Canon 85mm F1.9 LTM

[mdecorte]

I recently purchased a Canon 85mm F1.9 in an LTM mount for my X-T1 with Firmware 3.1 from eBay. 

 

It was in excellent condition.  A few observations:

 

- This is not a tiny lens but much smaller than the new Fuji 90.  Comparing the Canon to the new Fuji 90/F2.  Length 87mm vs 105mm; filter size 48mm vs 62mm; weight 21 oz vs 19 oz (yup the canon is heavier--it is a solid chunk of brass).  

 

- Handling is not great but acceptable.  The focus ring is very large and nicely dampened, and has a huge throw--probably 330 degrees.  Generally not an issue, but be prepared to take a few extra moments if you want to move from far to close.  The aperture ring is click-less and a little but not too stiff.   What's odd, is that when you focus the entire front of the lens spins--including the aperture ring.  The aperture doesn't change, but the positioning does.  So if you want to change the aperture you have to go look at the lens to find the current setting and then adjust.  A bit quirky, but nothing to worry about.  Close focus is about 1m.

 

- At F2.0 the lens is nicely in the center, a little soft in the corners, slightly low contrast.  By F2.8 its clearly up well.  Note, compared to the Fuji 35mm, it never catches up, but I'm more than happy at all apertures. I love how it throws everything in the background into a lovely blur.  

 

- Focus Peaking works well with this lens, but not as well as the Hexanon 50/1.4.  Still, at F2.0 with a tight headshot, I'm probably at 50% in focus at 1:1 in LR.  Maybe with practice this will get better--but that's my issue not the lens.  

 

- I do like this this lens, but it is silly heavy (1.3lb!) and will require that I get better at focusing.  But the results are very nice when done well.  

 

Here are some example photos  SOC untouched.  

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mdecorte/sets/72157654770015999