Rollei Schneider Super-Angulon AF/AFD 50mm vs. Rollei Zeiss Distagon 50mm FLE

[bradleygibson]

Hi, all,

In terms of handling, these two lenses are quite different beasts, but I would like to know if anyone out there has experience with both of these lenses in Rollei mount?

I'm well aware of the differences on paper, and in marketing, but would like to hear thoughts on people who have actually used both in terms of bokeh, on- and off-axis sharpness, and exactly how inconvenient that third ring is on the Zeiss.

Many thanks,

[EricWHiss]

Brad,
I've not any experience with either of the Zeiss FLE lenses (40mm and 50mm) however I've heard good things about the FLE versions.  I've seen some nice work done with the 40FLE that had nice contrast and rich color but its hard to say how much was done in post.  Anyhow the MTF curves look good -  you can see them on Pascal's Rolleiflex page here: http://www.rolleiflexpages.com/lenscharts.html  
From the look of it they will render finer detail than the 50mm SA.   There are so many versions of 50mm lenses for the Rollei system its a bit confusing.  There's the older HFT Zeiss 50, the rolleigon, the 50mm PQ distagon, the 50mm FLE, and 50mm f/2.8 SA in both MF and AF versions.  I shot with Ed's 50mm PQ distagon and it was actually quite nice.   It might be one to also consider and I think its light weight and relatively inexpensive compared to the FLE and SA versions.

ps.  - I've seen special hoods and filter things for the FLE version on ebay so you might want to check that as i think they do not have a bay VI filter ring.    
Eric

[bradleygibson]

Thanks, Eric.

As I say, I've found all the technical info on these lenses--I was hoping for some subjective comparisons between the floating 50's...  If you're curious, I did get a reply on GetDPI.  Interesting reading.

[EricWHiss]

Yes and I have suggested you also take a look at the PQ distagon which I have shot and liked.   Out of all the lenses its probably the most useful for outdoor work since it's bay VI compatible, light, and has decent image quality.  RE: Dave K's comments - he's done the same thing by suggesting you consider yet another lens,  the 55PCS.  It is a fantastic lens certainly, and I walk around outdoors with mine and it would have the advantage of tilt for larger DOF and the disadvantage of being slower and much bulkier.   I never kept any of the 50's that I had because I have the 55pcs, as well as the 40 SA and the 60 curtagon all of which I think are fantastic.  The only reason I could see buying a 50mm would be to have a very fast wide so at least  for me the FLE wouldn't be on my list.   

[Gigi]

Eric -
Carrying the 55PC outside, and hand holding? Good for you! I work with the 40 (surprisingly small and light) and the 60 which also is a fine lens. Haven't any experience with the 50's. The 55 PC is a surprise to be sure. In trying one, there was some color shift in trying to stitch digital shots (the back, probably), but edge to edge sharpness was there. 

[EricWHiss]

Brad,
Another bit of information you didn't ask for    is that you might actually do as well with the 40mm SA cropped to the FOV of the 50mm - and no, I'm not kidding at all.  I did a comparison of images shot with the 40mm, 55mm, and 60mm two years ago and the 40mm really is impressive and its got to be smaller and lighter than any of the 50's.   The one issue I've encountered with the 40mm is that when using a polarizer you can get color shift in the sky etc from one side of image to the other, but then I think that's true with any of the wides, no?   

Eric

[bradleygibson]

  I really try to 'get it right' in camera.  I know that if whenever I reach for my 40, that I'm signing myself up to more work in front of the PC, that I'll stop reaching for it.

As I'm sure you remember, I owned a 40 S-A and a 60 Curtagon last time around with this platform.  Both lenses performed admirably.  This time around though, I'd like to go with the 50mm, partly in preparation for the upcoming 35mm, and partly because I found the 60 not wide enough and the 40 too wide on too many occasions.

I appreciate the creative thought, but for the moment, I think I'll continue with the plan for one of the floating 50mm lenses.  I wish I could rent the Zeiss and take it for a test drive--that would solve all my issues.

[Gigi]

FWIW, Fotocare in NYC rents the 50 AF, although this wasn't what you were looking for.

[bradleygibson]

Yeah, it's the Zeiss FLE I'm having trouble getting a hold of/samples from.

Thx, Geoffrey,