The Chrome Canon 50/1.8 was introduced in late 1951 and was replaced in late 1956 by the Black 50/1.8 using a newer type of glass and with improved performance. Canon must have been in a near panic to compete with Nikon, this is the third iteration in as many years of their lens designed to compete with the Nikkor-HC 5cm F2.
The latter Black version of the Canon 50mm F1.8 is often afflicted by coating damage and etched glass on the surface behind the aperture blades. In my experience, the chrome version may get inner haze- but cleans up nicely. This one was under $100 off Ebay, has perfect glass, and EX+ cosmetics. I'll be doing some more shots with it, and the 50/1.9 that it replaced. The F2 lens was much better than I expected, but not as good as the Nikkor.
Wide-Open. All shots on the Leica M9.
Canon 50/1.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
Canon 50/1.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
Canon 50/1.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
"Smaller Swirlies" than the Canon 5cm F2, less astigmatism, Definitely higher contrast than the F2 and F1.9 that it replaced.
Canon 50/1.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
At F4-
Canon 50/1.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
The latter Black version of the Canon 50mm F1.8 is often afflicted by coating damage and etched glass on the surface behind the aperture blades. In my experience, the chrome version may get inner haze- but cleans up nicely. This one was under $100 off Ebay, has perfect glass, and EX+ cosmetics. I'll be doing some more shots with it, and the 50/1.9 that it replaced. The F2 lens was much better than I expected, but not as good as the Nikkor.
Wide-Open. All shots on the Leica M9.
"Smaller Swirlies" than the Canon 5cm F2, less astigmatism, Definitely higher contrast than the F2 and F1.9 that it replaced.
At F4-