M42 Lens Questions

[rover]

Well, I was fortunate to trade 10 rolls of film for a Mamiya 1000 DTL with the knowledge that this would allow me to use scores of great M42 lenses of exceptional quality. In a lot of ways, this wasn't a good thing. I quickly found a Spotmatic F that I couldn't say no to, and now I want to experiment with different lenses. I have a thing for 50mm glass, so at least in general that means the prices of what I am looking for is somewhat lower than those for other lenses.

Well, let me get to the point, Yashica, which lenses if any allow for open aperture metering as is available on the Spotmatic F. I know that the Yashinon 50/1.4 is an excellent lens, should I look for a DS, DX....?

Any other recommendations. I have an Auto Sekor 55/1.8 for the DTL and 50/1.4 Super-Multi-Coated Takumar (only very slightly yellow).

Another option for me would be to find a Yashica TL Super with the 50/1.4 on it, but how many cameras can one man have? (that is a rhetorical question ;D)

Thanks

[herron]

rover:
The Auto Sekor 55/1.4 for the TL and DTL series is also an excellent lens, and they have been plentiful (and relatively inexpensive) on our "favorite" auction site.

Another excellent M42 lens is the Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Pancolor 50/1.8. Zeiss optics, with multi-coated elements and a close focus of just over 1 foot, which is rather unique for standard lenses. A little harder to find and more $ -- but a neat lens, just the same.

[John Parry]

Agree with Ron about the CZJ - the Tessar goes in even closer. Also look at their 135s. Not familiar with the Mamiyas, but any of the DDRs have excellent glass and most have an Auto/Manual switch.

Regards - John

[doubs43]

Two M42 lenses in 50mm not mentioned so far are the Meyer-Gorlitz Oreston f/1.8 and the Pentacon f/1.8. The Pentacon can be found with multi-coating easily enough and neither lens will cost much. Both are very capable performers and the Oreston focuses to 13". Some people think that the Pentacon is the CZJ Pancolar formula while others think it's really the Oreston. It was made when both Meyers and CZJ were merged with several other East German optical companies under the Pentacon banner. Pancolar or Oreston formula, it's a very good lens, especially at the prices they bring. You'll often find them on the Hanimex Praktica Super TL or other Praktica bodies and can get both for little outlay.

Pretty much any of the Takumar, Mamiya, Rikenon, Yashinon or Fujinon 50 or 55mm lenses will do just fine as long as the lenses are in good condition.

Walker

[turnergande]

Rover,

If I understand your question about Yashica M42 lenses.....from what I have read and researched, Yashica did not make a M42 camera and lens combination that would allow metering in a wide open mode (such as Spotmatic F with it's own specially designed & compatible M42 lenses or Mamiya MSX / DSX with its own M42 SX lenses). In other words, all Yashica M42 cameras equipped with meters were designed for stop down metering. Maybe one's best bet for full aperture metering with a Yashica M42 lens would be to use it on a Chinon Memotron. As for picking a Yashica M42 lens, possibly the later DS-M series with multi coated optics might be amongst Yashica's best offerings. My favorite Yashica M42 camera is the Yashica TL Electro X (made in Japan model with tough metal shutter) but finding one with a fully operational meter might not be easy. As for a 'truly classic' Yashica with somewhat less electronic sophistication then a good working TL Super is indeed hard to beat.

[pshinkaw]

Rover:

I have a Pentacon Electric, which is the model with the electric contacts for open aperture metering. It is one of the shortest (actual front to back measurement) 50mm M42 lenses I have in that speed range. The only one I have that is smaller is the very tiny Induster-50 manual aperture lens.

-Paul

[orwopan]

Hi folks,

the PENTACON auto 1,8/50 and Meyer Oreston are definitely the same lens, when you compare the first version of the PENTACON you see it very clear. Great glass when you need close focusing and don´t have macro rings or bellows handy. I only have the 2,0/50 Pancolar in M 42 for my first love, the wonderful nova B, color rendition seems to be slightly better than with the Meyer lenses, but that is not important for me, cause I mostly use bw films.
pshinkaw: is that the so-called "pancake" 2,4/50 you have?

so long,

Philipp

[pshinkaw]

It is exactly like the one pictured here:

www.praktica-collector.de/Pentacon_electric_1.8_50_MC_old.htm

Can't find an SN anywhere. Actually measuring it from front to back, it is slightly shorter than the next shortest auto diaphragm 50mm M42 lens I have, a 50mm CZJ Auto Tessar.

-Paul

[herron]

rover:
Did you ever get another M42 lens to play with? If so, which one?