided, the rokkor mania has taken hold.
Nice! I have one of these too that I have been languishing in converting also. Superb bokeh there! And very sharp, yes. There's a ton of good Rokkors. If you like these, I'd also recommend: 100/3.5 macro, 85/1.7, 35/1.8 at the least. Maybe some of the 24s and 28s too. Overall the Rokkor 21 is a great lens, better than the Oly 21/2 in some areas, according to Modern Photography tests. (contrast, mainly). I have the oly 21s and also 17-40L so will have to do a shootout sometime.
Hey Ed, you're also an inspiration *cough, bad influence, ahem*
I spend more time researching past threads and posts lately - your comments and scanned lens tests have been a great resource. I also have the oly 21/2 but not the 3.5 so I can at least compare those. I have more rokkors en route as well. I really like the focus rings. At the same time, I love the zuikos equally for their power packed punch. Sometimes you feel like a nut... Correction, I'm definitely always an Alt-nut haha and I'm only on my second flavor.... there should be a sticky thread for newbs... Welcome to the disease
I hear you PhotoMaximum. The build quality is wonderful. I decided that the zuikos will be the waffle gripped alt lenses and the rokkors will be metal gear solid haha.
Thanks, glad to contribute. ;-) The scanned lens tests are easy and a nice way to at least quantify some testing, FWIW. the Oly 21/2 is a superb lens, it's hard to say if the Rokkor is better - I havent' done a serious comparison but the Rokkor will have big shoes to fill, as I think the Oly is the next best 21 to the Zeiss distagon beast. (Maybe better - at least faster...). I only have the newer style rokkor-x version but I think optically they were pretty much the same between versions, except for coatings perhaps. The rokkor build-quality is great. Optically excellent too. I think the Oly's excel for speed, size and IQ in some cases but Minolta was a first-world player back in the day too. Dimitry (Dim.ka) has one of these too and has tested it against the Rokkor 20/2.8, and other stuff too I think. It holds up well!
Words cannot express how perfect this conversion turned out. Jim has delivered a masterpiece demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship which has immediately spawned pride of ownership on my part. This beauty oozes quality, clears the mirror, wide open, at infinity on my 1Ds3. Now my beloved 58/1.2 has a stable mate in the 21/2.8!
I am very well pleased with every facet of the conversion experience. From initial contact to imminent completion, Jim was proactive in communication keeping me abreast of progress as well as establishing realistic expectations - he is the consummate professional. The true value and service represented in this lens goes well beyond the physical mount. It has been said before, and I'll say it again, the time spent on tuning and ensuring infinity is where added benefit shines through, highlighting the refinement derived from Jim's experience and personal signature touch.
Look for more to come, because I'm not stopping with one...
Nicely done! I still haven't converted my 21 rokkor. cool to see that it will clear the mirror w/o having to reduce the rear retaining rings. I had guessed that might be the case. Post more pics of the mount conversion if you would. It looks like the basic typical wide-angle rokkor rear conversion method. (Silver ring becomes mounting surface)
