This jewel like lens is so small (for a 35mm focal length lens), and so well made that even just playing with it without taking any pictures, it will put a satisfied smile on your face. But, the good qualities go deeper than just aesthetics. For such a good lens, I don't think I have ever given it any write ups.
Gino's Pizza -- Canon 5D & Takumar SMC 35mm f3.5. Sadly, Gino's Pizza has closed its door. This is one of the most striking and different building than any other in the area.
For some reason, this lens is not as popular as the Takumar SMC 28mm f3.5, or the SMC 24mm f3.5 (which hits the mirror on the 5D at infinity). Possibly has something to do with the focal length? Or is it because the coating does not look as nice as the 28mm and 24mm sister lenses? If you look straight into the lens, it's hard to notice any coating on the lens, but it's multi-coated as indicated on the lens. The 35mm f3.5 is also much cheaper than the 28mm f3.5.
Kids -- Canon 10D & Takumar SMC 35mm f3.5.
When used on the full frame Canon 5D, it's sharp across the frame at f8-f11. Even at f3.5 the center of the frame is very sharp. It's probably not an indoor lens in low light, but the good optical quality makes up for the slow maximum aperture and when used in good light, it rewards you with excellent image quality.
I have used both the SMC 35mm f2 and this 35mm f3.5. If not used for low light, I actually prefer the f3.5 version. Both lenses are quite small, but I like the f3.5 version better. It seems to have more "bite" to the pictures than the f2.0 version.
Moss Park -- Canon Rebel 550D & Takumar SMC 35mm f3.5.
Sadly, this lens isn't very good on most recent Canon crop bodies. On the 550D, the details and sharpness really suffer. For this reason, I will not buy another non-full frame Canon camera until they improve the image quality on the APS-C sensor. If you find that your old lenses don't produce the sharpness and image quality you expect on you Canon crop bodies, try the lenses on some other cameras. You may be very surprised at the difference. The NEX-5N sensor makes the T2i/7D ancient in comparison.
Lovely examples. I have at least two of these, and both suffer from slow returning aperture blades. I know the fix is relatively simple, so your review here is one more motivation to move them up the projects "to do" list.
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Good review. I would like to buy one of these lens. Btw Did the SMC Takumar 35mm 3.5 hit the lens of your 5D Classic? I thought you cant use that lens on a 5D. I hope you can helpe me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBit late to the party but I agree with your review, this lens is a little gem especially considered how cheap it can still be found. It's quickly become one of my favourites on my Fuji X-E1 for urban landscapes and street photography, I often leave it in hyperfocal at f8-11 and it's like having the world's best P&S. I do find the colours a bit cool, don't know if it's something to do with the coating (I have the SMC version). It's a joy to handle and with its size and weight of the lens it's just perfect for the X-E1 body with the M42 adapter.
ReplyDeleteBit late to the party but I agree with your review, this lens is a little gem especially considered how cheap it can still be found. It's quickly become one of my favourites on my Fuji X-E1 for urban landscapes and street photography, I often leave it in hyperfocal at f8-11 and it's like having the world's best P&S. I do find the colours a bit cool, don't know if it's something to do with the coating (I have the SMC version). It's a joy to handle and with its size and weight of the lens it's just perfect for the X-E1 body with the M42 adapter.
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