Good morning everyone and welcome to the blog part of my personal site. Today I would like to highlight a very important historical period for the evolution of photography. 1960s Iconic photography lenses, a turn around point.
I recently happened to read some old photography magazines. I found curiosities and interesting news that I had no memory of, and/or didn’t know at all.
For the sake of brevity, I have made a summary of what I read. Just so I don’t write a novel…
1960s Iconic photography lenses
The 1960s marked a transformative era in photography, defined by ground breaking innovations and iconic designs. This post explores the popular lenses of the time, highlighting their features, brands, and why they remain sought after by vintage photography enthusiasts today.
Popular Lens Brands of the 1960s
During the 1960s, several brands emerged as leaders in the photography lens market. These include:
Nikon – Known for their sharp optics and durability, Nikon lenses such as the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 were staples for professional photographers.
Canon – Canon FD lenses provided versatility and affordability, making them popular among amateurs and professionals alike.
Leica – Renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, Leica lenses like the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 offered exceptional image quality.
Zeiss – Carl Zeiss lenses, such as the Planar 50mm f/2, were synonymous with precision and clarity.
Pentax – The Takumar lenses from Pentax, particularly the 55mm f/1.8, gained fame for their beautiful bokeh and color rendition.
Lens Types and Their Features
Standard Lenses
Standard lenses, typically with focal lengths around 50mm, were the workhorses of 1960s photography. Their fast apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/2, allowed photographers to capture stunning images in low-light conditions.
Wide-Angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses like the Canon FL 28mm f/3.5 enabled photographers to capture expansive landscapes and dynamic compositions. These lenses were prized for their ability to include more of the scene in a single frame.
Telephoto Lenses
For sports and wildlife photography, telephoto lenses were indispensable. The Nikkor 200mm f/4, for example, offered excellent reach and sharpness, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Specialty Lenses
Some photographers opted for specialty lenses to achieve unique effects. The Petzval lens, with its characteristic swirly bokeh, and fisheye lenses like the Nikon 8mm f/8 delivered creative possibilities for artistic expression.
Key Specifications of 1960s Lenses
When evaluating lenses from the 1960s, here are the main specifications to consider:
Focal Length: Common ranges included 28mm (wide-angle), 50mm (standard), and 135mm (telephoto).
Aperture: Fast apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/2, were highly desirable for low-light photography.
Lens Mount: Compatibility with camera bodies varied; popular mounts included the M42 screw mount and the Nikon F-mount.
Iconic Lenses of the 1960s
Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 This Nikon lens was celebrated for its excellent sharpness and smooth bokeh. Its fast aperture made it a go-to choice for portrait photographers.
Canon FL 50mm f/1.8 Compact and versatile, this lens provided excellent image quality at an affordable price, making it a favorite among amateur photographers.
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Known for its exquisite optical performance and luxurious build quality, this lens remains a collector’s item today.
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 This lens was famed for its characteristic swirly bokeh, making it popular for artistic photography.
Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5 A Pentax creation, this telephoto lens offered sharp images and excellent handling, ideal for capturing distant subjects.
Voigtländer Color-Skopar 35mm f/2.8 Compact and sharp, this lens from Voigtländer was a favorite for street and travel photography.
Olympus F.Zuiko Auto-T 200mm f/4 A lightweight yet powerful telephoto lens, it was prized for its ease of use and image clarity.
Minolta Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 Known for its excellent color rendering and smooth focus operation, this lens was a reliable tool for Minolta users. (One of the lens in my personal collection).
Tamron Adapt-A-Matic 105mm f/2.5 With its versatile focal length and bright aperture, this Tamron lens became a popular choice for portraits and medium telephoto work.
Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f/2 A premium lens with exceptional sharpness and contrast, it appealed to professionals seeking top-tier performance.
Why 1960s Lenses Are Still Relevant Today
Vintage lenses from the 1960s continue to attract photographers for several reasons:
Build Quality: These lenses were crafted with metal housings, ensuring durability and longevity.
Unique Rendering: The optical imperfections of older lenses create a distinctive character that modern lenses often lack.
Adaptability: With the advent of mirrorless cameras, many 1960s lenses can be adapted for use on contemporary systems.
How to Choose a 1960s Lens for Your Collection
When selecting a lens from this era, consider the following tips:
Research the specific brand and model to ensure it meets your needs.
Check for optical clarity and minimal signs of wear, such as scratches or haze.
Test the focus ring and aperture mechanism for smooth operation.
By appreciating the craftsmanship and design of 1960s photography lenses, we gain a deeper understanding of the era’s creative possibilities. Whether you’re a collector or a modern-day photographer, these lenses offer a timeless allure worth exploring.
See you in the next post, if you enjoy reading it.