Leica Showcase Canon 85mm F1.5, Super-Speed Telephoto

I'll take some photos with the 85mm f/1.5 Nikkor in the next few days and you can compare it yourself. My impression is that it is an extremely sharp lens and something special.

I'm figuring out what to take to Japan in a couple of weeks. I don't want to go overboard. I'll be taking care of my young kids, the heat is going to be murderous, and I don't want to worry about too much equipment, especially rare lenses. But I'd like to take a few. I want to shoot the Nikon museum with historic Nikkor lenses.
 
OK, I located my Nikkor 85mm f/1.5 lens. This lens is apparently one of 78 of this exact style in LTM, a very rare lens in near mint condition. Infinity on this lens is marked oo Feet:

nikkor1.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


nikkor2.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


The first of each two is at f/1.5, the second is at f/4. These are just quickie shots out my window with the Leica M9 and the Nikkor lens at infinity.

f1.5.jpg


f1.52.jpg


ff1.5.jpg


ff1.52.jpg


As you can see, the lens does well at f/1.5 wide open.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The Canon 85/1.5 is a sharp lens if focused correctly.

CAN1s-L.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)



CNN85mm-15-L.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)




CNN85mm-11sc-L.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


CAN-42s-L.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
Took the Canon 85/1.5 to the Skating Rink yesterday, used it on the M Monochrom.

ISO 10,000, Wide-Open. Disco-Lights for this shot.

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

At F2, and ISO 2500. Main lights are on.

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

This is a long-throw, heavy lens. Probably about a 50% hit rate on focus in this situation.
 
Last edited:
There was a Want to Buy posted not long ago, and two of us sold ours. The prices are up to what the 85mm F1.5 Nikkor and the Leica Summarex are going for. This lens was under-valued for years. In my case- more than paid for the Voigtlander 50mm F1.0 Nokton, and covered most of a First-Run 5cm F1.5 Sonnar made in 1932. The first batch of 100 lenses made. There were 2000 Canon 85/1.5 lenses made. Less than 150 Sonnars of the specific limited production of the one I bought, before the design changed. It is rare, the Canon is uncommon.
 
Last edited:
If you need one to specifically have converted to Arriflex mount- most of the Canon lenses have disappeared. Kevincamera is sold out.

If you can use a fast 85 with mirrorless,


The Helios-40 is now about 1/8th the price of the Canon.
 
Back
Top