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Vintage Lens Review | Industar Mk61 50mm F2.8
A first impression review, after a few weeks (sample images provided)
READ ME: This review series is NOT about the professional specs of the lens, but more so the character, any quirks, and my experience with them.
Logic Behind Purchase
It’s a cheap 50mm, I already liked my f3.5 pancake Industar…though admittedly I never use it. I figured the f2.8 version couldn’t be worse, and I’ve read decent reviews on them.
Many people say something along the lines of “it shouldn’t be special based on the specs, and the specs are NOT special, but I deeply regret selling this lens”. So my interest was raised.
Impressions
Don’t believe everything you read.
However, sometimes you should…because this lens is weirdly good, and I “get it” now, what the other reviewers were talking about.
This isn’t a swirly bokeh monster like the Helios 58mm or Jupiter 85mm lenses. It also isn’t priced like them either.
It does have the smallest amount of swirl, but nothing to write home about. The vignetting is more noticeable, and not that flattering either. However, it’s a general purpose 50mm with TRULY amazing colors.
