Some weeks ago the 'made in Japan' version of the 50mm f1.8 was discussed.
I knew it wouldn't be long before I would have to find one of these babies.
My only example until today was the original F.Zuiko 1.8 single coat that
came on the OM-1 my father gave me. After my zuikoholism was ignited some
months back I'd literally disowned the poor F.Zuiko, and I thought the
whole series of 50mm f1.8's. After all I had the super fast f1.2.
That was until that thread reignited a desire for the "miJ" version. That
and Roger Wesson's brilliant photo of Sydney's nightscape taken from
Centrepoint tower with a 50mm f1.8.
Today I got my very own for the princely sum of $30 US. This is example
number 584664x to have come off the line. Looking at it I have to say that
this is a lens worth alot more than $30. Its faster, sharper and more
compact than every other lens I own and yet this little fella is so
underestimated. I'm a prime lens guy and I have to admit I love the 50mm
focal length. People think its boring, but I see it as honest. 800r more
of my shots are taken at f=50mm. A great photo really has to stand for
itself when it is taken with a standard lens. There's no wow look at this
perspective distortion creating something out of nothing with the good old
honest 'miJ'.
Olympus produced more of these than all the other lenses put together and
the economies of scale are what makes it so cheap. I think we forget the
humble 'miJ' and dismiss it too frequently. I've decided that its going to
be the lens that stays on my OM-3 and I'm going to have to come up with a
good reason why I should reach for any other focal length before changing
it. If the old maxims about photographic development are true then this
should improve my abilities. I'll let time tell...
But what really sparked my interest in the 'miJ' even more was the
ridiculous sum the 40/2 goes for. In every respect except size (I've never
seen a 40 in person yet, but the aperture ring arrangement seems awkward
and out of keeping with other Zuikos; making the 40 a 'freak' in some
respects. The flare problem was also discussed.) the 'miJ' beats the 40 and
yet it is so underestimated.
This is my tribute to the 50mm f1.8 that has won a new place in my heart
that will be its and its alone.
Oben.
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