Hamish’s Experiences with Classic Sonnars

MS-Optics 50mm f/1.1

MS-Optics 50mm f/1.1 Sonnetar Review – Exploring Sonnars Pt.13

By / / Lenses / 5 Comments

Once in a while I get the chance to borrow a bit of kit that’s intrigued me for a long time but that I’ve never found myself able to justify purchasing. With it being based on the Sonnar lens formula, the MS-Optics 50mm f/1.1 is one such bit of kit.

MS-Optics lenses are, to say the least, eccentric. This 50mm f/1.1 is no exception to that rule, in fact, it’s a perfect example of the rule. This lens makes no attempt to be optically perfect, it’s build quality feels handmade, its quirky to use, it’s tiny and it’s very fast. It’s also based – as I have already said – on a Sonnar formula. Which is why Sam its (now previous) owner thought I should try it. You can read some of my previous experiences with Sonnar lenses here – to say they are a favourite, would be an understatement!

Skyllaney single coated Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar

Skyllaney Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Single Coated Sonnar Review – Exploring Classic Sonnars pt.12

By / / Lenses / 3 Comments

This Leica thread mount modified Skyllaney Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 single coated Sonnar lens is third I’ve reviewed from the hands of Chris Andreyo from Skyllaney this year. It’s the most expensive, and certainly the most desirable by most people’s standards I’m sure. Like every single Sonnar I’ve tried, it has also shown me something new, as well as helping define what I like from this formula of lens.

Skyllaney Rehoused 1930s Uncoated Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2 Sonnar – Exploring the Classic Sonnars pt.10

By / / Lenses / 18 Comments

My exploration of Sonnar formula lenses has had a bit of a boost lately. After getting in touch with Chris from Skyllaney, he’s ended up sending me no less than 5 of the things to play with. Some of them are from his personal collection, and some were to sell in the shop, but all all 50mm lenses, and all mountable to my Leica cameras. Regular readers can possibly imagine the smile that’s put on my face?!

Scroll to Top