Hamish's Experiences with Classic Sonnars Archives

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

By Hamish Gill / December 21, 2020 / 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 Hamish Gill / August 17, 2020 / 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 restored Jupiter-3 Review – Exploring the Classic Sonnars pt.11

By Hamish Gill / June 15, 2020 / Lenses / 5 Comments

Another Skyllaney lens to recently pass through my hands was this wonderful restored Jupiter-3. My past experiences with Jupiter-3 lenses – at least apart from the Lomography one (which was very nice) – is that they can be a bit hit and miss. This Skyllaney one was definitely a hit – that is at least if you like what the Jupiter-3 does.

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

By Hamish Gill / May 4, 2020 / 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?!

Canon 50mm f/1.5 LTM Review – Exploring the Classic Sonnars Pt.9

By Hamish Gill / August 5, 2019 / Lenses / 17 Comments

I’ve recently got my hands on a Canon 50mm f/1.5 Leica thread mount lens. A Sonnar derived gem with a bit of a mixed reputation, it’s a lens I’ve been interested for a long time. So when the opportunity to buy this less-than-perfect copy cropped up, I decided to take the plunge.